Digital Photography and Imaging--Design Elements, Composition & Visual Hierarchy

GCD61204--exercise

6/5/2026~13/5/2026 (Week 3-Week 4)

WANG ZIJIA  -  0393824

Digital Photography and Imaging/Bachelor of Design in Creative Media/Taylor's University

Table of Content

1 . Lecture

2 . Instructions

3 . Pre-Compositions

4 . Reflections

1.Lecture--Photoshop

This lecture mainly introduced the basic functions and techniques of Adobe Photoshop. Students learned how to use Photoshop for digital image editing and image composition. The lecture explained the basic workspace, including the toolbar, layers panel, and working area, which helped students become more familiar with the software and improve their editing workflow.

The lecture also focused on selection tools such as the Lasso Tool and Quick Selection Tool. These tools are useful for selecting objects from images, removing backgrounds, and editing specific areas. The Lasso Tool allows users to create freehand selections, which is useful for simple object selection, although it requires careful control for smoother edges. (How to use it : https://youtu.be/DKtHsFaclKo )

Another important topic in the lecture was the Pen Tool. The Pen Tool uses anchor points and paths to create more accurate and cleaner selections. Compared to normal selection tools, the Pen Tool provides better precision and more professional results. Although it can be difficult for beginners at first, practicing with curves and paths helps improve control and accuracy.(How to use it : https://youtu.be/BlW7F-fTsbE )

The lecture also introduced layering techniques in Photoshop. Layers are important because they allow designers to separate different elements without affecting the original image. By using layers, students can organize their work better, move elements freely, apply effects, and create more flexible compositions.

Besides learning the tools, the lecture also included image composition practice. Students learned how to combine different images together and arrange them properly by adjusting size, position, and visual balance. These exercises helped students understand composition and visual hierarchy more clearly in design work.

Overall, this lecture helped students understand the basic workflow of Photoshop and the importance of selection tools, the Pen Tool, and layering techniques. These skills are very useful for creating cleaner image edits, better compositions, and more professional digital design work.

2.Instructions

Download all of the images from Google Drive to your computer:

Refer to the slide provided in class for reference on how to use basic tools in Adobe Photoshop

Create A4 canvas size  (vertical) on Photoshop and start to do the compositions.

Please download the document provided in this assignment and place your pre-compositions inside (3 pictures). "Save as" a .pdf file.

For your final composition, please save your Photoshop file as a .pdf file and provide your e-portfolio link to submit.

3.Compositions

Composition 01

Composition 02

Composition 03

4.Reflection

In this lecture, I learned the basic usage of Adobe Photoshop and how different tools can help in digital image editing and composition. The lecture introduced important tools such as the Lasso Tool, Pen Tool, and layering techniques. Before this class, I only knew a few simple Photoshop functions, but now I understand more about selecting objects, removing backgrounds, and arranging layers properly.

For this assignment, I created three different compositions using the given images. While doing the work, I tried to apply the principles from the lecture such as balance, contrast, emphasis, and alignment. I also experimented with the placement and size of the objects to create a stronger visual effect.

In Composition 01, I focused more on the building structure and perspective. I arranged the elements to create movement and direction in the design. The composition feels more architectural and dynamic because of the angle of the building and the placement of the people.

In Composition 02, I used the fish as the main focal point. I learned how color contrast can attract attention because the bright blue fish stands out strongly against the lighter background. I also added plants and people to create more balance and visual interest.

In Composition 03, I experimented with repetition and scale by using multiple fish around the building. This composition feels more surreal and creative. I think it creates a stronger visual impact compared to the previous compositions.

Through this assignment, I learned that composition is not only about placing images together, but also about creating communication and emotion through design. I also improved my Photoshop skills, especially in arranging elements, scaling images, and creating hierarchy. Overall, this exercise helped me understand how composition principles can be applied in real design work.