Compositing and Portrait Capstone: Creative Multiple Exposure Portrait

Creative Multiple Exposure Portrait Project:
Imagine being able to capture not only a subjects portrait, but also communicate a life experience or story, internal impulses, dreams or perhaps an alter-ego. In this project students will demonstrate mastery by creating a multiple exposure portrait that involves a storytelling element.

"The Driver" By Seth Wilson. "I have always loved the open road, since I was a child I traveled across the desert many times and that imagery has always been burned into my subconscious. Recently I took photos on a solo trip back to my home city for a memorial to honor a childhood friend. This image is a representation of the road in my mind, if only it could go on forever."

Links for Reading: think about how you can use the multiple exposure method to tell your own story or share an experience visually, because that is part of the challenge for this project... read and review these links before proceeding.

• Echosight, a collaborative double exposure project: echosight
• Article, double exposure and journalism: The formidable impact of double exposure and journalism
• Daniella Zalcmans Project: Canada's Devastating Legacy of Residential Schools

Creative Multiple Exposure Assignment:
In this hands-on project, students will plan and create their own creative multiple exposure portraits. Students will develop their own narrative, develop imagery to represent it and use photography to capture those images and combine them into a finished work with Photoshop. Students must create pencil sketches and concepts for approval before proceeding.

Follow the processes below to complete your own portrait:

Part 1: Pre-production
Before proceeding create a pencil sketch of your concept or write a brief description of your narrative (who, what, when, where, why) for approval before proceeding. Think of something you want to communicate about yourself or an experience you have had, or ideas, causes or hobbies that interest you...

Part 2: Portrait Production 
You may work in pairs or small teams to capture the portraits you will use for your compositions. You will need to research and get creative with your environment to capture a portrait that will edit/blend well with their other exposures. You must frame your portraits correctly and capture them with good lighting and a background with good contrast for editing. Backgrounds with excessive noise (leaves, wood grain, signs, etc) will be difficult to edit out, so look for clean white walls, green screen, etc. Use our studio for best results.

Part 3: Additional Exposures
You must capture at least 3 additional exposures to use for this project, this can be done on campus or off campus as homework (take many pictures so you have 2 good images to use). You should take original photos for this project. Capture images that will help communicate the narrative you established in Part 1.

Part 4: Lab Work
Edit your portrait and captured images into a creative multiple exposure image with Photoshop. Follow the steps listed below and watch the video for an understanding of the process. Research online tutorials for inspiration and additional tips and tricks. Focus on using imagery to communicate the narrative you established in your concept sketch or written description.

Aaron dreams of redlining v8's, the autobahn and finding the ultimate set of rims for his twin turbo 1 series. This multiple exposure portrait contains elements that speak to his inner desires.

Photoshop Process: 

Tutorials:

Using Masks for Double Exposure

Using multiple exposures in Photoshop

Open your portrait in Photoshop, make a duplicate of the portrait layer in the layer palette and turn off the visibility for the original (this is a backup layer in case you make a mistake and want to re-edit). Follow the steps below as a rough guide to create your own composition. Research online tutorials for additional tips, tricks and techniques: 

1. From the Select Menu choose Color Range. Use the Eyedropper tool to select the background area of your portrait. Then use the Eyedropper with the + symbol to add to the Selection area, use the - symbol option to remove areas. Continue until you have a clean Matte and click OK 
2. Use a Lasso Tool to fine tune your selection 
3. Click DELETE to remove the selected area 
4. Scale down your layer by using the quick key Command T (T for Transform). Hold the Shift Key while you scale your portrait layer down in order to keep the proportions correct 
5. Use the Eraser Tool with a soft and large brush to create the face effect on your portrait, hiding any edges
6. Create any color modifications with Adjustment layers above your portrait 
7. Import your other images 1 by 1 by clicking and dragging or using the import option from the file menu
8. Adjust your new layer and set the Blending Mode to something that looks good, for my example I used Screen. Try all the options to see what looks best for your images; the different light and dark and color values in different photos will create different results for everyone. Tip: Hold the Shift Key and click the + or - Keys to quickly jog through the Blending Modes for your selected Layer
9. Position your layers and scale if needed, use Command-T to quickly scale 
10. Adjust the Opacity for your layers in the Layer Palette if needed 
11. Continue editing until complete, refer to the additional online tutorial links in the next section for inspiration and other techniques 
12. Save your file and export as a JPG for sharing

Ask your instructor for a demonstration of this process for more help!

Have fun!

- Mr.W

Studio Portraiture and Lighting Patterns

Hello Students,

Having a studio environment and using studio lighting is one of the best way for a photographer to have total control over the lighting and background elements in their photos. Different lighting positions are used to enhance facial features, eyes, hair... and to create different moods, atmosphere and effects in the photo. We will cover some basic lighting set ups and then you will work in groups to create examples of the different lighting positions for portraiture.

When you begin to recognize lighting patterns you can experiment with placement, shadows and light effects.

Studio Lighting Patterns:

A lighting pattern pertains to how the light and shadows fall across the face. We all know that harsh outdoor lighting can be unflattering to our subjects, casting deep shadows under the lips, in the eye sockets and neck area. By using studio lights we can create pleasing light patterns with rich tonal value to accentuate our subjects facial contours. Different lighting set ups work better for women and men separately, and it is important to know the basics, once you have an understanding of basic light patterns you can begin to experiment and achieve the results you desire in each of your portraits.

1: Split Lighting

Split lighting is a simple, single light set up. It is called split lighting because it divides the face into light and dark areas. This setup tends to be rather dramatic in effect. To achieve this look the light is placed 90 degrees to the left or right of the subject. Any lighting pattern can be used on any facial position, but the light may need to be moved in relation to the subjects face for best results.

Term Definition - Catch light: Sometimes the subjects eyes may be too dark in a split lighting set up, so often a "catch light" is used in front of the subjects eyes to fill the reflections in their eyes and to avoid a "dead" look in their eyes. This catch light can be a big diffused umbrella light, not bright enough to affect the split light set up, but just enough to cause some reflection in the eyes, brightening up the subjects look over all.

2: Loop Lighting

Loop lighting is when lighting is positioned to create a shadow of the viewers nose falling across the face. To create this look the light position must be slightly higher than eye level and about 30-45 degrees from the camera. This positioning may need to change with each person, everyones face is different. Learn to read your subjects face, in loop lighting the shadow of the nose and the shadow of the cheek shouldn't touch. Adjust light as needed to achieve this. Loop lighting is a common method as it is usually flattering to the subject and is easy to achieve.

3: Rembrandt Lighting

So named because the same lighting is used in Rembrandt's paintings. This set up is identifiable because the shadow created by the nose and the cheek do touch, creating little triangle highlights under the subjects eyes. Proper Rembrandt lighting should also use a catch light on the shadow side of the face to keep the eyes from looking lifeless. This is a dramatic lighting set up that creates a deep mood. If your subject has high cheekbones this is a good method, if their nose is very short or shallow you may need to adjust your lighting to achieve the light triangle so endemic of this method. To create Rembrandt lighting the subject must turn slightly away from the light and the light must be above the top of the head. Not everyone's face is ideal for this method, so do what looks best and is most flattering.

4: Butterfly Lighting

This lighting setup is named because of the butterfly shaped shadow that is created under the subjects nose. In this setup the light is placed above and behind the camera. This setup is used for glamour lighting and to create shadows under the cheeks and chin. It can be flattering for older subjects as it tends to minimize the shadows in wrinkles, which would be more pronounced in side lighting. Sometimes in Butterfly lighting a reflector is placed under the subject, sometimes the subject will hold the reflector themselves. This pattern flatters subjects with thin faces and high cheekbones.

Studio Light Styles / Broad Lighting:

Broad lighting isn't a pattern itself but a style of pattern, any of the above patterns can be broad or short. Broad lighting refers to the subjects face being turned away from the camera so that the lighted area of the face is broader and the shadow areas are smaller or shorter. This type of lighting can make a persons face appear wider and may not be flattering, or it can be used to make a thinner persons face seem fuller.

Short Lighting:

Short lighting is the opposite of broad lighting, the subjects face is turned towards the light making the shadow area smaller, and often more flattering. It puts more of the face into shadow, adds depth to the image and tends to me more slimming and flattering.

Link: 6 Portrait Lighting Patterns

Studio Lighting Assignment:

Pair up with 3-4 others and sign up for some time in the studio. We only have one studio so we will need to share. When you use the studio be extremely careful when handling the lights to avoid broken bulbs and broken equipment. Take turns acting as models and create examples of the following light setups:

• Split lighting
• Loop lighting
• Rembrandt lighting
• Butterfly lighting
• Broad lighting (in any pattern)
• Short lighting (in any pattern)
• Experimental (choose a light position/pattern/technique and get creative with it)

Post process or shoot your images as B&W images to demonstrate the proper lighting patterns, B&W can show tonal patterns and light/dark areas with more clarity than a color image. Post your 7 best results to your blog when complete.

Have fun!

- Mr.W

Student Examples:

HDR Pro Project

Hello Students,

Your new assignment is to shoot a set of bracketed exposure images and combine them with Photoshop's "Merge to HDR Pro" feature. HDR Pro is a powerful tone mapping program, and is the best way to merge multi-exposure images.

This image was created with 3 bracketed exposures, tone mapped with Photoshop and adjusted for best results

Project Requirements:

• You will produce 4 final images for this project.

• You must use a tripod to shoot a set of multiple exposure images. and then combine them with the Merge to HDR Pro feature in photoshop. Take 3 different exposures, underexposed, normal and overexposed. Team up since we only have a few tripods.
• Take more than 3 exposures if you like, but you will need to bracket your exposures manually

• Edit the sliders in the Merge to HDR Pro menu to achieve good tone in your image
• Produce 2 color and 2 B&W images with the HDR process, subject is your choice

• Upload your 4 final images as jpgs to your blog when complete.

Tips and Advice to get great results:

• Subject matter is your choice, but avoid any portraits or any subject that will move between taking each picture. 
• HDRI process works best with landscapes, cars, architecture and objects that have rich texture or very shiny surfaces, like cars, windows, glass, water reflections, etc...
• HDR Pro can align your images, but if there is too much movement between exposures than results can be less than desirable. Check the "Remove Ghosts" button for best results
• Use a tripod, it is mandatory for this project!
• If you want to use this for portraiture, make sure your subject can hold themselves extremely still between shots... otherwise there will be ghosting and blur in your image.

How To Merge with HDR Pro in Photoshop CS5:

AKA: Tone Mapping

• Take your 3 different exposures and place them in a new project folder
• Launch Photoshop and go File > Automate > Merge to HDR Pro
• Browse to your files and load all 3

• Merge to HDR Pro launches
• Input the Shutter Speed, Aperture and ISO for each exposure

• Modify the sliders as outlined below to achieve your best look
• Check out the Presets at the top for your other 3 versions

Check out this video about using HDR Pro: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsaS5vgzlek

Setting Camera Up for Bracketing:

Menu > Camera  >Bracketing > AE Bracketing > Choose exposure

Click here to check out this link to see details on setting up AEB on the Rebel T3i

Merge to HDR Pro Slider Functions Explained:

Edge Glow:

Strength <--- Increase these numbers for more halo effect, decrease for less

Radius <--- Increase these numbers for more halo effect, decrease for less

Tone/ Detail

Detail <--- Sharpens your image and adds contrast, ADJUST THIS FIRST then adjust others.

Exposure <--- Increases or decreases brightness

Shadow <--- brighten or darken shadows

Highlights <--- brighten or darken highlights

Color:

Vibrance  <--- Adjusts muted colors first, then others

Saturation <--- removes or adds more color

Student Work Examples:

The Brenizer Method, AKA: Bokehrama, AKA: Photo Stitch

Hello Students,

Your new assignment is to create an example of the Brenizer Process, also called Bokehrama. This hands on lesson will introduce and guide students in the process of creating a panoramic stitch to mimic a large format image. Popularized by Ryan Brenizer, it has become a popular method for portrait, auto and wedding photography. This process uses standard equipment to replicate the large format look, this is a great project for creating compelling and creative portraits that won't break the bank!

This image was created with over 40 different exposures and combined with Photomerge, cropped and processed for the final result. Photo credit: Seth Wilson, 2017

The "Brenizer Method" Seamless Photo Stitch:
The Brenizer Method is named after Ryan Brenizer, a wedding photographer who invented the method, uses it in his wedding photography and teaches it to others as well. The advantages to this method is it produces a very high resolution images, essentially mimics a lens that has an f-stop of 1 and produces great bokeh. The process to create a successful Bokehrama image is in 2 parts, capturing and processing. Read the detailed instructions below before attempting to create your own.

Camera Capture Process:

• Use a DSLR or similar camera with exposure control.
• Find an environment with elements that will show depth with detail along the fore, mid and backplane. This will show off the method best.
• Stand in one place and dial in your camera exposure, then lock it down, including white balance.
• Set your lens/aperture to it's widest setting for the shallowest depth of field
• Focus on your subject/center area, use autofocus to dial it in, then switch to manual. You don't want the camera to c
• oks good your ready for photoshop!
• hange focus between shots
• Frame your subject and take some test shots, make sure the light is good and the subject is framed tightly, if not move yourself forward or backward to frame your subject/area
• Take your photo framing your subject in the center.
• Move slightly to the right and take an overlapping shot, keeping the camera steady, continue shooting in a grid pattern to the left, top, bottom, bottom right, bottom left, etc. 
• Make sure each shot overlaps with the previous for blending.
• Up to 40 exposures can be used for a large image. More is better so you can crop the best area after combining.
• Review your shots and make sure each one overlaps and the exposures aren't changing between shots, if it looks good you are ready for Photoshop

Photo Stitching Process in Photoshop:

• Move all of your exposures from the camera and copy them to your computer and place them in a new project folder.
• Launch Photoshop and go File > Automate > Photomerge
• Click the Browse button and navigate to your folder of images, use Command-Shift to select all of your images at once and load them into Photomerge. Alternatively you could use Command-A for Select all.
• Click OK to start the process. Photomerge may take up to 30 minutes or longer depending on the size and number of photos you are combining. The processing speed of your computer also affects the speed of this process, allow appropriate time for the computer to complete it's work.
• If your Photomerge is successful, you will see your finished and combined image.
• Crop your photo, use the Crop Tool in the Toolbar. Hold Command while you click-drag with the Crop Tool to create a perfectly square crop.
• Save your image to your folder as a Photoshop file.
• Use your Photoshop skills to modify your image as desired for creative results and make it cool!

Tutorial 1: Brenizer Method Tutorial
Tutorial 2: 5 Steps to the Brenizer Method
Link: The Brenizer Method Page
Link: Brenizer Method used for pet portrait photography

This photo stitch of the Tilden Park Carousel facade was created with over 50 images and combined by hand in Adobe Photoshop. Photo credit: Seth Wilson, 2016

Have fun!

  - Mr.W

Double and Multiple Exposure Photography

Hello Students,
For this project you will be exercising two artistic photography/editing techniques, double exposure and multiple exposure.

With multiple exposure photography you may literally be beside yourself! ( I AM SO FUNNY! )

Assignment Requirements:

• Create 1 double exposure image or portrait, must utilize juxtaposition as the driving concept in the choice of images you are combining
• Create 1 multiple exposure image or portrait. Must contain at least 4 exposures/images combined into 1. Turn in all images used plus final combined image.

Double Exposure Photo Shoot Project Process:

Your new assignment is to shoot 2 exposures that can be combined with Photoshop. Work in pairs or groups, with each taking turns to shoot portraits and other images for superimposing. Utilize the concept of juxtaposition to drive your work. Simply stated, juxtaposition means things side-by-side. In art this usually is done with the intention of bringing out a specific quality or creating an effect, particularly when two contrasting or opposing elements are used. Light and dark, smooth and textured, shapes and details, etc.

Tips for success:

-       Look for images in your environment that will combine well as juxtapositions

-       Consider the content of the images as well as the light and dark areas and how they will appear when combined

-       Shoot a few "A" images (portraits, animals, statues, etc) and shoot a few "B" images (backgrounds, architecture, textural surfaces, lines and patterns, etc) so you have good choices for finding a combination that works. You may use previously shot images for this project if desired.

Instructions:

-       Work with a partner or a group to explore campus and take your photos following the guidelines above.

-       Make sure that each person in the group takes turns shooting photos so each person can turn in unique work

-       When complete return to class and download/share the images onto to each students computer for editing

-       Put them into a single folder on your computer. label the folder with a self explanatory file name such as "Double Exposure"

-       Launch Adobe Photoshop and open the Open the first image, then drag-and-drop the second image onto the first from it's folder, you may double click in your document to complete the layering. If your Layer Palette is open, you will see both images stacked. Show students how you toggle the layers on and off with the eyeball icon next to demonstrate

-       Adjust the Opacity slider in the Layer Palette until you find a good setting to blend your two images.

-       Additionally you can also scale/move/distort a layer for effect if desired

-       Use the "Save for Web and Devices" feature under the Edit menu to export a JPG of your combined image. Save as a JPG or PNG24 with a self-explanatory file name such as "firstname_doubleexposure.jpg"

-       Turn in you final image, plus your two source images to your instructor for grading

Multiple Exposure Photo Shoot Project Process: 

Overview:

In this multiple exposure project students will use their own cameras with a tripod to create their own multi-self portraits. Students may work in groups or pairs but each student should turn in unique work.

Your new assignment is to shoot 4 or more exposures that can be combined with Photoshop seamlessly in the form of a multi-self portrait.

• You will produce 1 final image for this project of 4 or more exposures that have been combined in Photoshop in a seamless fashion (no obvious edges, errors or transparencies)

 • The exposure settings on the camera must be locked down so no there are no light/dark changes between shots. Meter for your scene with the auto feature, write down the shutter speed, iso and aperture... then switch to manual mode and enter those values. Watch out for changes in natural light (clouds, etc)

 • Make sure white balance is set appropriately and not on auto. Any changes between exposures can ruin the final edit, even clouds passing over head can change the light across your different exposures.

 • Camera must be locked down on a tripod with no movement between shots.

 • Capture 4 or more exposures of the same person in one scene, in different positions and placement. Be aware that overlapping areas are difficult to edit.

Turn in:

-       3 or more exposures

-       1 final combined image

What is Double Exposure?

Double exposure with a traditional film camera involved exposing 2 different images to 1 piece of film. The effect creates an overlay of 2 images into 1, the areas of dark and light combine. With digital camera's we can take 2 different photos and combine them into 1 by using Photoshop's layers. See examples below:

Composer Karlheinz Stockhausen, double exposure made using a film camera, 1980 by Claude Truong-Ngoc / Wikimedia Commons 

Double exposure made using a film camera

This example is created in camera with a carefully planned process. Photo Credit:Dan Mountford

Photo Credit:Dan Mountford

What is Multiple Exposure?

Multiple exposure is when a camera is timed to take an exposure at different intervals of time, creating a series of images into 1 image. With a digital camera we can take multiple images and combine them with photoshops layers and some clever use of the Eraser Tool. See examples below:

A multiple exposure image created with photoshop

A multiple exposure composite image of a lunar eclipse taken over Hayward, California in 2004.

Student Work Samples: Double and Multiple Exposures

How to Write a Good Great Resume and List of References

Hello Students,

Having a solid resume is the cornerstone developing your career. A well written and well designed resume is what sets you apart from other job applicants. A perfectly written job application, a quality resume and a list of positive references is the job seekers trifecta. In this class we will teach you these skills to help in your search for employment. Below is a list of resume writing tips, read over it before finalizing your own resume.

Link(right click to download): ROP PORTFOLIO HANDBOOK

Resume Writing Tips:

Typography matters!:

Never use comic sans, zapfino or anything difficult to read or is more "expressive" than "rational". Use sans-serif for headers and section titles, pick a complementary serif font for all other text. Limit your fonts to 2, with 1 or 2 modifiers (bold, italic, etc). Also, refer back to our rules on typography in our introduction to typography and utilize those guidelines in your resume. Choose fonts that are complimentary to each other and assist in creating information hierarchy, this helps the reviewer find the information they need quickly. Choose a good sans serif font for your section titles and a complimentary serif font for the rest.

Have an objective:

Know the purpose of your resume and edit it for different job scenarios. Having a focused job objective listed on your resume will help you with attaining an interview and getting hired.

Back up your special skills with job experience:

List your skills but make sure your listed job experience, training or education reflects those skills. Are you really good at making websites? Let them know how and where you learned that skill.

Research and use the right keywords:

Every industry has its own language, research job offerings and pay attention to the keywords that are used. If you put your resume online with a job placement service they will often use certain keywords to search their database for potential hires.

Be descriptive with job experience:

A job title will communicate your role, but not the details of your work experience. List the duties, tasks, activities, skills and achievements that were part of your job.

Format your text:

Use bold text to start each section. Use bullets for lists. Make the document easy to quickly scan and read. Clarity of format is crucial, you have ten seconds before the employer will move on to another applicant.

List most recent job experience first:

This also goes for education, list the most recent first. If your still in High School you can say "future class of 2012", or "Currently attending HS".

List most important skills first:

When writing out your skill list make the most important skills the first ones on the list. If you are applying for a web design job, list your web skills first. Change and edit this for different industries/jobs.

Leave out the obvious:

It is not necessary to add "available for interview" or "references available upon request". References are standard and expected, and of course you are available for an interview. Thats the whole point!

Avoid negativity:

Don't trash talk past employers or state that you didn't like a past job. Simply state that you were looking for future opportunities.

Go with what you got:

If you haven't had work experience yet, just list any summer jobs, volunteer experience etc. If you have hobbies that are relevant to the job you can list those. If you don't have a diploma or degree then just list your estimated date for completion.

Proofread your resume:

Have your neighbor or classmate read your resume. Sometimes the spellchecker doesn't catch typos. The more eyeballs that see your resume before it gets in the hands of the employer the better.

Although these resumes contain similar information, styles do vary. Focus on what makes a resume readable, identifiable and effective. It should be unique to stand out from the rest, but not overly expressive as that can make legibility difficult.

Resume Writing Assignment:

Read:
Check out these links to get some tips from the pros
Practical Resume Writing Tips
20 Best and Worst Fonts for Resume Writing
More Best and Worst Fonts for Resume's
Resume Tips: Avoid These Typography Mistakes

Create:

• Download the ROP Career Portfolio Handbook and follow the template to write your own resume from scratch
• Create a 1 page resume that meets the handbook requirements for all included information
• Use any program or online tools of your choice to write your resume
• Demonstrate good typography, spelling and accuracy! 
• Make sure your resume shows good information hierarchy so it is simple to read and each section is listed clearly
• Email or print and turn in your resume  and list of references for credit - DO NOT POST YOUR RESUME ON YOUR BLOG! It contains sensitive information!
• Due Wednesday

List Of References Writing Assignment:
It is incredibly important to develop a great list of references. These references will help you obtain jobs, college admissions or acceptance into special programs.

Who makes a good reference?

• Teacher
• Coach
• Counseler
• Present or past employer
• Family friend
• Anyone that can speak highly of your abilities, skills and worth

References to avoid:

• Anyone under 18
• Personal friends
• family members
• Anyone who cannot speak highly of your abilities or skills

Important Tips:

• The format of your references should match your resume exactly, same header, same fonts.
• Do not include references on your resume
• Include at least three references
• All references should be responsible adults who know you well and can speak to your character and skills
• Always ask whether or not someone is willing to be a reference before including them in your list
• Verify the contact information before handing over to an employer

Format:

Use the following format for your references, using your own accurate information of course:

Persons Name:   Bob Smith

Address:            123 Fake Street

                          Santa Cruz Ca, 95060

Phone #:             (831) 555-4321

Title and              Business Owner

work place:         Moland Spring Bottled Water

Grading:

Your resume's and reference lists are graded assignments. For a total of 10 points, grading is as follows:

2Pts - Resume and List of References is complete per Handbook Guidelines

2Pts - Resume and List of References is well formatted and easy to read

2Pts - Resume and List of References contains no typos or errors

2Pts - Resume and List of References are two separate documents with consistent style, font and header

2Pts - Resume and List of References are emailed to me as PDF files with descriptive file names (don't send a file called "untitled.pdf")

Have fun!

- Mr.W