Digital Photography and Imaging - Week 7: Double Exposure (Project 2A)
Week 7 (04.11.2024)
Samantha Kristalyn / 0373905
Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Digital Photography and Imaging / Project 2A
JUMPLINKS
1. LECTURE
2. INSTRUCTIONS
3. TUTORIAL
4. PRACTICAL
5. FEEDBACK
6. REFLECTIONS
LECTURE
Double Exposure
Double exposure refers to the act of merging multiple images to make them surreal and emotional. There are more ways to create a double exposure effect that does not require the use of a double exposure camera.
Image Blending Mode
Fig. 1.1, Blending modes, (04/11/2024)
Color Theory
Color theory itself is the science and art of using color.
RGB vs. CMYK
Fig. 1.2, RGB vs. CMYK, (04/11/2024)
RGB
RGB is often used to display on computer screens. RGB consists of Red, Green, and Blue. It has an additive color mixing model and RGB can usually be found on TVs, screens, and projectors as primary colors.
CMYK
CMYK is often used as primary colors when printing. CMYK consists of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. It has a subtractive color mixing model and the colors are created by the subtraction of light.
Hue is the most basic of color term and denotes an object's color.
Tint is a hue with white added to it.
Tone is a color in which gray has been added to it.
Shade is a hue with black added to it.
Fig. 1.3, Hue, Shade, Tone, and Tint, (04/11/2024）
Color Harmony
Color harmony is the arrangement of colors in design in the most attractive and effective way for users' perception.
Fig 1.4, Color harmony, (04/11/2024)
Monochromatic
It's hard to make a mistake out of monochromatic coloring and create a distasteful color scheme.
Analogous
Three colors that are located right next to each other on a color wheel.
Complementary
Complementary colors are opposites on the color wheel. This scheme is also very different from analogous and monochromatic since complementary colors tend to aim for the production of high contrast.
Split-complementary
Split-complementary involves the usage of three colors. It starts with using one color to find its complement and then two other colors are added alongside it.
Triadic colors
Evenly spaced around the color wheel. They tend to be very bright and dynamic.
The Psychology of Color
Fig 1.5, The psychology of color, (04/11/2024)
Fig 1.6, Cool colors vs. warm colors, (04/11/2024)
Black is often used sparingly (such as for text), but it often works well as a primary color element such as backgrounds. Black tends to add an air of sophistication, elegance, mystery, and bolder confidence.
White
White gives off an impression of cleanliness, righteousness, and health. The color itself tends to pair well with just about anything.
White gives off an impression of cleanliness, righteousness, and health. The color itself tends to pair well with just about anything.
INSTRUCTIONS
TUTORIAL
How to Create a Double Exposure Effect in Photoshop
Double exposure is a creative photography technique that blends two images into one, creating a surreal and artistic composition. Based on the tutorial given, here are a few steps to achieve this effect using Photoshop:
Step 1: Gather Images
- Subject Image: Choose a clear portrait photo as the main focus.
- Background Image: Select a landscape, texture, or abstract photo that complements the portrait.
- Extra Elements: Add other elements on top to create diversity and to enrich the composition.
Ensure that all of the images are high resolution for the best results.
Step 2: Open the Portrait in Photoshop
1. Import the portrait image into Photoshop.
2. Use a selection tool (like Object Selection or Magic Wand) to isolate the subject:
- Go to the top bar and click Select Subject.
3. Refine the selection:
- Click Select and Mask for better precision.
- Use tools like Refine Edge to handle details like hair.
Step 3: Create a Clean Background
1. Output your selection as a new layer with a layer mask.
2. Create new layer beneath the portrait.
- Fill this layer with a solid color to act as the background.
Step 4: Add and Position the Background Image
1. Import the second image (e.g., a forest or skyline).
2. Position it so that it blends naturally with the portrait.
3. Use a Clipping Mask to merge the background with the portrait.
Step 5: Adjust the Blend
1. Select the mask on the portrait or background.
2. Use a soft Brush Tool with black as the foreground color to blend areas:
- Paint over the face or other parts of the portrait to reveal more of the background.
3. Experiment with layer opacity and blending modes for a smooth effect.
Step 6: Add Creative Elements (Optional)
1. Add other images, like birds, or abstract shapes, for more detail.
2. Set their blending mode to Multiply or Darken to remove white backgrounds.
Step 7: Apply Color Grading
1. Add a Gradient Map Adjustment Layer to create a unique color scheme.
- Choose a gradient that matches your desired mood.
2. Lower the opacity of the gradient map for a subtle finish.
Step 8: Final Adjustments
1. Review all layers and fine-tune masks, positions, and colors.
2. Save the project as a PSD to keep the layers intact.
3. Export the final result in the preferred format (e.g., JPEG or PNG).
PRACTICAL
Project 2A: Double Exposure (Photo Manipulation)
On this week, Mr. Fauzi assigned us to create two double exposure work. For the first one, Mr. Fauzi provided us with these photos below and we were told to follow the tutorial that was given on the Google Classroom.
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Fig. 4. 1, The provided photos from Mr. Fauzi's Google Drive, (04/11/24)
I started with cutting out the main element; which is the picture of the woman using the Quick Selection tool and I tidied up the edges and details with the Refine Edge Brush tool and I added a solid color background to match the other upcoming elements that I was about to use. After that, I just added the given elements step-by-step just as shown in the tutorial.
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Fig. 4. 2, Step-by-step process of creating Exercise #1, (04/11/24)
Fig. 4. 2, Adding a gradient map to Exercise #1, (04/11/24)
After following all of the steps carefully, here is how my first work turned out:
Fig. 4. 2, Final work of exercise #1, (04/11/24)
I would say that the steps are easy to follow, and it taught me a lot of things. It was my first time using the Gradient Map feature on Photoshop as well.
After finishing up the first exercise, I started gathering the photos for the second exercise.
Fig. 4. 3, Photos that I have gathered for the 2nd exercise, (04/11/24)
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Fig. 4. 4, 2nd exercise process, (04/11/24)
After putting everything together and combining the images into one composition, I added a blue gradient map and adjusted the opacity and I color graded it further. I also adjusted the brightness and hue of the image to enhance the colors.
Fig. 4. 5, Final work of exercise #2, (04/11/24)
FEEDBACK
General Feedback
Mr. Fauzi showed us a step-by-step tutorial during this week's class. He told us to use our own photos for the second exercise. We were required to submit on Week 7.
Specific Feedback
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REFLECTIONS
Experience
Working on this assignment in Photoshop has been an easy and transformative task for me. Combining images and different kinds of elements into a cohesive and artistic composition has challenged my creativity and technical skills. It was fascinating to experiment with blending modes, layer masks, and opacity adjustments to achieve the desired effect. I have also learned on how to use Gradient Map to give the work a pop of color.
Observation
I noticed that image selection is critical; the interaction between the base image (usually a portrait), and the secondary image (textures or landscapes), determines the overall harmony and impact. Balancing light, contrast, and subject placement was essential for storytelling. I have also witnessed the difference between having no extra elements and having them. The added elements add a nice touch to it.
Findings
This project has deepened my understanding of Photoshop's tools and techniques, particularly layer masks and gradient effects. It also highlighted the importance of planning and artistic vision in digital art. Through trial and error, I learned how subtle changes can significantly enhance or disrupt the composition.
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