Advanced Digital Imaging

Posted by Unknown at Thursday, September 23, 2010

Aims of Module

This module aims to advance your knowledge of and understanding of digital imaging and modes of digital production. Facilitating further experimentation and exploration of creativity through a series of briefs, the module aims to widen the range of digital techniques and practices adopted using, for example, techniques in Photoshop and Aperture to apply your creativity in a focused way.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module you should be able to:

1. identify and evaluate the requirements for successful advanced digital imaging production;

2. design a range of differing photographic responses demonstrating advanced imaging skills;

3. display advanced creative interpretation of set briefs and employ creative solutions as a response.

Module Content

You will examine creative expression through advanced digital imaging. The module will initially provide you with a brief revision and then tuition on advanced use of Photoshop and Aperture demonstrating how digital image enhancement is achieved, including, for example, black and white conversions and modes of digital production. The use of and importance in successful colour management will also be examined. The module will review Photoshop and Aperture functions for acquiring, sorting and processing digital images and in addition. The module’s lectures and demonstrations will draw upon case studies, used to illustrate the programs and techniques expressed.

Assessment:

1. Book Design (30%) (Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3).

2. Web Design (30%) (Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3)

3. Editing Proficiency (40%) (Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3).

Teaching And Learning Strategy

Lectures, demonstrations and workshops are the principal form of teaching and the module is designed to build essential skills within the field of creative imaging and by responding to the assessment you will be given experience of the common work situations and constraints whilst developing advanced technical and procedural understanding. Where appropriate, guest practitioners will be invited to discuss their own work, framing it within the specific concerns of the module.

How to Take Stunning Pictures

Posted by Unknown at Thursday, September 23, 2010

Seven Elements That Help Make A Great Black & White Photograph

Posted by Unknown at Thursday, September 23, 2010

SEPTEMBER 23, 2010

tags: B&W, black and white photography

by scottbourne

There was a time all photos were made in black & white. Now the default is color and we have to adjust to get the images from their color to the monochromatic version. (Assuming digital camera.)

Now that shooting B&W is more of a deliberate choice, I thought I’d outline seven elements that I think help make up a great B&W image.

1. Great B&W images tend to be simple, with their main components isolated and easy to identify.

2. Great B&W images tend to have depth and dimension – usually accomplished by creating visual layers that extend from the foreground to the background and all points in between.

3. Great B&W images rely on shape and/or form to make up the image. Hue and color distractions are gone. Only the shapes or forms made up by objects remain and can be arranged in such a manner that they draw the eye into or out of the photograph at the appropriate time and place.

4. Great B&W images tend to exploit contrast. The difference between the whitest white and the blackest black is the highest contrast point in the picture and this can be used to draw the viewer’s eye. Good contrast can help add depth and dimension as well.

5. Great B&W images rely on tone and texture to take the place of color and hue. This can be accomplished in many ways. Texture for instance can be enhanced with side lighting. Sometimes high ISOs are used to emulate film grain for more texture.

6. Great B&W images often rely on patterns to draw the eye into the subject of the photo. It helps form shapes and designate important elements in any B&W scene.

7. Great B&W images tend to minimize the background and accentuate the foreground. While this is not always true, if you look at the bulk of the work of some of the great old-time B&W masters, you’ll find this technique used in many of their images, particularly portraits.

Of course there are many more traits you might want to consider when shooting for B&W images, but these seven points should be top-of-mind, especially if you’re new at B&W photography. They’ll get you to the point where you’re at least in the ball park. Your own vision and creativity can take you from there.
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