Project 1: Sarah’s College Essentials

1. What did you learn?

I learned how to use levels, curves, and saturation to edit photos, as well as how to create full, web, and thumbnail size images. I learned that the standard size for web images is 1920 x 1080 and that the index.html file allows for one to view the thumbnail files in one place. I learned how to remove backgrounds using a variety of different methods such as the magnetic lasso tool, the pen and direct selection tools, and the quick selection tool with the select and mask button. I learned about web publishing as well as how to create a print portfolio in InDesign.

2. What was easy?

I think that adjusting the levels and curves were easy. I also thought that cropping the image was relatively simple and straightforward. Once I got the hang of how to scan different items, I found it was very easy to complete because it allowed me to send JPEG images of the items I had scanned directly to my email.

3. What was challenging?

I think it was challenging to remove the background of the scanned cross image because I had to use all three methods demonstrated in lab three to do so. When I tried to remove the white background in the inside of the ribbon, it erased part of the ribbon. I had to switch to using the pen tool instead of the magnetic lasso tool that I had started with. I found it difficult to achieve my goal of removing the backgrounds as some tools did not function the way I expected them to.

4. How could your submission be improved?

My submission could possibly be improved by using the dodge tool on more of the photos that I took. I could also use less saturation in some of the scanned magazine images.

5. How could the professor improve the assignment for the next class?

I think that the only way the professor could improve the assignment for next class would be to allow for more time on the project at the time it is assigned. I really appreciated that we were given more time halfway into the project though.

6. How might you apply your knowledge in future assignments or work scenarios?

I might apply my knowledge in future assignments by using the levels and curves tools to edit photos later on. I could also use the methods demonstrated in class to remove backgrounds when work scenarios call for this type of editing to be done.

7. How did a specific reading or video inspire or help you?

One of the in-class videos helped me to understand how to remove the backgrounds of certain images using various methods. I found this extremely helpful in project 1 when I had to remove the background of my cross image and put in the one of the beach behind it.