FunDigi: Photoshop (PostModern Self Portraits)

I have always wanted to know the ins and outs of Photoshop. I was very excited about the next assignment—using images that you’ve personally take, stock images from online, and collage elements we were asked to communicate a clear message and tone about something you could not tell about me by simply looking at me.

Fishing: I wanted to take it take it easy on my first attempt. Stock photography is sometimes hard to use, and make fit into your creativity box. So I simply took a picture of an experience I had while fishing and combined it with three separate stock images (the fish, the dock, and the background.) Next time, I’ll include more realistic elements—maybe a dock with others fishing, you should be able to see the rest of the line, and the pole. Also, a fish that size should have some weight to it—I wouldn’t be able to hold it up with just my thumb. Small changes would make this more believable.

Collage: I had a few different ideas on what I wanted to collage together, but I struggled to fit them into a 8.5x11. I believe the message is clear, and I had very good feedback on the images I produced, but to me it’s crowed and uneven. I would rework to create more fluid eye movement, and I’d figure out a way to include the staircase, but not have it jumbled into the middle. I scanned images from magazines I had at home, like Cosmo, Pottery Barn, and Kohl’s catalog’s and combined with a picture taken earlier that day.

vs. the World: This image is by far my favorite. I wanted to convey my self confidence to ‘rule the world,’ otherwise accomplish my goals in life. I also wanted to convey that I can do what it takes to do that—which is why I changed my faces. It also reminds me that you may have to wear many hats (faces) to get what you want. Something I’m learning how to do over time. I had taken a picture of the globe on display at the local aquarium (hence the fish) and compiled random pictures of myself from over the last year or so. I’m inspired by this image, and am considering incorporating elements into my logo. In reworking I would take out the fish on the globe, cover up my chest a little more, and remove the tag on the football pads. Overall this is my favorite work so far.