Abstract photo manipulation – Concealing and revealing

Here I will be experimenting how to make my images more abstract by using a Photoshop technique where I purposely cover most of my image, and then reveal selected parts on my image. I think this is a very interesting technique as it means that the photo will be a lot more mysterious as most of it will be covered.

Firstly, I chose the image I wanted to use. For my first attempt I chose this image that I took during the Martin Creed inspired part of the unit.

Next, I added a new layer, and I also added a layer mask so I was able to change the opacity on my layer.

I then ended up with the back overlay of my image, that looked like this. This the layer that I would be selectively getting rid of to be able to only view certain parts of the photo.

Next, I had to lower the opacity so I was able to see what parts of the image i was rubbing away.

Lastly, I rubbed out the parts of the image I wanted revealed through the black layer and when I was finished I turned the opacity all way way up to 100% again so it was fully black.

This was my final outcome. I’m very pleased with how this photo turned out for many reasons. I really like how the Black layer contrasts really well with the white paper. I also really like how the black layer meant that i was able to reveal the most interesting aspects of my image. I made sure that the most successfully scrumped part of the paper could be seen from a bigger circle than the rest so that the audience’s attention would be drawn to it first. I also made sure that part of a shadow could also be seen through a circle, as this is another successful contrast created in the original image.

 

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