Task 1: Physical & Digital Collage

03/04/2023 - 24/04/2023 / Week 1 - Week 4
Reema Arif Hamza / 0362792
Digital Photography & Imaging / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Task 1: Exercises 1 & 2

Content

Lectures

Week 1: Introduction to module and platforms being used.
Week 2: Lecture on the basics of composition and made pre-composition collages in class.
Week 3: Lecture on how to use Photoshop, including the pen tool, magic wand, etc.
Week 4: Cancelled due to a public holiday
Week 5: Cancelled due to a public holiday
Week 6: Learned how to use adjustment layers in Photoshop and studio shooting techniques.

Instructions

Task 1A: Physical Collage

The aim is to develop a theme/idea with layers of images with design principles, as well as familiar with the fundamentals of composition.

Process

At first, I gathered materials from what I had at home but I lacked something that large in scale to pull the piece together. After a friend lent me some magazine pages I was able to select pieces that related to my theme of 'Transformation'.

My first composition felt very close together, it didn't make full use of the page. There was also a lack of a clear focal point for the viewers this is probably due to many elements being similar in size.

My second composition made full use of the page and had a clearer focal point (the shoe). I do think the bubbles felt out of place at the bottom and might have ruined the flow.

My third composition was my favourite because the composition and the focal point were clear. I felt the word 'change' was emphasized nicely, and the flow of the viewer's eye naturally led downwards.

Fig. 1.1 Pre-composition Collages, Week 2 (11/04/2023)

Final Collage

For my Final Collage, I chose to use my third composition as my collage. I didn't make any changes as I felt there were already enough elements on the page. However, if I could make one change, I would change the colour of the background (ideally purple) to contrast better against the white shoe.

The concept of my collage is 'Transformation'. The caterpillar-to-butterfly transition signifies the process of metamorphosis and change. The Heel had a leaf design which helped tie in the natural elements together.

Fig 1.2 Final Physical Collage, Week 3 (17/04/2023)

Task 1A: Digital Collage

Students use Adobe Photoshop as a tool for doing digital imaging and composting different images into one final output.

Process

Fig 1.3 Pre-composition Collages, Week 3 (17/04/2023)

Final Digital Collage

I used Photoshop adjustment layers to darken the typewriter and make the leaves brighter. I chose this collage because was impactful and had a nice concept to it. The people seem like they're walking through the museum and the camera looks like it's filming them.

Fig 1.4 Final Digital Collage, Week 6 (08/04/2023)

Task 1B: Digital Imaging Exercises

Hearst Mansion Exercise

Fig. 1.5 Hearst Mansion Following Tutorial, Week 6 (08/05/2023)

I followed the tutorial to produce Fig 1.5. Then took a full-body shot of myself using the lighting tips recommended in the tutorial video. After I applied masking to the photo and inserted it into the Hearst Mansion.