This is my first Adobe Photoshop self portrait. This portrait idea is an example of multiple exposure. This was created using two different images, an image of me and an image of trees I took. I decided I wanted to include an aspect of nature in one of my designs, as I’m really fond of nature and the benefits it gives us. I’m always going on walks and taking photographs of nature (Figure 1). To create this, I turned these two images black and white and edited them with a high exposure etc, anything to make the background as white as possible, whilst keeping the subject of the image visible. This was the most effective way to overlay the image of the trees on top, to place them together with a blend method evenly with no harsh lines and create one seamless piece. I decided to place the trees image sideways on, just slightly covering my face. This further isolates the focal point of the image away from the background. Moreover, I believe the use of black & white creates a timeless, classic feel, which allows us to really focus on the subject of the image. It also highlights the amount of tonal variation and contrast. I really like this technique because it shows how you can use two completely different types of images and they still work together to create a detailed outcome, which is bold and dynamic.
This is my second Adobe Photoshop self portrait. This portrait idea was inspired by Adrian Brannan’s work who creates photo collage images which I find really intriguing (Figure 2). Initially, I started off enlarging certain segments of the face and taking sections from another image of me and layering them on top in different cut out shapes. This created a sense of perspective. To create all the dimensional square and rectangle segments, I experimented with different methods including colour balance, hue/saturation, and brightness/contrast. I created these in all different shapes and sizes which creates variation. This creates a multidimensional effect which adds to the sense of perspective and creates a busy composition which looks very intricate. The different areas show variating examples of tone, light, and depth. This also captures different tones and creates a celebration of colour. I believe this conveys my lively, bright, and chaotic side of my personality. Its unrealistic and abstract appearance is extremely eye-catching and has created a unique, detailed, and alluring piece.
Reference List:
Figure 2: Brannan, A (2020) images by Adrian Brannan – Optical Photo Collages by the Glasgow Artist, including scenes of London Barcelona Lucerne and Glasgow. http://www.adrianbrannan.com/index.htm [Accessed 3 November 2024].
Figure 1: Swaim, E (2022) 8 Ways Being Outside Can Improve Your Health and Well-Being. https://www.healthline.com/health/health-benefits-of-being-outdoors [Accessed 2 November 2024].