Digital Photography and Imaging : Week 4

24/09/2025 - 15/10/2025 (Week 1 - Week 4)

Chan Xin Yean, 0377851

Digital Photography and Imaging

Project 1 : Digital Imaging Exercises

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LECTURES

During the lectures, we learnt about adjustment layers and filters in Adobe Photoshop. There were a few adjustment that could be made in the adjustment layer, that is brightness, levels, curves, exposure and selective colour. 

Figure 1.0 Screenshot of lecture slides about adjustment layer

For filters teacher showed a few videos and examples on how we could change or edit the colours and textures of a picture.

Figure 1.1 Screenshot of lecture slides about filters

In our exercise, filter was used in the Shazam Hearst Mansion when we applied gaussian blur to a shadow layer and even the ripple effect for the reflection.

Figure 1.2 Screenshot of lecture slide in applying Gaussian Blur

We also learned how to use the adjustment layer for recolouring by using Softlight in blending mode.

Figure 1.3 Screenshot of lecture slide in recolouring exercise

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INSTRUCTIONS

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PROCESS WORK

After watching the videos teacher gave, I proceeded to do the Hearst Mansion exercise using my own picture.

Figure 2.0 Picture taken of me leaning on a wall

I had to try a few times to get the colour of my pictures to match the Hearst of Mansion picture. At first, it was too saturated and did not blend in the background as I like it. It was also too big as compared to the lights in the picture.

Figure 2.1 First attempt of Hearst of Mansion exercise

Then, I edited my picture to be less saturated and bluer to have an natural matching colour. Besides, I also resized my photo to be smaller and the reflection too.

Figure 2.2 Final attempt of Hearst of Mansion exercise

For the recolouring exercise, I decided to choose a picture of Lisa from Blackpink from the list given.

Figure 2.1 Selection of Lisa's skin using smart selection tool in Photoshop

Final Outcome

Image Editing ( Adding subject on image )

Figure 2.1 Digital Imaging Exercise Shazam

Figure 2.2 Digital Imaging Personal Photo

Recolouring B&W Photos

Figure 2.3 Digital Recolouring Practice 

Figure 2.4 Digital Recolouring Lisa ( image provided )

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REFLECTION

In Hearst Mansion exercise, I cropped a person from one photo and placed into another and adjusted the colours, brightness, and contrast to match the lighting of the new scene, which helped make the image look more natural. I also created a reflection of the person by duplicating and flipping the layer, then reducing the opacity for realism.  This task taught me how important colour matching and lighting are in creating a believable composition.

Throughout this exercise, I learned how to bring black-and-white photographs to life by recolouring them using Adobe Photoshop. It required both technical skill and a strong sense of visual judgment. Using tools such as the Brush Tool, Adjustment Layers, and Blending Modes, to achieve a realistic effect. By adding colour, this activity improved my Photoshop skills and enhanced my understanding of how colour can transform the mood and impact of an image.