DPI - Project 1: Collage and Digital Imaging

Muhaamad Baihaqi Desya (0377271)

Digital Photography And Imaging/Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media

Project 1A

Physical Collage (5%)

Digital Collage (5%)

Project 1B

Digtial Imaging Exercise 1 Photomanipulation (Hearst Mansion) (5%)

Demo

My Picture

Digital Imaging Exercise 2 Recoloring Black & White (5%)

Demo

Exercise 2

Reflection

Throughout the process of completing these digital pieces, I was able to explore a wide range of Photoshop techniques—each project presenting a unique set of challenges and creative opportunities. From surreal compositions to precise cutouts and color manipulation, I learned how important both technical skill and visual storytelling are in creating compelling imagery.

In the first few collages, I experimented with unexpected juxtapositions, like placing vibrant betta fish in a busy urban train station. This exercise pushed me to think beyond realism and focus on composition, contrast, and thematic tension. It taught me how scale and layering can dramatically shift the meaning of a scene.

The colorization of the vintage portrait helped me understand subtle control over hue, saturation, and texture. By changing elements like hair and lip color, I was able to alter the entire emotional tone of the image—learning that color carries strong psychological weight.

In the racing-themed collage, I practiced cut-and-paste composition and creative typography, working on visual flow across multiple elements. Here, I became more aware of hierarchy and spatial dynamics when blending typography with imagery.

For the Hearst Castle edits, where I inserted both myself and Shazam into the luxurious poolside, I followed standard compositing steps such as masking, color matching, and shadow/reflection creation. However, I also enhanced my portraits using Levels, Curves, and Color Balance to ensure the subjects felt truly part of the scene. These tasks helped me understand the importance of lighting consistency and perspective alignment when blending real subjects into new environments.

Lastly, the portrait retouch and recoloring project taught me the value of non-destructive editing, using adjustment layers and masks to maintain flexibility while refining the look.

Overall, this series of works strengthened my ability to control Photoshop tools and apply them in a creative and narrative-driven way. I not only built confidence in my technique but also developed a more critical eye for composition, realism, and surreal visual storytelling.