File Types with the Cloud Image

There are several types of files and each type used can greatly affect how an image looks. I saved the same semi-transparent cloud image in a few different file formats to show how they differ.

1.cloud.jpg

This is the cloud image saved as a JPEG file. A JPEG is a flattened format that doesn't support layers which is also compressed and uses a lossy compression. So, to save space, a JPEG file selectively discards data and information by the quality settings chosen. JPEGs can't have transparency.

2. cloud.png

This is the cloud image saved as a PNG file. PNG files are good for working with apps that need a flattened image and supports multiple layers of transparency, as it is able to support 256 layers which is a main reason it is different from JPEG.

3. cloud.gif

This is the cloud image saved as a GIF file. GIF files are also flattneded and lossy but in a different way so that you have to make your image only have 256 colors in it and change it from an RGB file that has 8 bits per channel into an index color file before saving it. GIF files don't support transparency so the pixels are either on or off which can cause curved edges to appear jagged. That's one of the main reasons it is different from the JPEG and the PNG files.

Working the Shot

I was trying to focus on the idea of working the shot that I learned about in the Lynda Tutorial viewings this week. Since it was supposed to be pictures of everyday objects I decided to focus particularly on a geode that I have on my desk. I started with a basic eye level shot to get a feel for what the picture would actually look like.

This first shot is a basic angle that ends up with a picture of how I see the rock and doesn't provide for an interesting picture.

I decided that the last shot encompassed to much space and tried to make the picture less chaotic by moving closer to the rock. It is still chaotic because of all the books and my calendar.I also tried holding the camera horizontally but it didn't really seem to make the image much better.

With the third image I tried to put more focus on the geode and less on the background objects by moving closer but it once again proved to be too distracting.

I realized I should move the books since they were problematic. So I did. I thought this was better but still needed to be simpler and less distracting and moved closer once more.

I once again moved closer and took an angle above the rock which gave it a more interesting appearance but the image was not as simple as I was going for.

For my last image I removed my cross pendant and angled my camera slightly below the geode, got even closer and am fairly happy with the result. It could be better balanced a bit but I am happy with the way that changing my point of view and working the shot ended with a better photo.

About Me

Hi! I'm Maia Cody and I'm from Massachusetts and am a Strategic Communications major. London is my favorite place in the world. Not that I've been everywhere in the world, it's just that London has a very special place in my life and feels more like my home than my actual home does. It's my ultimate dream to live there someday. I hope to study abroad at Saint Mary's next year. In addition to being an anglophile, I also moonlight as a music and tumblr enthusiast -- respectively. Some of my favorite musicians are McFly (British), Busted (also British), Ed Sheeran (interestingly also British), 5 Seconds Of Summer (not British, Australian) and Boys Like Girls (Surprise! American).