I selected various photos I've taken of union activities on Branch 214 of the National Association of Letter Carriers. I wanted to create a general view of activities of union activists. My intent is to demonstrate that union organizing is fun as well as effective. Also, as this project emerged, I realized I could use it within my own union, to publicize our activities. So, I tried to select representative activists. Finally, I included several mementos of my Union career, including the shirt insignias worn by letter carriers when I began in 1969, and when I retired, in 2005.
In laying out the photos, I used Photoshop's ruler and grid to help me visualize what the final image would look like. Then I placed photos, object images, and slogans on separate layers in the background canvas. I used the Free Transform tool to rotate some of the images. After I decided on the final lay-out, then I went back and re-worked some of the images.
What still needs to be done: there are black splotches in the Union Yes slogan; the Pony Express emblem needs the shirt material in the background removed; the lamp in Audrey's election counting photo needs to be subdued. Also, perhaps I have too much "stuff" here; the impact might be greater if I removed and re-positioned elements. Also, the picket photo is a little too "blue". In general, though, I'm satisfied with it. Unfortunately, I'm still not fluent enough with all of Photoshop's tools to take full advantage of it!