DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND IMAGING — Week 02

28.04.2025  (Week 02)

Lee Xiang Ling / 0384095

Digital Photography and Imaging / Bachelor of Design in Creative Media / Taylors University

Week 2 — Pratical (Collage Elements) & Introduction To Composition

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Lecture

• Introduction to basic composition
• Focal Point
• Scale & Hierarchy
• Balance The Elements
• White Space (Balance up the main focus of the compositions)

• Rule of Thirds
• It divides an image into nine parts using two horizontal and two vertical lines to create four intersection points used to guide composition.
• Position important elements at intersection points for a natural look. Place the horizon on the top or bottom horizontal line.

• It is a way to:
  
• Use composition techniques that are in the line with what's naturally pleasing to the eye.
• Creatively use negative space.
• Create conversation between the subject.

• Golden Ratio
• It is a natural mathematical ratio that creates visually pleasing and organic designs.

Fig.1.1 - Golden Ratio

• In design, the Golden Ratio enhances aesthetics by creating harmony, propportion, and a sence of artistry.
• It helps define layout dimensions, often using a 1:1.618 ratio.

• Composition [Framing & Cropping]
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/qQNiqzuXjoM

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Exercise

1. Choose and identify your collage's design elements to be cut out and compose it into your own concept & story.
   
   
2. Pre compositing your collage's design element into a composition.
   Reference: https://youtu.be/2KqXGMf0HNk?si=SJQQUAel6-tCur5j
   
   
3. Take 3 photo of your collage pre-composition and insert it on the section below. Please use CAMSCANNER apps to take pictures of your collages.
   
   
4. Submit (Turn In) this W2_COLLAGE ELEMENT

PRE-COMPOSITION #1

Artist - Fong Sheeney

Fong Sheeney is a Chinese Calligrapher in Malaysia. I have seen her calligraphy works on Instagram before. She is an artist with great personality and talent. This work, set against a dreamy palette of soft purples and infused with jewel-like elements, captures that spirit beautifully. The repeated appearances of her image, contrasted between blurred backgrounds and sharp close-ups, highlight her ability to move fluidly between fashion, art, and identity. It reveals an elegance that is both resilient and fiercely independent.

PRE-COMPOSITION #2

London in Love

I tried to collide the calm, earthy-like figure with the brightly colored, visually impactful pop art background. This unexpected juxtaposition gave rise to the piece before you. The embellishment of the gem butterfly and necklace adds a sense of narrative and symbolism to the whole picture, as if a woman from the old times is slowly walking out of the dusty history, shedding its weight, embracing her own colors and independent attitude. She is not merely a relic of history, but a radiant protagonist in a new visual story.

PRE-COMPOSITION #3

Art Folio

I contrast the images of vintage and modern women, and use gemstone jewelry that represent their personality traits as a background to create a visual scene that is both gorgeous and meaningful. By collaging magazines, I try to create a form of expression with a sense of visual narrative.The work conveys a simple but powerful idea: beauty should not be defined by skin color, nobility or poverty.Every woman has her own unique style and light, shining like a gem in her own identity.

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Instruction

<iframe allow="autoplay" height="480" src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DsERWuF4d2YDYxX0lRiZOdmNqf8wk4FU/preview" width="640"></iframe>

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Reflections

Lecture

Through this week's lecture, I learned that photography is not just about pressing the shutter — it's truly an art of seeing. I used to compose pictures based on my feelings, but through this class, I began to understand that behind every good photo, there is actually a set of visual logic and skills to support it.

I learned how to use focal points to guide the viewer's eye, how to build compositions that balance visual elements, and how to express ideas more clearly through thoughtful design. At the same time, I also successfully learned a new composition method: the Golden Ratio, which not only makes the layout look more comfortable, but also has a natural beauty.

Photography is observation and expression. And composition is the grammar of this visual language. I look forward to turning this knowledge into a habit, recording the world in a clearer way, and also recording the beauty seen by my own eyes.

Pratical

This collage assignment was very interesting. Cut out images and words that interested me from magazines, reassemble them, and create collages in my own style. This process is both free and full of surprises. During the process, I often feel that the picture seems to be missing something but every adjustment will bring me the new inspiration and ideas. 

Art and design are forms of freedom — every “mistake” is actually a step closer to the right direction. Each attempt, even if imperfect, is still a part of beauty.