Manipulation Experiment

 

Building on my last experiment I wanted to explore more into post production and manipulation to make my work stand out more. I wanted to do a studio shot to also work on a technical skills with lighting and to try find some elements which I could use for my final piece. The shots were quite simple but helped create a base to be edited so that I can make them more complex. I experimented with flash which I had some experience before hand allowing me to know what kind of shots would work. I used rembrandt which helps to brighten one side and create a shadow on the other which adds some depth. This also gives it a more dramatic atmosphere leaving an unnerving feeling for the viewer. It helps to set the scene with a stark contrast which can be emphasised in post production. I think that the shots were a general success, the composition of colour, depth and contrast working well together and gives me a structure to work with when editing. 

Contact Sheet

Setting up and Shooting

• Set up the stands, tripod, camera and power source
• Add a black or white back drop to distribute the light
• Attach flash heads to the stands and the light modifier to them
• Connect the sync cable to the lights and the camera
• Turn the lights on and angle them towards the backdrop
• Bring the model forward positioned in view of the camera
• Test that the flash works and that the soft box or umbrella reflects the light
• Set the camera to the right settings such as ISO 200 f/8
• Do a test and make changes if needed
• Take a variety of shots using the lighting to create something interesting

Then in Photoshop, I wanted to take the images further and create unique effects by changing the face and colours. First I tried a mask illusion where I made it appear as if the model was taking off mask as their face. I think that this was an interesting idea and turned out quite well although changing the position could enhance the effect and make it more surreal. Another effect that I tried to create was glitch art where the face would appear distorted and a static filter put over top like on a TV. I will show you step by step how I achieved this.

Post Production

Step 1 – Converting the image into a smart object

This keeps the original content of the image with all its features and can still be edited without being too destructive.

Step 2 – Duplicating the image

The additional image will be used to add an outline to our original image

Step 3 – Layer Styles and Blending Options

Now go to right click on the second image and opening Blending Options

Then on Layer Styles, deactivate the red channel leaving the blue and green active

Step 4 – Move the top layer

Now move the top layer slightly to the left or right and a red and blue outline will start to appear because of the offset of the layer

Step 5 – TV Scanlines

We’re going to add another effect to simulate old television scanlines and like there is something wrong with the image

Go to Layer > New Fill Layer > Solid Colour. Then choose a white background and right click on the layer to Blending Options and activating the Pattern Overlay.

Choose a pattern that is still visible over the image and put the intensity at around 600% but try out a few combinations and adjust accordingly, when your done click OK.

Now put the opacity at around 33% and set the Blending Mode to Overlay. This will keep the highlights and give a hazzy effect without affecting the colours.

Step 6 – Distorting

Now we’re going to group the layers together by selecting them all right clicking > Group Layers or you can also select the layers and click on the folder icon

Then duplicate the folder and right click to convert to a smart object

Using the Rectangular Marquee tool (M), on the layer above we’re going to create frames with the shape we want our glitch effect. Once we selected one select the Move tool (V) and use the directional keys to distort the image

After you made your first selection you can hold the Shift key to add in more frames and you will be able to move more than one at the same time. Add in as many as you want to achieve your desired result

Here’s the finish product: