Learning Task 10: Background Image Examples (Part 1)

For this part of the tenth learning task, I was to find three examples of websites which I personally thought had an interesting appearance. Below are my examples:

I decided to screenshot this webpage because of the colour combination and the representation of the slogan. Due to the North Melbourne Football Club slogan being 'Shinboner Spirit', I felt that the gestures and facial expressions shown in the background image show the determination and liveliness of the team, which tends to draw the reader's attention to the information.

I selected this website example because of the bright contrasting hues of purple and because in many of the Cadbury commercials, the theme of chocolate magically floating and falling from the sky was very consistent. I like the web designer's idea of the chocolate floating with parachutes as it applies an almost ethereal quality to the design.

This webpage screenshot was chosen due to the complementary colours and the stylistic appearance in the background image. By using a complementary colour scheme and designing a photo collage of a variety of zoo animals, this welcomes the reader. In addition; re-sizing and composing the photo collage so it act as a half border allows them to include as much visual information as they can.

Learning Task 09: Poster Collage

In this activity, I needed to create a collage with a selection of 10 photos based on a theme of my choice. When finishing the collage, I was required to compare the different save formats (JPG, GIF, etc) to find the most effective image output.

For my collage design, I decided that the photo in the collage would follow the theme of rushing water. I used white borders around my collage, as I believe it separates and contrasts them into a frame format more effectively than any other style.

As I had three different waterfall images in my collection, I decided to distribute one on each row. In the centre row, I inserted my hose image and watering can image on opposite sides, as I felt it would add a sense of balance due to them facing each other.

Regarding the file format of this image, I chose to use JPG format in 50 quality. Since the GIF format added visible pixels to compensate for lighting, I chose this format instead of GIF and PNG because it maintained the proper quality, keeping all elements smooth and detailed with a lower file size for web-publishing.

Learning Task 08: Image Compression

In this task, I was required to take two differently composed photos; one that is busy and detailed, and one that is plain with very minimal interesting features. I was asked to explain why images like these which are taken with the same camera settings can vary in file size.

'Busy' image

'Plain' image

The reason why images which are taken with identical camera settings and resolution differ in file size is because the system creates an algorithm with an 8x8 pixel grid. The algorithm recognizes the pixel information and organizes how important the information is for viewing purposes. It then removes bits of unimportant information which makes the image size smaller.

Learning Task 06: Combining Images

For this learning activity, I was asked to edit a pre-existing car image in Photoshop using the 'Quick Mask Mode' tool. The alterations include separating sections of the image into layers, changing the wheels, and cloning areas to cover unwanted objects. Lastly, the car image had to be moved into a suitable landscape.

I enjoyed this activity as it allowed me to re-create my own image. This activity also introduced me to a newer technique - quick masking, as well as 'patching'. Although I have worked with changing opacity and using the 'Clone stamp' tool in previous years, I now realise there are more helpful options in image correcting than just the basics.

Learning Task 07: Combining Images Using Layer Masks

This learning task focused on photo manipulation. I was asked to produce artwork of myself taken in different poses, which were then edited in separate layers in Photoshop, using masking to merge the photo layers into one image.

During this project, I found it enjoyable to pose for the photos, as I was excited to see how the sequence of photos would look when merged together. However, I found it was tedious to mask myself, as when I inverted the mask, there was a significant amount of white around the edges. Therefore, I needed to be precise with the brush tool.

Learning Task 06: Making Selections & Combining Images

For this learning activity, I was asked to edit a pre-existing car image in Photoshop using the 'Quick Mask Mode' tool. The alterations include separating sections of the image into layers, changing the wheels, and cloning areas to cover unwanted objects. Lastly, the car image had to be moved into a suitable landscape.

I enjoyed this activity as it allowed me to re-create my own image. This activity also introduced me to a newer technique - quick masking, as well as 'patching'. Although I have worked with changing opacity and using the 'Clone stamp' tool in previous years, I now realise there are more helpful options in image correcting than just the basics.

Learning Task 05: Adjusting with Layers

This task involved taking a photo at high-noon at the highest pixel settings in full light, and taking another photo at dusk or in low light. Below are my original photos and my Photoshop edited versions of the same photo.

Original

By adjusting the contrast between tones in my image, I noticed a slight alteration in the colour intensity of the flower petals, which makes it more bold and highlights the scene. Personally, using the 'curves' control worked more in my favour. There is more emphasis in the shadow against the fence, and I believe no noticeable detail was lost.

Original

Adjusting the levels of brightness and contrast in this image using the 'curves' control was really effective. As seen opposite, there is a high definition of the natural colour in the flowers, as well as the flower stems, showing a moderate amount of vibrancy. The 'Levels' control was somewhat helpful, but using the 'Curves' technique allowed finer results.

Learning Task 04: Cropping an Image

In this learning task, I was asked to take six photos which follow the theme of 'your favourite colour'. Each of the photos were required to be applicable to one of the six different rules of composition, which will be edited in Photoshop.

Below are the original photos as well as the edited versions:
                                                                                        

Original

This photo was edited to meet the composition requirements. The composition technique I used for this was to 'crop and emphasize a section of the image'. I decided to use this photo because in comparison to my other photos, there aren't any specific interesting focal points to capture.

Original

 














The reason that I cropped this photo in this manner was because of having taken the photo on such an angle. This gave me the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the power of the 'crop perspective' tool.

Original

The composition technique applied to this photo is 'changing orientation of image from horizontal aspect to vertical aspect image'. I decided on this technique because I felt that changing the orientation of a photo with a large focal subject would display an interesting contrast in tightness.

Original

 

In this photo, the composition technique I used was 'change composition and move the subject out of dead centre', which is why I positioned the image to the far left, while enlarging the image through cropping.

Original

I decided to use this photo to represent 'composition to allow for large type space' because the original photo had a large amount of area uncovered between the bicycle and the edge of the photo. As you can see, the photo was cropped down to extend the empty area. 

This is my photo I used for the 'brownie points' task. I have included a logo in the empty space as was required. I've used my initials as the design logo.

Original

The composition technique used in this photo was the 'Rule of Thirds'. There is a very minor difference between the original and the cropped image, as the original sits well-aligned to the invisible intersecting lines. This is the main reason why I chose this photo for the technique, as I only had to slightly tweak the positioning of the grid lines.

Learning Task 03: Flatbed Scanner Story

In this learning task, I was asked to tell a story using nine items in relation to each other. I chose the theme of AFL football.

This flatbed scanner story is about a North Melbourne supporter, my brother, and his dedication to being a club member including merchandise and memorabilia. The object to the far right, under the photo is a ticket which represents his attendance at the games. The photo shows him with two current North Melbourne players, showing a social connection with the football team. The other objects are some of his collection of memorabilia.

Learning Task 01: Re-Sizing Images

In this learning task, I was asked to take photos which follow the theme of 'nostalgia'. I was then asked to choose the best photo that I had taken and re-size it. Below are the original and re-sized version:

Original:
1.59MB, 4452x3036px

Re-Sized image:

0.727MB, 2550x1739px