Multiple Mes In Process Critique

Today’s essential question: What can I add or change about my project to make sure it fulfills all requirements?

Today we will critique our Multiple Mes projects so far with assigned groups. You will check to see how well the project follows each of the guidelines listed below, and answer the questions below about the feedback you received on YOUR project in a new blog post.

In Process Critique Questions:

• Is the project an original, realistic scene created from a minimum of ten images? What needs to be added or changed?
  • Minimum of 3 clones photographed during class
  • Background created from a variety of images
  • Realistic background, middle ground, and foreground created through use of Photoshop layers (ie there must be overlap)
  • No copyrighted characters
• How would you describe the craftsmanship on the project? What could be improved?
  • No pixelation
  • Background cleanly removed
  • Images Photographed from appropriate angles
  • Lighting matches up
  • Scale and proportion makes sense

Groups:

• Beatrix, Asher, Nicky, Jeanelly
• Son’ger, Tyree, Lamya
• Daneisha, Alexis, Alicia, Mara
• Isaiah, Isaias, Hakim, Arleigh
• Darnell, Antonio

Today we will:

• Critique our Multiple Mes projects so far with 1-2 classmates. Write the feedback in a new blog post. You will reference this feedback as you continue to work on your Multiple Mes project.
• Continue working on our Multiple Mes projects, incorporating any feedback we received during today’s in progress critique
• Upload both the PSD and PNG of our progress to our Google Drives
• Create a new blog post with the following:
  • a PNG of our progress
  • the feedback you received during today’s peer critique
  • what you worked on during today’s class, and what you still need to do to finish your project

Multiple Mes Day 6: Lighting with Filters, Dodge, and Burn

Today’s essential question: How can I use filters and the dodge and burn tools to match the lighting throughout my Photoshop collage?

Thursday will be our last class on this project. By this point, you should have started combining your images in Photoshop to create a scene. The lighting likely differs throughout, making it obvious that the scene was created from several different images. Today we will learn how to create the illusion of cohesive lighting through filters and the dodge and burn tools.

Adjusting Color with Photo Filters

For an image to look cohesive, the lighting needs to be consistent throughout. The image below was clearly Photoshopped because Mckenzie is not as blue as the background:

We can change that by using Photo filters.

1. First, select the layer with Mckenzie on it in the layers palette on the bottom right hand side of the screen. At the top of the screen, go to Image -> Adjustments -> Photo Filter
   
2. We can then select different photo filters from the drop down menu, and preview them to see which one is the best fit. Similarly, we can also preview the intensity of the filter by adjusting the slider. For this particular image, the Cyan filter at 40% seems to create the most realistic effect:
   
   

Now let’s see if we can create a similarly realistic effect with a warmer background. Once again, notice how the original photo looks awkward when first placed in the scene:

1. Once again, we will select the layer with Mckenzie on it in the layers palette on the bottom right hand side of the screen. At the top of the screen, go to Image -> Adjustments -> Photo Filter. This time, the Warming Filter (85) at 60% seems to create the most realistic effect:
   
   

Establishing a Clear Light Source with the Dodge and Burn Tools

Photo filters match the colors of each piece of the photo collage, but for a truly unified image, we will need to establish a clear light source. This is where the dodge and burn tools come in. They will allow us to add highlights (dodge tool) and shadows (burn tool) in a similar manner to traditional drawing.

In the image with Mckenzie, the fire is a natural light source. Therefore, we will want to darken the left side of Mckenzie, the bottom portion of Mckenzie, the ground area around Mckenzie and the fire, and the bottom portion of the logs.

1. First, we will select the burn tool  from the tool bar on the left side of the screen.
2. Next we will adjust the settings at the top of the screen. It works best if you set the exposure of the burn tool low, and darken your desired area slowly. This is how I have set my burn tool:
   
3. Now select your desired layer in the layers palette on the lower right side of the screen. I always duplicate the layer (Layer -> duplicate layer) before dodging or burning it, so I can go back to the original layer if I mess up.
4. Paint your desired area with the burn tool. You can adjust the size of the brush at the top of the screen, or by using the right and left brackets. Slowly shade the areas you want to darken just as you would with a pencil. You will have to select each layer in the layers palette on the lower right side of the screen before you can use the burn tool on any objects in that layer. Notice how we have now created a clear light source by painting shadows with the burn tool:
   
5. If you would like to highlight any parts of the image, click and hold on the burn tool in the tool bar on the left side of the screen. The dodge tool  should appear in a drop down menu below it. Select the dodge tool, adjust the setting at the top of the screen so the exposure is set to 15-25%, and paint as needed to create highlights.

Here is a side by side comparison of the original collage, as well as the collage after we have applied photo filters and the burn tool:

Before

After (photo filter + burn tool)

Be careful not to go overboard with the dodge and burn tools:

Today we will:

• Continue building our scenes in Photoshop
• Create cohesive lighting using photo filters, dodge, and burn
• Create a new blog post with the following:
  • An image of your progress so far
  • A few sentences describing any challenges you faced today, how you worked through those challenges, and what you would like help with

Multiple Mes Day 5: Using layers to create a realistic scene

Today’s essential question: How can I use layers to create a realistic scene with a foreground, middle ground, and background in Photoshop?

I created this photo of puppies on vacation with many layers in Photoshop:

Here is what the layers palette looks like:

Here is a step by step process for building the scene with layers:

Using foreground, middle ground, and background will help your characters look like they are actually in the scene, versus on top of an existing image. How will you use layers in Photoshop to create a realistic environment? What are some things you could add to your foreground?

Today we will:

• Continue building our scenes in Photoshop
• Upload our progress to our shared Foundations 1 folders in Google Drive
• Create a new blog post with the following:
  • PNG images of anything you worked on today
  • a few sentences describing what you found easy, as well as any challenges or things you would like extra help with

Multiple Mes Day 4: Combining images to build a unique setting

Today’s essential question: How can I combine images to build a unique setting for my story?

Today we will remove backgrounds from images we will use in our digital collage. If you have taken your green screen photos, you should remove the backgrounds from them. Otherwise, you will download pieces of your scene and remove the backgrounds from the various pieces that will comprise your setting.

If you have not yet taken the photos of yourself or your classmates for this project, please do so this class.

Creating a setting

You must photoshop at least 5 different images together for your background or setting.  (So, for example, you cannot just put the images you photographed in front of the green screen into an existing photograph – you must add at least 2, preferably more, other items to customize your scene.) The emptier the scene you start with, the better. For example, the image below is terrible for the purposes of the project, because it is already full of cars and people, so we have no room to add our own:

The next image is much better, because it has space to add whatever cars or people we would like, giving us complete control over the mood we establish:

Here is another example. These wooded scenes are all a great place to start because they have ample space in the foreground to add other imagery:

Here are some extra images that might make the scene more interesting:

 

Today we will:

• Continue working on our Multiple Mes project
• Publish a new blog post with the work completed today
• Upload our work to our Google Drives

Multiple Mes Day 3: Common Multiple Mes Photography Mistakes

Today’s essential question: What are some common issues that arise when taking photos for the multiple mes project? How can we prevent them?

Today we will continue photographing ourselves, trying to prevent common photography mistakes. We will post any photos we have taken today to our class blogs, and will also upload them to our shared Google Drive folders.

If you have already taken your photos, you may begin removing the backgrounds using either the Procreate app on the iPads or Photoshop on the computers. You must have uploaded your photos to your Google Drive for this to work, and you must upload the photos to your Google Drive again after you have removed the backgrounds.

Here are some examples of what I am looking for in today’s blog posts:

• Photos taken during class
• PNGs of photos with backgrounds removed

Common Multiple Mes Photography Mistakes

Camera angles do not match

Why it happens: Different photos are taken from different camera angles. These photos then will not work together if composited into the same image in Photoshop.

How to prevent it: Set up a tripod to your desired height and camera angle, and keep it consistent as you photograph all of your subjects. Make sure the angle of the camera matches the angle of your background scene.

Motion Blur

Why it happens: The subject moves before the camera finishes taking the photo.

How to prevent it: Use a quick shutter speed (if you have a DSLR). If you can’t control the shutter speed manually, force the camera to use a quick shutter speed by providing sufficient light and using a tripod to steady the camera. Remind your model to remain as still as possible.

Subject is not Realistically Posed

Why it happens: The model awkwardly acts out a pose without the necessary props, and consequently, poses themselves incorrectly. When the scene and props are later added in Photoshop, they do not fit or look strange.

How to prevent it: Provide the model with placeholder props and scenery that mimic the size and shape of whatever will be added in Photoshop. It’s amazing how much simple objects such as boxes, paper towel rolls, rope, and stuffed animals can help the model pose properly.

Bonus Tip: Place Green Screen on Ground to Easily Capture Action Shots

Today we will:

• Take photos in the hallway for our Multiple Mes project
• Upload any photos taken today to our shared class folders in our Google Drive
• Remove the backgrounds using either the Procreate app on the iPads or Photoshop on the computers
• Create a new  blog post with the following:
  • images of any work created today
  • a brief reflection of any challenges you faced, how you worked through those challenges, and what you would like help with

Multiple Mes Day 2: Featured Artist Tim Burton

Today’s essential question: How can I pose in front of a green screen to create interactive clones in my final project?

Today we will look at how director Tim Burton utilized green screen technology for his 2010 production of Alice In Wonderland. We will then finish our project proposals.

What are some connections between Tim Burton’s work and our Multiple Mes Project?

Here are some stills from Alice in Wonderland:

And here are some images depicting what was actually filmed in front of a green screen:

What surprises you? What ideas have these behind-the-scenes images given you for your own project?

Want to learn more? This article covers Tim Burton’s utilization of a green screen and other special effects.

Incomplete Assignments (please finish before Multiple Mes):

• Darnell (Silhouette Self-Portrait, Artist Statement)
• Antonio (Silhouette Self-Portrait, Artist Statement)
• Lamya (Silhouette Self-Portrait, Artist Statement)
• Arleigh (Silhouette Self-Portrait, Artist Statement)
• Tyree (Silhouette Self-Portrait needs more images – minimum 10 images)
• Isaias (Silhouette Self-Portrait, Artist Statement)
• Alicia (Silhouette Self-Portrait, Artist Statement)
• Isaiah (Silhouette Self-Portrait, Artist Statement)
• Jessie (Silhouette Self-Portrait, Artist Statement)

Today we will:

• Discuss the work of Tim Burton and how it applies to our Multiple Mes project
• Begin shooting green screen photos (if we finished our project proposals – Asher is the only one who is ready to take photos)
• Upload any photos taken today to our shared class folders in Google Drive
• Finish our Multiple Mes project proposals (if we have not done so already)
• Publish today’s work to our blogs. No blog post = 0 participation!

New Project: Multiple Mes

Essential Question:  How can I tell a story with a digital collage in Adobe Photoshop?

Today we will introduce our next project, a Multiple Mes Photoshop Collage. We will photograph ourselves and our classmates, and then build a scene in Photoshop that tells a story using these photos. You will create your own background by combining images you have taken yourself with images you have found online.

Here are some examples of past student work:

Credit: Aleesa

Credit: Mokhtar

Credit: Oliver

Credit: Madeline

Credit: Charlese

Credit: Alyssa

Credit: Akirah

Project Requirements:

• Created in Adobe Photoshop
• Minimum size: 8×10″ @ 300 DPI
• Original, realistic scene created from a minimum of ten images
  • Minimum of 3 clones photographed during class
  • Background created from a variety of images taken by student or downloaded from the internet (minimum 8MP). Any internet images must be noticeably modified to create your own unique scene.
  • Realistic background, middle ground, and foreground created through use of Photoshop layers
  • No copyrighted characters
• High Quality Craftsmanship
  • No pixelation
  • Background cleanly removed
  • Images Photographed from appropriate angles
  • Lighting matches up
  • Scale and proportion makes sense
• Final Blog post includes:
  • PNG of final image
  • 150 word Artist Statement

Today’s Assignment: Project Proposal Blog Post

Today we will publish our project proposals to our blogs.
Aleesa and Tianna have created great examples of what I am looking for.

Your Multiple Mes Project Proposal should contain the following:

• Sketch (including the background/scene)
• Paragraph describing your concept. Include the following:
  • Describe your concept
  • What will you photograph for your 3-6 green screen images?
  • What background or scene will you use?
  • What extra images or accessories will you add?
  • What costumes or props will you need to bring in next class for the green screen photography portion?
• Any images you may use from the internet (background should be larger than 12MP, other images should be larger than 2MP). The Pexels website has thousands of great royalty-free photos.

Today we will:

• Introduce the Multiple Mes project
• Brainstorm concepts.
• Create a new blog post with our project idea & sketch

 

Symbolic Silhouette Self-Portrait Day 6: Featured Artist: Guiseppe Arcimboldo

Today’s essential question: How can I write an artist statement about my work?

Today we will finish our symbolic silhouette self portraits. Then we will publish a final blog post with our finished artwork and an artist statement about our work.

Here are some great examples of final blog posts by previous 9th grade students:

• Mercedes
• Aleesa
• Jaelin

Giuseppe Arcimboldo (1526 or 1527 – 1593)

Giuseppe Arcimboldo was an Italian painter best known for creating imaginative portrait heads made entirely of objects traditionally found in still life paintings (eg. fruits, vegetables, flowers, fish, and books). He painted these objects arranged in such a way that the whole collection of objects formed a recognizable likeness of the portrait subject. He often used objects that represented the subject he was painting, such as a librarian composed entirely of books.

Here are some examples of his work:

 

How is your project similar to Guiseppe Arcimboldo’s paintings? How is it different?

Today we will:

• Finish our silhouette self portraits
• upload both the Photoshop (.psd) and PNG files of our final projects to our Foundations 1 Google Drive Folders
• create a new blog post with the following
  • a PNG of our finished project
  • a 150 word artist statement about our project. Not sure what to write? Start by answering the following questions:
    • Describe your artwork
      • What does your artwork look like?
      • What is the subject matter?
      • What art elements or principles are most obvious in your work?
    • How did you create your art?
      • What media is your artwork made from?
      • Describe the process or steps you took to create your artwork.
    • What is the big idea behind your artwork?
      • Who or what inspired your artwork?
      • What is your artwork about?
      • How do you want people to feel when they view your artwork?
    • Overall thoughts
      • What did you learn from creating this artwork?
      • Is the final piece what you imagined? How so?
      • What did you do well? What could you have done better?
    • Here are some great examples of final blog posts by previous 9th grade students:
      • Mercedes
      • Aleesa
      • Jaelin

 

Symbolic Silhouette Self-Portrait Day 5: Using a mask to fill in our background with an image

Today’s essential question: How can I create contrast between the inside of my silhouette and my background?

Today we will use the mask tool to fill in our background with an image.

Having trouble finding large enough images?

Sign up for a free account on the Pexels website and you’ll have access to thousands of great royalty-free photos.

Next class, we will critique our near-finished projects with a partner, and then spend the rest of the class period finishing our projects and making the changes suggested by the peer critique.

How to Use the Mask Tool

1. Open your project Photoshop file (the one that ends with .psd, NOT .png).
2. Open whatever image you would like to fill the negative space portion of your project.
3. Drag whatever image you would like to fill the negative space portion of your project into the project Photoshop file.
   
4. If it is the wrong orientation (such as my example where it is landscape instead of portrait), rotate the image.
   Edit -> Transform -> Rotate 90 CW (or CCW – your choice)
   
5. Scale it so it fills the screen (Edit -> Free Transform). Remember to hold down the shift key and scale from the corner so you do not distort the proportions of the image. Also, do not make an image much larger – it will pixelate and look blurry when printed.
   
6. In the layers palette on the bottom right side of the screen, click on the eye next to this layer to make it temporarily invisible.
   
7. Click on the layer titled “negative space.” It should turn blue to show it has been selected.
   
8. Your project should now look like this (you may have images inside your silhouette):
   
9. Select the magic wand tool form the toolbar on the left side of the screen.
10. Click on any part of the negative space layer that has been painted. It should now be outlined with dotted lines.
    
11. In the layers palette on the bottom right side of the screen, click on the eye next to this layer to make it invisible.
    Your project should now look like this:
    
12. Now click on the eye space next to the layer that contains the image you want to fill in your background. This will make the layer visible.
    
13. Click on the layer itself to select it. It should turn blue.
    
14. Click on the mask tool at the bottom of the layers palette.
15. This should hide everything but the background area:
    

Today we will:

• Learn how to use the mask tool to fill in our background with an image
• Continue working on our projects
• Save our projects as both as (Photoshop) .psd and .png, upload both files to our school Google Drives, and create a new blog post with the PNG of our progress

Symbolic Silhouette Self-Portrait Day 4: Unity of Color

Today’s essential question: How can I create unity throughout my piece with color?

An artwork has unity when its different parts go together. One way to create unity is to repeat the same colors throughout a piece.

How have your classmates created unity in their silhouettes so far?

Nicky

Daneisha

Alexis

Isaiah

Why does this piece not feel unified, even though all of the photos show food?

Need more images?

Create an account on the Pixabay website to get access to over a million free images.

Today we will:

• Continuing removing the background from each image using the eraser or magic wand and saving the individual files as .PSDs
• Continue dragging the images with the backgrounds removed into our silhouette file, making sure we are creating unity with common colors
• Save our file as both a Photoshop and PNG
• Upload both files to our Google Drive
• Create a new blog post with the following:
  • PNG of our silhouette progress (no one will finish today)
  • a few sentences describing what was easy and what was difficult