DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND IMAGING - PROJECT 2

01/10/19 - 15/10/19

(Week 6 - Week 8)

See Zi Yi (0340094)

Digital Photography and Imaging Project 2

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INSTRUCTION.

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Week 6 (01/10/19): Project 2A - Still photo manipulation

Project 2 involves creating a surrealist photo, which will require us to utilize the skills learned during the weekly exercises.

At the beginning of today's class, everyone showed their brainstormed ideas to the lecturers and started working on their mock-ups once the ideas have been approved.

Below are my idea sketches for Project 2 (Fig. 1.1, 1.2, 1.3).

Fig. 1.1 Sketch 1

Fig. 1.2 Sketch 2

Fig. 1.3 Sketch 3

The idea that I am going to work on for this project is a Hisbiscus betta fish. Below are the elements I include in this project.

Fig. 1.4 Red betta fish/ Siamese fighting fish

Fig. 1.5 Hibiscus

As for the photo background, since I can't find a suitable underwater background, I decided to stick with the black background because, in my opinion, this background can provide more emphasis on the betta fish. However, I added some red smoke to better enhance the photo and to give a sense of flowy effect to the composition. The red smoke is also a great element to complement the character of the betta fish, as it symbolizes its fighting spirit (Fig. 1.6). 

Fig. 1.6 Red smoke

I began my photo manipulation process by replacing the betta fish's tail with hibiscus petals, and the other fins subsequently. I masked one of the petals of the hibiscus to be used as the tail of the fish. In order to remove the fins of the fish to be replaced with petals, I learned how to use the clone stamp from Mr. Jeffrey. A clone stamp is a tool used to replace the information for one part of a picture with information from another part. I cloned the fish scales on the pectoral fin so I can place a small petal on the scales. Mr. Jeffrey also demonstrated to me how to use the puppet tool as a piece of additional knowledge. Below is a 'work in progress' screenshot when I was substituting the fins with petals (Fig. 1.7).

Fig. 1.7 Work in progress: replacing fins with petals

After substituting the fins with petals, I added another layer on the betta fish with the hard light blending mode, to give a classy feel to the composition (Fig. 1.8).

Fig. 1.8 Work in progress: with a hard light layer

Then, I added the red smoke on the black background (Fig. 1.9).

Fig. 1.9 Work in progress: with red smoke

Week 7 (08/10/19): Project 2A/B - Still photo manipulation & animation

After consulting Mr. Martin, he recommended me to keep the hibiscus as it is and not remove one of its petal for the betta's tail. I tried it out and below's my attempt (Fig. 1.10).

Fig. 1.10 Work in progress: change of tail

I also decided to change the smoke image as the picture resolution of the smoke image I picked is quite low, hence I settled another smoke image as shown below (Fig. 1.11).

Fig. 1.11 New smoke image

The image below is after I have added the new red smoke to my black background (Fig. 1.12).

Fig. 1.12 Work in progress: new smoke on black background

However, I felt that the smoke effect wasn't enough so I tried having both of the smoke on the black background. I kind of like how it turned out (Fig. 1.13).

Fig. 1.13 Work in progress: both smoke in the background

After I completed my editing on Adobe Photoshop, I proceeded to animate it on Adobe After Effects. I utilized the puppet tool to give a flowy effect to the smoke. Then, I also decided to make the anther move a little.

Fig. 1. 14 Adobe After Effects

Week 8 (15/10/19): Project 2B - Animation

To make the betta appear more realistic, I also animated its body, fin as well as its hibiscus tail.

Fig. 1.15 Adobe After Effects

Below is the animation:

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FEEDBACK.

Week 6 (01/10/19)

After showing Mr. Jeffrey my ideas, he suggested me to pick the ones that I am passionate to work on. Hence, I am going to create a mock-up for my first idea, both of which use the betta/Siamese fighting fish as the main object.

Week 7 (08/10/19)

Mr. Martin commented that I can try to use the entire hibiscus for the betta fish's tail, as it looks weird having a flower with a petal removed on the fish. As for my concern about finding an underwater background, he said the black background I am using now is good enough. He also approved my idea of adding the red smoke on the background. Animation wise, Mr. Martin said my idea of having the smoke moving is alright and I also can work on the flowing movements of the fins once I am done with animating the smoke.

Week 8 (15/10/19)

The movement for the anther should be more subtle and the animation for the smoke is good.

(18/10/19)
Mr. Jeffrey commented it would be mind-blowing if the hibiscus can look more like a tail. And the fish can look more lively.