Project: Advanced Layer Masking

Assignment | Project Due & Critique 4.10 | First Shoot Due 3.20

Expanding on the idea that photographs are fragments and cannot depict the truth, use layer masking to create a new image representing your own imagined in an “impossible photograph”. Combine at least three separately shot photos to create one new composition. The photos should include a background image, and two other images placed within the new context. Plan ahead for the camera height/angle, the lighting direction and intensity to match up. Add custom shadows wherever applicable. The layer masking must be done with enough craftsmanship so that the final image appears to be real.

These items must be considered for the final composition to appear realistic:
- The direction, angle and intensity of the lighting must match up.
- The camera height, angle and zoom must be similar.
- The sharpness and focus of each image must make sense within the composition.
- Anticipate shooting for the assignment more than once. Be creative and don’t settle for something that’s just OK!
Import these photos into one PSD file and use Layer Masking to blend them.
- Work with a good selection created with the Polygonal Lasso or Pen Tool, for best results. Use that selection to add a Layer Mask using the selection bounds.
- Use the Refine Mask command to match the blending of each layer mask’s edge to the background layer of your composition.
- Use the Free Transform command (Edit>Free Transform) to size each layer so it makes sense within your new composition. The shortcut is Command+T (Mac) or Control+T (PC). You may also want to flip the layer using Edit>Transform>Flip Horizontal or Vertical. Content-Aware Scale is also an option.
- Use the Carrie’s Custom Shadows Tutorial to create shadows for your new layers, as applicable. Absolutely DO NOT use the Layer Style>Drop Shadow.
Turn in one print and one final PSD or TIF file to Assignments > Carrie > Advanced Layer Masking.

For the First Shoot:

Use a tripod and take three different photos of the same scene, with one part of your subject matter moving between each shot. For example, you are photographing a dining table and a person sits in a different chair for each photo. Overlapping or interaction between the shots increases the complexity and is a plus. We will use these photos to review basic layer masking skills in class.

A tutorial for this is in the following link: Using Layer Masks Tutorial.pdf

Goals

To create an impossible photograph that appears believable.
To expand skills with adjustment layers and layer masking.
To learn how and when to add custom shadows.
To create a dynamic composition considering the elements of composition at your disposal, as well as the unique challenge of this assignment.