Digital Photography and Imaging - Week 13 & 14

16/12/2024 - 29/12/2024 (Week 13 - 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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Week 13 & 14

Lecture

Mr. Fauzi showed tips and tricks for Project 4.

1. How to remove greenscreen in After Effects:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4cCPkCjKwY&t=65s

2. How to use blending mode:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0ASq37hX7Q

3. How to use Puppet Tool:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLzRPE6Z6zI

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Tutorial

PROJECT 4: SELF-TITLED [30%]

Timeframe: WEEK 10 - WEEK 14
Duration: 15 second
Output: .MOV or .MP4 less than 20MB
Size: 1080 x 1920 px (I.G reel/ story size)


Idea Development: 5 marks (WEEK 10)
Design Direction: 5 marks (WEEK 11)

Execution and Post Production: 10 marks (WEEK 12)
Animation & Finishing: 10 marks (WEEK 13)


Reference:
https://fauziyusoff.com/dpi/

https://jeslynlimsuharjadpi.blogspot.com/2022/07/final-project-cinemagraphs-self-tilted.html

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Practical

Project 4: Self-Titled

These 2 weeks, I focused on animating my poster in After Effects. 

Animation Process

I used the puppet tool to add motion to static images.

Figure 1.1 Puppet Tool

Next, I extracted the audio amplitude of the background music (BGM) in Adobe After Effects by selecting 'Keyframe Assistant,' and choosing 'Convert Audio to Keyframes.' I then linked these keyframes to the scale property of an image, creating synchronised scaling effects that responds to the audio.

Figure 1.2 Match Reaction to Audio (Tutorial Link: https://youtu.be/V5HLeR5jaFM?si=JvpQjGm4xQFig2g5)

I wanted each building to react slight differently, so I linked the scale property of each building image to a different audio amplitude layer and customised the input and output values for each using expressions. This allowed me to control how each building responded to the audio, with some reacting more subtly and others more dramatically.

This approach strengthens the connection between the visuals and music by syncing the motion of the buildings with the beat, creating a smooth flow where the visuals matched the audio's rhythm. This make the interaction between sound and movement feel more natural and engaging.

Figure 1.3 Link audio amplitude layers to each buildings in Adobe After Effects

Figure 1.4 Adding expression in Adobe After Effects

Figure 1.5 Adding expression in Adobe After Effects

I saved a copy of the video and created a new file and applied motion tracking to track the movement of my pupil. I stored the tracking data on a null object layer. 

Figure 1.6 Motion Tracking in Adobe After Effects

Then, I created a red solid layer, masked a shape around my pupil, and applied a glow effect to simulate a glowing eye. I linked the position property of the solid layer to the null object to ensure that the glowing effect followed the movement of my pupil accurately. Lastly, I added the CC Light Sweep effect to add a light highlight, making the glow more intense to amplify the menacing look.

Figure 1.7 Masking CC Light Sweep in Adobe After Effects

Figure 1.8 Motion Tracking & Laser Beam (Tutorial Link: https://youtu.be/fqvIXURe2oI?si=9RZLyLjXI3T8lcmz)

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) with glowing laser beams from its eyes. The largest "Me" directs the smaller ones, 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 1.9 Concept Board (PDF) (30/12/24)

Final Poster

Figure 1.10 Final Poster (15/11/24)

Final Video

Figure 1.11 Final Video (30/12/24)

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

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Reflection

Through this module, I had the opportunity to dive into the features of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe After Effects, two incredibly powerful tools for enhancing images and adding touch up animations. This experience taught me the importance of both technical skills and creativity, as I learned how to manipulate visuals in ways that added depth and movement to static images. Over the course of the semester, I gained a deeper understanding of key composition principles, such as the Rule of Thirds, the Golden Ratio, symmetry and asymmetry, and colour theory etc. that are essential for crafting visually compelling and balanced designs. I also began to appreciate how the narrative behind an image plays a crucial role in conveying an idea, which will certainly guide my work in future projects.

Reflecting on the final project, I see how crucial it is to pay attention to the smallest details when combining composition and animation effects. Each step required thoughtful consideration to ensure the final product aligned with my vision. The process also helped me realise how technical skills can elevate creative ideas, and how even small adjustments in motion or effect can dramatically change the feel of a scene. I’ve learned that mastery of these tools allows me to bring my ideas to life in ways that wouldn’t be possible through static imagery alone.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue refining these techniques and further explore the potential of both Photoshop and After Effects in my work. This project has opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of blending visuals, audio, and animation, and I’m eager to apply what I’ve learned to more complex projects in the future. The combination of creative storytelling and technical proficiency is something I look forward to mastering as I continue to develop my skills.