The purpose of learning Photoshop is to equip myself with the necessary tools to edit and enhance the various photos I capture for the magazine. This skill will help me ensure each image aligns with the magazine’s visual style.

I haven't used Adobe Photoshop extensively, but I have practiced using it with photo I took at an exhibition held at Barefoot Colombo. I plan to use Photoshop throughout the entire process of creating my magazine.

Original Photo

Learning outcome

Mock magazine creation using InDesign V6

I have previously used software such as MS Word and Canva to create various printed materials and digital projects, including PowerPoint presentations. However, I noticed that when printing these materials, the colors of graphic images and pictures did not match exactly as they appeared on the screen. Later, I learned that for accurate print results, colors need to be converted to CMYK.

For my AS Level media project, I do not need to print the magazine as I display the contents digitally. However, I have decided to learn Adobe InDesign CS6, along with Photoshop, to ensure the printed outputs meets professional quality standards.

Also, if a magazine has several pages, organizing text into paragraphs is much easier with InDesign.

With the help of my media studies teacher and a few YouTube training videos, I was able to practice skills need to create magazine using InDesign.

Please note the sample text and images taken from Internet.

Creation of document, margins and positioning several objects in the magazine cover page using guides

Creation of columns
Creating columns in InDesign is easy. Once the text is placed, it becomes simple to modify, and the layout automatically adjusts the spacing for a great look.

For my first photoshoot, I wanted to focus on mainly the camera shots and angles.

I mostly took pictures of inanimate objects since my magazine will consist of those.

Location- BearFoot, Colombo

1 Wide shot

Here I took the shot wide enough to include all the handmade stuffies. The lighting came perfectly in this shot as warm light compliments the stuffies color palate.

2 Mid-level eye shot

When I saw this lantern with the casted shadow behind it, I instantly knew it would be amazing concept photo. But I do wish I was able to take it purely focused just on the lantern by itself without the surrounding objects.

3.Close-up shot

 We recently had my first practice photo shoot at Ape Gama in Battaramulla, a unique attraction that offers an authentic Sri Lankan village experience just minutes from the heart of Colombo. It’s a place where you can witness the charm of a old-style era, complete with traditional lifestyles and cultural exhibits. The location also features a heritage museum, where I had the wonderful opportunity to capture skilled artisans at work. Thanks to the kind support of the manager, I was granted permission to photograph a variety of Sri Lankan handicrafts displayed within the museum.

Here are the analysis of photos and other features like the camera angles

Slightly low and side angle.
Perspective: The camera is positioned a little below the statue’s eye level, angled slightly from the left side. This adds a sense of dignity and focus to the statue, often used in portraiture or sculpture photography to evoke admiration or reverence.
The statue dominates the foreground, while the traditional pavilion and greenery create depth in the background.

Lighting:
Natural light is used, possibly from an open side or window, which gives a soft, even illumination. There are no harsh shadows, but the image is slightly blurred  possibly due to a light camera shake or motion.