DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
GDES 240
ASSIGNMENT 1:
CHARACTERISTICS OF LIGHT
analysis
The goal of this assignment was to learn manual exposure, consider composition and the rule of thirds as well as learn to see differences in type and quality of light and shadow. How time of day affects outdoor light is exemplified in the first set of repeating images. Tungsten, fluorescent, and mixed lighting were also explored.
solution
For all photos, close attention was paid to the layout and composition, white balance, aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. For part one, a miniature town was the subject of morning, midday, and and afternoon shots to show the different types of lighting during different times of day. The camera was close to the ground surface to force a
perspective. For the fluorescent lighting, the goal was to create emotion and feeling with an inanimate object. A sole chair in the middle of a long dark hallway illuminated by a green tinted fluorescent light and background of black would create the feeling of isolation or loneliness.
ASSIGNMENT 2: BLUR
analysis & solution
The goal of this assignment was to experi-ment with blur using different techniques such as utilizing the F-stop, shutter speed, manual focus, filters, and radial blur in different and creative ways. In addition, abstractions were created by experimenting further with the
aforementioned methods. Time was a main focus in the shutter speed experiments, showing the fluidity of movement in longer shutter speeds and arresting time in shorter shutter speeds. The abstractions created interesting compositions, through utilizing
direct light and reflections. Filters were useful in creating a unique blurred look. The filter in this example was a plastic floor mat, which provided a blur and texture.
ASSIGNMENT 3:
STUDIO AND EDITORIAL
analysis & solution
Through in-studio shooting with hot-lights, strobe, using diffusion, reflected and direc-tional light, this assignment emphasized creating the strongest possible photographs while making correct exposures, considering composition and quality of light and shadow
on the subject. Most editorial/lifestyle images will be made outside of the studio and students will consider palate, light and other technical elements to create the strongest image outcomes. These photos included editorial portraits, environmental
portraits, and product shots. This project came with the realization that extensive preparation is crucial. Exploring different types of lighting was helpful in creating mood. This assignment also allowed for experimentation with art direction.
ASSIGNMENT 4: SERIES
analysis
This assignment allowed for exploration of a personal style. It consisted of a series of 8 photos to showcase a similar style. For this example, the main goal was to create consistent self-portrait editorial shots.
solution
Similar lighting and colors were used to create a consistent, dark, moody lighting setup. For each picture, the method used included the self-timer function on the camera as well as a remote app, to control
the composition and settings from far away. The other main concept was hiding the subject's face with various methods, such as cropping it out, covering it up, or shielding it.
