Professional Blog Post: Music Video

The Process

The process to create this music video consisted of many steps. The pre-production started with choosing a song. Then, we chose a story to go with the song. Then we created a mood board and a story board. We watched other music videos for inspiration. After, we planned the days we were going to film. 

Next, we started production. We filmed every shot that we needed and we added a few that we thought we might want. 

After filming ended, we started post-production. We edited the clips to create the video. After, we were challenged to use markers to time the clips with the beat of the song and to make the music video less than ninety seconds. We reedited the video to create the condensed version.

Things I Learned

I learned a lot from this project. I learned how to use markers to make the clips start and stop with the beat of the song. I learned how to apply effects to enhance the story. I learned how to put text in the video. 

I also learned a lot about collaboration. My group had a lot of differing view points but we had to compromise. We learned that it is beneficial to get shots even if you don't necessarily want them, because you may end up needing them or you may change your mind and want them.

Reflections and the Future

Next time, I will try to communicate better with my group. I will make the clips match up with markers better. I will make more color corrections, even if they are slight.

In the future, I plan to use markers again. I plan to apply previous knowledge and continue to focus on getting a variety of shots.

For my next project, I will use all of my knowledge that I gained from this project and previous projects to make the next project better than the previous projects.

Overall, I am happy with how this project turned out.

Postcard

I chose to put one of my dogs in the Z because my dogs are very important to me. I love animals and in five years I want to have a dog. For the O I put me and one of my best friends. I thought it was important to include my friends because they are a huge part of my brand. For the E I chose n print with Alpha Delta Pi in it, because in five years, I plan to be a member of Alpha Delta Pi. For the Y, I picked a Vineyard Vine whale print because I love Vineyard Vines.

The process was relatively easy. I created each letter, separately. Then, I placed an image for each and created a clipping mask. Then, I adjusted the coloring and the brightness. Then, I added a drop shadow and added the background and my name.

The biggest problem that I encountered was getting each letter to look cohesive. It was difficult making them fit together. I also had difficulty getting each picture to fit well with the letter.

Gradient Penguin

I created a gradient penguin. I did the corn tutorial that we did in class and did it on the penguin. Then, I repeated it and did it with a different color to create a multicolored penguin. I had to use layer masks to keep part of the color and be able to change different parts of the penguin.

Cloud Tutorial

Tutorial: http://www.photoshopstar.com/text-effects/clouds-text-effect/

For this tutorial, I had to create a path, Then, I added the clouds inside the words. After, I added clouds outside. I put some over the words because I preferred how it looked. I liked that clouds were overlapping with the words and other clouds. I like how it turned out. It was a really easy tutorial to follow. 

Realistic Shadow

Objects can be extracted through many methods. For many objects, the easiest way to extract them is to use the quick select tool and to select the parts that are needed. Then, pixel fringe should be removed. Pixel fringe can be removed through many methods. Then, a shadow should be added. For my image, I chose an apple because it would be a simple start. I decided to put it on a table for my background. Overall, I am happy with how it turned out and I hope to improve my extraction skills in the future.

Penguin Mountain

The Process

I extracted a mountain from a photo of a mountain with a waterfall and put it into the sky. I had to recreate the tip of the mountain using blend modes. I had to remove pixel fringe. I was able to pull a lot of information and skills from previous projects, including defringing the hand. Throughout the process, the refine edge tool was very helpful. It made the mountain look smoother. After extracting the mountain, I placed a cloud in front of it. Then, I added two objects of my choice. I chose the images from http://www.morguefile.com. I chose to add two penguins because I like penguins. To add the penguins, I used the quick select tool, which made it very easy to add them in. Overall, I am really happy with how my mountain turned out and I am very happy with how the penguins look. 

What I Learned

I learned how to easily extract an image and how to combine previous things I learned, such as defringing. I learned how to use overlays and how to jump layers.

The Challenge

I had trouble using the refine edge tool because the penguins blended in with the background, but I eventually got it to work. I also had trouble placing the cloud in front of the cloud. It was difficult to get it extract the cloud perfectly. 

In the Future

Next time, I will add more images. I would use that same tools if I repeated the process. In the future, I will be able to add images without pixel fringe. I will be able to pull information from this project to expand my knowledge. In the future, I will feel even more comfortable with photoshop.

Conclusion

Overall, I am very happy with how it all turned out. I think the mountain looks good and the cloud looks realistic. The mountain's tip turned out how I wanted it to. The penguins add a touch of my personality.