Digital Photography & Imaging - Week 10

Ruchira Nowreen || 0347111
Major: Bachelor of Software Engineering || Minor: Creative Media Design || Taylor's University
Digital Photography & Imaging GCD 61204
WEEK 10: LECTURE, TUTORIAL, PRACTICAL || 30.10.2023

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LECTURE

During today's session, Mr. Fauzi provided us with an overview and fundamental insights into After Effects and Premiere Pro. This introduction is aimed at providing clarity as we approach the animation aspects of our upcoming Project 4. After Effects, a robust 2.5D animation software, was highlighted for its versatility in animation, visual effects, and motion picture compositing. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for our exploration of these powerful tools, ensuring that we are well-prepared to bring our creative ideas to life through dynamic and visually compelling animations in the upcoming project.

Figure 1: Lecture's slide

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TUTORIAL

During the tutorial session, Mr. Fauzi conducted a demonstration using After Effects, with a particular emphasis on advanced keyframes.

Figure 2: Demo video 1

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PRACTICAL

This week's practical session involves downloading a provided image and utilizing Adobe After Effects to create animations. A detailed demonstration video was provided for our convenience.

Figure 3: Demo video 2

Figure 4: Provided PSD

STEP BY STEP WORKING PROCESS

STEP 1:

Initiating the process, I imported the PSD file into Adobe After Effects. Subsequently, I focused on the projector, implementing position keyframes on the time ruler. This action was aimed at creating a dynamic entry for the projector, causing it to pop up and bounce from the bottom center, thereby enhancing its entrance into the frame.

STEP 2:

Moving on to the second character, the shark, I selected and applied position keyframes on the time ruler. Strategically maneuvering the shark diagonally in and out of the frame, I orchestrated various movements – entering from the bottom right, exiting to the left, entering from the left, exiting to the right, gradually moving upward, and finally entering from the top right and exiting diagonally, creating the impression of consuming the frame contents. To heighten the dramatic effect, I incorporated two frames with distinct positions, allowing the shark to perform repetitive motions reminiscent of breaking through the surface of the sea.

STEP 3:

Continuing with the fencer, I synchronized the movements with the shark, giving the appearance of the fencer either standing or riding the shark in a combined display. By placing position path keyframes on the time ruler, I orchestrated the fencer's entrance from both the left and right sides of the frame.

STEP 4:

Shifting focus to the typewriter, I selected and positioned it with keyframes on the time ruler. This caused the typewriter to enter from the left and execute a seamless rotation upon entering the frame. I introduced multiple rotations while also adjusting its position, aiming to emphasize a bouncing effect during its entry.

FINAL ARTWORK

Figure 5: Final AE video

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REFLECTION

This week's exploration into Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro marked a significant step forward in our journey towards mastering animation techniques for Project 4. Mr. Fauzi's thorough overview of these powerful tools laid a solid foundation for our understanding, emphasizing their roles in animation, visual effects, and motion picture compositing. The introduction to After Effects, in particular, highlighted its versatility as a 2.5D animation software, sparking excitement for the creative possibilities ahead.

The tutorial session, focused on advanced keyframes in After Effects, provided a deeper dive into the intricacies of animation. Learning how to manipulate keyframes for nuanced effects was enlightening and will undoubtedly prove invaluable as we tackle more complex animation projects. The hands-on nature of the practical session, where we animated elements of a provided image, allowed us to directly apply our newfound knowledge. It was satisfying to see how individual components, like the projector, shark, fencer, and typewriter, could be brought to life through precise keyframe movements.

This week's tasks provided a harmonious blend of theory and practice, reinforcing our understanding of animation concepts and expanding our proficiency in After Effects. As we progress further into Project 3, I am eager to leverage these tools to bring our creative visions to life, embracing the challenges and opportunities that advanced animation techniques present. The integration of theoretical insights, practical exercises, and hands-on experimentation has been instrumental in enhancing both our understanding and confidence in navigating these sophisticated animation tools.