Digital Photography and Imaging: Week 1-3

21/4/2025 - 28/4/2025 (Week 1-2)

Alicia Lo Yann Wei (0357917)

Digital Photography and Imaging / Bachelor of Mass Communications in Digital Media Production (Hons)

PROJECT 1: COLLAGE & DIGITAL IMAGING [20%]

JUMPLINK

1.0 INSTRUCTION
2.0 LECTURE
3.0 EXERCISES
4.0 FEEDBACK
5.0 REFLECTION

1.0 INSTRUCTION

2.0 LECTURE

2.1 Week 1 - Introduction

We were introduced to the Module Information Booklet of this course, and we also got to see some amazing work from our seniors, which gave us a sneak peek into what we might be creating later on.

The Importance of Learning Adobe Photoshop:

• Express your Creativity
• Create Graphic Design
• Restoration of Old Image
• Integrate Graphics with Text Artistically
• Make use of Brushes
• Change Photo Colour
• Rectify Mistakes in Photographs

Photograph manipulation involves the transformation or alteration of a photograph using various methods and techniques to achieve desired results.

Digital imaging converts the printed text, artwork, and photographs into digital images using a digital scanner or another imaging device. 

Mr Fauzi also gave out some tips on how to become a successful graphic designer.

2.2 Week 2 - Introduction to Basic Composition

The Basic Composition:

• Focal Point
• Scale & Hierarchy
• Balance the Elements
• White Space

Rule of Thirds: A composition guide that divides an image into 9 equal parts using 2 horizontal and 2 vertical lines. Placing key elements along these lines or where they intersect creates a more balanced and visually interesting image.

Golden Ratio: A naturally pleasing proportion (about 1:1.618) often used in art and design. It can help place elements in a way that feels harmonious and organic, like using a spiral or a rectangle to guide composition.

Framing: Using elements in a scene to draw attention to your main subject, like putting a “frame” around it.

Cropping: Cutting out parts of an image to focus on what’s important or to improve the composition.

2.3 Week 3 - Introduction to Photoshop Tools

Lasso Tool

The Lasso Tool allow you to draw and pinpoint specific areas of a document. The Lasso Tool has three different options which's Lasso, Polygonal Lasso and Magnetic Lasso.

Lasso Tool gives a better flow when making selections or drawing on a graphic tabet as it's similar to a pencil.

Pen Tool

The Pen Tool is mainly used to draw paths from scratch, it helps to create points by clicking and by dragging them shapes the curve. We also practiced using Pen Tool on The Bezier Game.

Layering

Layers are like see-through sheets stacked on top of each other and also can be edited one without changing the rest. When all the layers are combined, they create the final complete image.

3.0 EXERCISES

3.1 W1: Practical - Creating E-portfolio

Mr. Fauzi began by showing us collage examples from previous students and shared a website link so we could view more of their work. We’re required to set up an e-portfolio, and he also reminded us to  create a Google Drive folder for all our materials for this module. 

As a warm-up task, we had to pick three graphic design compositions from Pinterest that we liked and explain why we were drawn to them. I shared my thoughts on my blog as part of this week’s post.

Figure 3.1 Pinterest Page

Without overthinking, I went ahead and picked my first design inspiration. What I really love about this artwork is the way it feels like a celebration of colour. It looks chaotic which also reminds me of how it feels when I’m deep in a creative moment and everything else fades out. 

https://pin.it/454Mk8K19

Figure 3.2 Dreamy Artwork

Then, I wanted to look for something with strong contrast. I started searching using keywords like “contrast” and “black and white” to find bold, striking visuals that stood out. This artwork's black-and-white background shows a contrast with the colorful circles surrounding them.

https://pin.it/2STRvuTlr

Figure 3.3 Strong Contrast Artwork

As I personally favour the Studio Ghibli movie, named The Boy and the Heron, I tried to find a recreated poster that's dreamy and emotional.  I was keen to this artwork because it shows a quiet but deep story of courage and transformation.

https://pin.it/6GEvf1Vph

Figure 3.4 The Boy and the Heron

3.2 W2: Practical - Collage Design Elements

In this exercise, we have to choose the images or elements that we want to cut out for the collage. Then, I have to arrange the chosen elements into a rough layout before finalizing. This step helps me to visualize the overall structure. 

PRE-COMPOSITING #1

Figure 3.5 Collage #1

I chose elements that attracts my attention from the magazine. I tried to choose big, medium, and small elements so it's easier for me to form a collage. 

PRE-COMPOSITING #2

Figure 3.6 Collage #2

I wanted to create something that felt like peeling back the surface. Using the hoodie as a frame, I played with layering different textures like a soft butterfly and glossy fashion images. 

PRE-COMPOSITING #3

Figure 3.7 Collage #3

For this one, I was aiming to show contrast polished fashion and raw street moments. I tried to practice the golden ratio, from the woman's eyes looking to the big arms, flowing down to another girl's eyes and flow back to the initial woman again, like a loop.

3.3 W3: Practical - Compositing Elements

This week, we’ll be creating three digital collages using the images provided. As we design, we should apply composition principles like the Golden Ratio and Rule of Thirds, while making use of the techniques we've learned—such as layering, masking, paths, and blending modes. Our canvas should be set to A4 size in Photoshop.

Initially, I explored Pinterest to gather creative inspiration. I tried to find posters that consists of golden ratio or rule of thirds to have a better visual and understandings. 

Figure 3.3.1 Pinterest Inspiration

I applied the Pen Tool technique that Mr. Fauzi taught us to cut out the walkway from the subway station. Using the same approach, I also isolated the building. To create a strong contrast between the walkway and the buildings, I applied a black and white filter to both the building and the background.

Figure 3.3.2 Progress of First Digital Collage

Digital Collage #1

Figure 3.3.3 Digital Collage #1

For the second collage, I used a similar method as before. I layered multiple background images and applied the "Color Burn" blending mode to create a torn or ripped visual effect in the foreground.

Digital Collage #3

Figure 3.3.4 Digital Collage #2

In the third collage, I focused on creating a surreal, space-like scene. I combined various cutouts of people to form the main visual elements. One key edit was modifying a boy who was originally holding a football — I replaced the football with a projector. To add more balance and visual interest, I used the Lasso Tool to cut out a fish tail and placed it beside the main subjects, filling in the negative space. The overall concept was to give the impression that the characters were floating or walking through space.

Digital Collage #3

Figure 3.3.5 Digital Collage #3

4.0 FEEDBACK

Mr. Fauzi suggested that collage #3 is the strongest among my works, highlighting a golden ratio flow that guides the eye from the top down.

5.0 REFLECTION

At first, I found it challenging to combine multiple elements into a cohesive collage, especially since I was limited to using only one magazine. The lack of variety made it difficult to create a strong story within the artwork. However, I managed to piece everything together into a harmonious composition