Q6. What have you learnt about the technologies from the process of constructing the product?

Photoshop..

I used the paintbrush tool and then manipulated the opacity of the layer to change the colour of the models eyes. I did this as it is conventional to have a blonde haired, blue eyed pretty model. I also used this to change the colour of her hair to make it a lighter blonde. I did this with the aim of making her look more conventional of a pop magazine.

I found these tools easy to use. However I found that it was hard to make a change without it looking overly photo shopped and fake, but I finally got the right colour and the right opacity level so that it looked realistic.

This is an example of another tool I used. I used the spot healing tool to remove any blemishes on her face. I did this as it is conventional of all magazines to have ‘flawless’ people on the front, so by removing blemishes from her face I am achieving that ‘perfect’ look the audience will expect.

I found this tool very effective and easy to use. It helped me achieve the look I was hoping for.

Other technologies I used…

• Microsoft Publisher: I used publisher to put together my double page spread. I used publisher to actually put my article on to the double page spread, to do this I had to place my dps as a picture file and place that onto a publisher document and then place my article in a text box over the top. I found this pretty easy. The only trouble I had with publisher was trying to place my pull quote, I found it hard to find a place where it wasn’t breaking up the article in a weird place, in the end I worked it out and I think I put it in a good place.

• Cameras/lighting: To take the images to use in my magazine I had to use professional cameras and the professional lights in the studio at college. I had no previous experience of using these but I had to use them to get the professional look I needed to appeal to my audience. My teacher went through with me how to take the best quality photos using the right equipment. Eventually I got the hang of it however I had initial problems trying to get the lighting right on my model as it often came out quite garish or there were shadows on the models face. I overcame this by seeking help from teachers that were experienced with using these cameras and eventually managed to take good quality images to use on my final product.

• Blogger on my phone: I have an iPhone, this was very handy throughout the making of my product because having access to the blog on my phone allowed me to upload ideas and inspiration on the spot, I didn’t have to have access to my computer. This was good technology as it is very easy to use and I always carry my phone which means I always have access to my blog.