Using layers to create a realistic scene

Today’s essential question: How can I use layers to create a realistic scene with a foreground, middle ground, and background in Photoshop?

I created this photo of puppies on vacation with many layers in Photoshop:

Here is what the layers palette looks like:

Here is a step by step process for building the scene with layers:

Using foreground, middle ground, and background will help your characters look like they are actually in the scene, versus on top of an existing image. How will you use layers in Photoshop to create a realistic environment? What are some things you could add to your foreground?

Remember to upload your Photoshop file to your Google Drive so you do not lose your work!

Today we will:

• Continue building our scenes in Photoshop
• Upload today’s Photoshop file to our Google Drive
• Create a new blog post with the following:
  • PNG images of anything you worked on today
  • a few sentences describing what you found easy, as well as any challenges or things you would like extra help with

Using the Pen Tool to Remove the Background in Photoshop

Today’s essential question: How can I use the pen tool to remove the background from an image in Photoshop?

The following people still have not taken their photos in front of the green screen. Today’s class is your very last chance to do so: Danny, Ezequiel, Jayden, Bikram, Aquan, Seth, Eliejha

Removing the background from an image with the Pen Tool

You can use the pen tool to draw a path around your objects. Today we will learn how to use the pen tool to path out part of a photo and copy and paste it on a new layer. During future classes, you can then drag the layer with the isolated object into the Photoshop file where you are building your scene.

How to create a composite image:

1. Go to the “paths” window on the lower right side of the screen. It is likely tabbed next to the layers palette.
   Click the “new path” button.
2. Go to the toolbar on the left side of the screen. Select the pen tool. 
   Outline the part of the photograph you want to modify.
3. Once you have closed your shape by clicking on the first point, go back to the paths window.
   Right click on the path you have created, and click “make selection.”
   
   Feather the selection by 1pixel (this will soften the edges of your selection).
   It should look like ants are marching around the part of the photo you have selected.
   
4. Control + C to copy your selection. Control + V to paste your selection. Hide the original image by clicking on the eye icon.
   
5. Save your file as both a Photoshop file and a PNG. (You will be able to post the PNG to your blog and maintain the transparent background.)

Today we will:

• Take photos in front of the green screen (if you have not already)
• Continue removing the backgrounds from our photos
• Create a new  blog post with the following:
  • images of any work created today (any photos taken, and PNGs of any images where the background has been removed)
  • a brief reflection of any challenges you faced, how you worked through those challenges, and what you would like help with

Common Green Screen Photography Mistakes

Today’s essential question: What are some common issue that arise when taking photos in front of a green screen? How can we prevent them?

Today we will continue photographing ourselves in front of a green screen, trying to prevent common green screen photography mistakes.

Common Green Screen Photography Mistakes

Missing Body Parts

Why it happens: The subject’s clothing or accessories are too close in color to the green screen.

How to prevent it: Avoid green clothing, accessories, and subjects. When that is not possible, create a screen in a color that contrasts with the colors you are photographing.

Camera angles do not match

Why it happens: Different photos are taken from different camera angles. These photos then will not work together if composited into the same image in Photoshop.

How to prevent it: Set up a tripod to your desired height and camera angle, and keep it consistent as you photograph all of your subjects. Make sure the angle of the camera matches the angle of your background scene.

 

Motion Blur

Why it happens: The subject moves before the camera finishes taking the photo.

How to prevent it: Use a quick shutter speed (if you have a DSLR), make sure there is sufficient lighting, and remind your model to remain as still as possible.

Subject Extends beyond the Green Screen

Why it happens: The model and photographer do not take the camera angle and subject’s position into account before taking the photo.

How to prevent it: Take test photos and adjust the position of the model and camera/tripod as necessary.

Subject is not Realistically Posed

Why it happens: The model awkwardly acts out a pose without the necessary props, and consequently, poses themselves incorrectly. When the scene and props are later added in Photoshop, they do not fit or look strange.

How to prevent it: Provide the model with placeholder props and scenery that mimic the size and shape of whatever will be added in Photoshop. It’s amazing how much simple objects such as boxes, paper towel rolls, rope, and stuffed animals can help the model pose properly.

Bonus Tip: Place Green Screen on Ground to Easily Capture Action Shots

Here are some of my favorite photos from last class:

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Removing the background from an image

 

The pen tool

If you would like more control than the quick selection tool provides, use the pen tool to path around your objects. Today we will learn how to use the pen tool to path out part of a photo and copy and paste it on a new layer. You can then drag the layer with the isolated object into the Photoshop file where you are building your scene.

How to create a composite image:

1. Go to the “paths” window on the lower right side of the screen. It is likely tabbed next to the layers palette.
   Click the “new path” button.
2. Go to the toolbar on the left side of the screen. Select the pen tool. 
   Outline the part of the photograph you want to modify.
3. Once you have closed your shape by clicking on the first point, go back to the paths window.
   Right click on the path you have created, and click “make selection.”
   
   Feather the selection by 1pixel (this will soften the edges of your selection).
   It should look like ants are marching around the part of the photo you have selected.
   
4. Control + C to copy your selection. Control + V to paste your selection. Hide the original image by clicking on the eye icon.
   
5. Save your file as both a Photoshop file and a PNG. (You will be able to post the PNG to your blog and maintain the transparent background.)

Today we will:

• Take photos in front of the green screen
• Begin removing the backgrounds from our photos
• Create a new  blog post with the following:
  • images of any work created today (any photos taken, and PNGs of any images where the background has been removed)
  • a brief reflection of any challenges you faced, how you worked through those challenges, and what you would like help with

Featured Artist: Tim Burton & The Green Screen

Today’s Essential Question: How can I use a green screen to capture digital imagery?

Today we will learn how to shoot photos in front of a green screen. We will light, pose, and photograph models as a class, then analyze our photos at the Smart Board.

First, though, we will look at how director Tim Burton utilized green screen technology for his 2010 production of Alice In Wonderland.

Here are some stills from Alice in Wonderland:

And here are some images depicting what was actually filmed in front of a green screen:

What surprises you? What ideas have these behind-the-scenes images given you for your own project?

Want to learn more? This article covers Tim Burton’s utilization of a green screen and other special effects.

Today we will:

• Light, pose, and photograph models as a class
• Analyze our photos at the Smart Board
• Create a blog post with the following:
  • Any photos taken during today’s class
  • The answers to the following questions:
    • What is working with your green screen photos?
    • What has been difficult about taking photos in front of the green screen?
    • What photos (if any) will you still need to take next class? Make sure you bring the appropriate props/clothes!

New Project: Multiple Mes

Essential Question:  How can I tell a story with a digital collage in Adobe Photoshop?

Today we will introduce our next project: Multiple Mes Photoshop Collage. We will photograph ourselves and our classmates in front of a green screen, and then build a scene in Photoshop that tells a story using these green screen photos. For your background, you may either take your own photograph or use a background from the internet.

Here are some examples of past student work:

Image Credit: Alyssa

Image Credit: Samantha

Image Credit: Darla

Image Credit: Laura

Image Credit: Aleesa

Project Requirements:

• Created in Adobe Photoshop
• Minimum size: 11” x 14” @ 300 DPI
• Original, realistic scene created from a minimum of six images
  • Minimum of 3 images taken in front of green screen with techniques taught during this lesson
  • Background can be either taken by student or downloaded from the internet (minimum 12MP). Any internet images must be noticeably modified to create your own unique scene.
  • Realistic background, middle ground, and foreground created through use of Photoshop layers
  • No copyrighted characters
• High Quality Craftsmanship
  • No pixelation
  • Background cleanly removed
  • Images Photographed from appropriate angles
  • Lighting matches up
  • Scale and proportion makes sense
• Final Blog post includes:
  • PNG of final image
  • 150 word Artist Statement

Today we will:

• Introduce project: Multiple Mes Digital Collage in Adobe Photoshop
• Brainstorm concept
• Create a new blog post with the following. (Miriam and Aleesa’s blog posts are exactly what I am looking for):
  • Sketch (including the background/scene). Here is an example of the amount of detail I am looking for:
    
  • Paragraph describing your concept. Include the following:
    • Describe your concept
    • What will you photograph for your 3-6 green screen images?
    • What background or scene will you use?
    • What extra images or accessories will you add?
    • What costumes or props will you need to bring in next class for the green screen photography portion?
  • Any images you may use from the internet (background should be larger than 12MP, other images should be larger than 2MP)

The End [of the Marking Period] is Near

Today we will check the progress reports in our folders, and finish and submit any missing or incomplete assignments listed on the progress reports. If you are not done by the end of today’s class, please schedule an appointment to finish your work, as we will be starting our Multiple Mes project next class.

Requirements for Recent Assignments

Emoji Set (one blog post with the following)

• PDF of all finished emojis (this will look like a link)
• PNG of all finished emojis (this will look like an image and allow people to view your emojis)
• 150-word artist statement in paragraph form
• Click here for more details on this assignment

Photo Reflection (one blog post with the following)

• A photo you used to think was good but now realize is not and a few sentences describing why
• Your 10 best photos from the fall photography unit
• 150-word artist statement in paragraph form
• Click here for more details on this assignment

Pen Tool Vector Practice

• Click here for the assignment.

Today we will:

• Finish any missing/incomplete assignments and post them to our blog