Author: Admin

GD2 – AW31 – Photography 4 – Digital Post Production

LT 2.1 Digital Workflow

The task
 
For this task, you are required to think about your own workflow. See where you can improve and spend this time implementing the changes. Any spare time can be used to work on the course assignment.
Part 1
Answer the following questions:
 

1. List the data capacities of the digital equipment you use as a photographer (camera, memory card, computer, backup drives, etc.). Be specific with all items (MB/GB/TB). How often will you need to clean up space on the equipment? Make a list of possible new equipment you need to improve your workflow. If it is listed, you can start saving for it.

 

-Camera – Sony a7iii
-Lens – Sony FE 24mm f/2.8 G
-Lens – Sigma 105mm f/2,8 DG DN Macro til Sony FE
-Sony NP-FZ100 Battery
-Godox TT350s
-Hahnel Capture control
-Acer ConceptD CM3271K
-Acer ConceptD 7 Ezel Pro – 1TB SSD
-2x 64gb memorycards
-Epson EcoTank ET-8550
-Microsoft family plan – 6×1 TB onedrive storage
-Some external harddrives- unsure how many TB in total

I don’t often clean storage other than formatting my memorycards, I try to do this after almost every photosession i have had so i’m sure i have all of my images on my computer.

2. How do you copy your photos onto your computer or hard drive? Do you clear your memory card afterwards?

I put my memory card in to the slot in my laptop, then drag them over to the folder they are going to. I’m lazy when it comes to formatting the memory card, but when I do I always do it in the camera so I don’t get problems using it later in the camera.

3. Describe in detail your folder structure for your digital photographs. How do you ensure you can find a specific photo if needed?
 
The best structure that has worked for me is to have folders of the current year, then having subfolders like this: 2024.06.09 “macro/landscape/animals”. So the date and then what type of photography it is. And this is also the way that I feel I can find back to a certain photography.
 
4. How do you make sure your ‘original’ files are kept safe?
 
I have all of my original files uploaded on onedrive. But I have plans to get external harddrives to keep backup on them too, but its so damn expensive when you have a couple of TB that needs to be stored on a good quality harddrive.
 
5. How do you deal with backups? Imagine the worst possible situation: will you still have digital files of your precious photographs?
 
My backups are on onedrive, but i also need to get some external harddrives to have a backup that is not in a cloud.
Part 2
You’ve spent much time shooting photographs during module 1 of this course. How did you store the files? Now is an excellent time to organise and rename the photographs. Take a ‘before’ and ‘after’ screenshot. Upload it to your blog.
 
I don’t have a before and after photo of this since I already feel that I organize my albums works for me, I’ve done it this was for many years now
 

LT 2.2 Lightroom

The task
 
For this task, you must describe and provide examples of how you edit your photographs using Adobe Lightroom (Classic preferred, CC will be OK).

Follow the steps below and document what you’ve done. This task aims to put into practice what you’ve learnt. Any extra time can be spent working on your course assignment.
  • Create an LR catalogue for your course assignment photographs once you are preparing to edit your photos. Refer to the folder structure you described in the digital workflow lesson task.
  • Import your photos once the catalogue has been created.
  • Use the basic steps you learned in the LR ‘Develop’ section to edit a photograph from your library.
  • Practise synchronising settings between a series of photographs from the same import.
  • Export one or more of your photographs from the course assignment library and upload them to your blog along with the original photograph. Describe briefly what you have done.

LT 2.3 Photoshop

The task
 
For this task, you’re required to describe and provide examples of how you edit your photographs using Adobe Photoshop.

Part 1

Choose one of your portraits and do some skin softening or retouching on the photograph. Describe the process you followed. Include the before and after photos.

Part 2

Answer the following questions. Use screenshots, diagrams, sketches or photos to assist your writing where required.
  • Is your basic RAW editing done in LR, or do you use the Adobe RAW Converter for this? If you answered ‘yes’ to the latter, describe the process briefly.
  • Describe the basic steps you follow in PS when proceeding with further editing a photograph or a series of photographs (assuming the RAW exposure/colour/contrast etc., is done).
  • What tools do you think will be most useful in your photo editing?
  • How do you go about saving your final edited photos? Make specific mention of how you ensure the original file remains safe. Do you rename your photos?

LT 2.4 Advanced editing and printing

The task
 

Part 1

Are you currently using any third-party apps, actions, presets or plugins using Adobe Lightroom (Classic or CC) and Photoshop? If so, write a short paragraph on how it benefits your editing process and share a few screenshots.

If you don’t yet use any plugins or presets, which of the ones you read about would you consider and why?

Part 2

Research prices for printing photographs at a print shop in your area. Compare it with prices of a similar size and material from an online printing service. Which printing method would you prefer and why?

Part 3

You’ve been creating some amazing photographs over the four photography courses. Pick one platform to share these photographs. This could be social media or one of the other online libraries. Provide a link or share some screenshots of your online photo gallery.

GD2 – AW30 – Photography 4 – Landscapes and Buildings

LT 1.1 Landscape Photography

The task
For this assignment, you must make and edit several landscape photographs at a location of your choice. If you cannot travel to a suitable landscape location, a local park will do just fine. Plan your outing carefully, as you’ll be outdoors, and the weather or seasonal conditions will affect your shoot.

Use the unique characteristics of low light (early or late in the day) to make landscape photographs with drama and impact. These are the photographs you’ll need to make:
  • A traditional landscape;
  • A creative landscape;
  • An intimate landscape.
Do:
  • Use a low ISO setting;
  • Use a small aperture;
  • Use a tripod and your self-timer or a remote/trigger;
  • Watch your focus, and use manual focus if needed.
     
Don’t:
  • Have too many preconceived ideas and be adaptable to the situation;
  • Leave your VR/IS switched on if you are shooting from a tripod.

A traditional landscape: 24mm, f/8, 1/2500sec, ISO-1250

A creative landscape: 24mm, f/20, 1.6sec, ISO-50. I also used a CPL filter + 2x 1.2 soft gradient filters

An intimate landscape: 24mm, f/4, 1/40sec, ISO-1600

LT 1.2 Astrophotography

The task
For this assignment, you must make and edit several landscape-orientated photographs at a location of your choice. If you cannot travel to a suitable landscape location, a local park will do just fine. Plan your outing carefully, as you’ll be outdoors and the weather or seasonal conditions.
This assignment may not be possible for each student to complete in practice due to logistics and weather conditions (there is an alternative task in such a case). If you can photograph, you must make and edit several astrophotographs at a location of your choice.
If you are able to shoot
Your aim is to capture the following photographs (consider more than one alternative of each):
  • A star photo/Milky Way: try to have a foreground or horizon in your photo.
  • A star trail photo: Try to have a foreground or horizon in your photo.

.

Do:
  • Use a high ISO setting for 1., and a lower ISO setting for 2.
  • Use a tripod and your self-timer or a remote/trigger.
  • Watch your focus – use manual focus if needed.
     
Don’t:
  • Be disappointed if it doesn’t work at first.
  • Have too many preconceived ideas and be adaptable to the situation.
  • Leave your VR/IS switched on if you are shooting from a tripod.
     
If you cannot shoot astrophotographs
  • In your own words, describe the difference in terms of the visual result and the camera settings required to obtain:
    • A star/Milky Way photo.
    • A star trail photo.
  • Research a possible location you could travel to, and work out (use the Internet, apps, etc.) when (season, time of month) you could shoot astrophotos there. Also, describe how you would get there (drive, hike, boat etc.) and what planning and logistics would be involved.

LT 1.3 Architectual Photography

The task

This task may be influenced partly by weather conditions. Plan an architectural photography shoot at a location of your choice.

The architecture in question can be modern, classic, or even historic.

Remember how the lighting conditions on the day of the shoot and the time of day will influence your planned photographs, e.g. if you photograph in the afternoon, the façade of the building you are using may be in the shade.

These are the photographs you’ll need to capture (consider more than one alternative of each):

  • A full photo of the building, illustrating the converging parallels caused by a wide lens when you are shooting up.
  • A corrected version of this photograph.
  • Some interesting exterior features of the building.
  • Some interesting interior features of the building.
  • Some abstract architecture photos of your chosen building (let your imagination take charge!).
Do:
  • Get permission and ensure you are allowed to photograph where you plan to.
  • Make sure it’s safe.
  • Use a tripod and your self-timer or a remote/trigger.
  • Watch your focus – use manual focus if needed.
     
Don’t:
  • Be disappointed by ‘bad’ weather – this could be great!
  • Have too many preconceived ideas and be adaptable to the situation.
  • Leave your VR/IS switched on if you are shooting from a tripod.

LT 1.4 Interior and realestate photography

The task
Plan a photography shoot for a home or workplace building of your choice.

You should approach this shoot as if an estate agent has asked you to assist with a complete set of photographs to sell (or rent) the property.

These are the photographs you’ll need to capture (consider more than one alternative of each):
  • A full photo of the building, correcting the converging parallels caused by a wide lens when you are shooting up (if possible, this should be a low-light ‘dusk’ photo).
  • One or more interior photos of each room that is important (make sure any upright walls etc., are vertical!).
  • Some interesting features of the property that give it character or charm.
     
Do:
  • Get permission and ensure you have the help and cooperation of the property owner or landlord.
  • Use a tripod and your self-timer or a remote/trigger.
  • Use additional lighting (flash) if required.
  • Watch your focus – use manual focus if needed.
  • Tidy up/move any items that spoil your photos.
     
Don’t:
  • Rush too much, although time is usually tight with these shoots.

GD2-AW24 – First Step Into Motion Design

LT 1.1 The History Of Motion Design

The task

You’ve just acquired a time machine! To which era of motion history would you travel to get involved in? Write a 250-word document outlining your favourite era and include the following:

  • What year would you go back to?
  • Who would you be an understudy to?
  • Why is this part of motion history your favourite?
  • How do you think this part of history has influenced the modern day world?

Include pictures, videos and any other media to help motivate your answers.

I would go back to the 1870s and be an understudy to Eadweard Muybridge, one of the pioneers in photographic study of motion and early work in motion-picture projection.

The reason I would go back and be an understudy to Eadweard Muybridge is because of the way he combined photography and motion graphic. I love photographing, so reading and learning more about the history is really fascinating.

His most notable contribution to the world of photography came through his innovative work in capturing motion. In the 1870s, he embarked on a series of experiments commissioned by Leland Stanford, a railroad tycoon and racehorse owner, to settle a debate about whether all four hooves of a horse leave the ground simultaneously during a gallop.

He devised a groundbreaking technique using multiple cameras trigged by tripwires, capturing successive image of a horse in motion. This technique, known as “motion photography” or “chrono photography,” allowed him to freeze moments of movements, revealing details imperceptible to the human eye.

In 1878, Muybridge successfully demonstrated through his photographic sequence, “Sallie Gardner at the Gallop.” that horses do indeed lift all four hooves of the ground during a gallop. This achievements not only settled the debate but also marked a significant milestone in the history of photography and the study of motion.

In 1879 he invented the Zoopraxiscope, and was built for him by January 1880 to project his famous chronophotographic pictures in motion. This device was essentially an early form of a motion picture projector. It utilized a series of glass discs, each containing sequential images from Muybridge’s motion study, he had an unidentified artist that painted each sequence onto each plate. When rotated at high speeds and projected onto a screen, these images created an illusion of continuous motion, captivating audiences with moving pictures long before the advent of modern cinema.

I think this part of history has influenced the modern day world by giving the photography world a solid fundament. How the cameras is changing every year to get better and have even more insane technology. It’s fascinating to learn how they took images like this before, now we can either film a movie in slow motion to see frame by frame or take a timelapse to see how things are moving or growing. We can just put our camera up and press a button and the camera will do “everything” for us.

LT 1.2 Understanding the industry

The Task

Find a motion design studio or freelancer and give some examples of their work.

  • What type of motion design do they specialise in?
  • Where are they from?
  • What do you like about their work?
    •  
Sandnes Media
  • What type of motion design do they specialise in?

Sandnes Media is an awardwinning studio that makes illustrations, animation and design. They make alot of books and animationmovies for children. Their “design universes” are Dektektivbyrå nr 2, krypto, trollmann skogen, Alf Prøysens Barnesanger and Anne-Cath. Vestly.

  • Where are they from?

They are based in my hometown Sandnes, Norway.

  • What do you like about their work?

When I searched for a motion design studio I wanted to see whats in my area. I didn’t know that a studio that produce illustrations, animations and designs for these well known books and movies where based in my hometown. So that was fun to find out.

 

First, I liked their homepage, it shows alot of their work and are easy to navigate. I also like that they show images from the production, where you can see that they make alot of drawings, painting and 3d moddelering, they build miniatures and put everything together.

LT 1.3 Workflow

The Task

Oh no! You’ve taken over a project from a colleague. Their folder structure and naming conventions are non-existent. Have a look at their project folder below:

Before jumping into the project, it’s a good idea to sort out this mess.

Download these loose files.

Create folders and rename the files according to what you’ve learnt in this lesson.

LT 1.4 Pre-Production

The Task

Style frames You are a concept artist, and the director of their new TV commercial has asked you to explore some style tests. They don’t want to stifle your creativity, so they have asked you to pick any simple object and illustrate it in three unique ways.

Step 1

Find three different styles on your favourite reference site (Dribbble, Behance, Artstation, etc.).

Drawing
2D Gradient
2D Flat

Step 2

Pick a simple object.

Step 3

Illustrate that object three times to match the references you found.

Step 4

Upload your style frames to your WordPress blog.

2D Flat
2D Gradient
Drawing

GD2-AW23 – Preparing for the Workplace

1.1. Lesson task – Creating a Curriculum Vitae(CV)

The task
If you are not on LinkedIn currently, now is your chance to create an account. If you already have an account, update it today and specifically pay attention to your resume. Your resume is organic and should always be periodically updated as you progress in your professional life.
 
You are not required to add this to your Reflective Journal.
.

I’ve had LinkedIn for a few years so I’ve already updated this. But I have also made a new CV to send or print.

1.2. Lesson task – Setting up a portfolio

The task
Browse the Internet for various portfolio platforms and decide which option will work best for your needs. Here’s a list of current popular ones:
  • Behance;
  • Dribbble;
  • Adobe Portfolio;
  • Carbonmade;
  • Squarespace;
  • Coroflot;
  • DeviantArt;
  • Crevado.
After you’ve made your choice of platform, upload one or two projects you want to include in your portfolio.

 

I chose Behance to start making my portfolio. I’ve added two project for now.

Click the image to get to the portfolio

1.3. Lesson task – How to prepare for an interview.

The task
In the previous course, you answered some questions about what kind of graphic designer you want to be one day. You’ve also done a LinkedIn course of your choice that aligns with your interests, and hopefully, your idea of specialisation is clearer by now.
This lesson task will be about scouting the web in search of a company or agency you want to work with. This will be a company that does the kind of work you want to do. It doesn’t matter where they are in the world, but look for at least one that is local to the country you live in. Search the web with your specific specialisation in mind (for example, use the phrase ‘brand identity design Oslo’ or ‘motion design Norway’).
List the top three agencies you think will be a good match with your interests and answer the following questions about them:
  • Where is the agency located?
  • Why are you drawn to this agency specifically?
  • Browse the work they showcase on their website, take a screenshot, or download one of your favourite pieces.

Make!Graphic

  • Where is the agency located?
    • They are located in Sandnes
  • Why are you drawn to this agency specifically?
    • This is probably the agancy that I’ve always knowed about. They have rebranded themself from Allkopi to Make!Graphic. I like that they are a big firm that provides both design and the print themself. They have everything under one roof.
  • Browse the work they showcase on their website, take a screenshot, or download one of your favourite pieces.

Skarp

  • Where is the agency located?
    • They are located in Sandnes
  • Why are you drawn to this agency specifically?
    • Skarp is a smakker agancy located down town in Sandnes, they have an amazing placement and do alot of good work with brands that I know. They are more a more on advertisement, something i really like.
  • Browse the work they showcase on their website, take a screenshot, or download one of your favourite pieces.

Hjelseth Computers

  • Where is the agency located?
    • They are located in Sandnes
  • Why are you drawn to this agency specifically?
    • Hjelseth is a larger agancy that has alot of different departments. They do IT, webdesign, graphic design, print and digital communication. I like that they are a big firm that provides everything that you need.
  • Browse the work they showcase on their website, take a screenshot, or download one of your favourite pieces.

GD2-AW20 – Connecting To The Viewer

MA03 –  GD 5

Module assignment
This module assignment consists of five parts. The first four parts will be completed after each lesson, and the last part (part 5) can be done as self-study at the end of the week.
Part 5 (self-study)
Now that you have ideas for your illustrative design, you still might wonder how to actually do the work! How do you turn your rough ideas on paper into a finished design?
The course below is presented by Von Glitschka. He is a designer, illustrator, and creative director of Glitschka Studios, a multidisciplinary design firm in the Pacific Northwest, United States. He’s a popular speaker on design, creativity, branding, and marketing and has written six books.
 
In this course, he will break down the process of illustrative graphic design into beginner-friendly steps. He will show you how to prepare for the illustration task by defining your theme, subject matter, and style, and then gathering reference material.

He covers several drawing processes, stepping through deductive drawing, thumbnail drawing, rough drawing, and a final refined drawing. He also shares helpful tips on finalising your designs and presenting them to clients.
After completion of this module assignment (MA03), you will:
  • Be able to implement all that you’ve learnt in your course assignment.
  • Receive a LinkedIn Learning® Certificate you can add to your resume.
  • Have better knowledge of using illustrative design in your work (it will be especially helpful in logo design!).
WATCH

Course: Creating Illustrative Design (3h 10m) by Von Glitschka on LinkedIn Learning.

GD2-AW19 – Who Are You As A Graphic Designer?

MA02 –  GD 5

Part 1
In the previous module, we talked about different kinds of graphic designers who specialise in particular skill sets. They’ve shown you how broadly you can apply graphic design skills and hopefully have given you ideas on the type of work you need to take on to align with your interests. The first lesson task also prompted you to answer the following questions:
  • What kind of job do you want to wake up to every day? What do you want to do daily?
  • Which type of clients do you want to work with?
  • After pinning down your interests and vision of yourself as a professional, in which areas do you think you need more growth and experience?
  • What are your next steps to fulfil who you want to be as a graphic designer?

In this module, we’ll encourage you to pursue your dream and grow in your field of interest. Below is a list of recommended LinkedIn Learning courses. Choose one (or more) course from the list or any other course that interests you from LinkedIn Learning.

Part 1 of the module assignment will be to hand in the course certificate of your chosen course. Read or view extra material regarding your field of interest and use this week to submerge yourself in this field.

Animation
If you want to learn more about basic animation, take one (or more) of these courses:
Branding, marketing and promotional design
If you want to learn more about branding, marketing and promotional design, take one (or more) of these courses:
Fashion design
If you want to learn more about using design software for fashion design, take one (or more) of these courses:
Illustration
If you want to learn more about illustration, take one (or more) of these courses:
Infographics
If you want to learn more about infographics, take one (or more) of these courses:
Photography
If you want to learn more about photography, take one (or more) of these courses:
Videography
If you want to learn more about videography, take one (or more) of these courses:
Typography
If you want to learn more about creating your own typography, take one (or more) of these courses:
 

NOTE

You need the Glyphs App to do these courses below (request a student license to get a 50% discount).

Hand in the LinkedIn Course Certificate(s) on your chosen course as part of your Course Assignment report.
Part 2 (self-study)
As graphic designers communicating visually, we work primarily with pictures and words. The importance of knowledge and skills in typography can’t be stressed enough. You know by now that typography isn’t about choosing a pretty font. Using good typography adds immense strength to your design and gives power to the message.
 
Ina Staltz is a writer, art director, and Professor Emeritus at City College of New York. Her areas of expertise are typography, calligraphy and editorial publication design. She has written over 50 articles on design and typography, contributed to five books by Steven Heller, and authored 15 essays for Phaidon’s Archive of Graphic Design.

In the course, she will explain good practices in typography, how to develop an eye for type, and how to use it effectively. She’ll briefly discuss some topics you should already be familiar with, like serif vs sans serif, display type vs text type, kerning, tracking and leading.

She’ll even cover a bit of typographic history and trends. But, most importantly, she’ll teach you the principles of legibility, readability, and compatibility and how they should be considered when selecting and designing with type.

After completion of this course, you will:
  • be able to implement all you’ve learnt in your course assignment.
  • receive a LinkedIn Learning® Certificate that you can add to your resume.
  • have better knowledge of good typographic practices and understand how to use them effectively.

I also chose to watch the 2023 edition since the video in the assignments is 11 years.