My Double Page Spread, Version 2

The difference between this version and my first version of my double page spread is that I had learnt how to justify text, kerning and leading. I also learnt how to do advance text wrapping and inserted text onto my breakout box image.

To justify my text I simply had to choose text of which I wanted to position differently and then choose which justification I wanted use however I chose to keep all my text justified to the left as it is the most commonly used positioning of text in magazines.

Kerning and leading was done my choosing ‘type’ then ‘character’ with this I was able to change the spacing between letters, words and lines.  I used this technique to edit the positioning of the words in my kicker, which was added in the same way as I added my main title.

To add the text onto my breakout box I created a new text box and then inputted the information I wanted. I was then able to rotate the text box so that it fit the image behind it. To make it appear professional and like my writing was set on the lines I used kerning and leading to make the writing sit on the lines.

Advance text wrapping was the most challenging thing I have learnt on InDesign so far.

To begin with I placed my image which I chose to have a white background and then used the pencil tool to draw around it. I then use the black arrow tool to be able to move the image if necessary and then when clicked on the image in which I have just drawn around I am able to set the text wrapping to wrap around object shape. Once I have done this I used the arrange tool to send the background of my inserted image behind all the text. This then means that the text is shaped around the image shape. As my original background of scrunched paper wasn’t pure white I decided to make it so that one half of my background was white and the other half was the scrunched paper.

-For an unknown reason there is a very heavy line beneath the drop shadowing of the title.

My Double Page Spread, Version 1

On my first version of my double page magazine spread I began by creating my title. I simply began by using the text add tool, and then decided on the colouring of my words. I added drop shadow onto my title to make it appear like there is dimension to my double page spread. I chose to have each page with three columns of writing as the target audience of my double page spread would be ABC1 and therefore stereotypically would have a longer attention span.

 I then found three relevant images to have on the top left hand side of my double page spread. I used the square button to create a frame and then placed in each image. I used three images along the top left hand side of my double page spread to follow the rule of three.To create the Polaroid effect I drew another box around my image but slightly larger so that there would be a small boarder around my image. I sent the newly drawn box to the back and set the colour as white. Once I’d done this I grouped the image and box together so that I was able to move them around together. I rotated them slightly to make the page seem less boring and added a slight drop shadow at about 40% to complete the Polaroid effect. I overlapped my three images to create a more professional appearance.

I added page numbers and a reference title to the bottom of each page on my double page spread to make it look more realistic. To add my text I used a similar technique as I do for placing an image, by placing the chosen text into the columns. I made sure that my text was set to no larger than 10pt. Once I had added my text I found another picture and placed it onto my page the same way as I had done the others and again created the Polaroid effect, however this time I placed the image in the middle of the text and used the text wrap tool to make the writing shape around the image. I did this by clicking window and text wrap, I could then use this tool to choose the spacing between the edges of the image and the words.

I created the background by using the box tool and drawing a large box at the same size of the double page spread. I then placed the image ensuring the content fits the frame and the used the ‘arrange’ option to send it to the back which then created the background.

At this point of creating my double page spread I had added an image to use as my breakout box, in the same way as inserting all of my images.

-For an unknown reason there is a very heavy line beneath the drop shadowing of the title.

Introductory Paragraphs

Unit 3 – introductory paragraph

(shock/horror, 2^nd person, fast pace)

Did you know that in 2010/11 813,6000 people were admitted into hospital due to alcohol related diseases? Did you know that every year around 24,000 people die due to alcohol in the UK alone? Well now you do. Drinking alcohol can lead to severe problems to yourself and others around you. Is it worth the risk?

(anecdote, 1^st person, fast pace)

It was great. All my friends together, celebrating finishing another year of school. Partying hard. The alcohol was flowing and the music was bouncing. My best friend was banging out the moves and it all seemed hilarious until he fell and banged his head. The next thing I knew was a paramedic pounding on the door...

(summary, 3^rd person, slow/long pace, 120 words approx)

This article will discuss the long term and short term effects of alcohol misuse; therefore this article is here to give information and guidance for those who find alcohol being a problem in their lives. Alcohol doesn’t only have serious effects on the user, but also those around them. Alcohol not only changes a person mentally for the duration of consuming alcohol, but also permanently, this is dangerous, very dangerous. Of course drinking alcohol appears to be fun and exciting, but those taking part in the consummation of alcohol are putting themselves and others around them in danger. Using alcohol to suppress feelings is never a good idea, it often appears that the feelings felt before consuming alcohol are progressively emphasised after the intake of alcohol.

The summary introduction is used to give brief detail about the contents of the article. When writing a magazine article I wouldn’t choose to use the third example for an introduction because it wouldn’t appeal to the specific target audience of 16-21 year olds. It wouldn’t be appropriate to use this style of introduction because it is too detailed and formal to appeal to this age range. Therefore out of the three examples I have written I would choose to use the first one using the shock/horror introduction written 2^nd person narrative voice. This is because it appears direct to the reader and isn’t too formal, yet uses statistics to draw the reader in.  

 

This is the image I chose to use to edit on Photoshop.

 

 On this image I wanted to create a cross processings, retro effect. I did this by changing the curves and levels. I began by opening a new layer and going new adjustment, and curves. I changed the curves on the red, blue and green. I made an S shape for the blue and red, then I slightly altered the green. I then made a new layer and made it a colour layer, I used a yellow colour and changed the opacity to about 13%, this then added to the retro effect.

 I used this image to practice using the healing tool.

To do this I used the healing tool. To use this tool I held alt down on the key board whilst hovering over the bit of skin I wanted to copy and then clickling the mouse. I then went on top of the spot and clicked the mouse, which then pasted the new skin over the spot.

 This is the image I edited on Photoshop to turn her into a vampire.

I created this image by opening Photoshop, creating a new file then pasting in the orignal picture. I then used the burn tool to darken her eyes. Once I had done this I desaturated the colour from her face with the sponge tool to give her a ghostly and pale face avoiding her lips and eyes. I then changed the colour of the eyes by opening a new layer then using the brush tool and coloured them in red. To get the colour to the opacity I wanted I simply used the opacity level changer. To create the fangs I used the magnetic lassoo tool and clicked around the edge of the tooth, I ithen went on edit, transform, warp, then changed the shape of the tooth, making it longer and sharper. To complete this transformation I pressed enter of the keyboard then CTRL D. To make it look less obvious that I had edited the shape of the teeth I used the blur tool to blend the edges.

This is my attempt of creating a CD front cover for the band called 'Nature's Heroes' advertising their new single called 'Old Skool'. I opened a new photoshop page setting the dimensions to 120 by 120, ensuring the resolution was 300dpi and the colour mode at 16bt (RGB colour).
I saved brushes from the website, www.brusheezy.com, then saved them to a folder in my documents. I used the opacity setter to create a faded background, using black and blue to ensure the black tree on the foreground stands out. I added the stroke effect to my fonts to make them appear bold and also set them to italics for a bit of variation.

Shutter Speed and Improvements

Shutter Speed Improvements

When comparing these images with my previous attempts of working with shutter speed, we are able to see that the images are in focus and also have created a better freeze frame. I had my shutter speed settings high to create the freeze frame effect.

The shutter is what lets the light into the camera by opening and shutting the shutter very quickly.

A fast shutter speed would be used to freeze frame something that is very quick, for example and athlete. Slow shutter speeds are used in a dark environment or to create a motion blur. They are used in dark environments because it means more light is allowed in to brighten the image.

For this image I used a fast shutter speed to avoid motion blur and to freeze frame his movement. This image is out of focus therefore to improve the image I need to ensure I take the time to use the focus ring to focus the camera. Another way to avoid my image being out of focus I could put the camera in auto focus mode.

I also used a fast shutter speed for taking this image to freeze frame the subject walking. The image is slightly out of focus therefore to improve this I again, need to either ensure it is in focus using the focus ring or put the camera in auto focus.

In this image we experimented with having a slow shutter speed. We went into a dark room and using a torch drew shapes in the air. I had the camera shutter speed set at 5 therefore it allowed plenty of time for the light to go into the camera. The effect shown on this image was given. I feel this image was very successful as it shows the movement of the light.

On this image I wanted to use a slow shutter speed to experiment with motion blur, which appeared successful, however the background appears to be out of focus which is likely to be due to hand movement which can be resolved by using a tripod to steady the camera.

Next time I take pictures to experiment shutter speed I will ensure that the camera is in focus and also consider using a tripod to ensure that my images are in focus, where necessary.

Photoshop

 

This is the orignal image I chose to make the three adjustments on.

For the image above I used the auto tone, auto colour and auto contrast tool. These make simple adjustments however can make a big difference to the quality of the image.
Auto Colour, Contrast and Correct: To use these tools I simply go to image then click on whichever I choose to automatically adjust.

On this image I desaturated the image meaning I drained it of all colour, I then editied the brightness and contrast to make the lightin gof the image match that of the contrast.

Desaturating: To desaturate an image I go image - adjustments - desaturate. Or I can use the keyboard short cut which is: shift, control, U.

Brightness and Contrast: To edi tthe brightness and the contrast of an image I click image - adjustments - brightness and contrast, then I can use the scales to decide where I want the levels to be.

For this image I used the unsharpen mask to make the eyes as sharp as possible. I also used vingetting to darken the outside of the image. Doing this drags the attention to the centre of the photograph which is also the most important part of the image.

Unsharpen mask tool: To find this tool I click 'filter' along the top bar of photoshop, open the sharpen option which then gives me the option of 'unsharpen mask' I click this and set the radius to 2.0 pixels, 2.2 pixels if necessary.

Vingetting: To do this I choose the elliptical marquee and select the area of the face and around it. Next I go onto select and inverse which means that any editting I do will be on the outside of the circle I drew.Then click image - adjustments - brightness and contrast, then turn the brightness down but keeping it subtle. Pressing control and D then saves any editting. I can darken my image further by using the burn tool which allows me to darken other areas of the image. If I choose to lighten areas of the image I use the dodge tool.

Camera Techniques

 The technique used for this image is a down tilt. The use of this gives the indication that the subject has less power as they are being looked down on.

 For this image I experimented with different camera shots, I used long shot, slightly off centre and I used the pavement as lines into the distance. This adds interest into the image.

This image shows the subject looking down onto the viewer, this implies that the subject has power and dominates the viewer.

Magazine Cover Evaluation

Magazine Cover Evaluation

Photography

When taking the photographs for my background image for my magazine cover I used had the camera in manual focus. I learnt that using the focus rings on the camera I can ensure none of the photographs I take are out of focus. I now know to stand in the ‘T’ stance when taking photographs as it gives me more balance and allows more movement when taking the photographs. I am able to lean forward to get closer to what I am taking the image of, but it also allows me to bend down to lower myself to the height of the shot. As I wanted a head and shoulders image I knew to use the camera in portrait to ensure I do not end up with a lot of background which I would then later have to crop. When I first began to take my images I noticed they were not in focus, I improved this by using the focus ring on the front of the camera. I used three different techniques for lighting, back lighting, front lighting and side lighting. This gives different effects on the image by creating shadows. When using front lighting I had to be careful to make sure I didn’t cast a shadow on my model. When I first began taking the pictures I forgot to apply the rule of thirds, and had the eye line to low, but once I realised this I made sure that I applied it. I used a simple background of trees and greenery however this then caused problems when I was trying to choose a colour for my title font. My lack of people skills affected my imagery as I didn’t have the confidence to ask them to do particular facial expressions, however these feelings subsided meaning I managed to get the pictures the way I felt was appropriate.

Photoshop

On photoshop I used a range of tools such as text edit, colouring, blurring and adding/deleting layers. I found it difficult to get the hang of not being able to double click on the text to edit it as I have to click on the layer instead. I found it easy to apply effects such as ‘stroke’.  Once  I got used to how to edit my text I managed to control it very well and had no issues with positioning it, editing it and adding effects to it. The main effect I used was adding stroke to my text however I also blurred the background of my image to make sure my model appeared very dominant on the page. I did this by using the blur tool on the side bar of photoshop. As the main background of my image was green I had to try and find a colour which would be readable and stood out, due to this I chose a dark red to add definition to the page. I downloaded a font from dafont.com to use for my title, I made the decision of which font I was to use by making sure I kept my target audience in mind. I downloaded the font off the interent for free by saving it to the local disk on the computer, this meant it would appear in the text choices when I used photoshop, word etc. I used a font which was already supplied by the programme for my sell lines. I made this text white with a black outline to make sure it was defined on the front cover, this also means it is easy to read and stands out well on the green background.

Improvements I would make on my front cover would involve improving my photography skills further to ensure I am satisified with background image, I can do this by practicing my skills and developing them further with the assistance of my teacher and peers. I would also improve my front cover by being more prepared for the photographs. I would do this by planning my ideas for my background image in more detail such as, facial expressions, props and backgrounds for the image. I feel my main skills were on photoshop as I found it easy to pick up on. I was able to experiment with different techniques and effects on photoshop which meant my skills were developed further.

Photography Improvements

These two images show an improvement I made when taking my photographs. The first photograph shows the eye line being around the half mark, however this is not what I wanted. When I was taking photographs afterwards I ensured that the eye line was on the first third of the image.

Initial Skills Assessment

AS Media Production: Technical Skills Audit Print Production

Name: Holly Wright                       Tutor group: 1.30       Date: 20/09/2012

Photographic Skills

Which of the following photographic features/equipment have you used on a camera before:

Feature	Yes	No	Comments if yes – where have you completed this skills and to what level
Manual Focus features		N
Shutter Speed		N
Aperture control		N
A tripod		N
External flash		N
Self timer facility		N
Light meter		N
Composition grids		N

Photoshop Skills

Which of the following features of Photoshop have you used before:

Feature	Yes	No	Comments if yes – where have you completed this skills and to what level
Have you ever used Photoshop ever before?		N
Text control		N
Filters		N
Brushes		N
Layers		N
Opacity control		N
Shape creation		N
Brightness and contrast control		N
Dodge/Burn		N
Clone stamp tool		N
Colour curves adjustment		N
Resolution setting control		N
Magnetic lasso, polygon lasso tool		N
Cropping tool		N
Retouch tool		N

In Design Skills

Which of the following features of In Design have you used before:

Feature	Yes	No	Comments if yes – where have you completed this skills and to what level
Have you ever used In design ever before?		N
Margin and column guide creation		N
Inserting text in ID		N
Inserting images in ID		N
Resizing images in ID		N
Text manipulation – resizing, rotation		N
Text manipulation – controlling kerning and leading		N
Text flow creation		N
Text effects – drop shadow		N
Drop cap insert		N
Using transparent imagery in ID		N
Shape creation In design		N
Text wrapping		N
Exporting to PDF from In-design		N