Digital Photography & Imaging - Week 1

Ruchira Nowreen || 0347111
Major: Bachelor of Software Engineering || Minor: Creative Media Design || Taylor's University
Digital Photography & Imaging GCD 61204
WEEK 1: LECTURE, TUTORIAL, PRACTICAL || 28.8.2023

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MODULE INFORMATION

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LECTURE

During our first class, Mr. Fauzi provided an overview of the module, giving us insights into Digital Photography & Imaging and introducing Adobe Photoshop. Furthermore, he showcased exceptional works from previous students, serving as inspirational examples for the creative potential within the course.

Figure 1: Lecture's slide

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TUTORIAL

In the first week tutorial, we familiarized ourselves with the online learning environment using Google Classroom, facilitating access to course materials and collaboration. Additionally, we learned to navigate the Google Drive folder system for efficient document organization. The tutorial introduced the central theme of collage design, emphasizing its significance in visual communication. In preparation for the Week 2 exercise, we were guided to gather and organize design elements. Furthermore, the session included a valuable showcase of past students' collage works, providing inspiration and insights into the creative possibilities and expectations of the course.

Figure 2: Demo video provided for week 2

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PRACTICAL

The Week 1 practical session focused on practical aspects such as the creation of an E-Portfolio blog using Google Drive. Students were guided to register on Pinterest, a platform essential for design inspiration. The assignment then prompted students to curate and analyze their top three graphic design compositions from Pinterest, encouraging thoughtful reflection and expression of personal design preferences on their E-Portfolio blogs. This comprehensive approach aimed to equip students with the skills to not only showcase their work effectively but also articulate their design choices.

I started my first practical task by constructing my E-Portfolio blog using Blogspot. I looked to a provided example for inspiration and meticulously organized the blog, including crucial sections like personal information, headings, weekly task breakdowns, jump breaks, and a table of contents. This careful structuring was aimed at presenting content in a coherent and well-organized manner.

- E-portfolio Link: https://ruchiracreativedesign.blogspot.com/search/label/Digital%20Photography%20%26%20Imaging 

Following this, I registered on Pinterest, successfully completing the registration process and ensuring my account was verified. This step was essential for the next part of the task, where I delved into Pinterest to explore various graphic design compositions. 

- Pinterest Board Link: https://pin.it/6rZh48m 

After a thoughtful exploration, I picked three designs that resonated with me the most.

1. By Vaun Thygerson

Figure 3: Graphic design composition 1

REASON: The appreciation lies in the seamless integration of historical sculpture and its connection to the modern world. Also, I liked the fun and funky vibe of the artwork. The admiration is particularly directed towards the skilful graffiti or written elements, creating a captivating blend of the past and contemporary expressions.

2. By Aykut Aydogdu

Figure 4: Graphic design composition 2

REASON: I appreciate the profound impact of surrealism in this artwork, skillfully drawing out deep emotions from the character. The thoughtful consideration of color, composition, photo angle, editing, and overall meaning contributes to the overall appreciation of this piece.

3. By Eric Pause

Figure 5: Graphic design composition 3

REASON: The admiration stems from the graceful execution of fine art, achieved through the utilization of simple shapes, color shades, and the double exposure effect. These elements collectively contribute to the creation of a visually stunning composition. The beauty of the artwork lies in its simplicity, wherein basic strokes and shapes undergo a transformative process, emerging as something remarkably beautiful through the application of these techniques.

I went beyond mere aesthetic preferences, articulating the reasons behind my admiration for each design. Factors such as color schemes, layout, and overall visual impact were considered in my analysis. This exercise not only allowed me to curate a visually appealing blog but also encouraged a deeper understanding of the elements that make certain designs stand out.

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REFLECTION

In the initial week of the course, practical tasks spanned the creation of an E-Portfolio blog on Blogspot, emphasizing meticulous organization and structured presentation. The inspiration drawn from provided examples highlighted the significance of a well-organized platform for showcasing work. Concurrently, the registration on Pinterest and exploration of graphic design compositions offered a practical exercise in discerning design elements and articulating preferences.

Constructing the E-Portfolio involved careful structuring, incorporating sections like personal information and task breakdowns to ensure coherent presentation. Registering on Pinterest expanded creative horizons, allowing the thoughtful selection of three graphic designs for analysis. The exercise of articulating reasons behind design preferences not only refined critical analysis skills but also laid a foundation for expressing personal design choices.

The practical tasks undertaken in the first week provided invaluable insights into digital organization and design appreciation. The process of curating an E-Portfolio and analyzing graphic designs facilitated a deeper understanding of effective design elements, setting the stage for a nuanced approach to visual storytelling throughout the course.