Photography Assignment #3...by (Angela) Jean

This is the last assignment for this course, and I have to admit I'm a bit sad. Each assignment was a challenge, and it was new experience for me to shoot photos with a purpose, as opposed to just capturing a personal moment.

I will type out the written instructions for you, in full. They are a bit cryptic, and vague, but I want you to read them yourself. They seem more like poetry than instructions to me.

"Remembering all that you have learned about what to think about when shooting in different lighting situations.


What are you influenced by and interested in photographing?
Different styles of photography from portrait to landscape to food to still life photography.


Shoot or Emulate an image or style that interests you. Please supply 3-5 final images. You may adjust them in a photo editing program if you want to.


Long lens vs short lens, existing light, flash, mixing flash with existing light, low light, higher ISO, white balance to correct and/or be creative, tripods and monopods vs hand held.


This is to test and practice all that you have learned.
Putting it all together.


Remember my "5 easy steps" rule, each step individually is simple but combined you're a photo genius!


Always remember your Rules of Composition
i.e. Rule of Thirds, negative space, tension points, colours and texture etc.
and
What is your desired creative affect? Depth of Field or Motion and how to get it."

So, is that clear to you? Me neither.
We received this assignment yesterday and it is due tomorrow. We were not to use images that were shot before the assignment was given, so basically that left me with today to get my shots and edit my shots, and of course, write this post.

I have chosen to interpret the instructions this way:

• shoot something/someone that inspires/interests you
• make your 3-5 images tell a story/have a theme
• attempt to use techniques you have learned in this course (i.e. shoot images that you wouldn't/couldn't have shot 6 weeks ago)

There are 3 people, in particular, that interest and inspire me. Can you guess who they are?

The theme I was going for here was "everyday". I am happiest at home, with my family. These are some special, private moments from our lives. Things that happen every day, but that are special and beautiful none-the-less.

Image 1-Self Portrait with Otis

Settings:
Lens: 35mm Prime Lens
Aperture: f1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/60
ISO: 100
Flash: External Flash SB600 (powered to +3, flash facing backwards)



Image 2-Amelia

Settings:
Lens: 35mm Prime Lens

Aperture: f1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/40
ISO: 100
Flash: External Flash SB600 (powered to +3, flash facing backwards)























Image 3-Shawn

Settings:
Lens: 35mm Prime Lens

Aperture: f1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/200
ISO: 100
Flash: External Flash SB600 (powered to +3, flash facing backwards)

Image 4-Otis

Settings:
Lens: 35mm Prime Lens

Aperture: f1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/125
ISO: 100
Flash: External Flash SB600 (powered to +3, flash facing backwards)

This is the first time I have used external flash for a class assignment. Before taking this course, I have never been comfortable using a flash. I absolutely hated the the look of photos with the pop-up flash on my camera so I never, ever used it. I have had my external flash for 2 years and because I was clueless on how to actually use it, it just stayed in the camera bag. We have spent some time in class talking about flash use and how to best use it for effect. I still need loads more practice, but at least I'm getting it out of the bag!

I hope you have enjoyed following along with me through this course. I am planning  to take the intermediate course in the winter term, and I promise to let you know how that goes.

But hey, if you have any suggestions on a photo assignment you'd like to see me attempt, why don't you leave a comment? I'll even let you give me a mark!