Evaluation Question 6

What have you learnt about new technologies from the process of

constructing this product?

Digital CameraThe introduction of digital cameras has allowed many pictures to be taken in a short space of time. Images can be uploaded and viewed which allows the photographer to choose their best pictures and get rid of the ones they don’t like as much. Also, digital cameras are instant as a pose to the old film cameras from years ago. These cameras only held a certain amount of images and took a while to develop in a dark room. Using a digital camera, images can be uploaded and edited in programs such as Photoshop. This allows the user to depict every aspect of the image and get it just right. Another plus for the digital camera is that when the photos are uploaded they can be shared all over the internet instantly. This will allow images to be seen by the people who need to see them almost immediately. Finally, the digital camera offers a much higher quality image than previous old style cameras. This makes the image much clearer and makes it much easier to edit.

Photoshop

Photoshop allows the user to edit and manipulate images to make them look professional. This can be done by using all the different tools available and by changing the brightness and saturation etc. The cut tool allows the image to be removed and placed wherever the user chooses. This is useful if the user wants the image to be at a certain place or in front of a particular background. Also, Photoshop has a patch tool. This can be used to remove marks from an image that the user doesn’t want to be seen. For example, spots on a model. This will make the image seem ‘perfect’ which is what we see in the media everyday.

Using Photoshop made me realise how much effort is put into manipulating photos before the media shows us them. It also made me realise that we only see exactly what the media want us to see.

Here are Images before and after Photoshop. I have removed the tattoos. This shows how easy it is to completely change an image.

Before After

InDesign

InDesign is a really useful program after you get the hang of it. It can be very tricky when you first start using it but it is worth taking the time to become comfortable using it. The use of layers made it possible to move things around whilst locking in others, which makes you not have to worry about moving something by accident. Tools such as columns and bleed help the user to keep the magazine looking professional.

Using InDesign showed me how long it must actually take to produce a full scale magazine and how much effort will have to be put in to get it done.

My magazine cover with the grids. The InDesign default page.

The Internet

The Internet has been the most useful tool that I have used during the process of creating my magazine. Not only does it hold a wealth of knowledge, including information on magazine conventions and publishing companies, but it also allows me to access the majority of my work from any computer. By giving me access to my email and accounts I can download and work on different pieces of work, even if I’m not at the computer I did the work on. This saves mass amounts of time and makes it much more convenient. Also, the internet has given me access to numerous multi-media platforms that help me present my work. These include; prezi, slideshare and glogster.

Here are some screenshots of my work using the different tools the internet allowed me to access.

SlideShare

Glogster

Prezi

ConclusionIn conclusion, new technology that is only recently available, has made producing media much easier and quicker for publishers. The use of the internet and better software has made working more convenient and less time consuming. The advances in digital cameras have also gone a long way in speeding up the process of producing the media product.All in all, the process of producing a media product is now easier and faster than ever before.During the process of completing my magazine, I have gained IT skills that can be applied in a number of aspects in my life. Also I now have a better understanding and appreciation of how media products are produced.