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In our Thursday lesson, we were tasked to try out Photoshop as our next few lessons would consist of using apps similar to it. Our teacher had told us that to use Photoshop and export it to somewhere such as here, we had to be careful of the height and width because exporting a large image or video onto WordPress can take up a lot of energy and downloading.

In Photoshop, there are settings which can be helpful for when your trying to recreate or change something. For example, the lasso and dotted square help to get rid of the objects or areas that you don’t want in the photo like a rubber and the object that looks similar to a suitcase resets what you erased earlier and puts it back into the frame.

One of the most helpful tools on Photoshop is the Layer option. This allows you to keep edits, changes or photos separate as you work on them. For example, if you wanted a different layer but didn’t want to draw on the lines you just did, you can click on the layer tool and select a new layer to avoid making a mistake or causing the two colours to clash.

Compared to the app I usually use, MediBang Paint, Photoshop is more advanced and relatively new to me. I found some areas that were familiar, most of it was challenging to process.

This was my first attempt with drawing on Photoshop. The mechanics and how it works was difficult. It almost felt like I was doing it backwards! I think I’ll stick to MediBang when doing illustrations. (for the time being. I might get better when using Photoshop)

These are the scene recreations I did using Photoshop. I love how they’ve come out. The forest area in the background of the bedroom as a nice touch to the scene, and it gives the feeling that the place is in an actual forest. The old photo of Buckingham Palace with the background of a futuristic London just works so well because it shows and brings a message to what was then and what is now regarding how the world has changed, and how it could look like in the future.

This is the Lego time-lapse video I created, bringing together four Lego sets I own. Throughout the video, I have put up titles of the sets, dates of when I built them and a few sentences explaining my improvements and ‘history’ of recording the time-lapse.

After importing it onto Youtube, I attempted to add music to it. However, I had trouble doing so, and so left it. To my surprise when I first watched it, the music I had put in for the start had actually successfully been imported in, but it doesn’t last the whole video. Still working out the kinks.

If I was to talk about each video individually, this could be a longer review. However, to make a quickie about it, I’d say I’ve come a long way from my first time-lapse video to the last one I made to date. Every week when I’d build a set, I’d import it onto both iMovie and Stop Motion Studio on my iPad to make a few changes and merges and then show my teacher, who would advise me on what I could improve and what I should try next time. Taking his advice well, I made improvements of my hand movements, positioning of the camera and recording both the video and time.

Most of the issues I bumped into while building the sets were mainly some pieces I overlooked or missed out which I’d have to go back and fix, for example, a piece on the Great Hall set which I thought was missing.

Aside from that, I’ve not much to say about the video aside from what I’ve already said. But if I was to say how I feel about it, I would say I’m proud of the outcome and that the video is finished, and I enjoyed creating it. While it may not have been made in thirty days, I think if that was the case, I’d be building and rebuilding sets all the way to Christmas! Furthermore, just merging all four videos together took a while, and the running time for it is seven minutes and fourteen seconds. Imagine if I actually did build about thirty Lego sets, the result could be a whole hour of multiple Lego building!

My second attempt at doing a Lego time-lapse video, by building the Lego Harry Potter Set, Hagrid’s Hut, Buckbeak’s execution. I was hoping to find the amount of bricks in the instruction manual, but nothing. Also, I didn’t time myself on how long it took. But not bad for a second try.

Before uploading it onto YouTube, I exported it to iMovie in order to edit it. What I edited was the opening and ending to start with because I had taken photos of the process before and after the video, making the video fade in and show the before photo, then merged it with the first time-lapse, then the second, and then the third. Afterwards, I added in the after photo and used the fade out tool. In addition, I decided to add in some background to keep the audience entertained as they watch. A few days later, I uploaded it onto YouTube so I could link it and talk about it on this blog.

For next time, I’ll be leaving out the background music, try to add some sound effects, maybe try to merge the videos together so much with the photos, otherwise that would make it more of a stop-motion animation. In addition, I’ll also be trying to find out the amount of bricks and time myself.

To start off, a time-lapse of a Lego Model Dream House build. This time, the build is fan-made and the builder uses the internet for instructions. Once built, again, we go through a look of the build. This is a bit of a better video of time-lapse because we actually see the process, and again, how long it must have taken to build it. Also, the video starts off with what the finished model will look like before jumping into the set build with a welcoming music to entertain the watcher. However, I think where this also fails is because again, we aren’t told about how long it took for the builder to complete it, and we don’t know how many pieces were used to create the house.

Next up, a time-lapse of a Lego Titanic build. And just like that, we have a straight in build. Not a bad video as it shows the process, the amount of days that went by to construct it is clear from the shirt the builder is wearing. Furthermore, it tells the watcher how long the build took, other details, and also links to where the instructions can be found. I think the only problem with it is probably that the builder takes a few pieces off screen for a short moment, and we don’t know how they built the pieces for that area because of it.

A perfect example of a bad time-lapse is one of my own. Though, in my defence, this is the first time I’ve ever done time-lapse using Lego. It shows the process of the build, yes, but no added music to keep the watcher entertain, no description, and half the time, I’m covering the process of the build. In future, I’ll need to work on this, and organise my layout for it.

Moving away from Lego, I thought I’d also take a look at theme park time-lapse, mainly of the notorious theme parks in the world, Disneyland. Given a look at what Disneyland California has to offer, we watch as blurs of people speed by from one end to another along with vehicles, trains, boats, then we cut from daytime to night. I think it’s a good way to make a short version of Disneyland in a day, as well as show off time-lapse from what would seem like twenty four hours to just four minutes. But… I think it also kind of fails because you don’t get that much time to see what’s going on because it goes from one place to another in just a few seconds, and focuses more on the nighttime events than the daytime events.

In addition to looking into theme parks, I find this from the Drayton Manor Theme Park Youtube channel on a time lapse of the construction of one of their attractions. This has been rather well done because we see the days go by, the process of the construction, and a few closeups. However, the process seems to time skip a little, likely because this is advertising for the ride, and we don’t really know how long it took to construct the ride.

And finally, we get a time-lapse to a domino layout which was done by an entire team. For this one, I’d say this is a great usage of time-lapse because it shows the progress of the layouts, how they all connect to each other, and as you watch it, there’s description that plays out which tells you how long it took for them to construct it, how many people were involved, and what category is featured. I can’t really think of anything wrong with this aside from perhaps that it was skipped a little at the end. I think that’s because it was pretty much finished, and gave us a view of the finished layout.

In Photography, we were experimenting with colour, angle and formalist photography. Most of our sessions were practical, and we were allowed to take photos around the College, and take photos of a few students (with permission from the student, of course)

Look below to see a few examples of the photos I took.

All of the photos have been shrunk down so they can fit on this blog entry. Apologies if some of the content is slightly blurry. That’s either because I had to reshape the size, or it’s just how it came out.

In the first lesson, we focused on Angles, and were tasked to take photos of objects and areas with an angle. Fortunately, taking photos of angles is my speciality with Photography, as seen here.

With most of the photos above, I focused on the more ‘smaller’ or ‘artistic’ angles, like for example, the door’s arch, the radiator, or the library’s bridge way.

However, I also did landscape & portrait photos, like this one, as well as did a focused area, like the sofa below, the library archway, or the door.

The next lesson, we were experimenting with monochrome photography, which is like old fashioned photography (black and white), and from personal experience, it’s not so easy to work with…

These photos were from the first time using monochrome. As you can see, they turned out good, however, somehow, this changed in the next lesson.

As if to prove my point, when we were tasked to keep changing (cranking) the shutter speed, I ended up accidentally changing the lighting of the camera, and this was the result.

And the photos here and below are examples of bad photo taking. Of course, this wasn’t entirely my fault. The camera was on Auto Focus, resulting the photos to come out brighter than they should have been, almost to the point you can’t even see the image.

Fortunately, our teacher had managed to find the problem, fixed it and told me I had to keep changing the brightness level to between -1 and 0 as whenever there was a bright area or dark area, the camera would brighten up or darken. Through this information, I went back, took a few photos and these were the results.

Another way to do photography is with people. One of the most clever ways is to take one while a person is moving, as demonstrated with the teacher.

During a demonstration, the teacher had me take photos of two classmates to show the difference when using a different lighting, focusing on one, and trying to focus while one of them is moving. The three photos above are the results. Not so bad.

The rest of these are pretty much further experimenting with monochrome. Guess you could say I was fooling around, but this does count as part of the work. I did take photos of people as well, however, to protect their identities and to avoid privacy, I decided not to upload them on here.

In today’s Media lesson, we were tasked to video record areas around the college which are represented through the following phrases,

“UCM is my chance to…”

• Socialise – Refectory
• Be better – Student Services
• Learn more – Library – books
• Discovering New Talents – Art Department – photo
• Be successful – Library – computers
• Enjoy my work – Art Department – classroom

All of these areas were covered, and I had to work with two of my classmates to take recordings around these areas. For example,

We started at the library, taking video recordings of the books and computers, walking next to the book case, recording.

Next, we took recordings of the Refectory, through slow motion movement.

Then, we travelled to Student Services, recording the entrance and two empty desks.

After that, we split up. One went off elsewhere and the other watched our colleagues record their half of the video. I meanwhile, headed off to finish the work by venturing to the Art Department, making a recording of the room that was formally my area last year.

Our teacher then put our recordings and other groups’ recordings together to create a full video.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t upload the video. If you would like to see the actual video, click the link below.

https://isleofman.itslearning.com/ContentArea/ContentArea.aspx?LocationID=3355&LocationType=1

Interviewer: (to the student) Good day, thank you for coming today.

Student: Hello.

Interviewer: Please, take a seat.

(the student takes a seat)

Interviewer: Now then. This is an interview about what your thoughts are about the UCM college, what you enjoy and what are benefits, and so on. Ahem. Anyway, let us begin. What is your favourite thing about college?

Student: I’d have to say the Education. It’s well planned out, and we have an idea at what we’re doing. Also, the freedom it gives you. You don’t feel trapped like you would at school, and the students are so welcoming here, it backs my point up. Furthermore, everyone treats you like an actual adult, and don’t give restrictions like you’re a five-ten or ten-sixteen year old.

Interviewer: I see, I see. Yes, I’d agree. Our education system is good, however, it could use with a few improvements, like for example, the organising. What did you hear about UCM from other people?

Student: Some have been negative, like how big it is compared to school, namely those who prefer school over it. But most of the rest have been positive, like the benefits and like I said before, the freedom. If I was to say about it to anybody, I’d say those who can’t be bothered to do the work won’t do well, which could effect their future, but those who hard work, like me, will do well and go far. Also, UCM offers what school can’t, and it gives you an idea of what university could be like.

Interviewer: Indeed. College is like University, and we happen to have a few courses that cover university here too. And where do you go for help if you need it?

Student: I would go to Student Services if I wasn’t sure where a certain area was, or if I needed help with my group, my work, basically, everything. But if there was something in the homework in which I can’t understand, I would go to the teacher, ask for advice or to make it clear of how to do the work. But if it was something personal, I would go to my friends, they’re who I turn to when I feel lost or alone.

Interviewer: I see. Very good points. What do you do when you’re not in class?

Student: Ah, well, most of the time… hang out with my friends, but at the same time, when it’s tasked, I do the homework given to us. Most of the others would sit around, playing games or go to the library to get some research or find a book essential to the topic. Most of my spare time is used up working, whether it be doing homework or helping round the house, so I tend to spend lunch hanging round with my friends like I said.

Interviewer: Understandable. You have to make time for everything. This next question might be easy, but what are your plans for the future?

Student: Oh, that’s easy! Finish college, go to university and then get a job and see the world! What my future is in the long run, I’ve no idea, but it could involve being an author, a journalist, game designer, film director, writer or even an archeologist or historian.

Interviewer: Interesting. Very interesting. And would you recommend college to others?

Student: Yes. It’s helped me with problems with socialising and getting out of my shell, and it’s the best way to prepare yourself for adulthood.

Interviewer: Very good. Thank you for your thoughts.

(the two handshake)

Interviewer: That is all. Have a good day.

This is my script for the interview, it’s not much, but this is how I think it could go. And here’s the storyboard to back it up.

What’s your favourite thing about college?

“The education. The freedom, I like the feeling of being restrained by teachers or the uniform.” “Between the students and the tutors, it’s more of a friendlier approach compared to being back at school.”

What did you hear about college from other people?

“It’s very big, terrible. The people who don’t a lot in don’t really get much out of it, all of us, we speak quite highly of the college.” “Going from school, most of the reviews about the college from students are negative, seems like a last resort. Which is a shame because, coming to the college, you see what it actually has to offer, it does better than from what other schools have to offer.” “It gives you an idea of what university could be like.”

Where do you go for help if you need it?

“Student Services. If you’ve got educational help, go to your tutor.” “Anything you need outside, go to your friends.” “Like if you’re suffering from embarrassment, or depression, or you want a different opinion outside the Services and form tutor, go for anyone or your colleagues.”

What do you do when you’re not in class?

“Go to the Refectory, sit around and chat, or the library.”

What’s your plan for the future?

“The first option for most of us is probably university.” “So, for the immediate future, that’s the main goal, but in long term, that can be at anytime.” “Just the dream, the career you want to do.” “Make your life the way you want it to be. If you can do that, then you’ve done well.”

Would you recommend college to others?

“Yes. It provides more support, more freedom, and there’s a friendlier atmosphere, a friendlier feel in regards to the college.” “I feel like at the college, everyone’s on the same sort of wavelength, whereas at school, you have that higher ark. 100% recommend college.”

Basically, in our Media lesson, we were tasked to interview various students about what they think about the college. And to see my views, look under here.

What’s your favourite thing about college?

My favourite thing is definitely what it has to offer. The freedom, the support and how everyone treats you like an adult. It helps give you the feeling that you’re allowed to break free, let your imagination run wild, while also following the rules and the tasks you’re given.

What did you hear about college from other people?

I didn’t hear much about it from students, but most of my former teachers recommended it, and so, I gave it a try, and now, I’m a Level 3 art student.

Where do you go for help if you need it?

Student Services, if there’s someone who seems to be struggling in class, the form tutor too, and the Student Council if there’s something that needs our attention, as I’m a member of the Student Council.

What do you do at college when you’re not in class?

Homework, but I also do a bit of my own thing, like for example, sketching, typing stories or even doing digital drawing on my iPad.

What’s your plan for the future?

For my future, I hope to become an illustrator, author and maybe film director and actor as I enjoy illustrating some sort of story and making a story to go with it and acting it out.

Would you recommend college to others?

Yes. All my reasons are above, and it’s a great way to prepare yourself for adulthood than just blindly going for a job with low education.

In our media lesson, we were given a task at taking photos in various areas of our own choice for interviewing someone about the UCM College, Isle of Man.

Originally, we were to go in a group, but as I knew what I was doing and where I would go, I decided to go solo. Normally, I’m optimistic about working with others, however, I felt like this was a task I could do on my own, and doing it solo would make it easier.

To start with, I took a portrait photo of a locker corridor with multicoloured lockers. This sort of photo is what I think would be the first place to interview someone to do with college or a school, aside from a bookcase.

Next, I went up into the Art Department, checking the hallway upstairs to see if there was an appropriate area to interview someone. I thought this area was a more suitable option, mainly because everywhere else in the department is occupied or hasn’t much in the background.

Of all the places to choose, the Refectory would be my last. But that doesn’t mean it’s useless for an interview, especially as I had my interview there when I was exploring the college first time. It could be a good place to interview someone, so long as you’re able to hear them and that person is being focused on, not the food.

One of a more sensible areas to interview a student would be the College Library. A much better angle would be towards the bookcases and shelves because you see more background and it adds more impact. For example, the student could be a local at the library and takes books out regularly. One of the things you must try to avoid when interviewing someone in a library is the light from the window, as seen here.

While at the Library, I found a good spot where you could interview someone. The sofas around the library are used for meetings and when the student is doing research. And so, it could be useful for a quiet area to interview a student about the college as well as sit down in a chilled environment.

While on the bridge, looking at the angle I was in and the library entrance, that’s another good area for an interview. Just so long as the librarians don’t mind and other students going by don’t disturb or wait till you’re finished. The reason why I took a selfie here was to show how you could interview someone on the bridge. Wasn’t so easy getting the angle, which is why I seem a bit focused.

And here is an angle of the library entrance in which would be useful for an interview, as explained above.

Of course, you can’t go around the college doing interviews without thinking or accounting for the college entrance, in which could be used for an interview. Maybe mainly with the principal, but you never know, perhaps you could get an interview with a student at the front entrance.

I couldn’t decide which angle was better, and so I imported two in to compare. Still have no idea which one’s better. Anybody care to say?

Here is a back entrance to the college in which is used near the Annie Guild building. Another good place for an interview, but be careful, the doors are automated.

To show how you could interview someone at the back entrance, I made a selfie of it. But… I don’t think this was as successful as I originally thought. Mainly due to the light coming in.

Here’s a view and angle of the back entrance from outside, which could be more suitable for an interview than inside.

At the third floor of the college, there is an area known as Hashtag 1. This area’s been around for two years, and I think it could be useful for an interview because the area’s in the college, it represents what Students often use on their phones, and it’s modern.

Again, to show how you could interview someone here, I made a selfie in front of the sign. But… I don’t think I did so well. I more or less focused more on the sign than the person. This just proves I’m not that good with selfies, but hey, at least I tried.

In our Media lesson today, we were tasked to take photos of people at angles and facial expressions.

For example, somebody moving, somebody looking strong, somebody looking weak, somebody angry, somebody happy, two people talking, 1 closeup, 1 wide shot, 1 medium wide shot, 1 head & shoulders and 1 over the shoulder.

Photos underneath are, as followed,

Somebody Angry

Somebody Happy

People talking

Somebody Moving

Somebody Strong

Somebody Weak

Closeup

Wide Shot

Medium Wide Shot

Over the Shoulder

Head and Shoulders