Digital Photography & Imaging/ Project 2

6 Nov 2023 - 29 Nov 2023 (Week 7  - Week 10)

Natalie Chu Jing Xuan, 0354589

Digital Photography and Imaging, Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media

Project 2

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Lectures, Tutorials, and Practicals

Week 7: This week, we learn how to use a displacement map to mix two image in one. From 2D Jalur Gemilang to fabric texture, liverpool logo on face, and giraffe skin on cat. 

Fig.1 Jalur Gemilang fabric texture

Fig.2 Liverpool logo to face paint

Fig.3 Giraffe skin on cat

Week 8: Independent week.

Week 9: We learn how to transform human to cyborg. 

Fig.4 Progression

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Project 2:

Double Exposure

In order to double expose, we must take a self-portrait and combine it with other photos. I came upon this picture while searching Pinterest for inspiration, and I'm going to use it as a reference. 

Fig.5 Reference on Pinterest

Fig.6 Images that I wanted to use

I had an image of myself in black and white and found images related to sea, diving, clouds, sunlight, ships and lighthouse. It's all about vitality, the spirit of life. I had my first attempt:

Fig.7 First attempt

But it was too many images and message in it, so I had another attempt.

Fig.8 Second attempt

This time, it was much better and I understand that sometimes, less is more.

FINAL OUTCOME

Fig.9 Final outcome of double exposure

Photo Manipulated

It is our task to blend two objects that are similar in colour, shape, or texture so that the final image deceives the viewers into thinking it is one of the original objects.  I started to brainstorm ideas thinking objects with common characteristics. 

Fig.10 Sketches drew in Procreate

Research

I chose the jellyfish and plastic bag combination because I wanted to draw attention to the issue of ocean pollution, which is becoming more and more of a concern these days. According to the World Wide Fund for Nature(WWF), 80% of the plastic that ends up in the ocean comes from land-based sources. The plastic you discard could end up in the ocean even if you live hundreds of miles away from the coast. After entering the ocean, plastic breaks down very slowly and becomes tiny particles known as microplastics, which can enter the marine food chain and cause severe harm to marine life. 

Fig.11 WWF, How does plastic end up in the ocean?

We had seen plenty of videos on how plastic bags chocks the neck of the turtle, eaten by the marine animals, and yet, there are still an estimated 8 million tons of plastic enters our oceans every year. Therefore, I would like to use this opportunity to highlight how seriously plastic pollution affects marine life. 

These plastic bags float in the sea, sometimes propelled by currents and drifting like jellyfish, but they do not belong there. 

This endangers marine life because they may consume the plastic, causing illness or even death. Because the ocean covers 70% of the earth, if humans continue to wilfully destroy the marine ecological environment, we will lose this beautiful home forever. 

Our understanding of the ocean is far from complete, so it is everyone's responsibility to maintain awe of nature and protect the environment. Encourage recycling, plastic reduction, and regulatory changes. This is a complex problem that will require the combined efforts of all parties around the world to solve.

Progression

I then proceed to find pictures of plastic bags and jellyfish. 

Fig.12 Images found on Unsplash.com

I uses the Quick Selection tool to select out the leg and the head of the jellyfish and mask it separately. Then, adjust the colour of the jellyfish head.

Fig.13 Progression in Photoshop

FINAL OUTCOME

Fig.14 Final outcome of photo manipulation