Overall Comments
“The assignment is clearly presented with a good detail of written explanation on how you took the image and your review of it. You are showing your learning throughout the assignment so please continue to do this.”
“I am not sure if you shoot RAW files at all with either of your camera but you may find it better to set the white balance at Auto and then use Lightroom to make any adjustment. This is a much better method then trying to second-guess the actual colour temperature of a light source. Modern halogen or LEDs can be hard unless you walk around with a colour temperature meter!”
“I am a little confused with regard to the focal length mentioned for images 1-3. You state 18mm which camera is this on?”
Feedback on assignment
Part 1
Street scene in the middle of a clear sunny day – narrow streets and high buildings that cast deep, long shadows
Image 1
“You have given a detailed description of how you took the image. You understand and can effectively apply partial metering to a scene. With regard to the composition of the image – the focus could be sharper as well.”
Image 2
“In this image the control of the exposure is very effective. The car in the bottom right corner hampers the composition.”
Image 3
“In this image the exposure is again controlled to balance the worst of the highlights and keep detail in the shadow. For me the composition of this scene is the strongest. The view is very definite with the line straight up the middle of the frame to the tower on the horizon.”
Photographing people in the shade while the background is in the sunshine
Image 1
“In this image you have controlled the exposure by using partial metering again. The image works with the contrast of the red and green creating complementary colours.”
Image 2
“Again the image is successfully exposed. The composition does allow for the context to be shown however the Pirelli sign dominates the image. A smaller depth of field could help to blur it even further – or shoot the image landscape so that there is more of the scene on view to add to the context.”
Image 3
“Again you have controlled the exposure to illuminate the subjects correctly. The use of a wooded background means that the over exposure does not detract from the image.”
Any backlit scene, whether in direct or indirect light
Image 1
“In this image the Minster has just enough light for the detail to be seen on the outside. The cloudy sky does however become the dominant feature of the image.”
Image 2
“In this image the silhouette has been achieved. The cross is placed around a central formation in the clouds, which looks rather ominous!”
Image 3
“In this image you have taken a completely different subject to apply the approach to. The image is very well taken. However I would consider the flowers placement in the frame. You could have a little more space at the bottom rather than the top or alternatively crop the image square to centre focus on the flower”.
Indoor scenes illuminated by a single source of artificial light of high luminance
Image 1
“Showing off your reading materials here! This looks a deceptively simple shot but I know is harder to achieve. The light has been well controlled and the composition is strong. The decision to crop across the light as good.”
Image 2
“Using lights like this can give very interesting effects. I once saw a whole project where long exposures had been used and the scene was painted by one of those very powerful torchlights – the effect was incredible. Here you have creativity to think how to use and place the light to best effect.”
Image 3
“Again another innovative image. You have used creatively the bicycle lamps to create a red glow. (NB if you like working with coloured artificial lights – Quality Street wrappers make excellent mini-gel filters for small lights).”
Part 2
Image 1
“In this image the exposure and angle of view are good. However do look at the camera positioning, as the verticals are not straight. If you use a wide-angle lens you can also be subject to distortion on verticals.”
Image 2
“In this image the cross and sky are more balanced in exposure and the detail can been seen. The sky has lost the ominous feel although the angle of view allows for the cross to loom larger in the frame.”
Image 3
“Here you have managed to separate the background from the foreground by controlling the lighting. Do watch the framing – the green stem in the bottom left edge of the frame is distracting. Also the petals on the top left edge are clipped out of the frame.”
Learning Blogs/Critical essays
“Your log is showing good detail – especially on the visits to exhibitions. The review of the Landscape Photography at Southwell Minster is very detailed. You could put a link into any of the photographers websites (if they have them) – you may not be able to find the images that you have referred to, but it is quite nice to be able to click through and view work.
You have created a reading list page, which is a good idea. It would be worth expanding this to comment on the books so explain what you have gained from them. Similar in style to the exhibition reviews that you have been doing. It doesn’t need to be that detailed but you want to show some interaction between you and the reading material.”
Suggested reading/viewing
“You have clearly research the technical aspect of the assignment in detail. The referencing is clear where you have quoted from books/other sources.”
Pointers for the next assignment
“There are many key black and white photographers – below is a selection for different subject matters:
Still Life / Abstract
Edward Weston
Paul Strand
Portraits
Arnold Newman
Jane Bown
Landscape
Ansel Adams
John Blakemore
Social Documentary
Henri Cartier-Bresson
Brassai
Buildings
Eugene Atget
Bernd and Hilla Becher
These photographers are just a starting point so do go beyond this in any further reading that you do.”
Tutor name:
Date
3 October 2013
“The assignment is clearly presented with a good detail of written explanation on how you took the image and your review of it. You are showing your learning throughout the assignment so please continue to do this.”
“I am not sure if you shoot RAW files at all with either of your camera but you may find it better to set the white balance at Auto and then use Lightroom to make any adjustment. This is a much better method then trying to second-guess the actual colour temperature of a light source. Modern halogen or LEDs can be hard unless you walk around with a colour temperature meter!”
“I am a little confused with regard to the focal length mentioned for images 1-3. You state 18mm which camera is this on?”
Feedback on assignment
Part 1
Street scene in the middle of a clear sunny day – narrow streets and high buildings that cast deep, long shadows
Image 1
“You have given a detailed description of how you took the image. You understand and can effectively apply partial metering to a scene. With regard to the composition of the image – the focus could be sharper as well.”
Image 2
“In this image the control of the exposure is very effective. The car in the bottom right corner hampers the composition.”
Image 3
“In this image the exposure is again controlled to balance the worst of the highlights and keep detail in the shadow. For me the composition of this scene is the strongest. The view is very definite with the line straight up the middle of the frame to the tower on the horizon.”
Photographing people in the shade while the background is in the sunshine
Image 1
“In this image you have controlled the exposure by using partial metering again. The image works with the contrast of the red and green creating complementary colours.”
Image 2
“Again the image is successfully exposed. The composition does allow for the context to be shown however the Pirelli sign dominates the image. A smaller depth of field could help to blur it even further – or shoot the image landscape so that there is more of the scene on view to add to the context.”
Image 3
“Again you have controlled the exposure to illuminate the subjects correctly. The use of a wooded background means that the over exposure does not detract from the image.”
Any backlit scene, whether in direct or indirect light
Image 1
“In this image the Minster has just enough light for the detail to be seen on the outside. The cloudy sky does however become the dominant feature of the image.”
Image 2
“In this image the silhouette has been achieved. The cross is placed around a central formation in the clouds, which looks rather ominous!”
Image 3
“In this image you have taken a completely different subject to apply the approach to. The image is very well taken. However I would consider the flowers placement in the frame. You could have a little more space at the bottom rather than the top or alternatively crop the image square to centre focus on the flower”.
Indoor scenes illuminated by a single source of artificial light of high luminance
Image 1
“Showing off your reading materials here! This looks a deceptively simple shot but I know is harder to achieve. The light has been well controlled and the composition is strong. The decision to crop across the light as good.”
Image 2
“Using lights like this can give very interesting effects. I once saw a whole project where long exposures had been used and the scene was painted by one of those very powerful torchlights – the effect was incredible. Here you have creativity to think how to use and place the light to best effect.”
Image 3
“Again another innovative image. You have used creatively the bicycle lamps to create a red glow. (NB if you like working with coloured artificial lights – Quality Street wrappers make excellent mini-gel filters for small lights).”
Part 2
Image 1
“In this image the exposure and angle of view are good. However do look at the camera positioning, as the verticals are not straight. If you use a wide-angle lens you can also be subject to distortion on verticals.”
Image 2
“In this image the cross and sky are more balanced in exposure and the detail can been seen. The sky has lost the ominous feel although the angle of view allows for the cross to loom larger in the frame.”
Image 3
“Here you have managed to separate the background from the foreground by controlling the lighting. Do watch the framing – the green stem in the bottom left edge of the frame is distracting. Also the petals on the top left edge are clipped out of the frame.”
Learning Blogs/Critical essays
“Your log is showing good detail – especially on the visits to exhibitions. The review of the Landscape Photography at Southwell Minster is very detailed. You could put a link into any of the photographers websites (if they have them) – you may not be able to find the images that you have referred to, but it is quite nice to be able to click through and view work.
You have created a reading list page, which is a good idea. It would be worth expanding this to comment on the books so explain what you have gained from them. Similar in style to the exhibition reviews that you have been doing. It doesn’t need to be that detailed but you want to show some interaction between you and the reading material.”
Suggested reading/viewing
“You have clearly research the technical aspect of the assignment in detail. The referencing is clear where you have quoted from books/other sources.”
Pointers for the next assignment
“There are many key black and white photographers – below is a selection for different subject matters:
Still Life / Abstract
Edward Weston
Paul Strand
Portraits
Arnold Newman
Jane Bown
Landscape
Ansel Adams
John Blakemore
Social Documentary
Henri Cartier-Bresson
Brassai
Buildings
Eugene Atget
Bernd and Hilla Becher
These photographers are just a starting point so do go beyond this in any further reading that you do.”
Tutor name:
| |
Date
|
3 October 2013
|
My response to tutor feedback
I was really pleased with my feedback received. There were a few points which I was able to act on immediately and others which I can adopt into my practice.
AWB
I used the preset white balance (e.g. daylight, tungsten etc.) because some of the exercises were based around this. I thought this is what was required for this assignment. I found in part 3’s exercises I had to leave the white balance on auto. I think it is easier to leave it on auto and tweak when processing if necessary.
Focal length
I developed a habit of recording the focal length used in TAOP1 which I found useful for recreating / reshooting scenes, or giving me a base line to work on. My camera (Canon 1000D SLR) has a smaller sensor (Digic mark 3 APS-C). For my next assignment (3) I think it would be easier to write in the crop factor of x 1.6 because if I use our Canon 5D mark 2 (full frame), I will become confused. Altered for assignment 2 (November 2013).
Image 3 photographing people in the shade whilst the background is in the sun
I took on board the comments from my tutor regarding the Pirelli sign being dominating and shooting in landscape instead of portrait. Whilst reading Black and White Photography (November 2013), I came across an image from Robin Sinha called Staten Island New York 2013. This image is taken in landscape of someone on the left hand side of the frame looking down onto the river with the buildings blurred in the background. I think my image would work in landscape because I can relate it to the set up of this image.
Image 3 Any backlit scene whether in direct or indirect light
I take my tutor’s point about the square crop. I think it does look more effective.
Image 3 Indoor scenes illuminated by a single source of artificial light of high luminance
I had not considered using gels or wrappers to change the colour of the light. I have a tin of quality streets on the wish list for Christmas. I did think creating this image was fun, so it has inspired me to give it further thought.
Part 2 Image 1
Distorted verticals….I am experimenting with different lenses to see what works best. I know that a wide angle lens will distort verticals. With my crop factor, at 10-20mm my focal length becomes 16-32mm. I have experimented with zoom lenses as there is less distortion and a tool in Photoshop corrects some lens distortion. Freeman (2009) suggests different methods for composing straight verticals without using a tilt and shift lens which I will be putting into practice. Work in progress.
Exhibitions
Links to the photographers would be useful. Done (November 2013).
Expand reading list
Done (November 2013)
Research
Reading research included in Assignment 3.
Reference
Sinha R, (November 2013)New York Series take 1,Black and White Photography, Issue 156, GMC Publications, Lewes, UK p38-42
Bibliography
Freeman (2009) Mastering digital photography, Ilex Press, Lewes, UK
I was really pleased with my feedback received. There were a few points which I was able to act on immediately and others which I can adopt into my practice.
AWB
I used the preset white balance (e.g. daylight, tungsten etc.) because some of the exercises were based around this. I thought this is what was required for this assignment. I found in part 3’s exercises I had to leave the white balance on auto. I think it is easier to leave it on auto and tweak when processing if necessary.
Focal length
I developed a habit of recording the focal length used in TAOP1 which I found useful for recreating / reshooting scenes, or giving me a base line to work on. My camera (Canon 1000D SLR) has a smaller sensor (Digic mark 3 APS-C). For my next assignment (3) I think it would be easier to write in the crop factor of x 1.6 because if I use our Canon 5D mark 2 (full frame), I will become confused. Altered for assignment 2 (November 2013).
Image 3 photographing people in the shade whilst the background is in the sun
I took on board the comments from my tutor regarding the Pirelli sign being dominating and shooting in landscape instead of portrait. Whilst reading Black and White Photography (November 2013), I came across an image from Robin Sinha called Staten Island New York 2013. This image is taken in landscape of someone on the left hand side of the frame looking down onto the river with the buildings blurred in the background. I think my image would work in landscape because I can relate it to the set up of this image.
Image 3 Any backlit scene whether in direct or indirect light
I take my tutor’s point about the square crop. I think it does look more effective.
Image 3 Indoor scenes illuminated by a single source of artificial light of high luminance
I had not considered using gels or wrappers to change the colour of the light. I have a tin of quality streets on the wish list for Christmas. I did think creating this image was fun, so it has inspired me to give it further thought.
Part 2 Image 1
Distorted verticals….I am experimenting with different lenses to see what works best. I know that a wide angle lens will distort verticals. With my crop factor, at 10-20mm my focal length becomes 16-32mm. I have experimented with zoom lenses as there is less distortion and a tool in Photoshop corrects some lens distortion. Freeman (2009) suggests different methods for composing straight verticals without using a tilt and shift lens which I will be putting into practice. Work in progress.
Exhibitions
Links to the photographers would be useful. Done (November 2013).
Expand reading list
Done (November 2013)
Reading research included in Assignment 3.
Reference
Sinha R, (November 2013)New York Series take 1,Black and White Photography, Issue 156, GMC Publications, Lewes, UK p38-42
Bibliography
Freeman (2009) Mastering digital photography, Ilex Press, Lewes, UK
No comments:
Post a Comment