Wednesday, 25 January 2012

Focus with set aperture


Exercise 2   Focus with a set aperture

This exercise required finding a scene which had depth and from the same place taking three pictures, each focused at a different distance.

P4 : 46mm@ f5.6
P5 : 46mm @ f5.6 
P6 : 46mm @ f5.6


I focused on the first globe pepper mill first (P4) and worked backwards towards the garden. While not the most interesting of compositions, I was able to demonstrate how the sharp focus draws the eye every time. Of the three photographs, I guess I prefer the middle one ( P5 ) one as it shows interesting detail not assisted by the line of objects. That said, different subject matter or the kind of image desired would necessarily influence what different focus distance would best.
While doing this exercise, I recalled a recent photo taken inside the stricken ship Costa Concordia published in a number of newspapers. The link to this photo is :

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/01/16/article-2087126-0F7C172000000578-957_470x423_popup.jpg

I was drawn to the picture initially by the angle it was taken which heightens the drama plus the reflections of light captured in the water. I realise now that the focus distance used is what really draws my eye and it is this focus with the blurred outer edges of the picture that significantly adds to the drama.


Getting to know your camera

PROJECT : GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAMERA


Exercise1  Focal length and angle of view

This exercise involved taking three photographs at different focal lengths.

P1 : 55mm @ f5.6

P2 : 18mm @ f4.5

P3 : 70mm @ f4.5

What was interesting here was how the comfortable viewing distance varied from about 66mm ( P1 ); 26mm ( P2 ) and 77mm+ ( P3 - arm not long enough!) ; and sacrifice of detail using the wide  angled lens.

Monday, 23 January 2012

The Art of Photography : hopes, plans and expectations....

Creating this learning log is part of a new learning experience for me and I  cannot but include this challenge in my hopes, plans and expectations for
this course. I expect to gain more confidence in using the blog as I work through the course. Though looking at how other students use their logs on the OCA website shows me what can be done, I want to develop my own 'voice' here.

So what of my hopes, plans and expectations?

I promised myself time for creative learning when I retired. I have always liked to rise to a challenge and develop further skills. Will this course fit the bill here? I think so.

What am I looking to do?
  • Develop my creativity
  • Develop a critical eye
  • Gain confidence in composition and improve my technical skills
  • Widen my knowledge of photography
  • Explore different sources of inspiration
  • Expose myself to 'risk taking'  - come out of my photographic comfort zone
  • Enjoy myself !!
I hope to achieve a good standard of work; meeting the academic as well as creative challenges. I expect to follow through the coursework and gradually improve; being able to apply new knowledge and becoming more reflective  ( not necessarily a natural way of thinking for me ).

My plan is to build on what I achieve through this course to progress via further courses towards achieving a degree in photography and confidence to share further afield.

No mean task then!!