Digital Photography and Imaging - Compilation of Project 4

29/11/2024 - 29/12/2024 (Week 11 - Week 14)

Chang Wing / 0367807

Digital Photography and Imaging / Bachelors of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylor's University

Project 4: Self-Titled

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INSTRUCTION 

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PROJECT 4

SELF TITLED (30 marks)

INSTRUCTION 

Create a cinemagraph featuring surrealistic imagery using mostly own photographs edited and manipulated in Photoshop then animated. The images must have a visual or a conceptual theme.


SUBMISSION: SELF-TITLED (30%)

Design Concept

The Master Within 

A 15-second animated short exploring self-control, The Master Within features cut-out versions of "Me" controlled by a towering figure (Also me). The largest "Me" directs the smaller ones (each taken from different era, the ones in high school uniform represents the childish side of me, dark facing back one embody the 'sad' and 'hidden' parts of me), representing fragments of identity and ambition. 

A glitchy background reflects the instability and imperfections of inner struggles while the city's buildings pulse and scale with the beat of the BGM, reflecting the rhythm of inner conflict. The glowing lasers and shifting environment create a dynamic, introspective visual narrative, leaving viewers to question whether control is empowering or confining.

Concept Board

Figure 1.1 Concept Board (PDF) (30/12/24)

Final Poster

Figure 1.2 Final Poster (15/11/24)

Final Video

Figure 1.3 Final Video (30/12/24)

Youtube link: https://youtube.com/shorts/CfT4MuyYDwE?si=vvfxjjNyXwgPebFG)

Click Week 11, Week 12, Week 13 & 14 to view the task process.

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Reflection

I’ve become much more familiar with Adobe After Effects, especially with features like motion tracking and syncing image actions to audio beats. At first, I struggled with challenges like using expressions to sync images to audio, since basic coding isn’t something I’m familiar with, and I had issues applying motion tracking because I messed up the masking layers, but I managed to overcome these by watching tutorial videos and practicing a lot. These tools have definitely expanded my creative abilities, letting me enhance the dynamic quality of my work. 

Through this project, I’ve learned how even small animations can turn static photographs into captivating, surreal compositions, adding depth and movement that really draw viewers in. This whole process has helped me better understand how to combine Photoshop and After Effects to create cohesive and visually engaging cinemagraphs.