DPI [Week 3]: Compositing Collage

12.4.2021 (Week 3)

Wendy Seto / 0348805

GCD61204 Digital Photography and Imaging / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University

Week 3: Compositing Collage

LECTURE

This week, we got another explanation in how to use Adobe Photoshop. Mr Fauzi introduced us to the top 3 tools we will be using, the lasso tool, pen tool and layering. We also learnt the difference between both lasso and pen tool, and which one is better for certain work type or situation.

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PRACTICAL

Mr. Fauzi wants us to practice applying what we have learnt today in our next exercise. He has prepared us a folder of pictures to create our digital collage in Photoshop. There are 16 pictures in total if I am not mistaken, and I have chosen 6 to use for my exercise. 

fig 1.1 my 6 selected pictures

Furthermore, Mr. Fauzi wants us to create 3 compositions just like our previous practice. Here are what I came up with:

fig 1.2 composition #1 16/4/21

fig 1.3 composition #2 16/4/21

fig 1.4 composition #3 16/4/21

I have to re-watch the lecture beforehand to be able to use the tools in Adobe Photoshop. When I am ready to start creating the digital collage, the software on my laptop crashes which made me have to find another alternative. I finally did the exercise on my phone, using Superimpose, because the Adobe software still won't work until Friday (the assigned due date). I am currently trying to re-install the software so I can use the lasso and pen tool for future projects. 

fig 1.5 my saved masks in superimpose 16/4/21

Back to the three collage compositions I created, I think I like the second one the most. The concept this time is basically about how people are living the world right now. We hear news everyday, from medias such as televison and newspaper. We transport, from buildings to buildings, cities to cities, and of course from news to news. News are spreading so fast nowadays, just like the movement of the train shown in the picture. No matter it tells the truth or false information, it will keep on spreading, widely. It is our choice whether to believe it or not, and that will affect how we live in the next day.

I like the first composition as well but not as much as the second one. The only thing disturbing me is the fact that the 'white sand' in the background and the 'newspaper texts' on the TV together are so crowded. Because they own the same monochrome colours with many details on each which I think it is a little too much. If only we are allowed to apply the blending mode it will be much better. The second composition, I should have added something else to be shown on the TV instead of nothing. But I just don't think there is any right picture for this, just trying to not ruin the whole concept. Lastly, the third composition. I can't say I like it but I don't hate it either. I think this one will look good if I put different objects on each TV screens. But a repetition kinda make a lot of sense too, don't you think so? Overall, I think I can still improve these three compositions I made. Really enjoyed doing the exercises so far, looking forward to explore more in future classes!

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FEEDBACK

Mr. Fauzi didn't say much about my exercise this time, he only suggested me to use the first composition. I also told him that my Photoshop crashed so I have to do the exercise on my phone, and he said it is okay but I have to make sure that it will work in the next few days.