These mini-projects are about flexing your Photoshop muscles and demonstrating the skills you have been building. We will have a different project about every 2 days! When you turn the assignments in, turn them into the Photoshop Bootcamp Google Photos album linked to in Google Classroom.
Photoshop Resources for you:
Our Photoshop handouts
Tool based tutorial videos: http://ephotopros.com/training/adobe-photoshop-cs3.aspx
Adobe Photoshop CS3 User Guide: http://www.adobe.com/support/documentation/archived_content/en/photoshop/cs3/photoshop_cs3_help.pdf
50 Tutorials for Clever Beginners: http://psd.tutsplus.com/articles/web/50-great-photoshop-tutorials-for-clever-beginners/ (Some links may not work)
40 Useful Photoshop Tutorials: http://designrfix.com/resources/40-useful-photoshop-tutorials-on-photo-manipulation
CS3 Tutorials from Adobe: http://www.photoshop.com/tutorials?keywords=CS3
When searching for tutorials, keep in mind we have Adobe Photoshop CS3. It's an old version, so if the tutorial you found is for a newer version, not all of the tools may exist yet (or be in the same location) in CS3. Don't get frustrated, just figure out a way around it!
Erik Johansson: Impossible Photography
We watched this video in class on 1/3.
Remember his three recommendations when manipulating photos:
Transcript of the video: https://www.ted.com/talks/erik_johansson_impossible_photography/transcript?language=en
Photoshop Resources for you:
Our Photoshop handouts
Tool based tutorial videos: http://ephotopros.com/training/adobe-photoshop-cs3.aspx
Adobe Photoshop CS3 User Guide: http://www.adobe.com/support/documentation/archived_content/en/photoshop/cs3/photoshop_cs3_help.pdf
50 Tutorials for Clever Beginners: http://psd.tutsplus.com/articles/web/50-great-photoshop-tutorials-for-clever-beginners/ (Some links may not work)
40 Useful Photoshop Tutorials: http://designrfix.com/resources/40-useful-photoshop-tutorials-on-photo-manipulation
CS3 Tutorials from Adobe: http://www.photoshop.com/tutorials?keywords=CS3
When searching for tutorials, keep in mind we have Adobe Photoshop CS3. It's an old version, so if the tutorial you found is for a newer version, not all of the tools may exist yet (or be in the same location) in CS3. Don't get frustrated, just figure out a way around it!
Erik Johansson: Impossible Photography
We watched this video in class on 1/3.
Remember his three recommendations when manipulating photos:
- Have the same perspective
- Have the type of light
- Make it seamless
Transcript of the video: https://www.ted.com/talks/erik_johansson_impossible_photography/transcript?language=en
Project Overview:
All project due dates are at the end of class on the given date
Each project will be graded individually, based on how well it meets the project expectations, utilizes the tools taught, it's creativity and it's craftsmanship. See Google Classroom for current deadlines
Project 0 - Frozen Bubble Photograph
Project 1 - True Identity
Project 2 - 2D into 3D
Project 3 - Bubble World
Project 4 - Motion
Project 5 - Slice
Project 6 - Literal Interpretations
Project 7 - Newimal
Project 8 - Double Exposure Portrait
EXTRA CREDIT - Project 9 - Camouflage
EXTRA CREDIT - Project 10 - Animate it
Final Reflection - Will be posted in Google Classroom.
HONORS - pick 1 of the 2 extra credit projects. If you chose to do the other one, it's extra credit :o)
All final projects should be posted in the Photoshop Bootcamp Google Photos Album! Please make sure you label (write a comment) the photo with what project it is.
All project due dates are at the end of class on the given date
Each project will be graded individually, based on how well it meets the project expectations, utilizes the tools taught, it's creativity and it's craftsmanship. See Google Classroom for current deadlines
Project 0 - Frozen Bubble Photograph
Project 1 - True Identity
Project 2 - 2D into 3D
Project 3 - Bubble World
Project 4 - Motion
Project 5 - Slice
Project 6 - Literal Interpretations
Project 7 - Newimal
Project 8 - Double Exposure Portrait
EXTRA CREDIT - Project 9 - Camouflage
EXTRA CREDIT - Project 10 - Animate it
Final Reflection - Will be posted in Google Classroom.
HONORS - pick 1 of the 2 extra credit projects. If you chose to do the other one, it's extra credit :o)
All final projects should be posted in the Photoshop Bootcamp Google Photos Album! Please make sure you label (write a comment) the photo with what project it is.
Project 0 - Frozen Bubble Photograph
We will do frozen bubble photography in class on 1/4. You will need to shoot, edit (for color, exposure and composition) and upload one final bubble photograph to the Google Photos Album. This photograph does not have to be the same that you use for your Bubble World base photograph.
If you are absent on 1/4, you will need to do this on your own. These photographs will be used for 2 projects! Be aware that this needs to be done in cold temperatures! Here's a good tutorial: https://www.popsci.com/how-to-freeze-soap-bubbles-into-ice-orbs but you can also just google it.
Due to Google Photos Album (see Google Classroom for the link). See Google Classroom for due date
Project 1 - True Identity
Be it a reflection in a puddle or a shadow on the wall, the objective is to use Photoshop to show an image’s true identity in its reflection or shadow. Perhaps you’ll show a wolf in sheep’s clothing or a kitten dreaming of being a lion. Be clever because the true self can only be seen in the shadows or reflection!
Here you will need to use your skills of masking, making shadows and transforming to be successful! Make sure you consider the way shadows or reflections might distort over different objects, spaces and walls (like in the sheep image below!)
- See Photoshop handouts for masking and transforming info Our Photoshop handouts
- See Project #2 for instructions on making shadows.
Consider using layer styles or just a duplicate layer to create a shadow or reflection. Don't forget about your transform tools to change the proportions to make it fit what you are planning. Maybe even use your own photos here - maybe some from your photo a day? What meaning can you create through the "true reflection"?
Examples:
https://www.flickr.com/groups/2467656@N24/
Due to Google Photos Album (see Google Classroom for the link). See Google Classroom for due date
Project 2 - Make something 2D into 3D
We talked about in class about three elements that made the examples successful: Shadows, perspective and leaving the frame. Consider how you will use those to make your work. We talked about using the distort, warp and perspective transform tools as well as how to make shadows. Ask me or each other if you have questions!
Examples:
http://apexhsart.blogspot.com/2013/12/3rd-and-4th-day-of-photoshop-2013.html
http://apexhsart.blogspot.com/2012/12/on-fourth-day-of-photoshop.html
https://www.flickr.com/groups/2467656@N24/
Due to Google Photos Album (see Google Classroom for the link). See Google Classroom for due date
How to create a drop shadow
- Delete the background from the object you want to create a shadow for (either erase it or mask it and apply the layer mask)
- Make sure you have the layer of your object selected.
- Choose The Later style button at the bottom of the Layers panel (looks like a little “F”)
- Select Drop Shadow. Set your settings
- To change your drop shadow later, just double click the layer style for drop shadow in your Layers palette.
How to create a cast shadow:
http://photoshopcafe.com/tutorials/cast_shadow/cast_shadow.htm
- Create a drop shadow on your object
- Make sure you have the layer of your object selected.
- In the layers panel, right click the drop shadow layer. You will see a drop down menu. Choose the option called Create Layer
- Move, distort and resize the shadow to create the cast shadow
- Consider masking with a gradient to make the shadow fade.
Project 3 - Bubble World
We will use our masking skills and utilize blending modes to insert a new world onto one of our bubble photographs. You may also want to utilize the spherize filter or your warp, distort and perspective tools in your transform tools to shape your new world to the shape of the bubble.
Helpful tutorial: digital-photography-school.com/how-to-make-a-bubble-portrait-using-photoshop-cs3/
How creative can you get? Ask me or each other if you have questions!
Due to Google Photos Album (see Google Classroom for the link). See Google Classroom for due date
Project 4 - Motion
By using the right object and just enough blur you can make sure your object in motion will tend to stay in motion.
Consider motion or stylize based filters, masking and smart objects to help you with the process
Motion based filters are under:
Filters > Blur OR
Filters > Stylize (Wind)
But other filters may give you motion effects
Make a Smart Object (see handout). Remember smart objects let you mask with filters.
Right Click layer to change
Choose "Convert to Smart Object".
Examples
http://apexhsart.blogspot.com/2011/12/on-sixth-day-of-photoshop-my-students.html
https://www.flickr.com/groups/2467656@N24/
Tutorials:
Please keep in mind that some of the tutorials may have been created in a different version of Photoshop, so some of the options may be different.
http://www.photoshopessentials.com/photo-effects/motion-blur/
http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-create-a-motion-blur-effect-in-photoshop
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxJwkPrlXSw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8sTxPBtt8A
http://www.ephotozine.com/article/how-to-create-motion-blur-in-photoshop-13112
http://phlearn.com/create-blur-photoshop
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/how-to-create-realistic-motion-blur-in-photoshop/
Due to Google Photos Album (see Google Classroom for the link). See Google Classroom for due date
By using the right object and just enough blur you can make sure your object in motion will tend to stay in motion.
Consider motion or stylize based filters, masking and smart objects to help you with the process
Motion based filters are under:
Filters > Blur OR
Filters > Stylize (Wind)
But other filters may give you motion effects
Make a Smart Object (see handout). Remember smart objects let you mask with filters.
Right Click layer to change
Choose "Convert to Smart Object".
Examples
http://apexhsart.blogspot.com/2011/12/on-sixth-day-of-photoshop-my-students.html
https://www.flickr.com/groups/2467656@N24/
Tutorials:
Please keep in mind that some of the tutorials may have been created in a different version of Photoshop, so some of the options may be different.
http://www.photoshopessentials.com/photo-effects/motion-blur/
http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-create-a-motion-blur-effect-in-photoshop
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxJwkPrlXSw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8sTxPBtt8A
http://www.ephotozine.com/article/how-to-create-motion-blur-in-photoshop-13112
http://phlearn.com/create-blur-photoshop
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/how-to-create-realistic-motion-blur-in-photoshop/
Due to Google Photos Album (see Google Classroom for the link). See Google Classroom for due date
Project 5 - Sliced!
Take something and slice it so we see the insides! It can be realistic or not, but show us what's inside! What you choose and how you slice it is up to you however your best bet is to consider matching shapes, colors, textures and contours carefully. As always, take care with selections and cuts. Craftsmanship makes all the difference!
You will need to use your masking and transforming skills. You may have to duplicate images so you can stack them on top of one another. You may also have to employ your clone stamping skills (remember to clone stamp on a new layer so you can control it's transparency!).
Examples:
http://apexhsart.blogspot.com/search?q=slice
https://www.flickr.com/groups/2467656@N24/
Or consider a different type of slicing - look at Make Something Cool Everyday's sliced images:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/laserbread/sets/72157612019716787/
Due to Google Photos Album (see Google Classroom for the link). See Google Classroom for due date
Project 6 - Literal Interpretations
Choose a compound word and create what it represents literally! What would a fly look like if it were on fire? Firefly. What would a skate look like if it were bored? Skateboard.
What can you do to make it funny and/or smart and realistic – make the audience question the reality you are creating!
Examples:
http://apexhsart.blogspot.com/search?q=literal+interpretations
https://www.flickr.com/groups/2467656@N24/
Stuck for words? Here's a list!
http://www.learningdifferences.com/Main%20Page/Topics/Compound%20Word%20Lists/Compound_Word_%20Lists_complete.htm
Due to Google Photos Album (see Google Classroom for the link). See Google Classroom for due date
Make sure you post the compound word as your title!
Click on the images below for captions of what the words were!
Choose a compound word and create what it represents literally! What would a fly look like if it were on fire? Firefly. What would a skate look like if it were bored? Skateboard.
What can you do to make it funny and/or smart and realistic – make the audience question the reality you are creating!
Examples:
http://apexhsart.blogspot.com/search?q=literal+interpretations
https://www.flickr.com/groups/2467656@N24/
Stuck for words? Here's a list!
http://www.learningdifferences.com/Main%20Page/Topics/Compound%20Word%20Lists/Compound_Word_%20Lists_complete.htm
Due to Google Photos Album (see Google Classroom for the link). See Google Classroom for due date
Make sure you post the compound word as your title!
Click on the images below for captions of what the words were!
Project 7- Newimal
Using all of your skills you have to this point - combine at least 3 (shoot for more!) different animals to make a new breed! Make the transition between animals as seamless as possible. Clone stamping (especially at a lower opacity) will be your friend! You must also match lighting, exposure and color across images to help them feel like they are part of the same image.
Examples:
http://apexhsart.blogspot.com/2013/09/your-fall-2013-newimals-part-1.html
http://apexhsart.blogspot.com/2013/02/2013-spring-newimals.html
http://apexhsart.blogspot.com/search/label/newimaltop14
https://www.flickr.com/groups/2467656@N24/
Due to Google Photos Album (see Google Classroom for the link). See Google Classroom for due date
Make sure you post the newimal's name as your title!
Using all of your skills you have to this point - combine at least 3 (shoot for more!) different animals to make a new breed! Make the transition between animals as seamless as possible. Clone stamping (especially at a lower opacity) will be your friend! You must also match lighting, exposure and color across images to help them feel like they are part of the same image.
Examples:
http://apexhsart.blogspot.com/2013/09/your-fall-2013-newimals-part-1.html
http://apexhsart.blogspot.com/2013/02/2013-spring-newimals.html
http://apexhsart.blogspot.com/search/label/newimaltop14
https://www.flickr.com/groups/2467656@N24/
Due to Google Photos Album (see Google Classroom for the link). See Google Classroom for due date
Make sure you post the newimal's name as your title!
Project 8 - Levitation
Formerly Double Exposure Project - we'll be doing that later
Can you fly? Sure you can - with the help of Photoshop! In this project, you will use your developing Photoshop skills to levitate someone (or yourself, animals or objects!). Use your skills in masking, composition, creativity and color balancing. I expect these to be creative, complete compositions. Tell a story, just don't execute the technique!
For this project, you must use all of your own photos! And you must utilize a tripod!!!
Honors twist: Include 2 people or animals OR at least 3 additional objects to your single person!
Tutorials and examples:
Tutorials:
www.freedigitalphotographytutorials.com/photography-ideas/photography-tricks-revealed-how-to-make-someone-levitate-or-fly/
bloggerspath.com/15-levitation-photography-tutorials/
petapixel.com/2016/10/18/levitation-photos-plus-tips-tricks/
petapixel.com/2015/02/10/levitation-photography-tutorial/
Examples of levitation:
yowayowacamera.com/banana/
www.hongkiat.com/blog/levitation-photography/
Due to Google Photos Album (see Google Classroom for the link). See Google Classroom for due date
Hints and Tips:
- Shooting Tips:
- Shooting in manual mode with manual exposure AND manual focus will ensure that neither the exposure nor focus point will drift when shooting (just don’t bump your focus). Ensuring that these photos are identically framed and exposed will make the final compositing in Photoshop the easiest.
- We will want to take two photos with the camera in the exact same position with identical framing. A tripod is absolutely necessary when shooting this kind of levitation portrait.
- You’re gonna want to experiment with supports of different shapes, sizes, and angles. The universal key here is get something with a low profile (think exercise bench). The less you have to take out in post, the easier it is.
- Shooting in manual mode with manual exposure AND manual focus will ensure that neither the exposure nor focus point will drift when shooting (just don’t bump your focus). Ensuring that these photos are identically framed and exposed will make the final compositing in Photoshop the easiest.
- Posing Tips:
- It’s important to find a pose that doesn’t look too much like your subject is supported on a stool. If they’re just sitting on their bum or standing on the stool, it will likely be obvious that there is something supporting them and that it was just ‘shopped out.
- The best way for your subject to support themselves is on their back, chest or stomach. Since humans rarely support themselves with solely their back, chest or stomach, it makes it less apparent how they are supported in the final photo.
- Another way to avoid the “copy-paste” look is to make sure your model makes contact with the environment in unique ways. The idea is that if they’re floating up in the sky without any connection to the scene, it looks fake. But by making sure to get a shadow, reflection, hand on the ground, or even some hair falling it lets the viewers brain know “oh yeah, she’s there” Try to include at least 2 “connections” if you really want to sell the effect.
- Get Low: The lower your viewing angle, the larger the gap between the subject and the ground. If you’re too high up, it doesn’t matter if there are 2 inches or 2 feet there, it still looks like they’re on the ground. So get low, create that cap and sell the effect.
- Put your supports in places that arch normally or aren’t meant to be load bearing parts of your body. (lower back, back of the heels). These are also places where there isn’t much skin or fat to “flatten out” and look like its being molded to something.
- The key is flowy, see-thru fabric. Lots of misdirection and motion keeps the viewers eye guessing as to how much movement and support actually was there. I like white dresses and skirts.
- Body language: This ones is really hard—certainly the most time-consuming part of the process. Turns out it’s really really difficult to make someone look like they’re floating peacefully and not straining at being upside down or balancing on one foot; however, there are a few ways to help this along:
- (1) Relaxed expressions. If you come from a portrait background this is a bit easier. Do your little comedy bit or whatever that brings out a smile, this will relax the neck and shoulders as well.
- (2) Hands shouldn’t be clenched or open flexed. If you imagine yourself floating, your hands would just kinda be in that half-claw. Maybe even some fingers out all Sherlock Holmes style.
- (3) Try to keep those toes pointed; basically the same advice as number 2, but for feet. If you were floating there would be no reason for flat feet.
- (1) Relaxed expressions. If you come from a portrait background this is a bit easier. Do your little comedy bit or whatever that brings out a smile, this will relax the neck and shoulders as well.
- It’s important to find a pose that doesn’t look too much like your subject is supported on a stool. If they’re just sitting on their bum or standing on the stool, it will likely be obvious that there is something supporting them and that it was just ‘shopped out.
EXTRA CREDIT PROJECTS
Project 9 - Camouflage
Can you make something seem like it isn't even there by camouflaging it in Photoshop? Consider also adding some deeper meaning to it by considering what things people, society, organizations or even animals may try to hide from others' eyes.
Technically, consider clone stamping on a different layer and playing with that layer's opacity and blending mode to help create your camouflaging effect. And don't forget about masking! Maybe even use your own photos here - maybe some from your photo a day?
Examples:
https://www.flickr.com/groups/2467656@N24/
Real camouflage photos of animals from Art Wolfe
http://www.feeldesain.com/animals-camouflage-art-wolfe.html
Due to Google Photos Album (see Google Classroom for the link). See Google Classroom for due date
Project 10 - Animate It!
In this project, you will animate an image that you create! I want you to either draw your animation yourself (and upload photos of it) or create a merged photograph to create your animation from. You can also draw directly into Photoshop! You can also draw in Photoshop on top of your drawings you create outside of Photoshop!
Get creative and show excellent craftsmanship!
I would like you to have at least 15 frames in your animation.
To create your animation:
Examples:
Please note that these examples are taken from children's drawings
http://apexhsart.blogspot.com/2013/12/9th-day-of-photoshop.html
http://apexhsart.blogspot.com/2012/12/on-eight-day-of-photoshop_14.html
Due to Google Photos Album (see Google Classroom for the link). See Google Classroom for due date
Project 9 - Camouflage
Can you make something seem like it isn't even there by camouflaging it in Photoshop? Consider also adding some deeper meaning to it by considering what things people, society, organizations or even animals may try to hide from others' eyes.
Technically, consider clone stamping on a different layer and playing with that layer's opacity and blending mode to help create your camouflaging effect. And don't forget about masking! Maybe even use your own photos here - maybe some from your photo a day?
Examples:
https://www.flickr.com/groups/2467656@N24/
Real camouflage photos of animals from Art Wolfe
http://www.feeldesain.com/animals-camouflage-art-wolfe.html
Due to Google Photos Album (see Google Classroom for the link). See Google Classroom for due date
Project 10 - Animate It!
In this project, you will animate an image that you create! I want you to either draw your animation yourself (and upload photos of it) or create a merged photograph to create your animation from. You can also draw directly into Photoshop! You can also draw in Photoshop on top of your drawings you create outside of Photoshop!
Get creative and show excellent craftsmanship!
I would like you to have at least 15 frames in your animation.
To create your animation:
- Create multiple layers that are slightly different from one another (the smaller the changes, the smoother the animation). Mask, transform, etc. as needed. The layers must be the full image for the frame (background and all individual layers merged into one layer).
- So you might need to duplicate your background a few times! To duplicate a layer, right-click it and choose duplicate layer
- To merge multiple layers into one, CTRL Click the layers to merge. Then Right-click and choose "Merge Layers" Make sure the layers you are merging are visable.
- Arrange your layers in the correct order (first being at the bottom of your layers palette)
- Bring up the Animation Palette by going to the Window Menu > Animation
- In the options menu of the Animation Palette (the three little lines on the top right of the palette), choose "Make Frames from Layers". Photoshop will automatically make your individual frames from your layers.
- You can delete frames using the trash can.
- You can adjust the timing of each frame by clicking the downwards facing triangle under each frame and adjusting the time.
- You can tween your frames (adding more frames in between existing frames) by choosing "Tween" from the options menu in the animation palette.
- When ready to save, Choose File > Save for Web and Devices. Choose GIF from the dropdown menu (most likely says JPG to start). Leave the other settings as they are defaulted.
- Please save your Photoshop File and your animated GIF file in the Art Drive > DIgital Art 1 > Photoshop Bootcamp > Project 10 - Animate it folder. Please also upload it to Flickr. However, Flickr will not allow you to see the animation unless you download the original size of the GIF file and view it that way.
Examples:
Please note that these examples are taken from children's drawings
http://apexhsart.blogspot.com/2013/12/9th-day-of-photoshop.html
http://apexhsart.blogspot.com/2012/12/on-eight-day-of-photoshop_14.html
Due to Google Photos Album (see Google Classroom for the link). See Google Classroom for due date