Photo montage

For homework we were required to create our own photo montage. A photo montage is a collection of pictures that are put together to create a new image. In class we experimented with different selection tools in photoshop such as the marquee tools, lasso tools, magic wand and the masking tool. My photo montage consists of scanned images of; Benefit bronzer compact, shell-inspired purse, I.T fashion catalogue and shells. For the background I scanned in the fabric from my Zimmermann dress.

Photoshop activity

For homework we were required to scan 5 objects and 2 patterned fabrics and edit them on photoshop by adjusting the colour and brightness/contrast. Here are the before and after images:

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Homework task #2 - scanning

How to scan

These instructions are relevant to a HP Deskjet 3050 all-in-one series.

1. Load paper into the input tray

2. Lift lid on the printer (scanner) and load original print side down on right front corner of glass

3. Close lid

4. Press the scan button on the printer or open the scan application on your computer, double-click the printer icon on the desktop. Choose scanner actions and select activate scan to computer.

5. Follow instructions on the printer display.

Tip: if you want to select the format for your scanned image, or you want to edit your scanned image, start the scan with the Printer Software instead of the scan button.

Source: Hewlett-Packard, n.d. HP Deskjet 3050 All-in-One series manual, viewed 07 March 2012, <http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c02497809.pdf>

Resolutions

Before scanning an image the required resolution and image mode must be determined.

1. 300 dpi: used for commercial printing of books, glossy magazines and brochures

2. 150 - 200 dpi: used for laser and inkjet printers

3. 72 - 96 dpi: used for e-mail attachments, the web, powerpoint and multimedia.

Source: Lea Calodolce, UTS tutor for Fashion Communication: An Introduction (digital). 

Scanned image of disc with the resolution of 75 dpi. This resolution is ideal for blogs. The larger the resolution, the larger the scanned image will appear. 

Photoshop's save for web & devices feature

Adobe Photoshop's 'Save for web & devices' feature allows one to optimise their photos for websites without affecting how an image looks. Slowness in the loading of websites are generally caused by images. To save an image through this feature you use File>Save for Web & Devices. Upon clicking this an options panel appears with a preview window which allows you to resize the image, select image type and alter the resolution. If you were uploading the image onto a blog I would recommend setting it as a JPEG. 

Homework task #1

According to Kim Wilson, writer of the article "Power to the people" blogs have become prominent in that they can influence the future direction of a designer and allow instant communication between designers and their customers. 
Source: Wilson K. 2012, 'Power to the people', L'oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival, March, page 9.

1. ohjamie (http://www.ohjamie.com/)

Melbourne based blogger Jamie Wdziekonski uses his blog to record fashion events and street scenes. The blog primarily employs black and white images to reflect Jamie's interest in fashion, music, film and art. He has developed a style of photography that allows him to capture 'unposed' moments. Other than an overview of Jamie's background, the blog is underlined by imagery as limited text is used.

Image: Jamie Wdziekonski, Penthouse Mouse Opening 2012, Ohjamie, viewed 04 March 2012, <http://www.ohjamie.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IMG_5907.jpg> 

I find 'ohjamie' interesting because of its ability to visually demonstrate what people are choosing to wear on a daily basis. The way in which Jamie captures non-mainstream fashion  that have a dark and grungy feel, is also intriguing.

Image: Josh Madson, Greener Pastures 2012, Fashiontoast, viewed 04 March 2012, <http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk154/fashiontoast/2-2012/pj1.jpg>

2. Fashiontoast (http://www.fashiontoast.com/)

Blogger/model Rumi Neely from 'Fashiontoast' employs her blog as a means of showcasing her own personal style which has later been imitated. 

Rumi's blog is shot on the streets of various locations such as Los Angeles and New York and demonstrate her love of chunky high heels. Currently 'Fashiontoast' has been reporting on the way in which the quirky (but expensive) Italian label Marni has collaborated with H&M to do a collection. This provides an opportunity for everyone to purchase some 'Marni magic'. I like this blog because of its colourful imagery which is set in different outdoor locations. Also, I love how reflectional 'Fashiontoast' is of Rumi's style of chunky heels, short shorts and knitted jumpers.

3. Hanneli (http://www.hanneli.com/)

Hanneli Mustaparta's blog has a polished, sophisticated feel to it, in contrast to 'ohjamie' which has a more grungy vibe. Quick descriptive comments accompany each series of images. As Hanneli is highly regarded as an international model, photographer and blogger, her blog attracts many followers who are fascinated and inspired by her street style, and consider her blog a reliable go-to for the latest trends in fashion. What draws me to her blog is the clarity and crispness of the photography. I also like 'Hanneli' as it provides a unique insight into the fashion industry outside of Australia.

Image: Hanneli Mustaparta, In Paris 2012, Hanneli, viewed
04 March 2012, <http://hanneli.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/
uploads/2012/03/4527-Hanne-Gaby-by-Hanneli-Mustaparta-790x521.jpg>