Lighting Opportunities

I chose to discuss available light, which focuses on the quality of light rather than the quantity. Available light on a cloudy day can be the best light. The sun is not able to drown out natural hues. I really enjoyed shooting plantlife one dreary day on vacation. Available light does change with camera angle changes.

Another form of light is direct light such as the sun or fill flash, sometimes even reflective aides. Direct light and dark shadows are complementary. I tried to stay away from direct light, although I used to take those kinds of shots ignorantly of better light. I have yet to take a great photo in direct light. I use fill flash alot, but I do not see the shadows so artistically.

The last form of light is backlight. This light allows for the perfect exposure for the subject, not so much the background. I tested backlighting on vacation. I think that it can really create an artistic effect. I believe that our speaker discussed this lighting at length.

I chose the picture of my front yard to demonstrate available light. It is not a glamorous shot, but if the angle changed so would the light. It was sunlight which was available at that time of day in the northside of my home. For the direct light, I used the photo of my pups. There are strong shadows from the door to the side. This could also be seen as side light. However, the direct light does not capture all the pups, so you can tell the effect the sun has on washing out the two, while the third doggy rests in the shadow. Lastly, I chose the shot of the tree with the sky behind as my backlight. It is not the best example, but I think it will do. I felt that it was important to identify these lights within my own work!

Response to: The Camera

I chose this photo to demonstrate depth of field. This is one of the most difficult terms for me to understand, but by definition, I think that I got it. I used a wide angle lens, the shutter speed was standard if not slow and the aperature was decreased.

Shutter speed was another concept that I did not feel right at home with. I understand that between 1/30 and 1/60 is comfortable. At 1/ 30 one may need a tripod and one can stop motion at 1/250 of a second. To be honest, these fractions do not make alot of sense.

I do know that when shutter speed increases so does aperature or light emittance, thus slowing depth of field or background clarity.

Documentary: Catching the Sunset

The first shot is the long shot or establishing shot. I think that it provides the viewer with a post to see the context of the shots. In this instance, the shots are of nearing a sunset. As you can see, they are taken from the road. The second shot is the medium shot and as Ben described, it reveals a context of the photo. I think it is personally the best shot and easily the most comfortable to look at. The last shot should show great detail. Unfortunately, I have some blurring and distortion. But, this is a learning process and that was indeed the intent!

Here is my documentary of: "Catching the Sunset"!

My wiki address

My wiki is under construction, but the address is correct.

http://photoshooter.pbwiki.com/

Mario Testino: visual rhetoric

I chose this artist because he is a choice photographer to the stars. I especially like his wide range of photos. He is very creative and immortalizes his subjects. These are a few of my favorites.

I love the way that Angelina is dark, it is appropriate for her persona. I also like the classic beauty and crispness of the picture.

I like Gwyneth, she is very versatile. She looks angelic here and I think that fits her persona as well, although I think she could get away many styles.

I really like the color and brightness of Elizabeth in this picture. I love the green hues and the way they draw in the focus to her face. The brightness is uplifting. I like the contrast of colors and the use of the tele photo lens.

Dorothea Lange: the Newstand

I really like this photograph because of the historical value. It was taken in 1942 in San Francisco. I also like the picture itself. I liked that Lange was a documentary photographer. She had a focus and her work told a story of common people in an depressed era.

I think that the Depression was an important time for the media, the print media. I think that artifacts from this era are interesting in and of themselves. I like the lighting and the rule of thirds. I would hang this picture in my house. It is symbolic of a time that journalism was a serious business.

Ansel Adams: Bridal Veil

I love this picture. I think it is explosive with the water as a rushing force that illuminates a seemingly serene scene. It reminds me of an actual waterfall that I have visited. I was enamoured with the natural effect.

I especially like the way that the water appears to be conquering the forest. I think that powerful images such as these are breathtaking and I am really glad that we are taking a look at them.

I would of liked to see the picture in full color just because the forest must of been lush with greenery and the cliffs' detailed ridges. I can also see the rule of threes. I like the lighting effects on the waterfall from above and through the framing of the trees. I also really like the name and symbolic effect.