ZH10521:CITY & GUILD LEVEL 2 AWARD IN PHOTO IMAGE CAPTURE. Assignment Title:
Principles of photo image capture – Part 1
Unit no. & Title:
Assignment 206 – Principles of photo image capture
Issue Date:
Submission Date:
10th October 2013 9th January 2014
Barbara Vigor
Intentions/purpose of the photography to be undertaken To compile a collection of different styles of Portraits of people,
portraying their positive emotions, whilst involved in Leisure Activity. I intend to research various photographers to obtain ideas to assist me with this project and look into different portrait styles. By researching and understanding how light and shadow works and how this can be worked to my advantage. Composition and vantage points will be considered and I will use a sketchbook for my ideas.
I will be using books, Internet, advertising and TV for a variety of images to obtain some creativity. By talking through ideas with other students, friends and family to help clarify and develop my ideas. Attend workshops regularly to acquire photographic knowledge. I will be making a visual diary of all this information in the form of a sketchbook with brief written notes to support each entry. I will complete a visual diary of how the image should look, making notes of lighting, equipment and camera techniques. I will keep a record book with details of activity, relevant information and diagrams.
This project will take me completely out of my comfort zone, but am sure it will develop my skills and improve my image capture.
Reasons for selection of theme (including inspiration from the work of others)
It is a fact that nowadays people have more free time than previous generations and spend more time on recreational activities. In a recent
survey it was discovered people spend around 22% of their free time on sports and hobbies. The term recreations implies “participation to be healthy, refreshing mind and body.�
Leisure activities are the best way to relax, have fun and enjoyment. This also gives health benefits, by helping you to relax, relieve stress, keeps
your mind and body active, and reduces depression. Local government now spends approximately ÂŁ1 billion per year on sport and leisure.
Leisure pursuits have always filled my spare time, both in and out of the
house. I also find watching people fascinating, so for me, I was keen to try and photograph people whilst involved in various leisure activities. Portraits can sometimes just show an image, my aim is to convey the emotions and a fun side of their character, and to incorporate their
leisure activity that features strongly with that person. My goal is to
photograph various people, some composed with the use of props to highlight their activity and some images taken candidly.
This project is Steve McCurry and Albert Watson inspired. Studying their work I have found their portraits to show warmth and emotion, primarily from a simple head and shoulder pose and this is what I hope to do with my portfolio.
My original choice for the assignment was environmental portraits of people selling the Big Issue, but after further research was concerned by our rural location and the limited possibilities of meeting sufficient vendors.
The photo imaging equipment and medium that will be used and why DSLR with 24-85mm lens For its versatility of a zoom lens, enabling you to obtain close up shots, very useful in portraiture. Its ability of producing sharp images Fast accurate focussing with an auto focus, but can be a problem in low light conditions, when manual focussing is preferred. This can be an asset with street photography and moving images.
Look through the lens, more light travels through the lens. You can see exactly what image you will take, helpful for recognise poor composition or unwanted clutter.
16.2 megapixel sensor to produce high resolution images, ideal for portraiture. Clear detailed LCD screen, look back at images. Good image quality at high ISO settings, works well in indoor low lighting or twilight portraits.
Vibration reduction stops blurred images whilst hand held, which is very useful in portraiture as you need to move around, close to the subject. Spot metering good for focussing on eyes as camera uses 1-5% to obtain a reading, which works well for portraiture.
Able to manually set, aperture, shutter speeds, depth of field, monochrome or colour, to vary styles of portraiture. ISO range from 100 – 6400, to shoot in low light conditions, increase the shutter speeds if too slow.
Side viewfinder for photographing difficult angles. On the down side, the camera is a little bulky and heavy, very obvious when photographing candid shots in the street, and cannot be placed in a pocket for ease of access.
Prime Lens Superior image quality compared to zoom lens. Smaller, light weight and less cumbersome than a standard lens. Large aperture will let in more light, tighter depth of field to isolate the model and blur the background, very good for portraiture. Blur fussy backgrounds good for “bokeh” (defocused areas within the image).
Good indoor low light or twilight portraits without using a flash. Take good images in low light conditions, due to large aperture. Takes faster images, good for avoiding camera shake. Negative – no zoon options, so have to use your legs to move around and no auto focus, so can take more time to focus but would be a problem in moving or active portraiture. At widest aperture, very fast lenses often suffer from a significant drop in image sharpness. Not always a bad thing, since it can give a soft dreamy look in portraits.
Lumix Compact Camera Ease of use, automatic focussing. Small, light weight, can pop in pocket Works well in evening half light. Produces sharp images. Less obvious when shooting street photography. Big viewfinder on back of camera, to view image. Downside
Difficult to view image in the sun shine, need to be under shade. High noise in low light conditions. Camera automatic, cannot change depth of field, shutter speeds etc. Tripod, good for stabilising camera for sharp images especially good for portraiture. Not always convenient for moving images for example street photography and when using the camera close for portraiture.
Light reflector, very useful for bouncing back light onto the face and body, especially with portraiture. Spare batteries and memory cards. Waterproof bag, waterproof clothing, comfortable shoes, maps, car, Sat. Nat. mobile phone.
Images shot in RAW Good file format that captures all image data recorded because no information compressed, able to produce high quality images. Able to process and produce better results. Smoot transitions of tones. Easy to correct under or over exposed images. Easy to adjust white balance Get better detail. Downside Need to be processed. Cannot export, needs to convert to a JPEG or similar with low resolution. Takes up more storage space, 2/3 times larger that JPEG.
Â
  The Wood Carver I love crafts, especially hand made items and have been fortunate to be given a bespoke wooden spoon. I was so impressed by its beauty and
style, I immediately ordered another one. John, the wood carver, now retired, enjoys spending time in his workshop, producing from chunks of wood, and with the use of a few simple tools, lovely kitchen utensils.
Whilst chatting with him, I asked if he would be happy for me to photograph him in his work place, thankfully he agreed.
I chose to use this image in my portfolio as I feel the composition works well at several levels. First it demonstrates the Golden Section rule*, this gives a strong picture. Your eyes are directed towards the hands, knife
and wooden spoon in many ways. The lighting highlights the hands, the stripes of the apron draws you towards the hands, the spoon handle
points you and the position of the head and eyes leads you to the looking space, which is the hands. We had arranged to meet in his open fronted wood shed at his home
around midday. The weather was bright and sunny and I was concerned by the hard light* of the sun, this often makes people squint and produce shadows around the eyes so I positioned John in the shade of his wood shade and used the directional sunlight from outside. This worked well
highlighting his right side and in particular his hands. I was aware Yousuf Karsh* was noted for lighting the subjects hands* separately, I only had the one light source but by positioning the hands carefully was able to use the light to maximum effect. With the aid of a reflector bouncing
light back on to the hands, the light colored brickwork and concrete floor also worked well in this aspect. Using my DSLR camera with a 24-85mm lens for its good quality image detail and the fast and accurate focusing I set the ISO (International
Organization of Standardization) set at 400 which is more suitable for the levels of light inside a building and a higher aperture of F/9.0 to give a
good depth of field to obtain a sharp image of John and not to loose the background detail also. With the use of a tripod, I could use a medium shutter speed of 1/13 this works well for taking sharp photographs of stationary images. I decided to compose John with little background detail and felt the props of his apron, knife and spoon worked well to enhance the image. The spectacles poised low on the nose added to the working pose. I was influenced by the images I have seen of Giuseppe, the woodcarver, from the children’s story Pinocchio.
The image could be improved by tilting the head slightly to show the facial hair in more detail.
I processed this image in Photoshop by cropping, adjusting the curves and levels, and converting to monochrome as it gives a more powerful image highlighting the black and white stripes.
I minimised any hazards for health and safety, by keeping all equipment and tools out of harms way.
*Please refer to Research Folder.
  Yoga & Meditation Lucy is a true believer of the hatha yoga and regularly stretches and meditates, feeling this gives her inner peace. The dictionary definition for "meditation" means to reflect upon, ponder, or contemplate. I am aware that yoga holds can produce interesting lines and shapes and spoke to Lucy to see if she would allow me photograph her and being a true friend agreed.
We agreed to meet in my home during the afternoon, Lucy very obligingly had brought along several of her Yoga outfits, and I decided to use the simple black top and stretch leggings, this I felt would work well to photograph black and white. I chose this image as I feel it conjures up the emotions of someone focussed and completely at peace with the world. The simple image has nothing to distract the eye, her clothing black and plain, no jewellery, with her hair tied back in a simple knot. Her straight back and arm makes a vertical line that adds strength and power to the image, and also denotes her inner feelings. Your eyes are lead from the bottom left hand corner to follow the foot, up the leg to her hand holding a “mudras” position which is the focal point*.
In Chinese philosophy, Ying and Yang are opposing forces that needs to be in balance and this image portrays this thought. This image is a
combination of contrasts*, the blackness of her clothing and hair against the whiteness of her skin, one arm bent, the other straight, the circular shape held by the finger and thumb mirrors that of her hair knot, but the hair knot is full of dark hair, the hand shape, white and empty. This photograph was taken late afternoon with low natural light from a window behind her. I didn’t want to achieve a harsh strong light* but looking to keep the image soft and gentle. A reflector was placed facing her to bounce back some light. It would have been lovely to shoot Lucy posed in a beautiful setting with the sun setting behind her but our weather and climate didn’t allow it so I chose a bland setting in my home, to keep the image simple, that had assess to natural light. Using my DSLR camera with a 24-85mm lens for its sharp images, and the ability to look directly through the lens, so I can see how the photograph will look and change the composition if needed. My ISO (International Organization of
Standardization) to 400 due to the low lighting. To achieve a sharp
image and a shallow depth of field, I set the aperture to a wide focal
length of F/6.3, this will let in lots of light but loose the sharp focus in the
background. As I wanted to keep her face and eye as sharp as possible I used the spot metering mode and focussed on her eye. My shutter
speed was a little slow of 1/6, but this works well on stationery images. If I had a problem with image blur I could have increased my ISO, using a
tripod would have been impractical as I was sitting on the floor at the time.
My vantage point* was sitting on the floor close to Lucy, I was keen not to be focussing looking down or up as this would have changed the feel of the image.
I would like to photograph Lucy again using high key* lighting, this would lighten the image more by creating a shadow less image, rendering her face very soft. Light tones would dominate. This could have been
achieved by composing her with the background being flooded by light and over exposing the camera*. I have been influenced by Albert Watson*, his refined composition style* as seen in numerous magazines.
I checked the area used to photograph for any potential hazards. The image, using Photoshop was cropped, and adjusting curves and levels.
*Please refer to Research Folder.
The man with the gun. Les is a lifelong friend who has always been interested in firearms and has been a member of the 10th Suffolk Home Guard, Rifle & Pistol Club for many years. I felt I could achieve some interesting photographs with
Les, holding a gun and was delighted when he finally agreed to partake.
I contacted the club secretary for permission to photograph at the club and it was decided, for health and safety reasons, only to use Les, but
was given the consent to use the facilities, prior to or after the members
attending. The pistol was checked to be unloaded and safe. I risk assess the area for health and safety considerations to minimise any risks. The Range is situated near the Suffolk—Essex border, approximately 15 miles North West of Colchester. (From Long Melford green, turn onto the A1092 for Cavendish, after 0.56miles turn right onto B1066 for Stanstead, (Not Stansted, Essex) At 1.6 miles turn right up hill for
Shimpling, after 0.4 miles turn right down Blooms Hall Lane, continue for 400 yards and turn right onto farm track leading to range in 150 yards. One of my favourite photographers is Albert Watson* and I was keen to
emulate his refined strong images, in particular, a low-key image of Clint Eastwood.*
I chose this image for my portfolio because I like the subjective*
impression of a hard menacing man, looking directly into the camera,
pistol held high. The low-key lighting* adds a “hardness” to the character with the dark shadows and highlights. The moustache and stubble on the chin add a highlight of texture drawing you into the image but the eyes have a playful glint, giving away his true personality. Previously I had photographed Les on one of the ranges, but decided to go inside the clubhouse and use natural light from a window. Lovely sunny morning outside with the clubhouse quite dark, this worked
particularly well for a low- key image*. I could adjust the contrast by moving Les closer to or farther from the window, the closer to the window, the starker the difference between highlight and shadow. Using my DSLR camera with a 24-85mm lens for its sharp imagery and
the luxury of auto focusing, a relatively high ISO of 400 to obtain a fast shutter speed and large focal length of F/4.5 to let in lots of light and produce a shallow depth of field.
Focussing the spot metering system
on the eyes to keep them in sharp focus, blurring the edges of the image. My shutter speed was 1/40, keeping this fast to avoid subject blur. I
under exposed by 2 or 3 stops to achieve a low-key image. I took several
photographs, checking the image and histogram to find the best camera settings, using different under exposures to achieve the right amount of exposures to obtain good contrasts of highlights and shadows.* The image closely follows the golden section* composition theory and
shooting in monochrome feels more dramatic, highlighting the texture of the facial hair. The vantage point* by using the camera to look upwards also adds a feeling of strength and power.
If I retook this image, I would increase the focal length to keep the pistol
and hands in focus as well as the head, loosing the sharpness of the eyes would loose the intensity of the gaze. I processed this image by cropping, adjusting curves and levels and burning and dodging some aspects. * Please refer to Research Folder.
Watching the Boys I have known Izzie and Memory for a couple of years and find their dark features interesting, making them in my mind very photogenic. They were completely in agreement of having their photographs taken
together and we arranged to meet at the park the following weekend.
Very recently a new shelter had been erected in the park, made of stealcurved columns fitted out with a very shiny metallic surface and I though this would make a very interesting backdrop or prop. The girls regularly spent time in the park to meet up with friends and relax but I always teased them saying they were “watching the boys�. I chose this image for my port folio for the candid pose of the girls, I like the way the curved columns* draw your eyes through the image in an
orderly way, and how the light bounces off the reflected surface* of the shelter onto the girls. There is calmness to this image.
The photograph was taken mid afternoon on a very pleasant day, bright sunshine with light clouds. This works particularly well as the clouds work as an umbrella, diffusing the light* from the sun and producing a far more preferable softer light. Although at first I was a little concerned how the
light and shadow would work inside the shelter, I found by looking closely
at the images and the histogram and using the spot metering system on my camera to focus on the girls faces, I was able to take some good photographs. The problems I found was as soon as the girls moved
towards the back or front of the shelter the lighting changed completely and also if the girls positioned themselves partly in the sunlight, the contrast were blown out completely.
Using my DSLR camera with a 24-85mm lens for the ability to look
through the lens and the versatility of the zoom option, with a low ISO (International Organization of Standardization) of 200 for an accurate colour rendition and clean noise free imagery. I also wanted a fast
shutter speed to avoid image blur so set my camera 1/125 and a wide
aperture with a focal length of F/4.5 to let in lots of light and give me a
shallow depth of field. This will keep the girls in sharpest focus, blurring the background slightly. I wanted to keep both girls in focus so composed them together,
positioning them to have the circular back drop in the foreground to add interest and the lines from the framework to give structure to the image.
The vantage point worked to include the curved lines* of the rear of the shelter, this draws your eyes through the image in an orderly calm way. If I re-shot this image I would remove the dark waistcoat and maybe move some of the litter scattered around the top left hand corner.
This image uses a similar composition to Dorothy Lange*, who is well known for her black and white constructed documentary* images.
I used Photoshop to process my image by cropping, adjusted the curves and levels and converting to monochrome to give a timeless fine art appeal.
The girls aged 16 and 17 were able to consent to photographs and the area was risk assessed for sharp broken images. * Please refer to Research Folder.
The Canoeist One of my favourite leisure activities is paddling down the Stour in my
canoe and I wanted to try to capture the sheer enjoyment and pleasure I feel every time I am on the river. The image I have chosen depicts a
lifestyle portrait, clearly emphasizing the emotions, encased with the thick vegetation, the sunlight bouncing off the river, suggesting a beautiful carefree summers day.
I am fortunate to be able to take part in my leisure activities during the
summer and autumn months regularly visiting the River Stour that runs through Sudbury in Suffolk and was keen to photograph colleagues on the river, who had always been very friendly and sociable.
The weather forecast was for a beautiful bright, cloudless day, very warm and I planned to be on the river later morning/mid day, which made
photography tricky. The harsh sunlight bouncing off the water increased the light intensity* so I knew I would have to under expose the meter
reading that takes a reading from the light reflected from the subject.
The Stour is a large wide river, which at the start flows from North to South. At midday I would be facing directly into the sun, this would knock out most of the imagery details, but to avoid this I was able to take some
photographs with canoes passing by. With the point source of light giving hard shadows to the left side when lit from the right, this gave a high contrast image, as there are only highlights and shadows.
I chose to use my DSLR camera with a 24-85mm zoom lens for its
versatility, its sharp imagery and very importantly, an auto focus, an optical system that automatically focuses. The ISO (International
Organization of Standardization) set at 200, this will give an accurate
colour rendition and clean and noise free image, chose a higher aperture of F/10.0 to give a good depth of field for the subject and the
background. To avoid any blurring from the moving subjects, I needed a fast shutter speed of 1/60. With the harsh sun light, plus the intensity of
the reflectance from water I had to under expose by two or three stops
on my meter reading to avoid the image being over exposed. I also had to quickly take the shots as all the images were moving away, this is something I am not comfortable with or very experienced. The composition works well with rules of thirds* for the men and the
canoes facing vertically giving a feeling of stability* to the image. The dark tones of the trees in the background contrasts well with the light
tones of the canoes and t-shirts. The water patterns add interest adding a dimension of movement. I feel the vantage point* works well influencing
the subject to look directly into the camera and giving such a broad smile.
The image could be improved by having the canoeist further apart or the weather conditions more favourable with the use of cloud cover to work as a soft box diffusing the harsh light. I risk assessed the day and safety precautions were put into practise to
minimise risks. Equipment was checked, life jackets worn, camera, first aid kit, mobile phone were stored in water resistant bags, check weather forecasts, use sun screens, wear a hat and take plenty of drinking water. Follow the waterways code of conduct.
I processed this image by cropping, converting to monochrome which works with high contrast images and by adjusting the curves and levels.
* Please refer to Research Folder.
Old Masters Painting. During researching photographic images and photographers I started
looking at the lighting and composition of 17th century Dutch Artists* and decided to try and emulate their style. A very well known image is “The Girl with the Pearl Earring� by Johannes Vermeer*, I was struck by the similarity of this painting and of images by Steve McCurry&, both
producing an intimacy of the gaze towards the viewer. People enjoy looking at art and as a leisure activity spend their spare time in art
galleries, so as part of my leisure activity portfolio, wanted to produce a traditional portrait photograph in the style of a painting.
I asked my daughter to sit for me and when I explained the image I was looking for, she enthusiastically became involved and we started discussing various props of head wear that would be suitable.
I chose to use this image for my portfolio for the strong contrast of the soft curves of her face against the dark head scarf lined with regular square blocks and her strong gaze directed at the camera*.
The photographs were taken in my house during the evening using one
source of light known as Rembrandt lighting*. Light is shone from above, down over the face using the nose to make a shadow. With the right
side of the face lit, the left side should have a triangular light below or including the eye. This took time to set up the position of the model with the light and to gauge to pose of the head but after a few attempts, the set up was working.
Using my DSLR camera with a 50mm prime lens with its large aperture allowing lots of light and giving me a tighter depth of field to isolate the
model and blur the background, I set my ISO (International Organization of Standardization) to 1250, although using a tripod I still wanted a fast
shutter speed and a lower ISO would not achieved this. Using artificial
light, the white balance was set to tungsten. (The camera white balance control takes into account the colour temperature, i.e. the warmth or
coolness of the light source, preventing unwanted blue, green or orange colour casts.) Using a large focal length of F/2.0 to let in lots of light and produce a shallow depth of field, so only the facial features are in focus. My shutter speed was 1/50 or 0.02 seconds, any slower and it would be difficult to hand hold the camera, so I chose to use my tripod to
guarantee a sharp image. The light source used was a household lamp held high and directional by a colleague. To achieve the acquired “Old Masters� effect it was important to be drawn into the image with the use of either strong colours or strong
contrast with a shallow depth of field to isolate the figure. Rules of thirds composition* theory works well. I like the clean makeup free face and her headwear, which adds to its authenticity.
I would like to have used a lower ISO to produce a cleaner less noisy image, by using a brighter light source.
I took precautions to minimise any risks with electrical wires, poor
lighting and tripod stands in the living area of my home, making other family members aware of the situation.
I processed the image using Photoshop, adjusting curves and levels and converting to monochrome to give a timeless fine art appeal.
*Please refer to Research Folder.
Rifle Shooting Les is a lifelong friend who has always been interested in firearms and has been a member of the 10th Suffolk Home Guard, Rifle & Pistol Club for
many years. I felt I could achieve some strong, powerful photographs with Les, holding a gun and was delighted when he finally agreed to partake. I contacted the club secretary for permission to photograph at the club and it was decided, for health and safety reasons, only to use Les, but
was given the consent to use the facilities, prior to or after the members
attending. The pistol was checked to be unloaded and safe. I risk assess the area for health and safety considerations to minimise any risks.
The Range is situated near the Suffolk—Essex border, approximately 15 miles North West of Colchester. (From Long Melford green, turn onto the A1092 for Cavendish, after 0.56miles turn right onto B1066 for Stanstead, (Not Stansted, Essex) At 1.6 miles turn right up hill for
Shimpling, after 0.4 miles turn right down Blooms Hall Lane, continue for 400 yards and turn right onto farm track leading to range in 150 yards. I chose to use this traditional* portrait in my portfolio as I like the high contrast* elements with few gray tones, but lots of strong black and
whites. The determined gaze, and strong composition giving a feeling of intensity or power, exactly what I hoped to achieve.
Les posed on one of the ranges, during the early afternoon on a bright sunny autumn day. The ranges are surround for health and safety
reasons, with high banks and these gave some very useful shade. We used the rifle and ear protectors as props only as the rifle was not being fired but these added to enhance the image.
Using my DSLR camera with a 24-85mm lens for its ease of focussing, setting the white balance to cloudy, this takes into account the colour
temperature, i.e. the warmth or coolness of the light source, preventing unwanted blue, green or orange colour casts. Even when shooting in
black and white it is important to capture the image without any of these
colour casts. My ISO (International Organization of Standardization) to a high 800 as I wanted to achieve a slight grainy effect in the style of Bill
Brandt*. A higher ISO means a more sensitive sensor which allows for a
quicker shutter speed, for this image it was 1/40 which is not a fast time, and I had to be careful not to experience camera blur. I chose a focal
length of F/7.1, focussing on the eye to keep this area in sharp focus with the foreground and background slightly out of focus.
The vantage point* works very well, the end of the rifle leads you into the gaze of the eye. Shooting in Black and white enhanced this image, the
subjective feeling* maintains a coolness of emotions, lacking sympathy and emotion. The uncluttered background doesn’t distract from the foreground.
This photograph was influenced by Bill Brandt* who often photographed using a high contrast style of lighting. I like the composition of this image but would increase the broad depth of field to have the foreground in sharp focus, especially the rifle.
I would like to re-take this image but change the vantage point to show both eyes which may improve this image. I processed this image by cropping, adjusting curves and levels and burning and dodging some aspects.
Watching People. Although I enjoy many leisure activities, watching people must come near the top of my list and if I can obtain a candid photograph, all the better. Whilst on holiday recently in Marrakech I saw many interesting characters but chose to use this image in my portfolio. This photograph is a mixture of contrasts; the dark pillar contrasts his face, producing a clear and uncluttered image on the left side, which is in contrast to the busy
bustling market place. This also works for the lighting. The rules of third* add a sense of balance to a complex image. I was drawn to his facial
features and his strong gaze, captivated by people in the market place. The image was taken early evening, just as the light was failing, and the market stalls illuminated from their artificial lights, giving a good level of light reflecting onto his face, which worked well.
The location gave an interest architectural backdrop, with the Mosque and Minaret, this added depth to the image. Using my Lumix compact camera, as is produces sharp images and works particularly well in evening half light situations, I was able to take some
interesting photographs. The big viewfinder on the back of the camera helped to view the images.
With a ISO (International Organization of Standardization) of 400, I needed quite a large ISO number to gather sufficient light over the shortest time but this did produce signs of noise on the smoother
surfaces of the background. Keeping my focal length wide to F/4.3, to let in as much light as possible and also give me a shallow depth of field so only the face is in focus, I was able to have a fast shutter speed of 1/8 which would avoid image blur. Using the camera flash would have
signalled to the person that he is being photographed and I would have lost the candid image, also the flash would have changed to balance of light, illuminating the column as well as the side of his face, loosing the subtleness of the pose.
The composition of thirds* works well with the vantage point* of the camera good for highlighting his viewpoint. The black and white image is very powerful showing texture in an interesting way.
I was sitting in a coffee shop when I noticed this interesting man with the light and shadow working so well, this influenced me to want to photograph him.
If I could change anything I would reduce the noise levels in the background by replacing the compact camera to my DSLR camera with
its prime lens and large aperture of F/1.8 enabling me to reduce the ISO. Changing vantage points may also work.
This image was processed on Photoshop, cropped and levels and curves adjusted. For health a safety issues and to not harass any member of the public, I
only took a couple of shots whilst sitting in my chair in the coffee shop.
*Please refer to Research Folder.
,
Listening to music. I had known Izzie for a couple of years and loved her photographic dark features, so was delighted when she agreed to be photographed. We
arranged to meet in my home where I hoped to use natural light from a
window, using earphones as a prop. One of my favourite photographers
is Steve McCurry* and I wanted to capture Izzie in a warm feminine pose, looking directly at the camera. I choose this image for my port folio as it captures her strong
independent personality, her large eyes very captivating, deep in thought, just what is she listening to? I love the tonal range*, especially with her skin, showing details and textures in dark shadows, with visible detail in bright highlights. I also like the isolation that this image portrays.
The morning weather was overcast with light cloud, I choose a north facing window, as the sun never directly hits this window, the light is
more diffused and gives a softer, more natural image*. In fact northfacing windows are my favourite light sources.
Using my DSLR camera with a 24-85mm lens for its ease of focussing, setting the white balance to cloudy, this takes into account the colour
temperature, i.e. the warmth or coolness of the light source, preventing unwanted blue, green or orange colour casts. Even when shooting in
black and white it is important to capture the image without any of these
colour casts. My ISO (International Organization of Standardization) to a fairly high1000 due to the low lighting. To achieve a sharp image and a shallow depth of field, I set the aperture to a wide focal length of F/4.5,
this will let in lots of light enabling me to use a fast shutter speed of 1/20. A slower shutter speed would lead to camera shake or the necessity of
using a tripod; this limits the close up shots. My camera metering system was spot metering; this takes a reading from the centre of your image, which is ideally suited for portraits especially when you focus on the
eyes. The light background made the images too dark, so I overrode the camera setting by plus 1 or 2 stops, took several images, checked the histogram and achieved a good level of contrasts*.
I positioned Izzie close to the window, wearing a head scarf and
earphones and moved her closer to or farther from the window to achieve the right amount of light, the closure the subject to the window, the starker the difference between highlight and shadow*. The weather
outside was overcast and cloudy, diffusing the light* coming through the window, giving a soft feminine feel. Izzie tilted her head slightly and
gazed directly into the camera, this position wrapping light around her face, bringing out great highlights. Subdued lighting works best giving a softer image*. The headscarf framed her face and this enhanced her eyes and facial features. If I re-shot this image I would use different headwear, some without a pattern, some strongly textured with various light and dark shades. I would also use a reflector to lighten the right side of her face.
I minimised the health and safety risks by keeping the area being used, free from clutter and clear from any trip hazards. The image was processed with Photoshop, cropping, adjusting curves
and levels, used the burning and dodging tool to lighten and darken and converting to monochrome.
Watching Cricket My friend suggested we watch a friendly cricket match at Chelmsford County Cricket ground one summers evening and her daughter Ellie came too. Watching a cricket match is a very important part of our English way of life. It conjures up images of lazy summer days, relaxing amongst
friends, having picnics, a leisure activity enjoyed by many. This image I
chose for my portfolio replicates the relaxed carefree atmosphere with Ellie looking happy and content, holding her ice cream. The cricketers
and the cricket ground inform us of the location and add a background interest. The composition works well. This is a Lifestyle Portrait*. The cricket match was played in the evening on a beautiful warm summers day with a few light clouds. This is an ideal time to shoot as the light appears softer and gives a natural look*; the clouds also work as a diffuser. I was pleased by the location, adding some interesting background
images of buildings, lights and trees with the foreground surrounded by a fence, this works well in the composition. Some parts of the cricket
ground had very few spectators who may not have felt comfortable being photographed.
Using my DSLR camera with a 24-85mm lens for its versatility of a zoon and sharp mages I chose an ISO (International Organization of
Standardization) of 200 for an accurate colour rendition and clean noise free imagery, my focal length of F/9.0 for a broad depth of field to have
Ellie in sharp focus but also not to loose background detail. A fast shutter speed of 1/125 to avoid motion blur.
The composition works well, the fence at the bottom left hand corner, leads the eye towards Ellie and the two vertical light poles and strength
and power* but also work to balance out the image. Rules of thirds also works*. The vantage* point reveals Ellie as someone familiar to the viewer.
Although Ellie is not composing for this image and looks relaxed, the ice cream as a prop gives her something to do with her hands, and this also aids a more natural pose.
The image could be improved with more details of the cricketers; this possibly could have been achieved by changing positions.
As I only photographed my friend’s child I did not complete a permission slip but this would be something I would have to consider if I returned to photograph the cricket ground on another day.
The image was processed on Photoshop, by cropping and adjusting the levels and curves.
*Please refer to Research Folder.
Legal & Ethical Consideration. •
You cannot prevent photography of private property from a public place, although entry to a property may be forbidden.
•
Persistent or aggressive photography may come under the legal definition of harassment.
•
It is a criminal offence to photograph in any court, any person, judge, juror or witness
•
It is illegal to take pornographic images of under-18’s, but taking photographs of children in public places is not illegal.
•
You are not allowed to photograph Trafalgar Square, Parliament Square or Royal Parks.
•
Parent or guardians must consent for under 16’s.
•
Many organisations and local authorities involved in children’s sporting and other activities have, as part of their child protection
policies, strict rules about photography events. You should enquire about these policies before taking photos. •
It is a criminal offence to obstruct free passage on the highway, this includes footways and cycle paths as well as roads.
•
Cannot photograph bank notes.
•
Cannot photograph military organisations, airfields or buildings.
•
You should obtain a signed release form prior to photographing:
1. If you are including in your item the face or identifiable features of any person on video, photograph, or a traced illustration, you will need a signed model release from that person.
2. A property release is a legal release signed by the owner of property used in a photograph or video granting permission to use or publish the photograph or video in one form or another.
3. If you are including the depiction of recognizable private property on video on video, photograph, or a traced illustration, you will need a signed location release from the property owner.
Health & Safety, Power supply: •
Electricity is dangerous.
•
Never attempt to repair lights or wiring.
•
Always be cautious when moving or connecting lights.
•
Always turn off flash pack when changing flash head outlets.
•
Always turn off power and disconnect the cable before changing a globe.
•
Never touch any part of a light or cable with wet hands.
•
Never use liquids near electricity.
•
Wear shoes with rubber soles.
•
Ensure you know where and how to use the first aid kit.
•
Ensure you know and how to use the fire extinguisher.
•
Ensure adequate ventilation of the studio area.
Before taking photographs risk assess the day and put safety precautions into practise to minimise any risks.
Location – The location for the photographer and clients should be safe.
It is advisable the photographer makes a visit prior to the shoot to identify risks/ hazards and if appropriate, suggest another location. Working in & around Water. •
Equipment checked,
•
Life jackets worn,
•
Camera, first aid kit, mobile phone were stored in water resistant bags,
•
Check weather forecasts,
•
Use sun screens,
•
Wear a hat
•
Take plenty of drinking water.
•
Follow the waterways code of conduct.
•
Take care entering in and out of the canoe.
•
Take care around weirs.
Gun & Pistol Ranges •
During our visit range was closed to other members for safety considerations.
•
No ammunition was used, no guns fired.
•
Ear defenders as a prop.
•
Check for trip hazards.
Photographing in the Home •
Check for trip hazards.
•
Keep equipment stores safely.
•
Tripod should be erected safely, all 3 legs securely on the ground, without causing a trip hazard, camera attached securely
•
Computer Use - When editing the images on the computer, display screen equipment guidance should be adhered to reduce eye strain, postural problems and fatigue.
•
The computer should be set up on a desk, allowing the screen to be at a height level with the eye, the user should sit in a chair
offering support and the seating posture should support neck, shoulders and back. •
The screen should be clean and an appropriate distance from the eye. The time working on the computer should be limited to an
hour at a time with regular breaks taken, this reduces eye fatigue.