Context provides a framework for understanding information.  Work with an assigned partner on a 3-step version of Photoshop Tennis :  alternate situating the Sketchup sculpture into a new place through photocollage.   See how Horst Wackerbarth's places "The Red Couch" in portraying his subjects.

After commenting on your partner's previous work, you will take turns transforming the sculptures' settings, using Photoshop layers.  You will post the 3 variations with titles, description and your partner's link:

• Create your initial scene by Wed, Jan 28 evening
• Transform your partner's image by Sat, Jan 31 morning
• Finalize the third image and blog post by Mon, Feb. 2 at 10am.

1. Give Feedback

Examine your partner's Assignment 3 considering the quality criteria . Post a comment of ~150 words that highlights strengths and suggests remedies or additions for weaknesses.  Include at least one question.

2. Practice

Download sample files from the Arch 610c Course Folder on AAAFILESERVER. Try correcting a dark photo or a scanned drawing.  Cut and paste in perspective using the vanishing point filter - our video shows it with the example files.

3. Create a Context

Render an evocative 640 x 480 pixel perspective image of your own sculpture.  Keeping the background quiet will make it easier to separate the sculpture for collaging.

In Photoshop, isolate the sculpture by selecting the sculpture or background and Masking the original background.  Select new background and foreground elements that match the original image's lighting and  perspective viewpoint from your own photos or public domain images.  Place these on separate layers.  Use Edit menu > Free Transform or Filter menu > Vanishing point to adjust perspective lines.  Add shadows to ground new objects into the environment.  As you work, develop a story and title for the image.   Save the image as a Photoshop PSD (with layers), and "Save for Web" as a "very high" quality JPG file that you can post to your blog.  

4. Trade & Transform 

Trade layered Photoshop PSD files with your partner and generate a variation of your partner's work.  See how dramatically you can change the atmosphere through lighting, entourage, weather, etc.  You can obscure the original with a window frame, reflections, silhouettes, etc., put it on a television, postcard, billboard, label, etc. 

5.  Trade Back & Transform Again 

Give your partner both your layered PSD file and a JPG image.  Develop a third image from what you receive.  When you are finished, there should be three images with legible continuity from one to another.  Try turning off layers, making areas transparent or semi-opaque, experimenting with layer Blending modes. 

6.  Blog it

Post the three images online along with descriptive titles and a 200 word description of your intent, process and discoveries.  Explain any collaboration challenges, success strategies and learning resources encountered along the way. 

FOR THE ADVANCED

• Keep exchanging files to develop a narrative through a sequence of Photoshop tennis volleys (more than 3 phases). Include your critiques of what worked and didn't when you post the images.
• Explore layer blending modes and layer masks  to create more interesting relationships between the images.

QUALITY CRITERIA

Concept

• Image strikingly transforms the previous version
• Image creates a story line

Design Quality

• Components contribute to a consistent spatial reading with a hierarchy of interest
• Image sustains interest, i.e. through mystery or density of information
• Image has a harmonious color palette

Technical Competence

• Component viewpoint and lighting match
• Collages seamless with Feathering for soft edges
• Uses layer transparency, blends, filters, etc. artistically

Completeness:

• Meets deadlines for 3 steps
• Creates Web and print images in required formats
• Writing clarifies design thinking and collaboration process

References:
Scott Onstott's Episode 22 video demonstrates painterly rendering.
Lynda.com video tutorials
Worth 1000 Photoshop Tennis
Adobe Photoshop online tips
UO Computing Center  Collaboration Center - has Adobe Classroom in a Book, Photoshop Wow books
Photoshop notes prepared by Phil Jones