Mood board - Created Using Photoshop

Using photoshop to create a moodboard:
Edit page size to the desired moodboard size.
Use rulers to create guidelines for the photos.
Add in the chosen images.
Use the clipping mask to remove any parts of the image that are overlapping the guide lines.

Editing Photos

Adobe Bridge:

- Allows you to organise media,

- Gives access to RAW plug in without Photoshop.

Importing photos;

Photo downloader --> location pictures --> save copies to memory stick.

Advanced dialog --> select photos you want over ones you don't. 

Click get media.

Camera RAW 

For a neutral colour all RGB values should be the same.

Lightest 255, Neutral 128, Darkest 0.

Achieving neutral - Use colour sampler on the photo, use white balance to set neutral colours.

Adjusting contrast - evens the colours. 

Clarity - makes image clearer.

Saturation - brightens colour (can make skin too bright).

Vibrance - makes colour brighter.

Effects --> Vignette - lighter or darker edges.

Reformatting

Desktop --> Utilities --> Disk utilities
Click on memory stick
Erase
Format MS-DOS (FAT32)
Click erase

Planning A Photography Shoot

When planning a photoshoot always consider the theme. Is it contemporary, abstract, futuristic?
Our theme is 'The Perfect Base'

Consider:
- Image interpretation e.g do you want the model to appear excited, happy, sad.
- Clothes & Accessories
- Makeup & Hair

Create a mood board of your ideas including;
- lighting and mood,
- Colour scheme,
- Makeup & hair,
- Poses & expressions,
- Camera angles.

Lighting

Lighting from the front

With these image we placed the lighting in front of the models so it was shining directing onto them. We changed around the depth of perception to make the camera focus on each model separately, the aperture was changed from 4 to 6. 

We used reflectors to light up the shadows under the eyes and chin and to define the cheekbones. 

Silhouette 

To get these images the lighting box was placed behind the model and turned up high. We decided the first images were too bright so we removed the white reflector that was behind the camera to stop so much light bouncing back onto the model giving us a more defined image. 

Side Lighting - Black background 

These images were lit from the side.
We changed the aperture from 14 to 10 to allow more light into the image as less was reflecting off the background.

Side Lighting - White Wall 

A lot of light was reflected off the background and opposite wall when we took the first images. We changed the aperture from 8 to 10 to restrict the amount of light entering the lens.

From taking these images we learnt that different skin types/tones react and reflect light differently. After the first image we changed the aperture for the second image and the difference is easy to see, the face is a lot less over exposed. When we changed models we changed the aperture back as Sophies skin reflected light differently and her images were darker.

Cat Eye 

To create the cat eye effect two soft boxes where placed in front of the model, one on each side. The first images came out overexposed so we reduced the strength of the flash giving us a darker more defined image with a cat eye effect on the eyes. 

Lighting From Above 

To create these images the soft box was placed above the model. The first image was taken without a reflector, its dark and there are a lot of shadows. We placed a reflector in the floor under the model and lit up the face, removing all the shadows from the cheeks, eyes, chin and forehead.

FaceTune Reflection

This is the end result of the image we edited on FaceTune.
We began by cropping the photo, making the face the centre of the image. We then chose to smooth the skin removing any pores and changes in skin colour before using the details option to make the eyes brighter and clearer.
The eyes were then made bigger and blemish fixer used to take out any remaining blemishes. We then blurred out the background to make the image look more professional and draw more attention to the face. We then thinned out the nose and highlighted the cheekbones, nose and forehead.
The frame and blush were added to test out the other remaining effects we hadn't yet used on the image.
I enjoyed making the changes to this image, it was interesting to see the difference you could make to an image by changing a small thing such as smoothing the skin or brightening the eyes.
The model was happy for us to make the changes and was actually pleased with the finished result especially the way her skin looked.
Although making changes to this photo was interesting i don't think the end result it better than the original photo, there are some aspects of the image that look better such as the skin and the definition of the face, but there are some parts of the image that aren't improved such as the eyes, defining them made them look fake and cartoon like.
This exercise made me look forward to editing more photographs using other programs such as photoshop.
If i were to do this exercise again i would take the photo using a camera and beauty lens rather than a camera phone to ensure we began with a high quality image. I would use studio or brighter natural lighting to ensure the photo was well lit highlighting facial features. I would make sure there is also enough time to apply makeup and style the hair.

Camera Settings

Camera Settings - 
- Manual Mode
- 1/160 Shutter speed
- ISO - 100 
- Lense - AutoFocus 

Appature (Light Control) - Start at F8-F11 and alter as necessary
Power of flash can be altered if the images are too bright. 

Tethering cable - links camera to computer.

Preparing for Shoot & Directing A Model

Importance of Casting:
Even when working with a professional model you should always do a casting session before a shoot. Its not always possible to meet face to face if the model has to travel a long distance but it could be done either be via Skype, FaceTime.
You can request an untouched photo. 

This ensures you know your model is suitable for the shoot.

When looking through their portfolio look for a wide variety of poses.

Choosing the right model for your shoot:

Keep in mind your brief for the shoot.  

For a beauty shoot keep in mind their bone structure and features. 

Always try to enhance your models best feature, e.g. if they have great eyes shoot in a well lit room. This will make sure the pupil size is smaller and you can see more colour.

Directing a model:

You can give the model a pose sheet to help give her direction and demonstrate what you are looking for. 

Always keep the model moving and relaxed, this will get you better photos.

Communicate with the model.

If you are in a bad mood, do not let this show during the shot as it will effect everyone around you.

Always fine-tune your shot during the photo shoot, do not reply on post production. 

Before a shoot you should always do a test shoot to ensure the lighting, background are how you want them. 

Remember you can get some of the best photos catching quiet moments when the model isn't focusing on the camera and is completely relaxed.