PROJECT 1 - DIGITAL IMAGING AND PHOTOGRAPHY

PROJECT 1 - DIGITAL IMAGING AND PHOTOGRAPHY

Farissa Eryna Sham (0336814)

Project 1 - Photo Manipulation

WEEK 6 - WEEK 7 

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INSTRUCTIONS

Project Brief

For project 1, we have to create a surrealist photo. We are told to choose a main subject which part of it can be replace with similar element. The result is surreal yet believable.
By week 5, we are instructed to present our idea sketches in class. We were told to use Adobe After Effects and Photoshop.

PROJECT 1A Week (6-7): Photo Manipulation (Still image)

To start off with this project, I sketched out my ideas on my sketchbook. I decided to make the tornado be a part of a swinging carousel ride. I just thought it would be quite interesting. Here are a few of my sketches for project 1;

Fig 1.1 Sketches

Fig 1.2 Sketch of the tornado

I used a couple of images to Photoshop them. Here are the pictures I used to create my image:

Fig 1.3 Tornado (background)

Fig 1.4 Swinging carousel ride 

Fig 1.5 Mist/fog 

Next, I started off with setting the image to 1920 x 1080 pixel, aspect ratio 16:9 in portrait. Then, I edited the background. I changed the brightness, saturation, contrast and the vibrance of it as well. 

Fig 1.6 Background

I flipped the image of the background so that it follows the direction of the swinging carousel ride. 

Fig 1.7 Adjusted the brightness and more.

 Fig 1.8 Process

Then, I created a layer to make the sky darker and make it look like it's stormy.  I felt like it was too empty and simple if I did not add this layer. 

Fig 1.9 Stormy clouds

I also added a layer of fog/mist to animate it later on in After Effects. In Fig 1.10 I added lines to each of the swings as it was too hard for me to crop the lines because they were very small and thin. 

Fig 1.10 Added lines to each swing

Once I was done, I saved it as JPEG. Here is the still image for this project 1.

Fig 1.11 Final outcome: Tornado Carousel Ride

PROJECT 1B Week (7-8): Animation

For the second part of this project, we had to animate the still image but very subtly. In class, Mr Jeffrey did a few tutorials and showed us how to use Adobe After Effects. He also showed us how to use the puppet tool which was very helpful.

To start off with the animation, I imported the image (PSD file) into After Effects. I made sure to set the duration to 5 seconds only. 

 Fig 1.12 New composition 

 Fig 1.13 Imported PSD file

After importing the PSD file in to After Effects, I wanted to start with the dark sky. My idea was to make it slightly move by using a puppet tool. I remember Mr Jeffrey told us in class that we need to have atleast two or more pins for it to work.

 Fig 1.14 Dark sky layer

Fig 1.15 Keyframes for dark sky

Once I was done with the dark sky layer, I moved on to the fog. I applied the same method for this layer as well. I used puppet tool to show subtle movements.

 Fig 1.16 Fog/Mist; Puppet Tool

 Fig 1.17 Fog/Mist; Pins

Next, to make it more interesting I decided to add a lightning effect to my work as I felt like it was too empty. I used the "advance lightning" effect. I changed the position, glow settings, forking and decay setitngs. I also made the color of the lighting white with a hint of blue to blend in with the dark sky. 

Fig 1.18 Lightning effect

 Fig 1.19 Lightning; Lightning type

 Fig 1.20 Lightning; Glow colour 

Lastly, I adjusted the settings for the decay and forking. 

Fig 1.21 Lightning; Decay & Forking

To export the video, Mr Jeffrey told us to use Adobe Media Encorder but I did not own that particular software. I asked some of my classmates that exported the video without using AME and they taught me how to do it as well. I rendered the video on Adobe After Effects itself. Here is the animated version of this project:

Fig 1.22 Final outcome