Composite Images

Composite Images

I experimented with creating composite and surreal images using photoshop.

This screenshot shows the background layer.

I then quick selected the original image of the chicken and copied and pasted it into the background. I then selected edit, transform to change the scale and position of the chicken.

I then did the same to add the person into the image and then followed this by using the burn tool in order to create the shadows of the chicken and person in the image.

This was my first attempt at creating a composite, surreal image using photoshop. I really like the outcome and feel that it captures the element of surrealism and like the overall concept. I like how the image is bold and eye-catching due to the obvious surreal element and the bold colours in the background. When on photoshop, I used the burn tool in order to create darker areas to represent the shadows of the person and the chicken. 

I then created another image, this time giving a horse wings. Overall, I like the image but prefer my first image as I think it is more surreal and striking however, I still think this image is successful.

Composite Images - Issues and where they are used

Composite Images

Personal and Ethical Issues with Composite Images -

A personal issue which could arise with composite images is that people may not wish to edit their images at all, let alone manipulate them in a surreal and possibly unethical way.

An ethical issue which could arise with composite images is that people could believe that the surreal images are real life. An ethical issue with editing in general is that it may create pressure on people in society, especially with the large media industry. Another ethical issue which is often considered in the media is the removal of areas of an image which could be upsetting to the audience. This is usually the case in some news articles.

Areas of Art and Design or Industry which may use manipulated images -

Usually, manipulated images are used in the media, film, music and fashion industry and editing is used in articles such as magazines, to remove model's imperfections. It can also be used in portraiture. This can relate to the ethical issue that some manipulated images can create pressure on people in society. Below shows some images which are either edited for the media or magazines.

In addition, some surreal artists use manipulated images to create bizarre and original images which are surreal and considered as artwork and in many cases, may be used in things such as exhibitions. In addition to this, it can be used in nature photography. Below shows some artwork which would be considered as surrealist.

 In addition to this, manipulated images are usually used in the media and more specifically news articles. In this case, areas of images may be removed which may be upsetting to the audience in order to create images which are widely acceptable to the public and also the media industry.

Define - Composite Images

Composite Images

Composite images are images of which visual elements from separate sources are placed into a single image. This creates the illusion that all of the elements are part of the same source.

Four Annotated Images

I like this image as although it is surreal and composite, it works very well and at first sight, you are unable to notice the surreal aspect but on a further glance, you are able to see the surrealist fish which is present in the image.

I really like this image as again, it is simplistic but still surreal. I like the idea of a surreal object being in the cloud. I think that during the topic, I will try to replicate this idea within my work.

I like this image as it appears quite dark and gloomy. I like how the flies are bigger than the lizard which in real life is not the case and think that the background is very effective as it makes the image eye-catching and striking.

I like this image as it is so surreal. I like the element of the ladder as it makes the lion look very big while the person looks even smaller. I think that the image is very effective and I think I will try to replicate something like this in my own work.

Connecting Essay 4

Connecting Essay 4 - Documentary Photography

Edward Thompson's Photograph -

This photograph comes from a documentary series by Edward Thompson called 'Cowboy Church'. In this image, I like the use of light and colour and also like the way that the subject appears to be aware his photo is being taken but still appears natural. As a single image, the photograph draws the viewer in and makes them curious about the individuals lifestyle. However, when you are able to view the entire series, this mystery becomes much clearer. The image makes it appear as though the subject is getting the horse ready to ride which helps to add interest to the image as it allows the viewer to think about the lifestyle of the individual in the photograph. I also like the element of culture which is bought to the image. This element is emphasised even further when you are able to see the full series. 

My Photograph -

This photograph was taken by myself during the documentary photography topic and used Edward Thompson for inspiration when I was shooting for it. I like the way that the light comes from behind in this photograph as it gives the horse a slight glow around the edge which therefore helps to draw the viewers eye to the main focus point in the image. I like how the individual in the photograph appears relaxed and natural, although is still aware that they are being photographed as this helps to make the image successful. It also makes the audience curious about the subjects lifestyle, although this becomes clear when the full series is viewed.

The Connection -

Although the two images are not 100% identical, they share a number of distinctive similarities. The first, very obvious similarity is the fact that they are both photos of people with horses and in both, the individual appears to be getting the horses ready to ride. Another way in which the two images are similar is that they both present bold and vibrant colour. This helps to make the two images attractive and appealing to the viewer and therefore helps to make them eye-catching. In this way, the two could be thought to show the formal element of colour, but in fact are part of a series of documentary photography. I like how the two images also appear to show the individuals in a natural and relaxed state as this helps to emphasise the topic of documentary photography to which they both belong. For my image, I used Edward Thompson's work as inspiration and also attempted to capture the bold and striking colours and interesting compositions which are present in all of his images. Both images are interesting and capture an essence of the featured individuals lifestyles, and coupled with their full series, make very interesting, eye-catching and effective images for the topic of documentary photography.

Documentary Photography - My Life - Work Diary

Documentary Photography - My Life - Work Diary

Evaluation

The concept behind my series for documentary photography was to portray 'My Life'. To do this, I chose to capture the outdoor element of my life, with my photographs including both my family members and animals which are part of my lifestyle. Overall, I believe that my series was successful in portraying my lifestyle and I feel that I managed to gather a wide range of interesting shots. I feel that my series presented a clear theme which therefore contributed to the series success at conveying my lifestyle. I especially like the composition of the images as I feel that they help to create interesting and eye-catching images. Some of the images have leading lines and distinctive curves within them which helped to make the images more attractive and original. In addition, I like that the images have eye-catching backgrounds. When I went out to capture my images, I firstly ensured that the it was a bright or sunny day which helped me to create eye-catching and effective images. In my images, I included many of the formal elements such as colour, depth and in many instances, lines which helped to create bold and striking images. Finally, I edited the final images in order to make them brighter and more vibrant and in many cases, I adjusted the curves and contrast of the images. Below shows some of the images which I feel are strongest and most successful at showing my lifestyle in my series.


I think that this image is strong as it is successful at showing the environment as well as showing one of the horses. I also like the way that the light falls and the shadows which have been created within the image as I feel that this helps to make the image more appealing.


I really like this image as it is simplistic but has bold and striking colours. I also like the curves which are present as this makes the image more appealing and as a result helps to draw the viewers eye into the photograph more.


I also really like this image as it is original and interesting. I like the aspect of leading lines within the image as this helps to draw in the audiences eye. I also like the way that the image has an interesting background and like the slightly distorted effect which has been created by the angle that the image was shot at.

For my shoot, I had my camera settings as f/stop 5.6 and alternated between using manual focus and autofocus and for most of my shots, had my ISO at 200. These camera settings helped me to capture interesting and effective images and were appropriate for the type of images I was shooting. 

Idea Development

If I were to improve my work, I think that I would have gone out and shot at different times of the day in order to get the different lighting. In addition, I would have chosen to go out and shoot on an even brighter day than I did as some of my images still came out slightly duller than I would have liked considering the days which I shot were nice and light. In addition to this, if I were to shoot again, I would have experimented further with different angles as the images which I captured using a slightly peculiar angle look very effective and interesting. 
I would also like to use a tripod next time I shot for this topic as I think that this way, I could have achieved even more images and would have not been limited by means of which ones I chose. Finally, I would further improve my work by including more portraits of my family members with my inspiration being the series known as 'Cowboy Church' by Ed Thompson. I like the portraits he includes in this series as you are able to clearly see the individuals lifestyle simply by looking at their expression and clothing. Here are some of these images by Ed Thompson which I would use for inspiration if I were to shoot for the topic again.

Documentary Photography - My Life

Documentary Photography - My Life

For my project on documentary photography, I chose to photograph within the topic of 'My Life'. For this, I chose to capture the outdoor element of my life. My series of images includes photographs of members of my family as well as photographs of animals which are part of my lifestyle. 

Evaluation

Overall, I feel that my series of photographs were successful at portraying my life. I really like the way that it includes photographs of family members, animals and also captures the environment. I especially like the composition of the images as I feel that these help to create interesting and eye-catching images. Some of the images also have leading lines and distinctive curves within them. This helps to make the images attractive and original. In addition, I tried to make the images interesting by ensuring that my photographs included eye-catching backgrounds. I also created more interest in some of my images by using narrow depth of field to allow certain things to be in focus which therefore helps to draw the viewers eye to certain areas. When I captured my images, I firstly ensured that it was a bright or sunny day as this helped me to create eye-catching and effective images. Finally, I edited my final images in order to make them brighter and more vibrant and in many cases, I adjusted the curves and contrast of the image. I am pleased with my final series as an outcome as I feel it shows a clear theme and therefore documents my lifestyle very well. 

Documentary Photography - My Life - Contact Sheet

Documentary Photography - My Life - Contact Sheet