HOW DID YOUR PRODUCTION SKILLS DEVELOP THROUGH THIS PROJECT?
- DIRECTORS COMMENTARY
As you look through my blog, it is evident that my skills in all areas of production have improved.
Since I took GCSE media, i have some previous experience in photoshop, although i did not get to explore or utilize the software to its potential. My photoshop skills have definitely developed, after many in school photoshop lesson, and the online photoshop course. One tool that i utilised through all three of my pieces was the spot healing brush tool. Since my magazine is about men's fashion and lifestyle, the presentation of my models is very important, so giving them even and flawless skin was vital. The spot healing brush tool can be used to clone areas from an image and blend the pixels from the sampled area seamlessly with the target area. The basic principle is that the texture from the sample area is blended with the color and luminosity surrounding wherever you paint. After watching many PHlearn videos, a youtube channel dedicated to photoshop tutorials, i was able to perfectly use this tool, giving my models seamless and glowing skin.
Another software that i used on all of my images was Light Room. I had never used this software before, and so relied heavily on the online course. I learned how the tone curve effects all the shadows, midtones and highlights in the image, and how to manipulate it to produce my desired outcome. I also learned how to manipulate the colours in the image by playing around with several tools such as split toning, hues and colour calibration. Overall, my lightroom skills have developed tremendously, and am much more confident with using the software to produce exaggerated and unique images.
Another skill that i have developed is my photography and leading skills. While taking my photos i was creative with my shots, while using laws such as the rule of thirds and leading lines. For example, if you look at my front cover, you can see that i have placed my model in the middles, with the background filling the other two columns. I have also used leading lines to the left of the photo, to gradually lead the audience's eyes to the background of the image. I am now also able to take control of the photoshoots, giving the model direct instruction on what poses i want, as well as controlling other variables in the shot such as location, mise en scene, and even hair and makeup. I learned how to direct my models, while also working with them to create the best outcome. I also learned that ensuring that my model is comfortable and at ease is crucial to a good photo, so learned to create a playful mood on set by playing their favorite music, inviting their friends to the shoot, or giving them positive reinforcement.
Furthermore, my time management skills have also developed. I was in control of all my products, and so had full responsibility in scheduling photoshoots and creating deadlines for editing my photos and assembling all my elements onto my pages. As time went on, i realised that i had to make use of every free and media lesson to ensure i could meet my deadlines, as well as leaving time for improvement.
As well as these skills, i think my creative skills have also improved. At the start of this project, with my front cover, i definitely struggled with how to format my page, and where to place my sell lines and anchorage text. However after plenty of research in men's magazine, brainstorming and pre-production I was able to think of ways to create suitable formats. As i moved onto my contents and article page, i became more and more confident with creating unique and suitable formats.
Since I took GCSE media, i have some previous experience in photoshop, although i did not get to explore or utilize the software to its potential. My photoshop skills have definitely developed, after many in school photoshop lesson, and the online photoshop course. One tool that i utilised through all three of my pieces was the spot healing brush tool. Since my magazine is about men's fashion and lifestyle, the presentation of my models is very important, so giving them even and flawless skin was vital. The spot healing brush tool can be used to clone areas from an image and blend the pixels from the sampled area seamlessly with the target area. The basic principle is that the texture from the sample area is blended with the color and luminosity surrounding wherever you paint. After watching many PHlearn videos, a youtube channel dedicated to photoshop tutorials, i was able to perfectly use this tool, giving my models seamless and glowing skin.
Another software that i used on all of my images was Light Room. I had never used this software before, and so relied heavily on the online course. I learned how the tone curve effects all the shadows, midtones and highlights in the image, and how to manipulate it to produce my desired outcome. I also learned how to manipulate the colours in the image by playing around with several tools such as split toning, hues and colour calibration. Overall, my lightroom skills have developed tremendously, and am much more confident with using the software to produce exaggerated and unique images.
Another skill that i have developed is my photography and leading skills. While taking my photos i was creative with my shots, while using laws such as the rule of thirds and leading lines. For example, if you look at my front cover, you can see that i have placed my model in the middles, with the background filling the other two columns. I have also used leading lines to the left of the photo, to gradually lead the audience's eyes to the background of the image. I am now also able to take control of the photoshoots, giving the model direct instruction on what poses i want, as well as controlling other variables in the shot such as location, mise en scene, and even hair and makeup. I learned how to direct my models, while also working with them to create the best outcome. I also learned that ensuring that my model is comfortable and at ease is crucial to a good photo, so learned to create a playful mood on set by playing their favorite music, inviting their friends to the shoot, or giving them positive reinforcement.
Furthermore, my time management skills have also developed. I was in control of all my products, and so had full responsibility in scheduling photoshoots and creating deadlines for editing my photos and assembling all my elements onto my pages. As time went on, i realised that i had to make use of every free and media lesson to ensure i could meet my deadlines, as well as leaving time for improvement.
As well as these skills, i think my creative skills have also improved. At the start of this project, with my front cover, i definitely struggled with how to format my page, and where to place my sell lines and anchorage text. However after plenty of research in men's magazine, brainstorming and pre-production I was able to think of ways to create suitable formats. As i moved onto my contents and article page, i became more and more confident with creating unique and suitable formats.