Lighting (Part 2)

Diary Entry
Taking the photos was fun. The class worked together well to help one another so that everyone else had their photos needed. This time I processed two rolls of film because when I was shooting, the time of day was perfect so I thought I would continue shooting when I was done with the first roll of film. Processing went well until the final wash. Right when I had one more minute to go, the sink started to leak, causing the floor to become a huge puddle. We then had someone come in to repair it. The problem was a cap was stuck in the sink drain, which is physically impossible due to the cap’s larger size. In the dark room it was again nice to get back into the swing of things. This time half of my prints had similar timing s so it went fast for some, but on my other prints their times were quite unique.


Contact SheetsTime: 40 Aperture: 5.6 Filter: 0

Time: 50 Aperture: 5.6 Filter: 0

The yellow circles are the shoe images, the red circles are the accesory images, and the blue circles are for the fashion images.

Compositions

Fashion
Composition #1



Time: 30, 35, 40
Aperture: 4
Filter: 0

This was my first test strip. This test strip is a test strip from a similar photo. I didn't use a test strip for my final print because I ended up using this test strip as a reference as they had the same contrast.















I like how the three are leaning against the wall with a mood. Abby and Fabrizio on the right have a natural mood, yet Josh is smiling. After printing the photo there was a small black dot above Josh's right eye. This is due to my negative. The dot is also visible on the negative too.


Time: 36
Aperture:4
Filter: 0










Composition #2


Time: 40, 45, 50
Aperture: 5.6
Filter: 0

This was my first and only test strip. I realized that this photo had a similar contrast as the contact sheet so I used similar times. This lead up to the seconds for the final print.
















This print has a different angle to it which adds a different effect. The focus is aimed at the clothing. This angle allows the audience to look at the clothing first. I like how the contrast came out and the angle.



Time: 47
Aperture: 5.6
Filter: 0











Composition #3


Time: 50, 55, 60, 65
Aperture: 5.6
Filter: 0

This was once again my first and only test strip. I noticed that this photo was a little lighter when it appeared on the contact sheet so I used the time accordingly.
















I like how the image has the subjects peer out one-by-one. The angle allows the focus on each of the subjects. Also I like how the sunlight is hitting the subject from the head downwards.




Time: 75
Aperture: 5.6
Filter: 0











Accessories
Composition #4
Far left: Time: 14, 16, 18
Aperture: 2.8
Filter: 0
I needed more time to create a stronger contrast.

Middle: Time: 20, 24, 26
Aperture: 2.8
Filter: 0
The contrast was a lot stronger but I wanted to see if I could even make it stronger by adding a little more time.

Far Right: Time: 34, 36, 38
Aperture: 2.8
Filter: 0









In this picture I ended up choosing the time of 30 seconds from the middle test strip because the contrast was the best there. In this picture the sun creates an outline of the subject's face. Also the sunlight also allows the watch to have a glow.


Time: 30
Aperture: 2.8
Filter: 0












Composition #5
This was my first and only test strip. I realized that this print would additionally have similar time as the contact sheet due to the contrast. At 44 seconds the strongest contrast was displayed.
Time: 40 42 44
Aperture: 5.6
Filter: 0



This print pulls the audience's attention toward the accessories: the belt, the ring and the bracelets. I like how the sunlight hits the jewelry creating a glow.


Time:44
Aperture: 5.6
Filter: 0








Composition #6
Far left: Time: 46, 48, 50
Aperture: 5.6
Filter: 0
In order to receive a stronger contrast I need to add more time.

Middle: Time: 20, 22, 24, 26
Aperture: 2.8
Filter: 0
Instead of increasing the times I opened the aperture. In order to increase the contrast I still needed to add more time.

Far Right: Time: 30, 32, 34
Aperture: 2.8
F:0
Now I found the correct time for the strongest contrast at 34 seconds.






With the subject looking at her scarf, it pulls the audience's attention. The accessory looks as though it sparkles. This is due to the sunlight.





Time: 34
Aperture: 2.8
Filter: 0











Shoes
Composition #7

These are two test strips that I used for my final print. The first test strip needed a greater amount of time because the bricks in the background had lines that were too light. After I did my second test strip I managed to created stronger lines for the bricks.


Top test strip: Time: 40, 42, 44, 46
Aperture: 5.6 Filter: 0
Bottom test strip: Time: 50, 52, 54
Aperture: 5.6 Filter: 0



The contrast is really strong. The dark shoes with the white laces create a stronger focus for the image. I like how the shoes are up onto a stand and then the jeans have several crinkles creating texture.

Time: 59
Aperture: 5.6
Filter: 0

Composition # 8
Top test strip: Time: 40, 42, 44, 46
Aperture: 5.6
Filter: 0
This test strip needed a stronger contrast so I decided to add more time.

Bottom test strip: Time: 50, 52, 54
Aperture: 5.6
Filter: 0
The contrast became a lot stronger in the second test strip. You can now see the flower with more detail.

With the shoes coming in from the left the deep black shoes create a strong contrast between the flowers and the grass. The jeans and the grass also create texture.

Time: 58
Aperture: 5.6
Filter: 0

Composition # 9

This was my first and only test strip. I noticed that this photo had a similar contrast to the contact sheet so I kept the times similar. Also I chose to do a final print at 35 because 40 seconds would have been too dark for the pair Time: 30, 35, 40, of shoes on the far left.

Aperture: 4 Filter:0

I really like this print because of the hard contrast of the white shoes and the darker shoes. I also like how the shoes kind of intertwine with one another. The angles of the shoes bring out their own characteristics as well.

Time: 35 Aperture: 4 Filter:0

Theory Notes

Sun light

• · Available light
• · Best to take photos when the sun I lower in the sky (probably early morning or late afternoon)
• · When shooting a picture with the sun too high- subject’s eyes can be in the shadow or the eyes may be squinted.
• · Earlier or late afternoon images- color of the light is warmer + is more pleasing for the subject
• · Sunlight from behind can be quite nice too, but don’t want to get a glare in the lens- which would degrade the contrast of the photo

These two photos were taken at the same time of day. The main difference is the position of the sunlight. The right photo has the sunlight coming from behind. In the right photo, the faces are exposed correctly and the sunlight highlights the hair. In the left photo the sunl

ight causes the kids’ eyes to be in shadows and cause the kids to squint their eyes.

For more information and examples go to:

http://www.geofflawrence.com/photography_tutorial_available_light.php

low light

• · Two categories generally: natural light (sunlight) and artificial light (lights bulb for example)
• · Evening is good if you want a strong contrast, when at dawn the light will be warmer
• · Use a tripod so photos come out sharp or lean on something sturdy
• · Where you place your arms can contribute to your photo- so try to have you arm as close to you chest as possible to avoid the slightest of movements
• · Almost necessary to raise you ISO speed but this will add more grain to your photo
• · Make sure to widen your aperture to allow more light to come through the camera and to disable your flash
• · Also if you turn your timer on then you are continuing to limit any shaking movement to cause your photo to go blurry

The picture on the left is a picture at dawn where the light is warmer. The picture to the right is a picture taken at night of Christmas lights. As you can see the contrast is stronger.

For more information and examples go to:

http://www.brighthub.com/multimedia/photography/articles/9969.aspx

http://www.hp.com/canada/portal/hho/digital_photography/take_better_photos/tips/night.html

Image Bank

James Stanfield was born into a family of newspaper photographers. He has traveled to over 120 countries to take photos. His goals are to take photos of the world, cultures, places and events.

I chose this picture because all of the priests are wearing similar outfits which allow the viewer to focus on the clothing. I also like how all of them have glasses (whether its sunglasses or reading glasses).

Admiral Robert E. Perry led an expedition to the North Pole (known to be one of the first) in April 1909. His crew is in the picture. Research has shown that his crew was about 30-60 miles short of the actual pole.

I like this picture because I like the way they are all wearing heavy duty coats as they are bundled up to a high degree. I also like how the subjects are placed in the center of the photo creating a line. The subjects are almost wearing the same outfit too.

Reza is a well-known photographer, taking photos for National Geographic and other major international publications. When he was 16 he began to teach himself photography and then enrolled into the University Tehran, where he studied architecture. Reza has additionally worked for TIME and for Agence France Presse.

I chose this picture because I liked how the uniform was presented on the children. I also like how the light hits them from the front creating a distinct outline, as there is a broad backlight as well.

Michael S. Lewis is a freelance photographer. He has been assigned with many major international publications such as National Geographic, Time, and People. Also Lewis has created a book with his photos called Colorado’s Centennial Farms and Ranches.

I chose this picture because the woman has a vivid scarf that pulls the focus of the image towards it. Also I like how the scarf adds a feel of movement to the picture, as though the wind is moving the scarf.

Jodi Cobb specializes in large-scale global stories. Cobb has worked in over 50 countries as a staff photographer for National Geographic. Cobb was one of the first photographers to cross China when it was open to the west. Cobb was also the first women to be named White House Photographer of the Year.

I like this picture because the veil is more of a cultural accessory, as it is not mandatory to wear, especially those with the eye slits. The accessory puts focus on the eyes of the one who wears the veil.

John Kernick is a photographer that specializes in taking photos of a variety of subjects, specifically those that relate to travel or food. Karnack is from the United Kingdom, but he lives in New York.

I chose this picture because I like how the wings, the necklace and the crown were put onto the dog. The accessories add a characteristic effect to the dog.

Todd Gipstein has been a photographer, writer, and producer for over 30 years. He attended Harvard University where he studied writing and film. As a photographer and lecturer he has traveled around the world for his job, especially when he worked for National Geographic.

I like this picture because of how the light from the sunset causes the boot to form a silhouette creating a distinct outline. The outline is unique and therefore brings the audience’s attention to the boot.

Tim Laman is a photographer of wildlife and a field-biologist. Through his pictures he promotes endangered and rare species. Laman has been a contributor to National Geographic for over 12 years.

I like this picture because the blue feet are very distinct. Well one may say these are not shoes exactly yet if you put a imaginative spin to the photo the bird looks like it is wearing blue boots. I also like how the photographer’s main focus of the image is the bird’s feet or shoes.

Terry Ryan began taking photos for large advertising agencies in Paris and London, such as Omega. When he first opened his studio he focused on fashion. He is always ready to face new challenged. He has a strong passion for photography.

I like this picture of a man reclining back and kicking-up his feet because in a way the mood tends to be relaxed yet there is a strong focus on the shoes. I also like how the shoes are distant from the bookcase in the background. In addition, I like the way the light hits the shoes creating a shine.

References:

http://www.8ml02.co.uk/john_kernick/index.htm

http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/photos/life-color-red/red-cardinals-stanfield.html

http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/photos/life-color-yellow.html

http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/photos/north-pole-expeditions.html

http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/photos/life-color-blue/blue-feet-laman.html

http://www.gipstein.com/

http://www.terryryan.co.uk/index.php?id=5

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/places/gallery/saudiarabia_veiled-bedouin-woman.html

http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/photos/life-color-orange/orange-boot-gipstein.html

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/places/photos/london-gallery-2/london-clubrow.html