http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2012/03/30/free-portrait-photography-cropping-guide/
It clearly shops the optimum crop limits for different portrait shots both landscape and portrait formats.
Showing posts with label Open College of the Arts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Open College of the Arts. Show all posts
Saturday, 2 March 2013
Cropping Guide
First post for 2013 and I have stumbled on this image from a series of info-graphics on DigitalCamera.com
http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2012/03/30/free-portrait-photography-cropping-guide/
It clearly shops the optimum crop limits for different portrait shots both landscape and portrait formats.
http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2012/03/30/free-portrait-photography-cropping-guide/
It clearly shops the optimum crop limits for different portrait shots both landscape and portrait formats.
Friday, 28 September 2012
Positioning a Point
Elements of Design: Positioning a Point
To illustrate this the following images have been created with a single point as a focal point.
In this image the position chosen was to get the bike and rider into the top horizontal third slightly off centre with the reflected light leading the eye up the image. Also after an attempt at using blur to empahsie the water flow it was found that using a faster speed gave a sharper image and the increased feeling of motion by clearly showing the bow wave and hence the mechanical speed of the vehicle against the organic flow of the water.
This subject again uses a fast shutter speed but in this case to keep the background clear. I wanted to emphasise the contrast between the colour of the shirt and the "softness" of the person on the bike against the "hardness" of the steel water wall and slate paving floor. Also by placing the subject in the right hand vertical third it gives another take on motion within an image.
This image utilise the use of colour and texture to isolate the yellow poppy against the green of the other foliage. I used the first vertical third division to isolate and emphasise this against the green. I feel that by doing this you become aware of the subject then aware of the surroundings.
To illustrate this the following images have been created with a single point as a focal point.
In this image the position chosen was to get the bike and rider into the top horizontal third slightly off centre with the reflected light leading the eye up the image. Also after an attempt at using blur to empahsie the water flow it was found that using a faster speed gave a sharper image and the increased feeling of motion by clearly showing the bow wave and hence the mechanical speed of the vehicle against the organic flow of the water.
This subject again uses a fast shutter speed but in this case to keep the background clear. I wanted to emphasise the contrast between the colour of the shirt and the "softness" of the person on the bike against the "hardness" of the steel water wall and slate paving floor. Also by placing the subject in the right hand vertical third it gives another take on motion within an image.
This image utilise the use of colour and texture to isolate the yellow poppy against the green of the other foliage. I used the first vertical third division to isolate and emphasise this against the green. I feel that by doing this you become aware of the subject then aware of the surroundings.
Thursday, 27 September 2012
Points
Elements of Design: Points
To appreciate this element of design we need to examine the potential for a "focal point" or central point" of interest within an image.
The reason a focal point is important is that when you look at an image your eye will generally need a ‘resting place’ or something of interest to really hold it.
A focal point can be virtually anything ranging from a person, to a building, to a mountain, to a flower etc. Obviously the more interesting the focal point the better – but there are other things you can consider when using this including:
To appreciate this element of design we need to examine the potential for a "focal point" or central point" of interest within an image.
The reason a focal point is important is that when you look at an image your eye will generally need a ‘resting place’ or something of interest to really hold it.
A focal point can be virtually anything ranging from a person, to a building, to a mountain, to a flower etc. Obviously the more interesting the focal point the better – but there are other things you can consider when using this including:
- Position – Place it in a prominent position – This ideally using the "rule of thirds" or the "golden section" to establish the correct position.
- Focus – Using "Depth of Field" to blur out other aspects in front or behind your focal point.
- Blur/Motion – Isolate the subject using shutter speed to blur the surroundings/background or alternatively capture the motion.
- Size – making your focal point large is not the only way to make it prominent – but it can help if it remains within context.
- Colour – using contrasting colours to isolate or seperate your point of interest apart from it’s surroundings.
- Shape – contrasting shapes and textures can make a subject stand out – especially patterns that are repeated around a subject.
- Context - or using the unusual. This can be accomplished by placing the subject in an unexpected setting or against a background that contrasts with the subject context.
Tuesday, 28 August 2012
Cropping and Extending
Cropping an image has already been covered in other exercises but to recap:
Cropping can be used to;
I decided to investigate extending the image by compiling a series of images to create a panorama.
Following on from the previous exercise I used the two formats to compile the images.First using landscape images , once aligned they need to be quite heavily cropped and some details are lost as the image is long and narrow.
When the images for the panorama are taken in the vertical or portrait format the resulting panorama is wider and easier to align with less need to crop the final image and less detail is lost.
In conclusion cropping can be use to "repair" an image but also can be used to create a new context or composition . Extending the image is also useful to create a larger format to ensure the subject is fully recorded when it far exceed the available mediums proportions. e.g. Landscapes or interiors
Cropping can be used to;
- Remove unwanted edge detail
- Restore balance
- Improve composition
- Change aspect ration or format
- Change context/meaning of image
I decided to investigate extending the image by compiling a series of images to create a panorama.
Following on from the previous exercise I used the two formats to compile the images.First using landscape images , once aligned they need to be quite heavily cropped and some details are lost as the image is long and narrow.
When the images for the panorama are taken in the vertical or portrait format the resulting panorama is wider and easier to align with less need to crop the final image and less detail is lost.
In conclusion cropping can be use to "repair" an image but also can be used to create a new context or composition . Extending the image is also useful to create a larger format to ensure the subject is fully recorded when it far exceed the available mediums proportions. e.g. Landscapes or interiors
Monday, 30 July 2012
Vertical and Horizontal Frames
This exercise is to encourage the use of a portrait(vertical) frame vs. a horizontal (landscape) frame which given the shape of the standard SLR viewfinder is the most "natural" orienation to use.
To do this the requirement was to take 20 images each with a vertical and horizontal shot. Below is a slide show of the 20 examples I have taken.
Also besides the obvious use of the vertical orientation for tall objects and standing people I also have considered the following when choosing the subjects above;
To do this the requirement was to take 20 images each with a vertical and horizontal shot. Below is a slide show of the 20 examples I have taken.
Also besides the obvious use of the vertical orientation for tall objects and standing people I also have considered the following when choosing the subjects above;
- The subject is already vertical
- Height needs defining
- Motion of the subject is vertical
- Defining direction of subject gaze - up or down
- Directing the viewers gaze within the image
- In portraits it can be used to retain tighter control of basic composition rules e.g. the rule of thirds
- Isolate a feature of the subject
- Defining the position/boundary of an object within it's containing space.
Sunday, 29 July 2012
Positioning the Horizon
Horizon - This exercise is to explore different positions of the horizon and and how they affect an image.
Placing the horizon line at the top of the image purely draws attention to fore ground and near distance subjects. It heavily depends on foreground interest to give impact. I also find it contains the image within a defined boundary.
Placing the horizon line at the top of the image purely draws attention to fore ground and near distance subjects. It heavily depends on foreground interest to give impact. I also find it contains the image within a defined boundary.
Balance
Balance in the image - taking six photographs from previous exercises I re-examined how the balance works in each one.
As per the course notes it is easier to see how the balance and elements that make it up appear within the shot.
As can be seen in the shot above, the main element of the main object is in the middle with two lesser elements "weighting" the edges of the image. This works as the main object is filling the frame and is symmetrical. This balance works best with objects like this.
As per the course notes it is easier to see how the balance and elements that make it up appear within the shot.
As can be seen in the shot above, the main element of the main object is in the middle with two lesser elements "weighting" the edges of the image. This works as the main object is filling the frame and is symmetrical. This balance works best with objects like this.
Sunday, 1 July 2012
Focal Lengths and Different Viewpoints
This exercise was to compare the effects of how your physical viewpoint needs to change when shooting with different lenses.
Using a 105mm lens , the focal length at the extreme of my zoom lens, I took this first picture.
Using a 105mm lens , the focal length at the extreme of my zoom lens, I took this first picture.
Friday, 29 June 2012
Balance
In this exercise the instruction is to examine six previously taken images and decide how the balance works in each one.
I haven't exactly conformed to the letter on this one as one of the images is crop taken as part of another exercise , but it does have relevance.
I haven't exactly conformed to the letter on this one as one of the images is crop taken as part of another exercise , but it does have relevance.
Saturday, 16 June 2012
A Sequence of Composition Take 2
Taking the exercise one step further I saw a fairly unique custom built machine on display and moved in using the viewfinder.
First I went in close but felt it was not showing the machine in the best way...
First I went in close but felt it was not showing the machine in the best way...
Friday, 15 June 2012
A Sequence of Composition
The object of this exercise is to try and use the viewfinder to compose the shot... not wait for it but try to find the ideal shot and record the process. By shooting the nearly moments it is hoped to see the process as it develops.I started this sequence with around 25 shots and I edited down to the 18 you see here. I decided the ones with arms and legs obscuring the shot didn't really count...
The sequence started with a crowd gathering to see a rare Indian motorcycle being started at a classic motorcycle open day...
The sequence started with a crowd gathering to see a rare Indian motorcycle being started at a classic motorcycle open day...
I changed angle to try and get more shots of the faces of the crowd as the anticipation of hearing it run started to build
Sunday, 10 June 2012
Fitting the Frame to the Subject
The object of this exercise is to see how you can use the viewfinder to frame a subject.
The camera I used for this exercise has a 98% coverage viewfinder which I found interesting to see how it would change what I saw against what was produced.
Also the advise about tilting the camera missed out some another pertinent fact, some times you need to tilt yourself to get the shot. Even simply moving sideways changes what is in the viewfinder and what can be included in the image as it unfolds before you. Or in my case lying down and tilting me and the camera!
First image is just taken, without any concious effort, just a snapshot of the object as you first see it.
The camera I used for this exercise has a 98% coverage viewfinder which I found interesting to see how it would change what I saw against what was produced.
Also the advise about tilting the camera missed out some another pertinent fact, some times you need to tilt yourself to get the shot. Even simply moving sideways changes what is in the viewfinder and what can be included in the image as it unfolds before you. Or in my case lying down and tilting me and the camera!
First image is just taken, without any concious effort, just a snapshot of the object as you first see it.
Sunday, 22 April 2012
Focal Lengths
For this exercise I took six pictures at different focal lengths of the same subject. While the central subjects of the images stayed the same there was a distinct shift in peripheral details as well as the depth of field of the central part of the image.
I find that the boats in the image taken at 105mm become the main subject but in the one taken at 24mm the overall landscape is the main subject. This continues until we get to the last shot at a "normal" angle of view (70mm) then after that the central object appears flatter in relation to the background and more isolated.
I find that the boats in the image taken at 105mm become the main subject but in the one taken at 24mm the overall landscape is the main subject. This continues until we get to the last shot at a "normal" angle of view (70mm) then after that the central object appears flatter in relation to the background and more isolated.
Focal Length - 24mm
Focal Length - 28mm
Focal Length - 35mm
Focal Length - 50mm
Focal Length - 70mm
Focal Length - 105mm
Sunday, 25 March 2012
Shutter Speeds:Summary
As regards my favourite prints from the two exercises I have chosen number 8 from the Shutter Speeds exercise I like the feel of the blurred movement combines with the sharper elements. I like the combination as it gives a feeling of speed and the disturbance of the water. Not totally a smooth extended exposure of water , as is often done with the sea and waterfalls, but a way of implying the force as well as the speed of the water.
However I prefer the sharper elements of image number 6 of the Panning series,the car being sharper and the blurred background and wheels give a better feeling of the motion. Not really speed, but the fact it is a moving car and not a static object. The kind of combination that would be ideals for photographing motor sport, particularly on a bend so the vehicle can be followed through and captured on the apex and the follow throgh allows the photographer to follow a natural curved movement. Which is a lot easier then trying to capture the image going directly across the field of view
However I prefer the sharper elements of image number 6 of the Panning series,the car being sharper and the blurred background and wheels give a better feeling of the motion. Not really speed, but the fact it is a moving car and not a static object. The kind of combination that would be ideals for photographing motor sport, particularly on a bend so the vehicle can be followed through and captured on the apex and the follow throgh allows the photographer to follow a natural curved movement. Which is a lot easier then trying to capture the image going directly across the field of view
Monday, 6 February 2012
Shutter Speeds
The object of this exercise is to take a series of photographs of a scene or a person involving movement.
Movement needs to move across the field of view, while the camera is in a fixed position.
It requires a series of exposures that starts with the fastest shutter speed to the slowest possible exposure.
The notes do say to go as low as one or two seconds, but unfortunately I couldn't go as slow as that with my chosen subject. Also there was a need to keep the aperture similar to the range used for the exercise using different apertures in this case with the lens I was using it ranged from f4.0 to f22.
I noted that Image 6: at a speed of 1/160 and f4.0 is the last point at which clearly defined movement can be seen and the following images all start to develop blurring with an equivalent loss of detail until Image 12, where the lack of details starts to become a distinct feature.
Image 1:1/2000 sec at f/4.0
All speeds of the water in movement have been captured here , even down to the distinct droplets of water flying up as the water breaks over the weir. The feeling of the speed of the flow is accurately recorded with a lot of clarity. I personally find this to be a quite clinical and sterile image which "records" a frozen point in time.
Image 2:1/1600 sec at f/4.0
As in Image 1: movement has been captured but there is also a lot more detail in the shadow areas as more exposure has taken place.
Image 3:1/800 sec at f/4.0
As above there is still distinct details but now the highlight areas do not appear retain as much and what were distinct small individual droplets appear to be merging into larger ones.
Image 4:1/640 sec at f/4.0
Detail in highlights and shadows is not as distinct, but there is still clear distinction between moving and none moving water.
Image 5:1/320 sec at f/4.0
Less distinct than the previous 4 images but the faster movement can still be clearly seen, but some shadow detail is tarting to merge.
Image 6:1/160sec at f/4.0
This appears to be just retaining the last of the detail in highlight and shadow areas. Overall exposure and details is good and clear with out being as "sterile" as Image 1:. Less of a feeling of simply recording the event.
Image 7:1/80 sec at f/5.6
Slightly more detail in general with the improvement in depth of field, but the start of distinct blurring in the highlight/faster moving areas.
Image 8:1/40 sec at f/8.0
Yet again another increase in depth of filed, but the blurring is now very clear in highlight and shadow areas. there is still some detail in the slower moving water but in general there is not a great deal of detail in any moving area.
Image 9:1/20 sec at f/11
There is very distinct blurring of the highlight/faster areas with some of the shadow/slower areas starting to take on a more "sculptural" quality.
Image 10:1/13 sec at f/14
We are starting to lose all detail in slower/shadow area now and the effect is starting to become very pleasing in a the movement becomes blurred and carries more of a suggestion of speed rather than a true representation of it.
Image 11:1/8 sec at f/18
Even with the increased depth of field detail is now almost lost as the sensor overlays all the information from the higlight/faster and shadow/slower moving water. The blurring creates even more of a suggestion of movement and creates an interesting effect.
Movement needs to move across the field of view, while the camera is in a fixed position.
It requires a series of exposures that starts with the fastest shutter speed to the slowest possible exposure.
The notes do say to go as low as one or two seconds, but unfortunately I couldn't go as slow as that with my chosen subject. Also there was a need to keep the aperture similar to the range used for the exercise using different apertures in this case with the lens I was using it ranged from f4.0 to f22.
I noted that Image 6: at a speed of 1/160 and f4.0 is the last point at which clearly defined movement can be seen and the following images all start to develop blurring with an equivalent loss of detail until Image 12, where the lack of details starts to become a distinct feature.
All speeds of the water in movement have been captured here , even down to the distinct droplets of water flying up as the water breaks over the weir. The feeling of the speed of the flow is accurately recorded with a lot of clarity. I personally find this to be a quite clinical and sterile image which "records" a frozen point in time.
Image 2:1/1600 sec at f/4.0
As in Image 1: movement has been captured but there is also a lot more detail in the shadow areas as more exposure has taken place.
Image 3:1/800 sec at f/4.0
As above there is still distinct details but now the highlight areas do not appear retain as much and what were distinct small individual droplets appear to be merging into larger ones.
Image 4:1/640 sec at f/4.0
Detail in highlights and shadows is not as distinct, but there is still clear distinction between moving and none moving water.
Image 5:1/320 sec at f/4.0
Less distinct than the previous 4 images but the faster movement can still be clearly seen, but some shadow detail is tarting to merge.
Image 6:1/160sec at f/4.0
This appears to be just retaining the last of the detail in highlight and shadow areas. Overall exposure and details is good and clear with out being as "sterile" as Image 1:. Less of a feeling of simply recording the event.
Image 7:1/80 sec at f/5.6
Slightly more detail in general with the improvement in depth of field, but the start of distinct blurring in the highlight/faster moving areas.
Image 8:1/40 sec at f/8.0
Yet again another increase in depth of filed, but the blurring is now very clear in highlight and shadow areas. there is still some detail in the slower moving water but in general there is not a great deal of detail in any moving area.
Image 9:1/20 sec at f/11
There is very distinct blurring of the highlight/faster areas with some of the shadow/slower areas starting to take on a more "sculptural" quality.
Image 10:1/13 sec at f/14
We are starting to lose all detail in slower/shadow area now and the effect is starting to become very pleasing in a the movement becomes blurred and carries more of a suggestion of speed rather than a true representation of it.
Image 11:1/8 sec at f/18
Even with the increased depth of field detail is now almost lost as the sensor overlays all the information from the higlight/faster and shadow/slower moving water. The blurring creates even more of a suggestion of movement and creates an interesting effect.
Sunday, 22 January 2012
Stucture helps creativity... ?
I have been struggling quite a bit with this course, creatively that is - techniques and basic knowledge are not the problem. Not only have I also had the issue of an increased workload due to staffing problems eating away at my free time, photographically awful weather,malfunctioning and just plain broken hardware and the other less savoury vagaries of life keeps getting in the way... but worst of all has been my approach to the whole "study" element.
I have spent a lot of years accumulating photographic knowledge and techniques, initially from books and magazines , working with and talking with other photographers, studying other peoples work in books and at exhibitions and in latter years internet sites. Totally unstructured and apart from taking and passing an A level course in the 90's , I have just been free to do it my way. All of a sudden following the course structure started causing me problems... I normally jump around doing things by how it feels best. Following the course structure I have had to stop and reconsider and in some case try to "forget". It's been hard.
It has been feeling to me that it was stifling my creativity... as in I have been struggling to shoot images, when I would normally know what instinctively to shoot. I am having to stop and consider... which wasn't working at first but now it is! Considering what I am going to shoot, and how I am going to do it is becoming easier and not causing me as many issues as it was at the start. I can now slow myself and follow the exercises without leaping ahead in my usual "grasshopper on a sunny day approach"; no longer leaping from aspect to aspect of a shoot without considering the direction.
Is this all for the good ? Or is it something to learn then unlearn in the future?
I have spent a lot of years accumulating photographic knowledge and techniques, initially from books and magazines , working with and talking with other photographers, studying other peoples work in books and at exhibitions and in latter years internet sites. Totally unstructured and apart from taking and passing an A level course in the 90's , I have just been free to do it my way. All of a sudden following the course structure started causing me problems... I normally jump around doing things by how it feels best. Following the course structure I have had to stop and reconsider and in some case try to "forget". It's been hard.
It has been feeling to me that it was stifling my creativity... as in I have been struggling to shoot images, when I would normally know what instinctively to shoot. I am having to stop and consider... which wasn't working at first but now it is! Considering what I am going to shoot, and how I am going to do it is becoming easier and not causing me as many issues as it was at the start. I can now slow myself and follow the exercises without leaping ahead in my usual "grasshopper on a sunny day approach"; no longer leaping from aspect to aspect of a shoot without considering the direction.
Is this all for the good ? Or is it something to learn then unlearn in the future?
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Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Michael Wolf welcomes World Press Photo controversy - British Journal of Photography
I have reservations over this work until I saw it a the Format Photography Festival in March. This is what I noted "it has a power of narrative that is due to the fact that once the initial images are taken out of their "environment" it all starts the brain working to decode the storyline".
Michael Wolf uses cropping to isolate specific images and by removing some reference areas it creates a new narrative. An innocent image of someone crossing a street by cropping in close with other people. Taking this image as an example, close cropping gives a feeling of entrapment and claustrophobia as the "cast" appear to move closer together;it becomes a CCTV image of a mugging about to occur.
It's as much about choosing the decisive moment to press the shutter as it is about placing the main components into the image to relay the new storyline the characters have to follow. As such I consider this to be photography of the street and of equal value as any street photography.
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
Rip it up and start again....
Work is the curse of many classes... particulary the studying type.
Hopefully I will now have sufficient time to get this course back on track. Or should I rip it all up and start again?
I will spend the next few days assessing the work already done and get the notes taken over several months into one place. Then make a decision to carry on or go back to the start.
It's proving hard to get back into the "study" groove and even harder to stop over criticising my own work... I should leave that to the tutors for now!
Hopefully I will now have sufficient time to get this course back on track. Or should I rip it all up and start again?
I will spend the next few days assessing the work already done and get the notes taken over several months into one place. Then make a decision to carry on or go back to the start.
It's proving hard to get back into the "study" groove and even harder to stop over criticising my own work... I should leave that to the tutors for now!
Wednesday, 9 March 2011
Bruce Gilden goes "head on" in Derby
This is a link to a trailer for great video by Olivier Laurent currently being shown at the Derby Museum and Art Gallery as part of the Format 11 international photography festival. This years is dedicated to Street Photography.
Bruce Gilden was filmed on the streets of Derby getting some of the shots being exhibited alongside the documentary and it gives an insight into his methods and motivations. It clearly shows how the mantra of the street photographer " get in close" can be achieved with sympathy and compassion for the subject. His skill is as much about his observation of his subjects as his ability to communicate with them.
This confirms that excellent Street Photography is created by more than merely acting as an observer, but also by getting an empathy with the subject. Until you can understand , how can you explain.
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Saturday, 12 February 2011
Project:Focus - Different Apertures
The aim of this exercise is to determine the effect of different apertures on the same scene.
I have tried several images for this exercise, but so far due to the flat overcast February light it has been hard to get the modelling required to clear define the areas of focus. These so far are the best set with a good clearly delinated areas of focus.
I tried to keep the same exposure, by using aperture priority, for each shot but once again was cursed by the changeable weather and light levels. Even using a tripod I wasn't quick enough as the clouds kept drifting across the sun... again and again...
I used the 50mm lens for this due to it's very wide range of f/stops from 1.4 to 22.
Image 1 clearly shows the small area of focus (marked within the yellow lines) with the fall off towards the lens clear in the lack of sharpness in the grass at the foot of the picture.
Image 1:
Focal Length: 50mm
Aperture: f/1.4
Image 2 shows how by moving to the middle of the available f/stop range that the area of focus has increased. Focus is improved towards the edges and corners but it is still clear that there are still areas where sharpness starts to degrade and makes it difficult to define separate blades of grass on the lower limit of the image.
Image 2:
Focal Length: 50mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Image 3. was taken using the limit of the range, in this case f/22. It can be clearly seen that even towards the edge of the image all details can be clearly seen and separate blades of grass are evident on the bottom edge of the image.
Image 3:
Focal Length: 50mm
Aperture: f/22
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