Evaluation 6: What I have learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this magazine

Photography: While taking the photographs, I learned a lot about what works with positioning, in terms of how to position models, and about the different effects being able to create through the use of different angles such as close-ups. I also learnt about lighting, for example whilst doing the photo shoot with Hannah and Samantha, it was outdoors and I had to think about where to position them, to take advantage of light as the first few places we tried came out too dark. Another thing I learnt was regarding shutter speed, how to use it effectively as it has an effect on the appearance of moving objects including increasing the background blurring and if a photograph’s taken at a certain speed such as 1/500s, the blur can be removed. 

I picked up about the advantages and use of props, where to place them and what to use, in addition how important the background can be, as it’s needed to need to think about where to place the various elements, and whether certain things should be cropped out of the final image. For example both the swings were originally present, but I decided it would detract from the model, so they were mainly cropped out. I also learned about the advantages to the final image of the models having makeup or not and the different effects this can create.

Skills learned include using Photoshop, using the lasso tool properly, how to select various elements and move them around and the magic wand tool with learning how to select various colours and tones and using it to my advantage, in terms of adjusting the image. I had never used InDesign before so I was pleased with the final result and learnt many skills such as such as the selection tool and eyedropper, which copies attributes including colours that you can apply to other objects and also elements from text, so to make text look similar.

Challenges included learning how to operate the shutter speed of the camera.  I overcame it by learning step-by-step.  Also using InDesign was a challenge as this was a new program that I had no familiarity with and overcame this by asking for assistance and tips from experienced users.  I also found Photoshop a challenge as I had only used it a little before and never to create a complete product, I overcame this challenge by learning how to use all the elements.

I’ve learned a variety of things about technologies. One of these is how to use different programs that I haven’t learnt how to use e.g. InDesign and Blogger. It’s helped give a fuller understanding of what technologies are used in Media, and how to use them effectively.

Regarding other technologies, things learned include how to publish a post in blogging as well and editing the blog, brightening it up and editing the layout and so on. Screen Record, a video/audio recording software has been used for the evaluations and this is the first time I’ve used a programme like this, so it’s been a steep learning curve.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fobodIiw5k