Digital Photography & Imaging | Week 2

September 30, 2024

Nicco Chew Jin Xun (0366563)

Digital Photography & Imaging | Bachelor of Design (Hons) In Creative Media | Taylor's University

Group 4

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W2 | Lectures

[ Introduction to Composition ]

Introduction to basic composition

*Focal Point

- strong focal point, it helps your viewers’ eyes naturally settle on the important pieces of design first

figure 1.1 - examples of focal point

*Scale & Hierarchy

- Scale is often used to help communicate hierarchy by drawing attention toward and away from certain elements, thus signifying their importance to the communication

figure 1.2 - examples of scale & hierarchy

*Balance the elements

- good technique for mastering asymmetrical balance - think of each element as having a ‘weight’ to it. 

- smaller objects might ‘weigh’ less than larger objects, and heavily textured elements might ‘weigh’ more than flatly coloured elements.

figure 1.3 - examples of balance the elements

*White Space

- mostly known as “empty space” to balance up the main focus of a composition.

- when used strategically can help boost your design’s clarity and overall look by balancing out the more complicated and busy parts of your composition with space that helps your design to breathe.

figure 1.4 - examples of white space

Rule of Thirds

- process of dividing an image into thirds, using two horizontal and two vertical lines. This imaginary grid yields nine parts with four intersection points. 

- when you position the most important elements of your image at these intersection points, you produce a much more natural image

- it is also suggested that any horizon is placed on either the top horizontal line or bottom horizontal line.

figure 1.5 & 1.6 - examples of rule of thirds

Golden Ratio

- a mathematical ratio

- commonly found in nature, and when used in a design, it fosters organic and natural-looking compositions that are aesthetically pleasing to the eye

figure 1.7 - golden ratio

figure 1.8 - the golden ratio occurs naturally in natural

[ In design, the Golden Ratio boils down to aesthetics 

— creating and appreciating a sense of beauty through harmony and proportion. ]

- When applied to design, the Golden Ratio provides a sense of artistry

figure 1.9 - design with golden ratio

- Golden Ratio is a useful guideline for determining dimensions of the layout. One very simple way to apply the Golden Ratio is to set your dimensions to 1:1.618

figure 1.9 - golden ratio in mobile ui

 figure 1.9 - examples of golden ratio

Instructions of week 2

Prepare materials for collage (e.g., magazines, newspapers, plastic).

Bring a cutting pad 

Select and identify design elements from prepared materials.

Cut out chosen elements for use in the collage.

Compose these elements into a concept with a story.

Pre-compose three different design options.

Share pre-compositions in the Google Docs uploaded in Classroom.

Await Mr. Fauzi's approval to finalize the design.

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W2 | Practical

After collectting a variety of materials which are magazines and newspapers, I then looking through the materials and select design elements (images, patterns, textures) that fit your my intended theme and story.

I carefully cut out the chosen elements using scissors and craft knife, maintaining clean edges as needed. Then, I experiment with different layouts by arranging the elements and try different placements, layering options to see what works best. 

 Title: "Hidden Truths"



Description:  

This collage shows the struggle between appearance and reality. The figure is covered by luxury branding, hiding their face, symbolising how people often hide their true selves to fit into society's expectations. Words like "Double Standard" and "Born to Dare" point to the contradictions we face, balancing personal identity with public image. The layers represent how fashion, media, and society shape how we see ourselves and others, making us question what's real and what's just for show.

Pre-composition #1

figure 2.1 - pre-composition #1

Pre-composition #2

figure 2.2 pre-composition #2

Pre-composition #3

figure 2.3 - pre-composition #3

After receiving approval and suggestions from Mr Fauzi, I finalize my composition by making any final adjustments to enhance the overall look and feel of the collage and securely gluing or attaching each element in its intended place.

Final Composition #