Week #4 Sketchbook: Digital Darkroom Refined

The critique was very beneficial for me. I felt every comment was constructive and, when put together, would improve the overall look of my photo. The first photo is the original image submitted for critiquing. In class it was suggested that I blur and darken the background, change the lower leaf so that it goes from green to yellow gradually, and lastly to see what else I can do with the light.

I made several layers to accomplish all that was suggested. I colored the background black and used a soft light blending mode. Then I made a green gradient over the two main leaves (each had its own gradient layer) to add green and to make the light to color shift seem more natural. I ended up having to use the dropper tool and brushing in green for the lower leaf because it worked better than the gradient. I also put a rainbow gradient over the light to add different elements of color. I brought the opacity to a minimal to keep it as natural as possible. I also tried to use the stamp tool to try and either duplicate or move the light rays around, however, I was unable to do so.  ~~~RL

Submitted for critique                          Refined Image

Original Image | Unedited

Week #3 Discussion: Giving Criticism

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but there is a time and a place to voice them. Not everyone can take criticism as a constructive venue for which to improve; for some it is their kryptonite. Scenarios for which criticism is acceptable or appropriate are: when judging talents or events, and when asked specifically for feedback. However, criticism does not have to be harsh. It is of more value when put in nicer terms--constructive vs. destructive. For example, if asked what you think of one's painting which you happen to not like, you can offer suggestions in which they can apply to their work to improve. This is done by pointing out a specific aspect, explaining what you don't like (nicely), then offering a solution to fix it. This helps to keep the friendly atmosphere and establish trust and respect.

My views on criticism depend on the situation and environment in which I am receiving it. Usually I can keep my composure and take each comment as constructive criticism, and nothing personal. However I am particularly sensitive about things having to do with art. I love any form of art, creativity, and self expression. I pour my heart and soul into any piece, therefore, when those subjects are put up for criticism, I feel vulnerable. It is different then being judged on the way you swing a bat, or kick a ball, it is much deeper. When being judged on an art piece, it is like I am being judged as a person, not just the product I produced. My art is an extension of me and how I think and feel, and to have it out in the open, free for anyone's ridicule and torment, is something frightening to me. However, I have worked up a front, a coping mechanism to deal with the anxiety; which all comes from experience. Throughout the process I repeat to myself over and over to stay calm, show no sign of fear, smile, nod, agree with what is being said say thank you, and most of all to remember that the comments I receive are opportunities to measure and improve on my skills. Perhaps the most important thing that I've learned is you dictate how something will affect you. You can either let it get to you and break you down. Or you can use it as fuel to better yourself.    ~~~RL

Week #3: Digital Darkroom

Original Image

ROAD MAP:
-emphasize main leaves
     -brighten main leaves
-more green saturation
-intensify shining light with more color
-black and white?

With this picture I felt that I didn't have to do much, just a few minor adjustments here and there to improve its overall look. Mainly I wanted to adjust the lighting and color of the main leaves. They were too bright and lacked green, so I wanted to add that element to make it stand out in the image. To do that I made a mask over the leaves, then made curve and level adjustments. Then I went through and made adjustments to all the colors in the hue and saturation. I then made a mask for the spotlight and added a bit of magenta, green, and yellow tones to make it seem more mystical. Also, due to the powerful light, I thought it would be a great black and white image because it provided many different tones and levels of brightness. I used the same layers as I did with the colored photo, emphasizing the leaves. Since I didn't necessarily have to worry about color, I was able to bring down the brightness of the background leaves and add more luminance to the main leaves. I think the dynamics of the photo make it work both with and without color.    ~~~RL

Week #2 Sketchbook: Curves Adjustments

The original photo has a sky that is too bright, and mountain that is too dark. Both factors prevent any detail from coming through. There is also a lack in vibrant colors.

To improve the photo I enhanced the amount of detail in both the sky and the mountain. To do this I altered the levels. I left the white tone where it was because the photo could use all the brightness it could get as there were more dark features than bright in the image. I moved the mid tone towards the darker end of the spectrum, which brought in detail from the sky. I then brought the black tone up to brighten up the mountain as best I could without taking away from the detail in the sky. I also made a curve layer to clean/pick up what the layer adjustments didn't. Last I adjusted the overall look of the image by changing the contrast and saturation accordingly. 

~~~RL

Photo Hero

Kim Taylor Reece
Alyssa Carvalho
~~~RL

Level Adjustments

I chose this picture of the Oceanside Beach to demonstrate level adjustments. I wanted to enhance the saturations of colors throughout the image and bring out the detail of the clouds. To do this I went to the levels command in Photoshop and moved around the scale buttons to see the level fluctuations. I decided not to touch the white scale because white is already prominent throughout the image and the photo is bright as it is. Accordingly, I also left the black scale where it was to keep whatever dark components the image had. I moved the gray scale higher to bring more contrast and color saturation, which also enhanced the detail in the clouds. Next I made a new layer and put a dark gray gradient over the sky to bring even more depth and detail into the clouds. The end result is the image you see to the right.
As a side note, I used the stamp/cloning button to sample the cloud color around the date and time label to eliminate it from the picture.   ~~~RL

Alec Soth Photo Response

After viewing Alec Soth's projects, this photo stood out amongst the images that moved me the most. To my understanding this image was taken in Bogotá. Supposing that the men in the photo are military figures, the placing of the subjects make the overall image very interesting.

Alec Soth (Dog Days, Bogotá)

I don't know much about the government, but after briefly researching its history on the Internet, I interpret this image to say many things about Bogotá: past, present, and future. Bogotá has had its fair share of wars as it trudged and muddied through hard times and numerous overturns of governmental shifts in power. This is depicted in the background of the photo; you can see the city below through the midst of dust, and polluted air. To this day the military is still a prominent and strong force throughout the land. Such is that in the foreground is the dominant subjects of the image, the men dressed in uniform: sitting high and pretty, elevated on a pedestal overlooking the rest of their country. However, there is hope present in this situation. For with turmoil comes strength, and with strength comes hope, and with hope comes will, and with will comes perseverance, and through perseverance, prosperity. Just like how--meekly but nevertheless noticeably--a tree can be seen in the foreground, next to the men. The tree signifies life and hope, and as it is in juxtaposition with the assumed men of power, this image tells us that there is hope for the country. New beginnings and new found life seem to be in the near future, and its beauty shall be embraced.    ~~~RL

Week 1 Discussion: Color Theory

Japanese Cherry Trees
PC: Jason Pratt

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Japanese_Cherry_Trees.jpg

http://www.takeprideinutah.org/artificial-tree-absorbs-harmful-gases.html

Examples of colors evoking different emotions:

1. The first image is darker and has a colder feel to it. The second is warmer and more comforting.

2. The first image looks scary, dark, lonely, and has a sense of uncertainty. The second image feels more inviting and less frightful. 

How does color effect the message of an image? 

A picture is worth a thousand words. Considering all the elements that factor into a single image, this statement is definitely true. Color is extremely powerful in terms of provoking emotion. It is much more than shades and pigments; color speaks directly to the brain. Our eyes utilize light to distinguish amongst the color palette and determines the colors we see. On a deeper, psychological level, color also affects our emotions. Certain colors provoke certain feelings. For example, red is a associated with anger, aggression, and heat. Where as blue brings forth tranquil and cool feelings. Such factors, combined with other elements that make up an image, manufacture a macrocosm of effects. Color can be the determinant of your feelings towards an image.

How does it effect you personally? 

Personally, when I view an image, colors really speak to me. Black and white images sometimes brings a depressing feel to an image (depending on the subjects in the photo of course). Photos with brighter colors make me feel cheerful and happy. Yellow and other warming colors bring me comfort and put me at ease. My mood can change after viewing an image, largely in part to the color scheme of the image. Color brings power to any image.

How can you better use color in your workflow today?

Since color can affect my mood, I can use it to my advantage. For example, if I'm feeling a bit down, I can adorn my dorm room with brighter color tones to liven it up. For future projects in my video classes I can utilize colors to help to provoke the emotions I desire my audience to feel. For example, if I am doing a piece on the homeless I can use either black and white or darker lighting and tones in order to generate sadness.

~RL

Week #1 Sketchbook: Photo Hero

PC: Alyssa Carvalho

Photography is a new interest of mine. I took a class in high school and have been intrigued ever since. I haven't really taken the time to find a hero or favorite but I've discovered that the work of nature photographers--namely those who work for National Geographic--really catch my eye. However, I'd say that a couple close friends of mine (Sheadon Ringor and Alyssa Carvalho), who are excellent photographers, are my most favorite.      ~RL
SAR Photography
Kawaikapulani Photography