Final

It's a Small World Final Project
Under the Sea
Zoe Lang


The final project for AD 267 - Digital Media 1, required creating our own artistic miniature set, constructed on a 15in by 15in platform. I had many exciting ideas for this project, and was inspired by an Instagram artist, Tanaka Tatsuya. Some of initial ideas were; an art sculpture, an underwater scene, or a miniature art museum. I decided that I would first go shopping and look at the materials available before deciding my theme. My topic settled on the underwater scene after finding more reasonable priced items at Michael's Craft Store and PetsMart. I already had a miniature statue of David from an Italy trip, and made a theme out of an underwater ancient city. The city was to be surrounded by an underwater tropical environment. I found miniature figures of scuba divers, plants, and animals. My greatest idea for the set was buying a 30 pound bag of sand, which I poured into my now 15 x 15 x 4 platform. The sand was great for sticking in my props and moving the set around. After compositing an underwater scene, it was time to light and photograph.


I set up the lighting with spot lights that were programed to flash with my camera. I learned how to set the shutter speed correctly in order for the photo to show up due to the remote delay. I used different lighting techniques ranging from 1 light all the way to 3 lights. I also experimented with light stops and applying colors to the lighting. This helped me get an underwater hue for some of my photographs. Holding up the lighting tools was a team effort with my teacher and classmates. I learned a lot on how to make dramatic lighting and made sure to compose each photograph.


After taking photos, I downloaded them to the computer to do any touch ups or major edits. In the beginning of this project I wanted my photographs to be as realistic as possible. However, I realized not everything has to be perfect, and decided I liked the playful toy theme of the miniature set. I decided to show the audience it was a composed set that I worked hard on creating. I did minor photoshop work, adjusting exposure, taking away wires attached to my props, or experimenting with lighting.


My final photos turned out successful showing a range of photograph techniques such as; lighting, composition, aperture, and color. I decided to create two different styles using my miniature set, one as a crowded colorful underwater setting, and another as a simpler design oriented style. I think what I enjoyed most about this project was building my own miniature set and learning about important lighting techniques that I know will be helpful in my future career.