Evaluation for my media coursework

2. • Preliminary task
• At the start of the year it was difficult to work with Photoshop and to even take good
photographs, I encountered difficulty and unknowingness as it was my first experience
with Photoshop. As a result my front cover page and contents page looked amateur
compared with the real task. After completing the preliminary work I felt more
comfortable with Photoshop as I have learned how to use all the available tools to make
the front cover page more attractive, For example cropping the image and editing the
image so it fits with the music magazine. In addition, throughout the year I have learned
many useful tips on how to create a good magazine. For example the Gutenberg
principle. Therefore, the preliminary task was useful as I gathered knowledge about
Photoshop so I was ready to start the real task as I have already explored some parts of
this program.
• Photographs
• Taking photograph was also a big challenge as I was not sure what should I photograph
and I wasn’t familiar with a camera and many of my images were distorted. After some
time when I got use to the camera I also gained knowledge about the rule of thirds and
how to taking pictures suitable for the genre of my full product. Therefore, preliminary
task has prepared me to be more familiar with Photoshop and with camera which both
played a crucial role in the full product

3. Editing
Also, in Photoshop I have gathered knowledge on how to edit the
photographs by image manipulation on Photoshop. Especially, I used
this skill when I was making my music magazine as I taken pictures
in darker spots and manipulated them so they created a sinister
mood. For example adding more low key lighting or adding contrast
to the colours of the image. This correlates with the genre of my
music magazine – which is metal. This has created a specific house
style for my music magazine which makes the full product look more
professional. This is the skill that I have gained during preliminary
task, this has helped me to develop my Photoshop skills to a better
level.
Overall, I have learned a lot when I look back at my preliminary task.
I gathered and adept knowledge of how to use Photoshop and how
to layout the page using the Gutenberg principle or creating a
suitable house style. If I had more time I would definitely progress
more; as I have only been working with Photoshop for few months
and I still need a lot of experience. But at the stage that I’m currently
at I made a respectful progress, when looking back at my preliminary
work.