Unit 3 Activity 4

Unit 3 Activity 4 - Depth of Field

Shallow Depth of Field

 Posted by Trevor; http://photochallenge2.wordpress.com/2009/01/23/2009-challenge-day-24-shallow-depth-of-field/

http://www.dipity.com/tickr/Flickr-shallow-depth/

     In both of the images above, the photographers selective use of aperture really focuses the viewers attention on what is suppose to be seen in the image. For instance, you can still tell that the top image is a kiwi, but you can also appreciate a little more the detail of the kiwi and the vibrant green that floods the image.
     In photo of the girl with her thumb up, the attention doesn't go to the girls face, but it instead goes to what is in focus, her thumb. The shallow depth of field makes this image ten times more interesting and more visually appealing than if everything were in focus.

Great Depth of Field

http://www.prowpatareeya.info/depth-of-field-for-landscape-photos/ 

http://photo.tutsplus.com/articles/round-ups/100-helpful-photography-tutorials-for-beginners-and-professionals/

     The great depth of field images above creates an allusion of the viewer actually seeing what they would see if they were walking down the path or standing on the hills in the pictures. In the top image, the yellow tree seems to be the main center of focus, not just because it is in the center of the photo, but because the great depth of field naturally draws people's eyes in that direction.
     In the image of the rocks, the great depth of field opens up the landscape and creates an image people can find themselves lost in. The hills seem to go on forever, and in this case, the use of great depth of field lets the mind wander around the scene and think about what could be beyond the hills in the back of the image.

Unit 3 Activity 3

Unit 3 Activity 3 - More on Lighting

http://singhray.blogspot.com/2008/09/arizona-landscape-photographer-is-off.html

     This photo by Jarrod Mosier titled Schnebly Hill, is the perfect example of a picture that includes its light source. The sun is an important part of this image, but it is also important to know how to account for the amount of lighting that is present. To take a light meter reading, Mosier could have used several techniques, however, for the purposes of this blog, I will only be describing one at the moment.
     It is very possible he used a reflected metering technique. The reflected metering reads the intensity of light reflecting off of the subject and may vary according to differing degrees of tone, color, contrast, surface, and shape. It would make sense if he used this technique because of the rocks and trees that would be catching and reflecting most of the suns light.

http://favim.com/image/414436/

     This photo is another example of a picture that includes its light source. The lava lamps provide an interesting array of colored light that also doubles as the photos main light source. An incident meter would be the best technique to measure the lighting in this photo. Incident meters are used for more precise control and can give "accurate and consistent rendition of the tonality and contrast regardless of reluctance, background, color, and shape."

Resources:
Introduction to Light Meters

Unit 3 Activity 2

Unit 3 Activity 2 - Light Sources

Single Light Source

This image of the model Bruna, is an example of a single light source. The main light is coming from an almost 45 degree angle which creates shadows across the left side of the photograph. The angle of the single light source adds nice depth to the image, as well as a more serious mood.  

See where this picture came from here!

Multiple Light Sources

This photo by David Briggs was specifically created to show the effects of multiple light sources. You can see the two different shadows that are created because of the lighting. One is smaller and darker, implying that the one light source is at a higher angle, while the second light source is at a less severe angle, creating a longer and dimmer shadow. All of this added depth is from the multiple light sources, which, like the single light source, creates a more visually interesting photo.

If you want to learn more about multiple light sources, check out David Briggs website, The Dimensions of Colour!

Unit 3 Activity 1

Unit 3 Activity 1 - Lighting

Lighting is an important aspect of photography... choose wisely!

Hard Light Photo Example:

The spotlight in this photo is extremely focused, creating dramatic shadows that really make it come alive.
Check out where I got this Michael Jackson picture here!

Soft Light Photo Example:

This overcast sky creates the perfect soft light setting. There are no harsh lines or shadows that make the picture overly dramatic, and the soft light adds a more subtle, calm feel.
Click here to see where this picture comes from!