1. In as much detail as possible record the steps it took to create this project in photoshop. Use complete sentences.​

- The first step I took was to set up my document in photoshop. I created a New File > "Print"> Letter Size, making sure to rename the document. I then had to upload the portrait that I took with a partner and using the object selection tool and the layer mask button I removed the background of my portrait. Using the brush tool I concealed any remaining pieces. At this point I have added in images I found off of the internet that work well with the symbolism that I have incorporated. Similarly I used layer masks to remove backgrounds. Using adjustment layers such as Brightness/Contrast, Hue/Saturation, and Contrast I was able to blend the images together. Using contrast I had turned the contrast down so when I used the brush tool I was able to reveal the certain parts I wanted to be brighter. Especially on my portrait since the lighting is more directed to the left. Every adjustment layer I had used a clipping mask to attach it to the appropriate layer. I used blending modes such as darken and hard mix, located in the layers panel, so that I could create a more cohesive image. 

2. Define the terms as they relate to Photoshop: Blend modes,  layer masks and adjustment layers. Give a specific example of how you used each of these in your identity collage. 

- Blend modes are used so layers can interact with one another without having to alter the original image. For example, I used the blend mode hard mix to combine the paw print and my portrait, allowing me to add the paw print onto my shirt with ease. 

- Layer masks are used to enable you to reveal or conceal parts of your image in a non destructive manner. I used layer masks when removing the background of objects such as the candle, my portrait, and the hands covering my face. 

- Adjustment layers are non destructive image adjustments that will allow you to make changes in things such as lighting and color that will sit above the original image. I used adjustment layers when adding a harsh lighting to my portrait. When implementing the candle I knew I wanted to add lots of contrast to my lighting, so to do this I used the exposure adjustment layer to create that effect. 

3. How does your college represent your identity? What specific images did you use and what do they represent about you? 

- My collage represents the result of my senior year. There have been a lot of things that have happened for me this year and I was able to represent that through symbolism. Some things I included were the paw print of my childhood dog that recently passed, the hands covering my face to represent blinded guidance (hence the candle). I added roses to symbolize the love I try to give out. The clock behind my head represents the constant battle of deadlines and representation of how little time I have as a kid left. 

4. What was successful in your project? What was unsuccessful and what would you do differently next time to solve this problem?

- I think I was successfully able to incorporate meaning behind my collage that speaks true to my experiences. What I would do differently is focusing on the bigger portion of the collage first, meaning adding in a background first and working off of that. I believe that would have helped me to get my composition started. 

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5. Based on the learning target, what level of mastery does your project demonstrate (Exceeds, Meets, Needs Work, minimal understanding).

- Based on the learning target I believe I have reached a exceeding level of mastery because I am able to implement what I have learned from previous projects to create a combination that depicts my emotions and circumstances. I have reached this level of understanding because of the multitude of adjustment layers, blend modes, and especially layer masks used. These helped me to create a collage with a clear composition.