Differences between JPEG, PNG and GIF files

     There is a multitude of ways in which an individual can save image files. In this week's set of Lynda tutorial videos, I learned about the most common image file formats and how to save them as such in Adobe Photoshop. For this blog post, I wanted to explore the ways in which JPEG, PNG and GIF files change the way a semi-transparent cloud is depicted post-save.

     This is an example of a JPEG image file. JPEGs are flattened files, which means that they do not support layers, or transparency. They are also compressed and utilizes lossy compression. Lossy compression is when the formatting software selectively discards, or throws away, information data of the image. The amount of information that is thrown away depends on which quality is chosen to save the file. JPEGs are often used on the Internet for posting to websites and for sending in emails and text messages.

     This photo is an example of a PNG file. Similar to JPEGs, PNGs are flattened files, however, it supports 256 layers of transparency. Therefore, PNG files are great to use for businesses and for creating logos because watermarks can easily be added onto them. As you can see in this image, some of the lighter shades of gray and are less visible than in the JPEG file. Quality-wise, they are pretty similar. 

     This image is an example of a GIF file. GIFs are most often seen as animation-style images. They are flattened, compressed files and they use lossy compression, much like JPEG files. Like PNG files, GIFs have some form of transparency, but it's not as freely used as in PNG files. GIF files compress their file so they are only able to use 256 colors within the image. Therefore, before saving, the software has to convert any unknown colors into "blanks". Also, transparency can only be used for one of those 256 colors, and transparency will only save with one layer, so you will often see pixelization or jagged edges if it is on a curved edge, like you see in this image of a cloud. 

Working the Shot

When I began, I had two main goals for this mini-project: to utilize the "working the shot" skills that I learned from the Lynda tutorials, and to be able to choose a single item from the desk in my dorm room and identify some interesting detail about it. Also, I wanted to be able to frame the shot in a unique way that would make the viewer notice certain details in a different way. 

       To begin, I started with a normal eye level shot. However, it is unclear what the subject actually is; the clutter on the desk distract the eye from the necklace. Also, this angle is one that is seen by everyone, therefore, it does not give a unique perspective. 

       I next tried to view the necklace from an extreme high angle shot. While this is more interesting, the details are lost due to how far the camera was from the subject, and the clutter around the necklace are still distracting. 

       I moved the hairbrush and the other random objects off of my desk so that they wouldn't be seen in the shot. Afterwards, I didn't realize that the base of the lamp and of the fan on my desk were still visible in the shot. However, I do really like this angle because it allows the viewer to see the curves in the necklace. 

       Due to my inability to completely move the fan and light from my desk, I decided to shoot from a different angle. I, also, decided to turn off the main desk lamp, and leave the smaller desk lamp on to try and capture a different perspective. I do not like this angle because you cannot see the details as well as in the other angle and objects off of the desk are still visible.

       I got on my knees to where my camera was eye level with my desktop and re-found this angle. I like this shot because of the curve of the necklace and the continuation of the line until it fades back into the back of the shot. However, I do not like that you can still see the base of the lamp. 

       I stood up a little bit more, leaning over my desk and took a close-up of the necklace. Overall, I really like this shot. I like that you can still see the curve in the necklace but it gets darker as most of the light is focused on the first couple of pendants. With this shot, I tried to not only work the shot more by zooming in and twisting my body slightly so that the curve would look more dramatic, I also tried to play on the tonal balance of the shot. The top half of the right-to-left diagonal is much darker than the bottom half. I did this intentionally so that the viewer could see the detailing within the pendants of the necklace, but the balance would remain intact as the repetition of the charm remained constant as it moved farther into the back of the shot. 

       In this last photograph, I'm not completely happy with it, primarily due to the weird wood grain in the desk top, However, I do think that it looks cool and contrasts with the direction of the necklace, but is a little distracting to the eye on the bottom left corner. The framing of this shot, I feel, is balanced according to the rule of thirds as well. While there are more charms in the left hand third of the shot, they are smaller and in more of a shadow than the larger charm that dominates in the 2nd and 3rd sections. This balances the shot because the eye is drawn to the lighter pieces and the detailing is seen, but the composition's weight is pretty evenly balanced. 

       Overall, I really enjoyed this project and being able to work with the ideas talked about in this week's Lynda tutorial videos. From now on, I will be more careful and conscious of framing and point of view, and I will be more willing to "work the shot" in order to find the most perfect angle and representation of my subject. 

Who am I?

Hello and welcome to my class page! My name is Kayla Jones, a college freshman studying Strategic Communication and French. But that doesn't really tell you anything about me. I’m a girl adapting to the modern age with a love for social media and bad horror movies. But, in reality, I'm just an old soul with a love for the city of lights, 90's punk and The Great Gatsby. I dream of the day where I can look around and smile, being truly happy with the way that my life has turned out.  I live for the story; treasuring each day and all of its eccentricities. 

I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night