Topic

Today, we will discuss and explore layers and how to create collages and composite photos.

Use layers to create collages that can have their stacking order moved.

Objectives

What you can expect to learn

  • Layer Basics
    • Changing Opacity
    • Adding Shape Layers
    • Creating Layer Groups
    • Changing Color Modes
    • Merging and Flattening Layers

Lab

Lab assignments are done during class time.

Today’s in-class assignment:

  • Theme: Album Art
  • Size: 1000px by 1000px.
  • Google Band Name Generator (https://www.name-generator.org.uk/band-name/)
  • Fill in all the fields and generate a fictional band name.
    Make a mood board with 7-8 images on Illustrator, and show me.
  • Create album art for your a fictional band with a collage of several photos (3-5. Consider the name of the band, name of the album, and the music genre as inspiration for your images.
  • Include the title: the album name, and the artist name.
  • Consider the techniques reviewed during class demo.
  • Find photos from the websites listed in the resource section below.
  • Save your file with the name: FirstName_LastName_collage.psd (Photoshop file) Upload your file as a .PSD file. DO NOT FLATTEN YOUR FILES. I WANT TO SEE THE LAYERS OF YOUR WORK.
  • Upload the file to the Google Drive folder.

View tutorial for extra help:

Examples

Project #2

EXAMPLE FILES HERE

Create a composite using a MINIMUM of 4 photographs. Your creativity will be part of your grade along with technique.

  • The composite can be something that is fantastical, mystical, or more realistic. You will select your theme or topic. I me during class if you are having trouble coming up with a theme or topic for this project.
  • Size: 8.5in x 11in at 300ppi resolution (portrait or landscape)
  • You will use layers, layer masks, adjustment layers, blending modes
  • Use at least one adjustment and clip it to affect the layer beneath it
  • See the resources section below for a list of sites that offer free stock photos. You may take your own photos, if you choose.
  • Each file should be saved according to the following naming convention. i.e., FirstName_LastName_composite.psd (Photoshop). The file is saved with ALL your working layers. DO NOT FLATTEN YOUR FILES. I WANT TO SEE THE LAYERS OF YOUR WORK.
  • Upload your finished .PSD image, with it’s layers, in the Google Drive folder.

Vocabulary

  • Opacity
  • Merge
  • Flattened

Resources

Websites with offer FREE high resolution royalty-free stock photos:

https://www.freepik.com/

https://pixabay.com/

https://www.pexels.com/

https://unsplash.com/

https://www.vecteezy.com/

YouTube tutorials that can help you with techniques. The first one is a little long but worth it if it helps you:

Extras

Here are few extra tutorials if you still don’t understand layers and masks.