The document discusses the various digital tools and technologies used to create a magazine project, including Blogger to display work, Flickr to annotate and analyze images, Google to research conventions and institutions, and Adobe Photoshop to design the magazine layout. Photography skills were also improved by researching camera settings and borrowing an SLR camera to shoot images for the magazine covers.

1. Technologies

2. I used Blogger to display my whole project, from my research, initial ideas, development and planning to my finished products and evaluation. It allowed me to keep updating and editing my work and display pictures and information simultaneously. Blogger I used Flikr to annotate and analyse images, some of existing magazines and some evaluating my own magazine. I used notes for this analysis. Flickr I used Google to research the conventions and format of existing magazines. I also used Google to research institutions to find out if there was an institution that I felt was suited to my magazine. Google also helped my gather images for different uses such as developing a mood board Google Actions/Effects Programme

3. Adobe Photoshop CS4 I used Photoshop to create my magazine. The preliminary project taught me the basics of using Photoshop, which I had no understanding of before the beginning of the course. The main task helped me to utilise more of the functions of Photoshop. The “Image>>Adjustments” enabled me to create different effects with my images mainly relating to colour and contrast. I also learnt how to use “Rulers” effectively to format my pages, this was especially useful when formatting my double page spread. One of the most important lessons I learnt when using Photoshop was how to use layers. This was essential, especially in the editing process as if layers are used effectively it makes editing individual features easier. I still feel I have more to learn about Photoshop as there is no end to the different effects that can be created, however I feel my understanding of Photoshop's tools is now adequate to do similar tasks again.

4. Photography I have always had an interest in photography but lacked the capability and knowledge to achieve shots I wanted. Due to the arty nature of my magazine I knew I needed to achieve high end, unique shots. To do this I researched shutter speeds and aperture using Google. Once I had thought of ideas for my shots and the backdrop I needed, I borrowed an SLR camera. I then shot my DPS model using a high shutter speed due to the snowy conditions and need for a clear, distinct image. For my front cover model, I achieved a studio affect by using professional lighting and as SLR camera. The process taught me how to use an SLR camera, however, as with Photoshop there is still more to learn due to the endless possibilities.