For my Final Piece, I will be merging ideas from all three photographers and my key focus will be solely on vegetables and fruits. I will create my ideas using Adobe Photoshop CC 2017. I will create several edits merging different photographs to create a piece that is advertising fruit and vegetables and will edit each, individual image independently and place them in one single frame. My main editing tools will be focused on light & dark (levels, contrast, highlights and shadows). My theme fits well with my idea as I must edit each of my original photographs well enough to seem professionally done and suitable enough to be displayed in an advertisement poster. This is due to my key aim being to create a piece persuading the audience to eat more fruit and vegetables from a particular store (being my own of "Misbah's Farmhouse" so my images must be of high quality and appealing. I will do this repetitively showcasing different fruit and vegetables within each image. I will class my final piece as the main edit that I think displays my idea in the best way of appearing the most captivating and alluring to an audience.
Pictures taken to use in Final Exam Piece:
Unedited:
I captured all images using natural lighting. It was highly necessary for me to capture these images in high-quality lighting as it would ease my editing process as the images would seem professional enough to be used in an advertisement poster.
START OF 10 HOURS
Edited:
Editing & analysing process:
Photo 1- I began by using the quick selection tool and traced around the area above the leaves and then used the paintbrush tool to darken these areas completely. I then increased the contrast completely to darken certain areas which helped to balance out the photo and then using the levels bar, I balanced the duller looking areas by making them appear more bright and contrasted against the darker areas. I sharpened these areas so that the areas that were slightly lifted up, were of high quality. To finalise the image, I adjusted the curves which helped to maintain the balance between the bold green and the black, heavy background.
Photo 2- I selected the background using the quick selection tool and filled this in with the black paintbrush tool to achieve a full black background. I then slightly cropped the image and straightened the layout of the image using the cropping tool so that the fruits were in level with the bottom of the image. I increased the contrast to darken out the areas between each fruit to create a bold, striking look. This also intensified the colour of the fruit to the extent that I did not have to further develop on the overall colour. Using the paintbrush tool in black, I decreased the hardness completely and increased the size of the brush and pressed this along the edges of the fruit so that it appeared well blended into the background and as though artificial lighting is used. Sharpening the image enabled me to create an image of high definition.
Photo 3/4-Using the quick selection tool, I outlined the background area that was not needed. I filled this in using the paintbrush tool in black to once again, achieve a full black background effect. I then adjusted the levels which created certain areas appearing brighter against the darker, contrasted areas. This added depth and definition to my image which was what I hoped to accomplish as originally the image appeared quite washed and dull. I then increased the vibrancy which added emphasis to the green colour once again placing all attention on the kale.
Photo 5- I began by straightening the image so the subject was not bent and was in line. I then used the quick selection tool to trace the areas around the avocado, the background, and filled this in using a black paint brush. I then increased the contrast so that the colour of the avocado was less dull which strengthened the overall colouration, especially towards the centre of the subject. The contrast tool also darkened the surface of the avocado which helped it blend well into the black background. I also increased the vibrancy of the image to emphasise the different colours on the avocado- the brown seed in the centre, the softer, dark green on the edges and the edges of the actual skin.
Photo 6- I began by using the quick selection tool to outline the full background and filled this in using the black paintbrush tool. I then zoomed into the image and carefully using the paintbrush tool to carve around the edges of the grapes that were crooked or not filled in properly. Once the full background was filled, I increased the contrast of the subject which darkened the areas around the grapes and increased the overall colour of the image. I also adjusted the levels so that the composition of the photo was balanced. I then used the iris blur that is positioned in the blur gallery, in the filter section and positioned this on the area that I wanted more visible than the others which created a blur to the rest of the grapes. This increased the sharpness of the details on the grapes such as the shine from the droplets of water that I originally added for effect.
Photo 7- I began by using the quick selection tool to trace around the background area and using the paintbrush tool to fill this is in black. It took me a while to fill in the background as there was certain areas that were quite difficult to fill in free hand, so it was necessary for me to decrease the size in the brush and fill these tiny areas between the chilies to the best of my ability. I then adjusted the levels so that the subject was blended well with the black background. This improved the overall contrast as the separation areas between the chilies, originally caused a shadow, so these shadows were emphasised even further creating a balance between the lighter areas and darker areas. Additionally, I increased the contrast and vibrancy which re-balanced the texture and composition of the photograph. I then adjusted the curves slightly so that the darker areas were visible and were causing the right amount of darkness to be displayed, making sure that the image didn't appear too dark. As the chilies remained quite light around the edges, it did not blend well enough into the background. To solve this, I decreased the hardness of the paintbrush tool and increased the size and softly pressed against the edges which helped to blend the chilies well with the background removing the harsh outline of the chili. I then sharpened the image so that the details on the chilies were of high quality.
Photo 8- The editing process for this image was very quick as I captured the image in good lighting so I was satisfied with the original lighting and overall layout of the image. The amount of amendments needed to adjust the image was low. I used the quick selection tool to fill in the areas that I wanted black which was everything except for the salad. I then filled in this area using the paint brush tool. After this, I changed the levels so that there was a clear balance in the photo and that the original shade of the salad was blended well into the heavy background. I sharpened the image which added emphasis to the quality of the different colours displayed, such as, the red from the tomato, the khaki green from the olives, the darker green from the pieces of rocket and the main green colour that is shown the most.
Photo 9- Originally, the image was of high quality so I only had to make slight amendments to the photograph to create a flawless image. Firstly, I increased the vibrancy which increased the bold colours originally displayed even further. I then slightly increased the amount of light in the photo using the curves section in the adjustments bar. Finally, I brushed the sharpening tool across the leaves in the background, the tree trunk and across the centre point being the avocado. I decided not to fill in the background using the paintbrush and quick selection tool as the original background was quite relevant and fit well with the concept that I wanted to display so it remained.
Photo 2- I selected the background using the quick selection tool and filled this in with the black paintbrush tool to achieve a full black background. I then slightly cropped the image and straightened the layout of the image using the cropping tool so that the fruits were in level with the bottom of the image. I increased the contrast to darken out the areas between each fruit to create a bold, striking look. This also intensified the colour of the fruit to the extent that I did not have to further develop on the overall colour. Using the paintbrush tool in black, I decreased the hardness completely and increased the size of the brush and pressed this along the edges of the fruit so that it appeared well blended into the background and as though artificial lighting is used. Sharpening the image enabled me to create an image of high definition.
Photo 3/4-Using the quick selection tool, I outlined the background area that was not needed. I filled this in using the paintbrush tool in black to once again, achieve a full black background effect. I then adjusted the levels which created certain areas appearing brighter against the darker, contrasted areas. This added depth and definition to my image which was what I hoped to accomplish as originally the image appeared quite washed and dull. I then increased the vibrancy which added emphasis to the green colour once again placing all attention on the kale.
Photo 5- I began by straightening the image so the subject was not bent and was in line. I then used the quick selection tool to trace the areas around the avocado, the background, and filled this in using a black paint brush. I then increased the contrast so that the colour of the avocado was less dull which strengthened the overall colouration, especially towards the centre of the subject. The contrast tool also darkened the surface of the avocado which helped it blend well into the black background. I also increased the vibrancy of the image to emphasise the different colours on the avocado- the brown seed in the centre, the softer, dark green on the edges and the edges of the actual skin.
Photo 6- I began by using the quick selection tool to outline the full background and filled this in using the black paintbrush tool. I then zoomed into the image and carefully using the paintbrush tool to carve around the edges of the grapes that were crooked or not filled in properly. Once the full background was filled, I increased the contrast of the subject which darkened the areas around the grapes and increased the overall colour of the image. I also adjusted the levels so that the composition of the photo was balanced. I then used the iris blur that is positioned in the blur gallery, in the filter section and positioned this on the area that I wanted more visible than the others which created a blur to the rest of the grapes. This increased the sharpness of the details on the grapes such as the shine from the droplets of water that I originally added for effect.
Photo 7- I began by using the quick selection tool to trace around the background area and using the paintbrush tool to fill this is in black. It took me a while to fill in the background as there was certain areas that were quite difficult to fill in free hand, so it was necessary for me to decrease the size in the brush and fill these tiny areas between the chilies to the best of my ability. I then adjusted the levels so that the subject was blended well with the black background. This improved the overall contrast as the separation areas between the chilies, originally caused a shadow, so these shadows were emphasised even further creating a balance between the lighter areas and darker areas. Additionally, I increased the contrast and vibrancy which re-balanced the texture and composition of the photograph. I then adjusted the curves slightly so that the darker areas were visible and were causing the right amount of darkness to be displayed, making sure that the image didn't appear too dark. As the chilies remained quite light around the edges, it did not blend well enough into the background. To solve this, I decreased the hardness of the paintbrush tool and increased the size and softly pressed against the edges which helped to blend the chilies well with the background removing the harsh outline of the chili. I then sharpened the image so that the details on the chilies were of high quality.
Photo 8- The editing process for this image was very quick as I captured the image in good lighting so I was satisfied with the original lighting and overall layout of the image. The amount of amendments needed to adjust the image was low. I used the quick selection tool to fill in the areas that I wanted black which was everything except for the salad. I then filled in this area using the paint brush tool. After this, I changed the levels so that there was a clear balance in the photo and that the original shade of the salad was blended well into the heavy background. I sharpened the image which added emphasis to the quality of the different colours displayed, such as, the red from the tomato, the khaki green from the olives, the darker green from the pieces of rocket and the main green colour that is shown the most.
Photo 9- Originally, the image was of high quality so I only had to make slight amendments to the photograph to create a flawless image. Firstly, I increased the vibrancy which increased the bold colours originally displayed even further. I then slightly increased the amount of light in the photo using the curves section in the adjustments bar. Finally, I brushed the sharpening tool across the leaves in the background, the tree trunk and across the centre point being the avocado. I decided not to fill in the background using the paintbrush and quick selection tool as the original background was quite relevant and fit well with the concept that I wanted to display so it remained.
FINAL PIECE
Different edits:
Editing & analysing process:
Photo 1- I began by choosing the images I wanted to have in the same edit together. I did not need to edit these images again as I began by editing all images that I will use in my final pieces before (above). I created a frame which was completely empty, and I altered the size of this so that the images I wanted to be displayed, fit securely in the image Once the images were positioned in the correct way, I left extra space in the top right corner as this area was the main area for me to actually advertise the vegetables according to my idea. I firstly, filled this space in using the paint brush tool in white to achieve a clear white background. Using the text tool that is positioned on the side I began to write persuasive sentences appropriate enough to engage in an audience. I chose bold fonts as the text appeared more striking. By changing the fonts, it transformed each word into a statement rather than just a word. I used several different fonts in the text bar: I used Century Gothic for the description, Bodoni MT as the title and Parchment as my logo of "Misbah's Farmhouse".
Photo 2- I began by choosing the images that I thought would fit well together and positioned these in an almost collage-like image. Like Photo 1, I left an area blank, as this area would be where the text would appear. I filled this in using the paintbrush tool in black and then created a new tab for me to type up the text that I wanted to have. The area that I filled in with black was essential as this was what blended the two images below and the larger image on the left into one full image without the harsh separation lines between images. I then duplicated the text and positioned them in the ideal areas on the photograph with the title of "green goodness" in the centre at the top. I then placed the small description under and changed the colour of this to a pale green. I enjoyed editing this image, as the image brings the attention to the colour green and by adding small effects such as changing the colour of the text to a light green, emphasises the key theme of vegetables.
Photo 3- For image 3, I began by choosing multiple images to act as a collage and positioned all the images on a clear blank area large enough for all the images to be on. I altered this so all images would fit evenly. On a separate tab, I focused on the text that would be displayed on the image. I decided to opt for the saying of "quality worth every penny" and made this the main title across the centre of the image. Simplicity was key in this image, as the multiple different photos in the background definitely held most of the attention. I then finished the image of by placing the logo of "Misbah's Farmhouse" to the bottom of the image to create an image that holds the idea of being used for promotion and advertisement purposes.
Photo 4- I began with a blank image and chose the images that I wanted to use for this last piece. I then positioned this in the centre of the page and then filled the areas beside it in black using the paintbrush tool. I then chose my second image that I wanted to incorporate into the image. I rotated this slightly to fit beside the main central image and duplicated the second image to fit across the right side. I then slightly cropped the image so it was the right size and length. I then wrote out the name of the type of fruit it was using the font, Bodoni MT. I drew extra lines to add effect. I then wrote a small section for the main purpose of the image which was to advertise avocado. To complete the image, I added my logo of "Misbah's Farmhouse" in the signature font, parchment. I finished the image by sharpening certain areas of the image to add effect.
Photo 2- I began by choosing the images that I thought would fit well together and positioned these in an almost collage-like image. Like Photo 1, I left an area blank, as this area would be where the text would appear. I filled this in using the paintbrush tool in black and then created a new tab for me to type up the text that I wanted to have. The area that I filled in with black was essential as this was what blended the two images below and the larger image on the left into one full image without the harsh separation lines between images. I then duplicated the text and positioned them in the ideal areas on the photograph with the title of "green goodness" in the centre at the top. I then placed the small description under and changed the colour of this to a pale green. I enjoyed editing this image, as the image brings the attention to the colour green and by adding small effects such as changing the colour of the text to a light green, emphasises the key theme of vegetables.
Photo 3- For image 3, I began by choosing multiple images to act as a collage and positioned all the images on a clear blank area large enough for all the images to be on. I altered this so all images would fit evenly. On a separate tab, I focused on the text that would be displayed on the image. I decided to opt for the saying of "quality worth every penny" and made this the main title across the centre of the image. Simplicity was key in this image, as the multiple different photos in the background definitely held most of the attention. I then finished the image of by placing the logo of "Misbah's Farmhouse" to the bottom of the image to create an image that holds the idea of being used for promotion and advertisement purposes.
Photo 4- I began with a blank image and chose the images that I wanted to use for this last piece. I then positioned this in the centre of the page and then filled the areas beside it in black using the paintbrush tool. I then chose my second image that I wanted to incorporate into the image. I rotated this slightly to fit beside the main central image and duplicated the second image to fit across the right side. I then slightly cropped the image so it was the right size and length. I then wrote out the name of the type of fruit it was using the font, Bodoni MT. I drew extra lines to add effect. I then wrote a small section for the main purpose of the image which was to advertise avocado. To complete the image, I added my logo of "Misbah's Farmhouse" in the signature font, parchment. I finished the image by sharpening certain areas of the image to add effect.
OFFICIAL FINAL PIECE
I chose this as my ultimate final piece as I believe that this image displays my best photographic techniques as I have merged several different vegetable/fruit edits in one collage showcasing the different ways that I have edited these images. I believe the simple statement of "quality worth every penny" makes the image seem more like an image used for advertisement purposes which was my main aim. I believe the different editing tools used to create such a distinctive piece, such as the contrast, levels, curves (mainly editing tools positioned in the adjustments bar), helped to blend the image in further as the overall lighting in each image is quite similar and all the images are of the same level and overall composition. The colours within each image are also similar in level, meaning that all colours are well balanced amongst each other and no images are far too saturated or too dull and washed. I believe the images used to create this piece, are of high definition and all compliment each other immensely and are smartly produced enough to all be in one single frame without having to adjust different areas of each image independently. This was due to all of my editing techniques used within each photo, were quite similar.
EVALUATION:
I believe my final piece was extremely challenging as the structure of what I did throughout the two days was organized yet time-consuming so I did have the worry of not being able to complete my ideas in the 10 hours. However, this was not the case as I managed my time efficiently and presented four sets of different images and actually then being able to choose which one presented my idea the most successfully. I took responsibility for my project, by preparing everything I needed for the exam the night before, by emailing the original photographs I was to use, to my teacher beforehand so I would have plenty of time to actually create the images I wanted. I believe I did enough artist research to develop my ideas as the photographers I researched gave me inspiration on my key theme which was to base my project on vegetables. In particular, I believe the third photographer I analysed, Rain Creative Lab, helped me develop on my final idea immensely, as the idea of text in images gave me the idea of creating advertisement posters which usually display lots of text and large titles which I decided to include in my own pieces however further developing this by including in a totally different concept of advertisement and promoting products from my own invented company, "Misbah's Farmhouse". Carmona & Weston helped me develop my ideas, by editing my images in the area of my chosen exam question which was Light & Dark. I believe these two photographers helped me to develop on my editing skills as I solely focused on editing images within the area of light and dark and showcasing how easy it was to alter the different areas of light and dark which produced totally contrasting images. My artist research and preparation towards the final piece, helped me to test out different materials that displayed my photographic techniques to the best of my ability, therefore helping me to refine my skills as I developed. This displayed the concept of my exam question and the research on these photographers helped me to better my edits, for example, I created several different edits in the style of Weston and altered the editing tools sectioned under the Light & Dark theme which helped me produce different images. I consistently reviewed on my work throughout the exam as it developed by analysing the different steps I took to create the image whilst linking this back to the photographer during my exam artist research section. In the final piece, I believe I constantly referred back to my original idea (of creating images for promotional/advertisement purposes) within each of the four photos that I produced.
For my final piece, my main aim for my images were to be displayed as advert posters promoting the different fruit and vegetables sourced from my own invented company. My main goal for the audience/viewer was to be intrigued by the layout of the advert and feel persuaded enough to actually wanting to try the different fruit and vegetables sourced from my own so-called company of "Misbah's Farmhouse". I am hoping through all of my analysis's and my work clearly documented throughout, the audience will understand what I wanted to achieve and the concept of my edits. However, my main regret was the limited amount of photographs I used to create my final piece. If I captured several different fruit and vegetables, I would not have been limited and I would be able to create more edits and then decide from a range of images without the limitation. I believe my ideas have been explained well through the use of my writing and images as whilst editing my original images and creating my final piece, I print screened the different processes I used to create my final edits using Photoshop. I benefitted from this as it made my analysing process easier as you are visually able to see the different methods I used to edit.
Overall, I am highly pleased with the outcome of my final piece as I believe my work has successfully communicated the ideas that I intended by successfully creating a set of advertisement images for my own company. Personally, it was a difficult procedure as it was vital for me to manage my time efficiently by firstly editing all of my original photos to the best of their ability and then making sure I have documented this throughout. Then I had to develop on these ideas to create a successful final piece that suitably fit well with my key idea. If I could repeat my final piece, I would capture several, different fruit and vegetables that I could edit and then merge according to the colour so I could create a set of images coordinated by colour. I could then create a food magazine showcasing my different edits without limiting myself by using all of my edits to create one final magazine as my final piece.
For my final piece, my main aim for my images were to be displayed as advert posters promoting the different fruit and vegetables sourced from my own invented company. My main goal for the audience/viewer was to be intrigued by the layout of the advert and feel persuaded enough to actually wanting to try the different fruit and vegetables sourced from my own so-called company of "Misbah's Farmhouse". I am hoping through all of my analysis's and my work clearly documented throughout, the audience will understand what I wanted to achieve and the concept of my edits. However, my main regret was the limited amount of photographs I used to create my final piece. If I captured several different fruit and vegetables, I would not have been limited and I would be able to create more edits and then decide from a range of images without the limitation. I believe my ideas have been explained well through the use of my writing and images as whilst editing my original images and creating my final piece, I print screened the different processes I used to create my final edits using Photoshop. I benefitted from this as it made my analysing process easier as you are visually able to see the different methods I used to edit.
Overall, I am highly pleased with the outcome of my final piece as I believe my work has successfully communicated the ideas that I intended by successfully creating a set of advertisement images for my own company. Personally, it was a difficult procedure as it was vital for me to manage my time efficiently by firstly editing all of my original photos to the best of their ability and then making sure I have documented this throughout. Then I had to develop on these ideas to create a successful final piece that suitably fit well with my key idea. If I could repeat my final piece, I would capture several, different fruit and vegetables that I could edit and then merge according to the colour so I could create a set of images coordinated by colour. I could then create a food magazine showcasing my different edits without limiting myself by using all of my edits to create one final magazine as my final piece.