DIGITAL TOOLS ASSIGNMENT 3 Playing with Reality

Image by Jennifer B


The goal of this assignment is for you to practice using the selection tools, the free transform, the refine edge feature and the layers pallete. The assignment has two parts. The first part, asks you to change the background of an image. The second part, asks you to select and create multiple copies of one image and place in such a way to create the illusion of perspective. You will be using the images you have taken so far for this class to complete the assignment. The finished assignments should also give us some insight into your topic as it interests you.

PART 1 Review the tutorials

a. Review the class blog posts on Layers and Selection Tools .

b. Check out the CS3 Video Tutorials. Choose the product, Photoshop CS3 and watch, "Making and Refining Selections" and "Using Layers"(It is good to have headsets when listening in the labs.)

c. Review the the “2 minute Video” on using the Extraction Tool (#3) The Video on Depth of Field (2MPT #39 ) This video uses the extract tool and shows you how to create depth of field for a background, using the clone tool (for removing halo’s around your image) and the blur tool on the background.


PART 2 THE TWO PHOTOSHOP ASSIGNMENTS

1) CHANGE THE BACKGROUND OF AN IMAGE.

a. Choose one of your images that you have taken of you subject from last week. Make sure you can select out of the image your subject without too much difficulty. (For example: a lightly colored coffee with a background that is darker in value, would be easy to select.) Save the image using the Save As option, Rename it: Yourname_BackgroundAssignment.psd

b. Now select the object from the image and remove the background. Use the Extract Tool or any of the Selections Tools to accomplish this. (See “Selection Tools” for a list of options and helpful hints)
(Remember to use the Select/Inverse tool if you originally select the object and you want to inverse the selection to select the background to delete it.) Now delete the background from your image. You will be replacing it with an entirely new image or object. See below:

d. Choose and open another image to use as a background for your object above. Copy and Paste the background into a new layer in the file where the object exists.

• Remember the layer containing your new background needs to be below the layer containing the object.
• Remember the new background should emphasis your interest in your subject, giving the viewer a deeper understanding of your particular perspective.

e. You have the option to alter the place and scale of your object, once you have selected a new back ground. How your object is placed on the page will affect the composition and meaning of your new image.

Look at the image of the remote control with the the sunset for a background on RosesRoom's Blog. This is a good example of what I am looking for in the assignment.

2) CREATE THE ILLUSION OF PERSPECTIVE

a. Follow step a. in the above assignment. (This time naming your file: Yourname_Perspective.psd)

b. Use a selection tool to select your object that best fits the character of the image, ie: if the object is similar in value then the magic wand might be appropriate to use. If the selection is not similar in value but has a distinct edge, then the magnetic lasso tool might work.

c. With the selection on, copy the object into another layer.

d.Make several copies of the object and then change the size, incrementally, using the free transform (Command/T) tool to create the illusion of perspective. (You can also play with blurring the object- use the filter/blur tool or decreasing the saturation image/adjustment/hue and saturation under the menu bar as the object recedes. Both can these tricks can help create the illusion of perspective.

e. Again consider how you place these images in relation to the background. How you place them will affect the overall feel of you image.

Note: Remember the object must be selected first before using free transform.

Note: You must click the apply button when using the free transform command or simply hit return.

e. Once you are satisfied with the perspective design you have the option tochoose an entirely different image to place it on top of. Try and choose an image that will further communicate to us your interest in the topic.

Due next week:

Upload To Your Blog
The assignments formatted for the web and saved as a jpeg. Remember to use the "Save for Web" option in "File" on the Menu Bar.

• Post these files with a description to your blog on how the new images relate to your interest in your object.

Before the beginning of class:

Upload to Dropsend
(and to your thumbdrive )2 .psd files (saved with layers ) of both assignments. Do not flatten or merge you layers!!

• These files MUST be saved with their layers. If the files are flattened into one layer, I will not be able to see the work you have done. And in this case, you will be asked to redo the project.
  

Download to your temp folder:
The 2 .psd files to your folder. (This is the folder that you create in the documents folder at the beginning of class.)