Digital Photography and Imaging - Task 2B: Conceptual Photo Manipulation

02/11/2025 - 16/11/2025/Week 6 - Week 9

Cherilynn Farrencia Faustine/0384745

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND IMAGING/ Creative Media/ Taylor's University 

TASK 2B - Conceptual Photo Manipulation

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Lectures

2. Instructions

3. Task 2B - Conceptual Photo Manipulation

4. Feedback 

5. Reflection

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LECTURES

WEEK 6:

We are introduced to photography basic technique. The lighting tools and settings, also how we arrange the set. For the background, colors that are softer (white, grey, etc) are recommended for the photography to not overpowering the product. For the lighting, we could experiment with different set ups to find what works best with the object. After that, Mr. Fitri showed us some videos about the diy set up of photography, using a simple things such as paper or itches foil to make the reflector. Lastly, we are briefed to update our progress in the file that are given and in the e-portofolio.

Week 7 and 8 are consultations.

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INSTRUCTIONS

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TASK 2B - Conceptual Photo Manipulation

We are required to make one photo manipulation, combining 2 objects (or more) into 1 object using things that are available in our house. The photo used must be photographed by ourselves (not using people's asset). For the sketching part, we are required to do more than 1 sketche, but later we could choose only one to digitize it.

1. Ideas & Sketches

Before sketching, I have to picked out ideas and reference. I first do the research through Pinterest, and got some of the ideas. Also, I started to look around my house to see if there are any things that I can manipulate. 

Figure 1.1, References from Pinterest

Ideas explanation:

1. TnG card and knife

My first Idea came out according to the reference that I found on Pinterest (The knife and phone one), but then I want to change it into my TnG card.

Figure 1.2, TnG card and knife sketch

2. Any canned drink and a battery

This idea is also inspired by one of the reference. For the sketch, it came out either the battery would be the main point, or the canned drink (so there are 2 sketches). The only canned drink that I can found is Milkis, so I planned to use this as my canned drink.

Figure 1.3, Canned drink and a battery sketch (drink main point)

Figure 1.4, Canned drink and a battery sketch (battery main point)

3. Carrot and scissors

This one appeared when I was spacing out in my room. Since carrot have a bit sharp angle in the end, it would be interesting to combine scissors and carrot (as the sharp part).

Figure 1.5, Carrot and scissors

4. Sponge and noodle snack 

I got this idea when doing my dishes after dinner. I was zoning out and saw the sponge, and wondered "can I combine it with my mamee snack?". So, I started to sketch it out and it does work. I personally love this idea because it gives an unusual vibe but interesting.

Figure 1.6, Sponge and noodle snack

5. Airpods and carrot

This is the last idea that came out of my mind. First, I just casually pulling out my AirPods to listen to songs, but then I suddenly remembered the carrot that are in. the previous idea to combine it with the AirPods, so it would look like a duck. I also love this idea because it is playful and pretty unexpected, I think it would look cute. When sending to mr. Fitri, he said this idea is also nice, so I decided to go with this idea.

Figure 1.7, AirPods and carrot

For the final digitization, I pick the AirPods x Carrot one. But, I feel like I could also play around with the sponge one, so I also tried to manipulate that one for fun (The main is still AirPods).

2. Photography Process

After finishing the sketch, I begin to take a photo of my AirPods and carrot. I borrowed my friend's camera (we are allowed to use phone's camera but I think camera would be better since my friend have it) and ask her to help me with the settings. I used my drawing papers as the setting to make it look like a light box. For the lights, I use 3 lamps (table lamp, emergency lamp, and a selfie lamp). When I'm taking photo of the AirPods, mr. Fitri suggested me to use tape or whatever that are sticky so that the AirPods could stand. I finally used a double tape for it.

Figure 2.1, Photography Process

Figure 2.2, Photography Result

The AirPods one I already edited it in adobe Lightroom, meanwhile the others are raw. Those 3 raw pictures are adjusted at the digitization process later. 

3. Digitizing Process

1. Airquacks (AirPods X Carrot)

Firstly, I input all the picture in Photoshop. Then, I started to select the object that I want to use and remove the excess object. In this case, I removed the background of my AirPods and also the tape that are in the bottom of my AirPods with selection tools. Same step for the carrot.

Figure 3.1, Photo Manipulation Process#1

After that, I started to adjust the color by adding adjustment layer. I added some brightness to the carrot and also make a shadow for both the AirPods and carrot. I arranged the carrot to look more like a duck here, and removed some of the parts with eraser tool.

Figure 3.2, Photo Manipulation Process#1

For the Poster making, I want it to look like apple's advertisement style but also playful. So, I searched for some references that I can use:

Figure 3.3, Apple Ads Reference

I Noticed that apple advertisement usually emphasize the minimalistic style, often using gradient and simple color, and using a sans serif fonts to give modern feel. Also, it usually have a large size of negative spaces. After analyzing, I started to arrange my poster.

Figure 3.4, Airquacks Poster Attempts

 

I used the font Alte Haas Grotesk because I think it would fit the poster. It gives off a modern, clean, and simple vibes, just like my poster references.

Attempt#1:

It turned out too simple. the duck is in the edge, and the text is zoomed at the bottom right. After feedback, Mr. Fitri suggested me to not make the duck's arrangement in the edge, and also the text are too big.

Figure 3.5, Airquacks Poster Attempt#1

Attempt #2:

I placed the duck in the bottom. I used text that I asked ChatGPT for references-> "Design Moves in Unexpected Ways". The "01 Photo Manipulation" symbolized that this is the first object of the task (the 02 is the sponge noodle). Firstly, I separate 2 parts of the page with 2 rectangle as the background (orange and white). Then, I added a blurred circular shape and changed the blending mode into overlay to give a soft gradient effect. I added grid to make the text arrangement easier and cleaner. I use overlay blending mode for all the text and doubled the layer (to make it look darker).

Figure 3.6, Poster Process Attempt#2

Figure 3.7, Airquacks Poster Attempt#2

Attempt #3:

The text is all the same with attempt#2, but I just changed the arrangement. I wanted now the AirPods in the middle, tilted a bit to the left while the text is on the bottom right. Same method also for the text->blending modes: overlay. But I think this one poster kind of messy because of it have too many color. I also used grid for this design.

Figure 3.8, Airquacks Poster Attempt#3

Attempt #4:

I just basically modified the attempt#3 design by removing the separated part in the background and add a circular and place it on the top left. I also rearrange the text placement (But still the same method for the text->blending mode: overlay). I personally love this one because it turned out nicely, have a maintained negative spaces. I also used the same grid from the attempt#2 for this one.

Figure 3.9, Grids

Figure 3.10, Airquacks Poster Attempt#4

Attempt #5:

This one is just for fun actually. Inspired by the "Peace was never an option" duck meme.

Figure 3.11, Airquacks Poster Attempt#5

For the final result, I finally choose the Attempt#2 and Attempt#4.

2. Noodle Sponge (Noodle X Sponge)

I actually made this just for fun, but it turns out really great tho. Same steps as the first photo manipulation, I use selection tool to select the object, remove the parts that are not relevant, and adjust the color of the object to match each other. 

Figure 3.12, Photo Manipulation Process#2

All I do for the poster idea is just stack the noodle sponge since it's like a block. "Where Imagination Shapes the Future" because it fits the stacking concept of the object.

Figure 3.13, Sponge Noodle Poster Attempt

Attempt#1:

First, I stack it into 3 layers of sponge noodle blocks and added a bright circle behind it. It looks like a temple, where the sun sets behind it. It turns out pretty cute.

Figure 3.14, Sponge Noodle Poster Attempt#1

Attempt#2:

For the second one, I stack them like a lego blocks and placed them in the right bottom. It looks like a stacking tower games (IDK what the name is). I think this concept fits the text also, "Shaping the future".

Figure 3.15, Sponge Noodle Poster Attempt#2

For both posters, I also used grids (the same grid from the previous poster) to guide me for cleaner arrangements.

Figure 3.16, Grids

While asking for feedbacks, Mr. Fitri told me to just submit both of the objects because I already do both, so here I am submitting my Airquacks and Sponge Noodle :).

4. Final Result

1. Airquacks (AirPods X Carrot)

Figure 4.1, Final Result#1 (Airquacks)

Figure 4.2, Final Result#2 (Airquacks)

2. Noodle Sponge (Noodle X Sponge)

Figure 4.3, Final Result#1 (Sponge Noodle)

Figure 4.4, Final Result#2 (Sponge Noodle)

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FEEDBACK

WEEK 6:

I updated my sketches progress to mr. Fitri, and he said the duck idea one is pretty cute (I like it too). For the first attempt poster, he suggested me to not put the duck in the edge, and also the text is too big.

WEEK 8:

I send my poster progress to mr. Fitri, and he said to submit both object.

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REFLECTION

Experience: This task is fun from the beginning. I had a lot of researches in this task, but none of it interesting. So, I began to explore my house and see what can I do with them. I love how my photo manipulation turned out, especially the AirPods x carrot idea (this is cute). Also, I really liked the sponge noodle poster. 

Observations: I see that actually editing in Photoshop is not hard, but it was a struggle for a first timer like me. But the more I practice, the more I get used to it. Also, it's harder for me to gather idea than making the designs (I don't know why). Also, I realized that when you're out of idea, you have to stop forcing yourself to research and just enjoying your environment (even when you're at home) because that's where idea would appear.

Findings: I learned that ideation becomes easier when you allow yourself the experiment freely, even if the idea looked weird at the beginning. Same as the previous task, I still need to practice my Photoshop skill so that my technical skill and creativity are balanced.