Problem solving

1. Problem Solving

2. Theoretical Problems
Outdoor Photography: There are a few problems that may occur when I think about
outdoor photography. The first is the weather. For example, if it is raining, this could
easily damage the electrical equipment. An easy and obvious solution to this is to
check the weather before I go out and take photos, so that I can avoid the rain. A
second problem with the weather is wind. If I am using a tripod then the wind could
blow the tripod over whilst the camera is on it, ultimately damaging the camera. To
avoid this, I need to make sure that I have someone supporting the camera and tripod
at all times. Another problem about shooting outside is that I am unsure how to
achieve the best possible photo. For example, the lighting will be different to that of
the lighting in a studio. A solution to this is to watch a tutorial on YouTube or another
video streaming service on the camera that I will be using.
Models: To achieve a high quality product, I will need to have people that are willing
to model and present themselves in a way that fits the tone and theme of my product.
In the past this hasn’t been a major issue but I think that it can always be improved. To
improve on this matter, I can take more photos than I usually would and pick out the
best one. Another solution is to hire an amateur or professional model so that I can
get the best possible look on my work.

3. Theoretical Problems
Locations: One definite location for my photo shoot is the studio. I am going to use the
studio because I can customise the lighting and background which will make editing really
easy and efficient. A problem that I do have with location is that I will need to find outdoor
places to take pictures of buildings and other environments that support the theme of my
game. A solution to this is to research areas that are safe to shoot at but is also a sensible
location for my game (e.g I wouldn’t shoot in a busy public area for a space themed film).
Another solution is to actually go and look for a suitable area however this is extremely
inefficient and it may not end up working.
Finance: A small problem with finance is that any items I buy from the internet, I will have
to wait until they have been shipped or posted to me. An obvious solution to this, is to
order the items I need way before I start production. However, doing so may also be a
problem because it may become apparent later on that I do not need the items I bought.
This means that I will have to plan accordingly, very carefully. The items I order may also not
arrive on time or at all. To avoid the packages not arriving on time, I will have to order them
early however if they do not arrive at all that is out of my reach. The only solution I can
think of to this problem is to order from a known retailer that has good reviews.
Toilet facilities: Another minor issue is whether or not there will be a toilet facility if I am
shooting outside of college. A solution to this is to research the nearby area using Google
Maps to see if there is a toilet facility.

4. Theoretical Problems
Refreshments: Refreshments should not be a major problem because I can take them with me or I can
purchase them from a local shop. If I am taking drinks with me outside of college, I need to be careful not to
spill them on the equipment. To solve this problem, all I have to do is separate the electrical equipment from
the refreshments.
Production time: If I do not plan out how much time I am going to take for my production then I will fall behind.
I need to plan out each specific action that I will carry out in order to keep on track.
Health and Safety: There are quite a few health and safety hazards. For example, when In the studio I need to
be careful of various electrics. The first of which are the lights. The lights have long cables that can be easily
tripped over if you aren't careful. To prevent this, it is important to be vigilant and aware when using the
studio. When in the studio, it is also important to be aware of the green screen. If you walk into the supports,
the screen may topple over and cause injury to the person. The final health and safety measure when using the
studio is to not look directly at the lights or the flash on the camera. This could cause blindness. To avoid this,
concentrate on the lens of the camera as this will also establish eye contact with whoever views the image
which then creates a personal contact between the consumer and character.
When shooting photos outside, it is important to be careful. For example, when walking to a location with the
equipment, make sure that it is put away in the piece of equipment's designated bag/case. This will stop the
user tripping over and handles/straps/tripod legs. If I choose to shoot photos outside, I also need to be safe.
For instance, not look through the camera when crossing a road. The equipment should only be used when the
users are on site.
When editing the photos that I have taken, it is important not to overuse the computers. Regular breaks should
be taken every hour to prevent headaches or eye strain. The correct posture should also be sustained to
prevent back strain.

5. Practical Problems
Equipment: The first practical problem is the equipment, more specifically the battery. If the battery runs out
then I cannot take photos. To solve this problem, I will make sure the battery we use is fully charged and if it
isn’t, I will bring spares. The battery could also break if it gets damaged due to water or other elements. To
prevent this, I will be extremely careful with the camera and all its extra equipment and keep it away from
liquids.
The second piece of equipment that could present some problems is the SD card. If the SD card is full from a
previous user, it will need to be formatted. Another problem with the SD card could be the fact that if it is not
removed from the PC or Mac correctly, it can cause the files on it to become corrupted which makes them
unusable.
The third piece of equipment is the tripod. This is a necessary part of my project because I want the images to
be as clear as possible. If the camera is being handheld then the images may be shaky. A problem with the
tripod is that the legs may become loose if they aren't tightened properly. This could cause the tripod to fall
over and then the lens could smash or crack. To avoid this, I will make sure I have a fairly new tripod and make
sure the legs are tightened suitably.
The next piece of equipment is the background. This piece of equipment is extremely vital. There is a choice
between a black, a white and a green background. If I do not book the studio correctly then I may end up with
the wrong colour background.

6. Practical Problems
Techniques: The techniques I plan to use are mainly tutorials from YouTube. In previous projects, I have used
tutorials that didn’t give me an amazing quality product but they did the job. I will be looking for a higher
quality tutorial that goes more in depth and has more steps. I can bend most tutorials to fit my theme of my
product.
Storage: Throughout the project, I will be saving and backing up lots of files. To do this I need to make sure I
have enough space on my USB stick, my computer and also on any cloud services such as OneDrive. To make
sure that I have enough space, I can clear out old projects from my current storage device and then store them
elsewhere. I will most definitely be saving my files in multiple places. A problem with storage is that storage
devices can become corrupted and cloud services can go down and cant be accessed without internet. I will
extend the amount of storage methods I have to make sure I can carry on working no matter what.
Power: To make sure that I can take photos, I need to make sure that the camera has enough battery power.
There are lots of different ways that I can make sure I have enough battery. The first is to make sure that I
charge a battery before I use it and the second is to take multiple batteries with me.
Ability: My ability using the software we have is standard. I can follow a tutorial which will improve the quality
of my work. My knowledge of what tools to use on Photoshop is fairly extensive and I have picked up tips and
tricks over the past year. A problem I may have with my ability is that I don’t know too much about masking. I
know most of the basics but there are ways to be more efficient such as keyboard shortcuts. To improve on this
I will research new tips and also watch YouTube tutorials. My ability with the camera is quite average. A
problem is that I don’t know how to use manual settings to get the best possible image. A solution to this is to
look on the internet at how professional photographers set up their cameras.

7. Practical Problems
Software: The software that I plan to use for my project is Adobe Photoshop and Adobe After Effects. I will use
Photoshop for the majority of the project. A possible problem with using software is that it may need an
update. This is a problem because the hard drive may not have enough space to download the update. An easy
solution to this problem is to free up space by deleting misc. files. Another problem with using software is that
it can crash. An easy solution to this is to save my work at regular intervals. Another problem with using
software is that you need a certain skill level to create a high quality product. In order to improve my skills, I
will watch some YouTube tutorials so I can create a high quality product.
Backing up data: One problem that I could encounter when backing up my data is that I may lose my backup
device such as my USB. To prevent this from happening, it is important that I back up my work in more than
one place.

8. Practical Problems - Camera
For my products I will need to come up with some original photography. To take these photographs I will need
to use a proper camera, and not just my phone. The camera that I will be using is the Canon 600D or 700D. One
problem with the Canon 600D is that I have minimal knowledge of this camera or any camera. I know how to
use the auto settings and I also know little things like how to change the exposure. A problem that this
presents is that I will not be able to get really sharp and clear images with good lighting, unless I look into some
manual settings. There are many ways that I can tackle this problem. A common solution is to look at videos
online that show you a step by step guide of how to get the best possible photos. However, if I am not
following these steps with a camera present then I may forget how to use the manual settings by the time
production comes around. This means that I should keep practicing. Another solution to this problem is to
experiment with the camera. Experimenting in different lighting and also different locations will help me to
become better at actually using the camera.
Aside from the settings, it is also important that I consider other problems with the camera such as the battery
and storage. The battery can be a problem because it may be low on charge or may be completely out of
charge. An easy fix for this is to make sure that the battery is charged before hand, or have a spare battery with
you to make sure that the camera can be used. The SD in the camera may be full so it is important that I format
it before I use it. If I forget to format it and I am shooting on location, the photos on the SD from the previous
user can be deleted from the camera so it wont be necessary to take a spare SD as they can hold a high
capacity of photos.
If I plan to use a camera on a specific day and then it turns out it is raining on that day, I will not be able to take
the camera outside as it could get damaged. I will either have to reschedule using the camera, or I can shoot
inside using the studio if it is available.

9. Practical Problems - Experiments

10. Practical Problems - Experiments
My first experiment is a crack effect on a models face. To complete this effect, I followed a YouTube tutorial.
The first step to achieving this effect was to change the lighting using the “levels” slider. This would affect how
well the crack texture would blend into the skin. The lighting on the image was fairly unbalanced (one side was
darker than the other) so it was important I used the “levels” as well as possible.
The next step was to find an appropriate image to use for the crack texture. By simply using Google, I typed in
“cracked texture”. I found one that was similar, if not the same as the one used in the tutorial, because it would
make it easier to manipulate. I placed the texture image over the model and then used the warp tool to make
sure the image fitted the model. I then set the images blending mode to “multiply” which got rid of all the
images grey areas.

11. Practical Problems - Experiments
I then used a mask so I could begin blending the cracks into the models skin. I also clipped a Hue/Saturation
adjustment layer which meant I could get rid of more unwanted areas on the image. Using the mask allowed
me to erase the areas outside of the models face and also any unwanted areas inside of the face such as cracks
in the eyes.
I have found that this effect is very different to effects that I have tried in the past. Experimenting with this
technique has improved my ability with masking in Photoshop which was an area of improvement for me.

12. Practical Problems - Experiments

13. Practical Problems - Experiments
My second experiment a fire effect. I am pleased with this effect because it is so simple but looks very complex. I
started off with a black background. Over the top of this background, I added an image of a fire background from
Google. To give the fire a nicer and cleaner look, I added a filter to it. The filter I used was “Dry Brush”. This filter also
helped to make it look cartoon like so it would fit better with the threshold. I then used the eraser tool with a
downloaded brush shape to trim away at the edges. This added a nice tone to the effect. Finally, I added the image of
the model and used a threshold to create the effect.
As I will be working with fire type techniques in production, it was really useful experimenting with a fire technique
because I can get used to the lighting levels and brightness levels that I will need to work with during production.
Finding an appropriate fire image that works was also tricky too so I can use the one I have used in this experiment to
save myself time.

14. Practical Problems - Experiments

15. Practical Problems - Experiments
My third experiment was a glitch style effect. For all this technique is extremely common and easy, I decided to do it from
memory to test my skills. I started off with the basic image and cut out the model. I then clciked the option “Layer via copy” whilst
the model was selected, creating a duplicate of the model. I used “CMD + J” to duplicate this layer a further 3 times. With the first
copy, I used the “Colour Overlay” option and changed the colour to a light green. I then changed the opacity to around 50% and
moved the copy upwards. Finally, I added “motion blur” from the “Filter” tab at the top. I repeated this step another 2 times,
changing the colour to red and blue and then changing the position to left and right. For the next part, I had to duplicate the
model once more but instead of changing the colour and position, I made the image black and white by using the “Adjustments”
tab. I added motion blur to this as well toned it down a lot. Finally, I added a monitor line image over the top of the model and
background and turned its opacity down to around 50% so it didn’t hurt the viewers eyes but also so that it was visible.

16. Practical Problems – Experiments

17. Practical Problems – Experiments
My fourth experiment was an attempt at making the image look cartoon like. I want to achieve this because I
am making video game art and I want the images to be photo realistic or cartoon. This effect was very time
consuming. The first step I took towards this effect was finding an appropriate filter from the filter gallery that
would make the image resemble a drawing/cartoon. I first used “Dry Brush” as this gives the product a really
nice finish and then I used “Stamp”. I only used this minimally because otherwise you couldn’t see the features
on the model. I then began using the brush tool with hard edges to draw round significant parts on the
background. I added an outer glow to the brush so that it blended better with the background. I drew the city
skyline in the background because I wanted to test different types of cartoon drawings and also test my
drawing skills using Photoshop. To improve my drawing skills in Photoshop I can use a graphics tablet.
By doing this experiment, I have explored a solution to a problem I had. The problem I had was that I couldn’t
draw and I wanted to have a cartoon/drawn look to some of my products. Using this technique has shown me
that I can use filters and then outline them using the brush tool to make it look like its been sketched/drawn.

18. Practical Problems - Experiments

19. Practical Problems - Experiments
My fourth experiment was more drawing. I really like this effect because it is so simple but it looks really good.
To do this, all I had to do was first trace round the outline of the model using a certain brush. The brush I used
allowed me to change thickness very slightly when I turned the mouse. To do the details of the model, I made
the brush size smaller and simply traced them. I didn’t do every single detail as this would have taken to long
and the simplicity of the drawing without lots of detail is really effective. I have shown this experiment to my
peers and they said it was really good so I may have to find a way to include this effect into my products.

20. Practical Problems - Experiments

21. Practical Problems - Experiments
I made this experiment because when I make my products, I need to make them look as authentic as possible.
To do this I need to place a developer name on my game cover. I cannot use an existing developer due to legal
issues so I need to design my own developer logo to place on the cover. I have experimented with making a
logo. The logo I made was made completely from scratch. The process is extremely simple. I started off with
two layers, one that said “Haase” and one that said “Studios”. I aligned them like they are in the image and
then changed the colour of the “S”. I started off by making the “S” red but it didn’t look right. After going
through the process of trial and error with multiple colours, I ended up with an orangey yellow. This colour is
bright and vibrant so it will stand out and it contrasts well with the black. The underlines on the words could
possibly be a bit thinner but this is something I will consider when I'm actually in the production stage. I added
a rectangle around the edge of the words and filled it in white. I then added a stroke to the rectangle and made
it the same colour as the “S”. There is probably a more efficient way of doing this that I could have easily done
but at the time I chose this method.
The problem I solved with this experiment was the fact that I can now design a game developer logo extremely
simply and efficiently. I need to be able to do it efficiently because I did not plan any time to make a logo like
this on my schedule. I may end up using this experiment on my actual product and tweak it slightly, so that I
can stick to my schedule.

22. Practical Problems - Photography
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23. Practical Problems - Photography
• The photos I have taken were experimented using manual and automatic settings. I have taken a range of
different shots that I plan to use for my production. I have also tested different light settings.
• Image number 1 has good focus on the model but also has a hint of dramatic lighting. The flash from the
camera helps the model to appear brighter. If the flash was not on, the image would have an uneven
balance of light. The angle of this photo is medium close up. I tried to experiment with different types of
angles and shots to improve my skills and also to add more variation to what I can do in Photoshop. For
example, I can make a more detailed effect with a close up shot and then use a long shot as a background
for an effect.
• The second photo is a close up shot. The models face is in focus and the background in blurred. This effect
looks good for a raw image but not so useful when in editing. The light focuses on the left side of the model
and this is due to the fact that I changed the exposure settings on the camera. I think that even something
as simple as changing the exposure can have a big effect on the quality of an image. I have texted a solution
to one of my problems by changing some settings on the camera. The problem I had was that I am too
comfortable with using the auto settings on the camera, but by taking a small step by changing the
exposure, I have achieved a decent image.
• The third photo is a medium close up but the quality is quite bad. The shot is out of focus and the lighting
makes it hard for us to see the model. As this is an experiment I can pick out what went wrong so that I can
correct it during production. To improve on an unfocused image next time I will follow a tutorial on how to
get the light correct and also how to make sure the image is focused before I take it into production.
• The fourth image is a medium close up as well. I have practiced this shot the most because it is the shot
that I am most likely to use for my production. This photo was taken using the auto settings. I think that this
is fairly obvious because of the way everything blends together. Nothing really stands out in this photo. I
could use auto settings for a background image in my production as it would be the main focus of my
products.

24. Practical Problems - Photography
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25. Practical Problems - Photography
• The first image is a photo taken outside was taken in a low light scenario. I will avoid taking photos in this
type of light because there is no detail in the background and everything looks like a silhouette. This looks
quite cinematic but I want my images to be sharp and focused so that when I come to edit them it makes it
easier. This photo was also taken using auto settings so like I have stated previously, I will need to improve
on my camera skills.
• The second photo was taken using manual settings. I only changed the settings very slightly but I got a
better result lighting wise than the first image. I did not want to change the aperture too much as I didn’t
really know what I was doing but once I learn better techniques and the cameras ease of use becomes
more familiar to me, I should be able to take some practiced photos.
• The third image was taken after I had changed the exposure settings. Experimenting with different
exposure settings is good because it means I can make mental notes of which settings will work best for my
products. The fact that I aimed the camera directly at the sun is highly unpractical and not a good method
to practice. If I knew some good manual settings to counter the big masses of light flooding into the lens
then I could take some really good photos but as I am fairly inexperienced with manual settings,
experimenting like this will hopefully improve my skills very gradually.
• The last image is extremely out of focus but I really like the angle and style of this image. I will definitely
use something like this in my production as it has a competent tone to it. There is a fairly even balance of
light to this photo so I can most likely recreate this in a studio.

26. Bibliography
• Anon. (.). Canon EOS Rebel T3i / 600D Specifications. Available: https://www.the-digital-
picture.com/Reviews/Camera-Specifications.aspx?Camera=759. Last accessed 21st Feb 2019.