Photography Assignment-

Wish You Were Here!

Using Layers in Photoshop

As challenging as it can be to take good portraits, it can be just as challenging to find the setting in which to set up your portrait. In fact, many times it is impossible: constraints such as time and money can hamper where and when you can shoot. With the advent of software such as Photoshop, one can now use an existing portrait taken in one setting, and place it in another, pre-processed setting, without ever leaving the comfort of one’s own computer! This, too, can be fun and very creative.  Two things to keep in mind when creating a merged photograph: Always be sure that the quality of BOTH photos – the subject and the background – is the best they can be (correct lighting, sharp focus), and that the lighting source in BOTH photos is similar.

For example, if the light source on the subject in the portrait is coming from the right side (shadows on the left), don’t use a background where the light source is on the left (shadows on the right); or if there is diffuse lighting on the subject in the portrait, avoid hard lighting in the background and visa versa.

For this assignment, you will take pictures, isolate the subject and place the subject in a pre-existing background that you will find on the internet. You will need to create three (3) new photos from three (3) different portraits and three (3) different backgrounds.  

ASSIGNMENT

Create three images for this assignment:

Ø    Look for a background where you have been and would like to return, or where you would like to visit

Ø    Place your subject in a precarious position where one may not normally be seen.

Ø    Look for backgrounds and angles that best suit your subjects.

Ø    You may use your partners or family members as your subjects.

Ø  Be sure that the lighting in both the background and imported lighting are the same.

Ø    Make your merged photo look as believable as possible!

Please turn them in via the thumb drive.