The technique of layering images, masking and erasing, makes it possible to
manipulate images to create illusions. This can often be done using two images - a background image and a foreground image. Parts of the foreground image are erased to reveal the background image.
There are many ways this technique can be used with students:
Such as:
·
Virtual trip: change the background image to
anywhere in the world, create a travel journal or travel postcards.
·
Mythical creature: merge animal parts to create a new creature with powers.
·
Superpowers: create the illusion of super human
strength, invisibility or the ability to fly.
·
Surrealism: create a surrealistic image by
placing objects out of context.
·
Out of proportion: Create the illusion that something has
grown or shrunk by placing it next to objects which are out of proportion.
·
Space exploration: use images of space and planets
for the background.
·
Travel through time: use images from the past as
a background and add a black and white or sepia filter, students could also
dress in relevant costume.
·
Jump into a story: use images reflect from a story.
·
Be the star of a comic: add images to a comic
creator
·
Clone yourself: ever wished you could be in two places
at once, take multiple photos of yourself in different poses and add them to
the same background image.
·
Mirror image: create the illusion of a mirror
image.
·
Evil twin: take on two personas in the same image.
There are many software options which allow you to do this technique, however, there are now many easy to use options.
1. Superimpose
Available for iPad and Android
Provides the ability to layer and mask your own images.
2. Clone camera
Android version: Clone camera 2.0
iPad version: Clone Camera Pro for iPad
This app provides the ability to merge images and overlay.
iPad version
This app provides a range of free images for the background. You can buy the upgrade which will provide more images. You can use your own image for the foreground image. Very easy to use, simply erase the background of the foreground image. The free version does have ads.
In the picture tools, select the option Remove background.
Tools will then appear to indicating mark areas
to keep and mark areas to remove. A purple mask will appear over the image, the
purple areas will be removed. Layer images by right clicking and selecting Bring
to front or send to back.
