Finally, we will be asked to make single images that will be used as elements in the composites for the module ‘Specialist Workflows'. The theme of the module is detectives and film noir so we will be able to use the lighting techniques that we are developing in this module to make single images that will be used as materials for this accompanying module. ​​​​​​​

We will all be encouraged to work independently in the studio and location to develop these assets as the module develops as well as preparing the best selection for final submission for one of the elements of this module. 

First we opened all of the images within Photoshop - Image 56 (the bottle top), 65 (the label) and 72 ( the entire bottle) in Photoshop. 

In order to cut out all of the parts, we clicked P on the keyboard for the path tool and went around the parts. 

Once the paths were created around the bottle, the label and the top, we into the paths section and clicked on the paths that we have created. When we clicked on the paths that we created, we then clicked on the ‘load path as a selection’ option in the bottom right hand corner to activate the marching ants. 

After we clicked the load path as selection tool, we then went to select within the menu bar and found modify. We clicked on modify and then feathered the edges to 0.5 pixels. 

We then went back onto the layers section, we copied and pasted all of the cut outs that we have made into a new layer. 

We dragged the bottle top and the label cut outs into the image with the bottle cut out. 

We then clicked on the layer that has the label cut out. Above the layers, it will have a bar saying 'normal', we clicked on the down arrow and found multiply. We clicked on multiply and the label changed into a blackish transparent colour, this allowed us to line up the cut out label with the label on the bottle. 

When both labels are aligned, we changed multiply back to normal.

We clicked on the layer with the bottle topped and aligned it with the bottle top of the other layer.

We clicked the eye on the background to turn off the layer.

We then shifted select layer 1, 2 and 3 and clicked the file icon next to the new layer icon.

We created a new layer and then found select within the header. We clicked fill and selected white to create blank canvas. 

Once that layer has ben filled, we were told to go to the adjustment layer and click on the gradient tool. Within the gradient tool, we could select which colours we can use as a reflection. I did choose a similar colour to the bottle but in a different tone. 

We then made a new layer and clicked fill and selected white to create blank canvas again. 

Within the same layer, we selected the rectangular Marque tool and created a rectangle within the lower section of the images. We used the blue lines from the ruler tool to help guide us. Once that was finished, we clicked on the vector mask to create a link. Once that is done, it should make the gradient appear from the bottom of the bottle, but it has made the rectangle selection that we made white. 

We swapped the layer with the white rectangle as the vector mask and the Gradient layer around to make the Gradient appear at the bottom of the image. We then duplicated and rotated the bottle twice to create the reflection. When we had rotated both bottles and placed them on top of one another, we added vector masks to both of the layers, and selected the mask created and used the blending mode Soft Light for both of the layers. 

We then selected the mask created on both the flipped bottles for the reflection and used the blending mode Soft Light for both of the layers. We then selected the brush tool and brushed over the reflected part of the bottle to make it look lighter. Once that was done, we went to the layer with the original bottle and used the brush tool to create a shadow/reflection on the surface which the bottle is standing on. 

Firstly we all downloaded the unedited, raw image below. 

When we finished downloading the images onto our laptops, we opened the RAW image into Capture One and then exported a duplicate image into Photoshop - Adobe PSD file, 16 bit. 

I have taken quite a liking to the work of American photographer Sara K Byrne. Her images are multiple exposure images that feature nature shots. They feature a portrait from the shoulders upwards where the model is facing completely sideways. The images have then been filled with flowers and trees. 

I will take portraits of my model facing sideways and then use images of trees, animals and possibly flowers too as my multiple exposures.

These pictures were taken on separate days in St James' Park and Hyde Park. I think that nature is a very interesting world for me to explore. With an array of patterns, and animals. With my nature photography I want to try and show elements of the natural world in place. 

Flowers and leaves. They are everywhere, and they offer an endless variety of colours and shapes that I can photograph. I could create a collection of shots based on a single colour scheme, or I could even experiment with different compositions by photographing as many different shapes as I possibly can.

Mushrooms. Mushrooms initially seem ugly and boring, but after spending some time  studying them, I have found that there is plenty of hidden beauty that is worth capturing. I think that I would need a macro lens (as mushrooms are typically very small), and I'm prepared to get down in the mud to try and get some good images. I think that mushrooms could become very interesting subjects if I was to flatten myself against the ground and find the right lighting. 

Shooting up and down. I want to try and see if I can create some interesting tree-canopy images by using a wide-angle lens. When I have photographed looking upward before I have noticed how Branches contrast beautifully against a blue sky. 

I know that clouds can make very nice subjects as well. I'll look for vertical cloud formations, and the soft colours that you can find around the edge of clouds at sunrise and sunset. 

I will also try and turn my attention downward. The ground features millions of microcosms. I will be looking among the moss, in the fallen leaves, and in between paving stones.  

B&W. Nature does provide shapes and contrasting textures that can make very interesting B&W subjects. Things like tree bark, snail shells, and pine cones would all look very aesthetically pleasing in B&W. I will look for intense and directional lighting in my photos. 

Two of my three chosen TD images were on my MacBook Pro which was recently badly damaged when I was shooting my Environmental Portrait. Because of this my work is unfinished, which ultimately leaves me feeling very unsatisfied about my True Detective work. 

I was pleased with some of the results that I got when I went shooting in St James' Park and Hyde Park. This is because I did primarily shoot in RAW because it allows me to adjust important parameters such as white balance, noise suppression, and exposure during post-processing.