Element of Light

It was always really hard to get a good picture of this horse because she kept moving away from the light. I needed the light go across her instead of from behind, otherwise you just couldn't see her face. Light is one the most important elements in photography. There are 4 things that affect light: Shutter Speed, Amount of Light in Area, Aperture, and ISO. There needs to be a perfect setting for each in order to get the correct exposure. And then there's the way light hits a subject. The best kinds of light are Back, Side, and Front lighting. Now, it's always different for each situation so you might not be able to use all three for one shot. In this shot, I needed Front Light; Backlight would have made for a nice silhouette but I wanted every beautiful detail of this horse. Most of the time, it is best to take photos at Dawn or Dusk to get the perfect lighting. On a sunny day like this, ISO would be best around 400 or 600. I would also choose a smaller aperture and a faster shutter speed to ensure the photo won't be too bright. All in all, it takes a few shots to get the right one.

Artist Statement

I was so surprised at how well this photo turned out. Especially since it was exposed to light on accident (with it being film and all). I love the cool blue tint that it has and I love the blurred snow in the background. This picture just gives me a sense of calmness because snow is always so beautiful and mysterious. This was one of the first pictures that I took and really one of the few decent ones. I wanted a little more detail in the background but I think it still looks nice. It was really cold that day and I had hiked out on a Grayson Lake trail because the snow was gently falling all around me and I just knew I could get some great snow pictures. Luckily, I got one great picture.

Collages

Some of these pictures I took and others I got online.

Storytelling Apertures

Storytelling apertures usually have 3 components being the fore-,middle-, and background. If you want a "sharp" or clear image then its best to use a small aperture. Wide angle lens are best to capture as much of the image as possible to tell the most of your story. 17-18 mm lenses will be best for a wide composition. Just make sure that you choose the right aperture to go with your wide angle view! In order to have 3 equal parts make sure that your foreground is close. Normally people will back away from the foreground component in order to get more of the background which isn't good because the foreground will seem really small and ineffective. Storytelling apertures can also be small angled. The image is more narrow but it can still work pretty well because the image will be very sharp.

Observations Over Pages 125-162

I wasn't quite sure how to "read" these images but I can say how I felt about them. The image on page 126 looks like there are 6 different images put together to make a single "piece". It is so interesting because the pictures were taken at different times--the earliest being 1937! This clearly shows the change over time of cameras and also the landscape. I absolutely love the picture on page 132 because it tells a story of how apple stencils are applied and the result thereof. The images clearly show the process of applying the stencils and the look of afterward. The picture on page 136 is quite different. It shows 3 different pictures next to each other which show a wider frame. It seems as though the boy on the right is choosing to stay on the dock while the other boy looks back as if he want him to come along. The images on pages 144-145 are confusing but I notice a lot of color, textures, shapes, and content. They all seem to relate in some way but are still very different. 147 is really amazing because each frame is turned a different direction but still makes up a large, recognizable image. 159 is probably my favorite because of the positive and negative effect. Each picture is identical yet, they are reversed. It gives a different feel overall. Page 161 is also confusing to me, but photos seem creepy because of the negative effect. Though the images seem eery, the word "Peace" is used in the titles. Overall these portfolios are very different and show a lot of attention to detail.

1 Peter 4:12-15

Creating a Striking Image

There are so many things that can create or influence a striking image—each one being important.First there is Line. This is the strongest element which can evoke feelings of all kinds and even from opposite ends of the spectrum like gentleness or danger. Second is Shape. When focusing on shape, front lighting and/or backlighting are important for definition and also contrast in surroundings. Shape also allows for recognition. Then there is Form which assures realness and existence. In order to achieve good form one must pay attention to the contrast between light and dark lit areas on a side-lit shape. Therefore, shape is necessary for Form to exist. Fourthly, Texture is important for creating emotion. Texture’s main component is lighting because lighting allows a texture to be seen more or less. Next is Pattern. Pattern is really only interesting when it is disrupted. Pattern is something that is expected, therefore, when it is interrupted, the disruption is clearly noticed. Sixthly, Color is important for it’s impact on every other element of making a striking image. It is important to notice the harmony in color and the elements around it or even the abstractness. Red is a color that advances the most and is good to keep in mind when shooting at a distance. Next is Scale, which can be a great attention grabber. Scale is most noticed when a smaller subject in relation to its surroundings is captured. Most people the size of certain things like a Coke can or a person. So, when these things are placed in front of something magnificently larger, the largeness is actually taken into perspective better. Then comes Composition, which is basically how all of these elements are arranged and come together. One can choose to make his photo balanced or tense, both creating emotion. After learning all of this it is important to fill the frame and make sure there are no distracting backgrounds.

What I expect to learn

I want to learn everything there is to know about photography, however, we can't cover that much information. So for now, I just need to learn the basics. Firstly, I need to know how to use my camera. Which controls do what and so on. Secondly, I need to be able to "see" an image. To recognize technique, not only in a photo, but also in the world around me. I want to be able to create a great image/art just out of something simple. I also want to build confidence, and know what I am doing when we are finished.