DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY & IMAGING - WEEK 2
30/09/2024Shema Goldie Angwen / 0372129
Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Digital Photography & Imaging
JUMP LINKS
LECTURE
INTRODUCTION TO COMPOSITION
Introduction to Basic Composition
1. Focal Point
A key element to any good composition is a strong focal point, as it helps the viewers' eyes naturally settle on the important pieces of your design first. In simple terms, focal point is the starting point of where the viewers' eyes saw and start to explore.
Figure 1.1: Focal Point
2. Scale and Hierarchy
Scale is often used to help communicate hierarchy by drawing attention forward and away from certain elements, thus signifying their importance to the communication.
Take an example of the design below, people will take a look on the eyes of Beethoven at first then they will look at where Beethoven's eyes is leading, which is to the circle.
Figure 1.2: Scale & Hierarchy
3. Balance the elements
A good technique for mastering asymmetrical balance is to think of each element as having a 'weight' to it. Smaller objects might 'weigh' less than larger objects, and heavily textured elements might 'weigh' more than flatly colored elements.
Figure 1.3: Balanced Elements
4. White space
White space is mostly known as "empty space" to balance up the main focus of a composition. White space helps your design to breathe.
Take an example of the design below. At first, the viewers will look at the photograph of the person but because the person look down, this invites the viewers to read the text. In this design, the elements is placed in the centre and the rest of the background still can be seen, which gives some room for the design to breathe.
Figure 1.4: White Space
Rule of Thirds
The Rule of Thirds is the process of dividing an image into thirds, using two horizontal and two vertical lines. This imaginary grid yields nine parts with four intersection points. When we placed the most important elements at the intersection points, this will makes the image looks natural.
The Rule of Thirds is a way to:
Golden Ratio
The Golden ratio is a mathematical ratio. It is commonly found in nature, and when used in a design, it fosters organic and natural-looking compositions that are aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The Golden Ratio is a useful guideline for determining dimensions of the layout. In simple terms, if there are more than 1 focal point, use golden ratio.
The Rule of Thirds is the process of dividing an image into thirds, using two horizontal and two vertical lines. This imaginary grid yields nine parts with four intersection points. When we placed the most important elements at the intersection points, this will makes the image looks natural.
Figure 1.5: Rule of Thirds
The Rule of Thirds is a way to:
- Use composition techniques that are in line with what's naturally pleasing to eye.
- Creatively use negative space.
- Create conversation between the subject and background.
The Golden ratio is a mathematical ratio. It is commonly found in nature, and when used in a design, it fosters organic and natural-looking compositions that are aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The Golden Ratio is a useful guideline for determining dimensions of the layout. In simple terms, if there are more than 1 focal point, use golden ratio.
Figure 1.6: The Golden Ratio Occurs Naturally in Nature
Figure 1.7: More Advanced Example of The Use of Golden Ratio
Composition (Framing & Cropping)
Composition is where all the separate elements come together to form a whole.
TUTORIAL
BASIC COMPOSITION EXERCISE
Collage-Making Steps
a) Prepare the elements
- Prepare the tools, such as scissor, blade cutter, ruler, and glue.
- Explore and search for any interesting graphics from old magazines.
- Cut the selection area of the magazines and trim the edges.
- Explore more and repeat the same steps.
- Find an interesting background canvas.
- Start compositing the design elements. (Tips: Start with the focal point to hold the design elements and arrange based on the visual hierarchy.)
- Play around with the elements arrangement in 3 different ways.
- Take photo of the 3 different composition and choose the best one.
- Glue the finalize composition.
PRACTICAL
COLLAGE DESIGN ELEMENTS
The tools I used for this project were cutting mat, ruler, blade cutter, scissor and glue.
Figure 2.1: The tools
Figure 2.2: The materials
b) Do pre-composition
Pre-Composition #1
This is the first attempt of me making the collage. I chose black paper for the background to make each of the element's colour pop-up. For the second layer, I use H&M paperbag. Instead of cutting it neatly, I decided to tore it in order to make it looks way more aesthetic. Overall, I love how each elements blends in harmony.
Figure 2.3: Pre-Composition #1
This is the second attempt of me making the collage. I arranged it similar with the first one, but this time I changed the placement of the H&M paperbag from the downside to upper side to figure out which one looks better.
Figure 2.4: Pre-Composition #2
Pre-Composition #3
This is the third attempt of me making the collage. I changed the whole composition and arrangement from the two previous attempts. This time, I used another piece of the H&M paperbag, then tore it in smaller size and crumpled it. I also tore a piece of paper from the Uniqlo Magazine and placed it behind the photograph. I love how each of the elements seems to be connected with each other and how the arrangement made this collage look balanced.
Figure 2.5: Pre-Composition #2
COLLAGE FINALIZATION
For submission, Mr. Fauzi chose Pre-Composition #2 as the best design among the other two designs. Then he informed us that we were allowed to add some elements for the last time before glueing everything down. Mr. Fauzi then advised me to add something to the eyes of the girl holding the camera, so that the focus point wouldn't be on her eyes. I looked for an image of a flower, but it didn't seem to fit well. Eventually, there was a small pink stripe on the front of the magazine, so I cut it and stick it on and turned out I love it. Here's the final outcome.
Figure 2.6: Pre-Composition #2
Figure 2.7: Small pink stripe on the front of magazine
Figure 2.8: The Final Outcome
FEEDBACK
In arranging the elements of the collage, Mr. Fauzi Yusoff told us to just make the design to be simple and not too much. Simple is better and looks more neat and tidy.
Specific feedback
Specific feedback
Mr. Fauzi Yusoff saw my pre-composition collage design and he told me to arrange each elements connectedly because each of my elements seems to be separated. Then, he showed me how to make each elements look connected by re-arranging the elements. Mr. Fauzi also told me that the focus point of the collage must be at the center, which I did it the wrong way before, I learned a new lesson.
Experience
REFLECTIONS
I really enjoy the collage-designing activity. Looking for the concept, compositing and arranging each elements, and looking for the best one from the 3 different designs is really fun. I love playing around with the composition and layer arrangement. The lecturer, Mr. Fauzi Yusoff helps me a lot, I learn a lot of new things from this experience.
Observations
Observations
I observed that the ideas in my head comes up automatically if I often see references. I also noticed that colors and sizes of the elements play a significant role in the balance of a design. In addition, I figured out that understanding focus point also really important in creating a design.
Findings
I found that I need to manage my time really well because new tasks are coming continuously. If I start to be lazy, I won't be able to keep up with all the tasks.
On the 5th of October 2024, I attended an event that was held by Taylors. Attending this event was truly such an inspiring experience. There was a clothing exhibition, where various best designers from Taylor's showcased their latest collections there each with its own aesthetic. Another key part of the event was I had a chance to explore the creative media student exhibition, where some graphic design and UI/UX design was shown there. Various best projects were displayed there. Besides that, a delightful kids' fashion show added a fun touch to the event, young models walked the runway.
THE SHOW EVENT
Figure 3.1: Fashion Design Exhibition
Figure 3.2: Creative Media Student Exhibition
Figure 3.3: Creative Media Student's Project
Figure 3.4: Group Photo
Figure 3.5: Fashion Show
Overall, attending 'The Show' was a valuable opportunity, to be able to see the latest trends in fashion and the best project from the creative media students. I'm grateful that I had a chance to go there.
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