Thursday, 14 March 2013

Walking Wounded: A Return to the Frontline.


While he was with the US army in Afghanistan Giles Duley, a British humanitarian photographer stepped on an IED (improvised explosive device). He was left with horrific injuries, and then as a triple amputee. Eighteen months after suffering these injuries which left him fighting for his life, he carried out the promise he had made to himself on the day of the accident: to return to Afghanistan and complete his work documenting the effect of the invasion on civilians, and also focusing on people who were wounded sustaining similar injuries. The film shows Giles’s brave revisit as he carries out his 1st major assignment since the explosion.
 
This documentary was quite graphic to start as you watch Giles as he is rescued and taken to hospital. I persevered and I am glad I did. The whole programme was inspiring and really highlighted his bravery in returning to the place he nearly died. As Duley says " whats the point in fear if you don't face up to it".
 
 
 
 
 
 
I particularly like how black and white has been used. I really think that it suits these images and that they may not have the same impact if they had been in colour. They are so powerful and really make the viewer think about the image.
I found the whole programme very moving and inspiring. In the documentary it was mentioned that Giles had received an award. The voice over said " courage, determination, triumph over adversity-we have a lot to learn from Giles Duley". I think that this statement is very true.
 
Programme shown on 4od.
Images taken from google images.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Info from
 

Saturday, 9 March 2013

Exercise: Black and White

For this exercise we must choose a subject, lighting condition or picture situation that we think will look better in black and white. If the camera allows a monochrome display then this should be used. We must compose and expose for the black and white version and then process, noting what effect shooting in black and white had on the choice of subject, framing, composition and exposure.
 
 
 
I specifically shot this image for this exercise as I felt that the repetition and shape lend them selves well to black and white photography.
 
 
Above is a simple conversion to black and white. It doesn't look like much at the moment but I am going to alter the values and contrast levels as I have an idea in my mind how I would like the finished image to look.
 
 
This resulting image is much stronger in my opinion. I wanted to make more of the swirly iron railing so that its shape stood out a bit more. As I knew that my final image would be in black and white I specifically looked for a subject that had an interesting shape. Being slightly under exposed also helped this image I feel as there are deeper tones. The black and white images have been cropped slightly as I think that the framing was not quite right. I arranged the composition so that the eye moves from left to right diagonally across the frame.
I do really like this version because it appears much more interesting than the other two images and I am pleased with the final result.
 
 

Like the old days.

Whilst reading The Photographer magazine from the British Institute of Professional Photography I came across an article about Kevin Wilson's 'Centenarian' work.
This personal project interested me mainly because it reminded me of my final assignment for The Art of Photography, course which was based on my mum who has dementia and my daily life with her. It would seem from the article that Wilson encountered some of the same problems as I did "lack of mobility,lack of mental capacity,short attention span.....' while trying to make each image appear different from the next.
Another reason I was drawn to these images is the use of black and white photography and the justification for using it - " I knew that these images would not work in colour. The black and white brings you back to the ravages of time and life-I wanted to see that and for it to be the most important element of the picture". I completely agree with this statement, the whole feel of the images would change if they were in colour, it just would not suit them. With black and white the texture of the skin is highlighted and expression and emotion come across more strongly.
The gentleman in this image goes out on to the streets every year to selling poppies, he has fought in several battles and was even a bodyguard for Winston Churchill! He still lives by himself and goes up and down the stairs shown behind him in the image, everyday. I like the fact that you learn a little about the person in the image again adding to the connection the viewer feels which was noted in the role of the photos, to "help us be aware of the people around us whom we'd otherwise not notice". It has made me think that everyone has their own story which can be unravelled through photography.
Unfortunately this was the only image I was able to include as no others were available online.

Thursday, 7 March 2013

Assignment 2 - Tutor feedback

I have just received my tutor feedback for the second assignment on seeing like your camera. I was not expecting such positive feedback, mainly because I did not feel that comfortable with the assignment. I think that I felt I lacked knowledge in the area, even though I had been carrying out extra research, and that this would come through in the images I took.
When I had previously worked on The Art of Photography course my then tutor pointed out that I did not always show my workflow as well as I could and that I should try and evaluate myself more. I have really been working on this for the DPP course and feel that I have made a definate improvement.
There are definitely some technical issues that I can still work on but I am getting better and it is all about practice and making mistakes so that we know how we can get better. I could also tweek my compositon and experiment a little before deciding upon my final shot.
My tutor very kindly included some links to others work which I may find interesting as well as a link to provide advice on Lightroom as I have recently bought it but not had time to really get used to using it. I will be making the time to go through all of the links.
It was also mentioned that statues often crop up in my work, so be honest this was not intentional and I had not actually realised myself. I do think that I am drawn to them but I am not entirely sure why, I think that I find looking at them rather calming. My tutor also suggested that I look at the work of Anthony Gormley who I have heard of as he created The Angel of the North, but that is his only piece that I am familiar with. I think that by photographing statues you can get so many different effects just through composition and lighting and that may be one of the reasons I tend to photograph them.
I have already started thinking about the next assignment, I think that as I am progressing through the course I am really starting to enjoy and am getting much better at planning. I hope that with the next assignment I will be able to experiment a bit more and show some of my creativity.

Exercise: Interpretative processing.

"This exercise is about making interpretations for a creative purpose."
 
We are to choose an image that we feel is open to different creative interpretations. Make three different versions of the same image accompanied by a written explanation of what we are hoping to achieve and how well we think we have succeeded.
I thought carefully about the image before making my selection, I wanted something a bit different with contrasting shapes and colours. I eventually settled on this image which looks like half a bike coming out of a wall. I like the contrast in the colour of the buildings and the red of the bike. The buildings are also a mix of old and new.

Original image.



Black and white.

My immediate thought was to convert to black and white and see if I can make the shapes in the image stand out more.

 
Increase red.
 
I decided that on the colour image I wanted to make the red of the bike look more prominent so I decreased the amount of blue of the image and then lightened the whole scene. I found a whole section of Photoshop that I had not used before and you can specifically add or take away certain colours. I am really happy with this effect and think that it is my favourite.
 
 
Alter saturation.

I decided to take the image above and see if I could improve upon it by altering the saturation and increase it slightly. I do like the effect but I still prefer the above image.



I found this exercise particularly beneficial as it encouraged me to experiment with the various settings without worrying whether I created an amazing image. I tended to know the effect I was hoping to achieve and I was actually able to produce images that came close to my expectations which did surprise me. I think that I will now be more confident to try out various ideas post processing in the aim of producing better images.


Wednesday, 6 March 2013

Exercise: Managing colour.

For this exercise, you should find two or three images that have what you judge to be a significant colour cast. Make sure that at least one image contains a surface that is 'known' (expected) to be grey; such as concrete, steel, aluminium, thick clouds etc. We are then to correct it using our preferred processing software.
 
 
Colour Cast.
 
Colour cast is when a certain colour tints the whole of a photographic image evenly, this affect tends to be unwanted. Particular kinds of light can cause this to happen.

The first image I selected is a sculpture outside the University of Engineering in Cambridge. I really like the link between engineering and this solid, strong looking sculpture.
The image appeared to have a reddish colour cast to it when I opened it in Photoshop which I think may be down to the WB being shot in shade, which the sculpture was.

 


 
 The second image is much more representative of the sculpture and the grey of the steel. The metal looked abnormally shiny in the image with the colour cast. I altered the WB to daylight which actually worked better and then adjusted the exposure.

 
This shot I took of the roof of the Grande Arcade shopping centre in Cambridge. There is a mix of indoor and outdoor lighting and the overall shot as a slight blueish cast to it.



 
For this shot it was necessary to alter the WB to daylight, adjust the temperature, fill light ever so slightly and also the exposure.
 
I think that I have successfully removed the colour casts and created a more accurate representation of the image at the time of shooting.
 
 
 


Exercise: Managing tone.

We are to perform this exercise on any image, ideally one which needs some of the adjustments listed in the course notes, then edit using the processing software of our choice. We should follow the procedures depending on whether or not we shoot in raw.

Raw.
  • Set the black and white point by adjusting te exposure. I activated the shadow clipping and highlight clipping warnings first for an accurate result. By googling I found out that there is another way to do this, by holding down the Alt key and then adjusting the exposure and blacks sliders.
  • Assess an adjust the brightness of the midtones. I made the image slightly more under exposed as the original is rather washed out and flat. I also altered the brightness and tone curve.
  • It was also necessary to adjust the contrast slightly and increase it.
  • I did not make any corrections to any localised areas, I was not sure the imge needed it but I also am not entirely sure how to do it. I will research how to do this.
  • I have also cropped the image slightly as I think tha this makes it look better.








 
I used Photoshop elements 9 to make any adjustments. I have recently bought Lightroom 4 but am not that confident when it comes to using it. I will practice processing some images so that I feel more comfortable using it.
I think tat the second image is a definate improvement on the original. I think that I have learnt some new techniques while carrying out this exercise. Some improvement can be made however andI feel that the more I carry out the procedure, and with further research,  will b able to produce better images post processing.
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

Sunday, 3 March 2013

Exercise: Raw.

A digital raw file is a collection of camera specific files which record all of the information that the cameras meters can detect. Raw files save the original data that is captured and allows slightly higher dynamic range to be recorded (this depends on the cameras sensor). When these files are read back on a computer they can then be developed; for example colour temperature, hue or contrast can be decided upon later, rather than when the image is shot. If you are shooting in JPEG the camera has to do all of the processing at the time of shooting.
 
Advantages of raw.
  • Detail is kept until post production.
  • If you change your mind at a later date you can use the raw file to make a new JPEG, for example.
 
Disadvantages of raw.
  • Every manufacturer defines it differently and this is kept secret.
  • In the future the digital files that we store today may be unable to be read.
 
For this exercise we are first to set the combination of raw plus the highest quality JPEG. In my case this means selecting Raw + JPEG Fine. This is so that each shot is saved twice.
Plan and shoot three images in three different lighting conditions to include daylight, artificial lighting and high dynamic range.
I have been shooting in raw for quite a while now so  must be careful to get all of the settings spot on as they will determine how the JPEG looks.
On the computer I opened each pair of images. I chose to use Photoshop Elements 9 which means that the JPEG files open straight away into the main window but the raw files open in a raw converter window first so that any adjustments can be made.

High Dynamic Range.

JPEG

 
 Raw


The JPEG image has lost the vibrant blue of the sky to a certain extent when it was saved to the cameras memory card. With the Raw image I have converted the WB to daylightwhich restored some of the colour. There was a slight amount of highlight clipping in the clouds which i have removed by altering the exposure. There was also a very small area of shadow clipping in the branches which again I have tried to remove. I have also turned up the vibrancy a touch to bring out the blue of the sky to appear as it did on the day of shooting.


Daylight.

JPEG

 

Raw



I really made more of a conscious effort to get this image right with the Jpeg. I was more successful in the sense that I had no highlight or shadow clipping at the time of shooting. I have however changed the WB to daylight as I forgot to to this at the time. This has lifted the colour slightly and I have also turned up the vibrancy a little. The raw image is more accurate of the lighting conditions on the day.


Artificial Lighting.

JPEG




Raw.




Again I had shot in WB auto her so changed to fluroscent post-processing which warmed up the image considerably. I have also increased the exposure to +0.70 as the Jpeg looks a little dark and dull.


Conclusion.

When I first read this exercise I wasn't sure how much I would get out of it. I have been shooting in Raw since I began The Art of Photography course and started processing my images in photoshop. I have always muddled through and gone by eye and what I thought looked best without really understanding what I was doing. I have found this exercise great for comparison between the Jpeg and Raw images and will continue to shoot in Raw. I think I have grasped a better understanding of post- processing and how and why we make various decisions when it comes to how the final image looks. The raw images,I feel, look more realistic to how the scene appears at the time of shooting where as the Jpegs tend to lose some of their detail.


Info taken from:
Michael Freeman-Mastering Digital Photography-Ilex 2008
Michael Freeman-The Photographer's Eye-Ilex 2007
Harold Davis-Creative Lighting Digital Photography Tips and Techniques-Wiley 2011
Fil Huter, Steven Biver and Paul Fuqua- Light, Science and Magic. An Introductin to Photographic Lighitng-Focal Press- 2007





     
 
 
 


British Institute of Professional Photography.

I had heard of the BIPP and decided to research them further. I am already a student member of The Royal Photographic Society and have found this beneficial particularly as you are made aware of any exhibitions or workshops in your area. Also as you receive a copy of their magazine regularly there are often many articles of interest so you are up to date with any developments in the industry.
 
I therefore decided to apply to become a student member of the BIPP as they too offer many benefits such as discounts on training, goods and services, the photographer magazine, regional and national meetings and events, support and networking as well as running competitions and awards.
 
My application was accepted and I have already found the magazine to be a worthwhile read. My aim is to meet and learn from other photographers in the hope of increasing my knowledge and experience so that I can develop my own style further.
 
 
 


Saturday, 2 March 2013

Julieanne Kost Photography - Window Seat.

While browsing online I came across work by Julieanne Kost, a photographer who is a regular flier. She has captured these amazing images from the window seat of a plane whilst travelling.
I never think to take a decent camera with me on holiday as I always worry about it getting broken even though I am insured, let alone think to take any photos on the plane. I am impressed with the quality of these images as normally plane windows are dingy and dirty and I expected the photos to have the same feel about them. I do look out of the window when I fly but I have never had scenes like these either. I end up just viewing clouds or bits sea. I think she has been lucky here or maybe I have just been looking but not really 'seeing' what is there.
 
 
 
San Jose to Denver 2003 - film scan of Nikon N90
 
 
This Is Why You Always Ask for a Window Seat
 
 
San Jose to Denver 2003 - film scan of Nikon D100
 
 
This Is Why You Always Ask for a Window Seat
 
 
San Jose to Los Angeles 2004 - film scan of Nikon D100
 
 
All of her photos appear like abstract paintings. I like the unique concept but I do not think it is really something that I would hang up in my house. Maybe I would feel differently if I had a personal connection to the images and had flown to any of the places shown.
 
 
 
 
 


Gallery visit - Sea Pictures Gallery.

On my week off work I also made more of an effort to visit photography galleries or galleries that were currently running photography exhibitions. I am very aware that I am still not viewing enough of other peoples work and am actively trying to change this.
Whilst at the Beyond The Image gallery I came across leaflets for the Sea Pictures Gallery and decided to find time to visit.
Ones To Watch is their first major exhibition this year and features artists they believe to be 'going places'. The exhibition is mostly made up of photographs but also features sculptures and ceramics.
 
I was particularly drawn to work by Rebecca Nason ARPS a wildlife photographer who has created some amazing images. I love the quality of the light and how the darkness of the water makes the reflections so clear and colourful.
 
Northern Harbour I by Rebecca Nason ARPS
 
Northern Harbour I.
 
Northern Harbour II by Rebecca Nason ARPS
 
Northern Harbour II
 
 
Work by Norfolk based Photographer Andrew Midgely is on permanent show at the gallery.
 
Happisburgh Lighthouse Storm by Andrew Midgley
 
Happisburgh Lighthouse Storm.
 
Again I am looking at the use of light here and the detail in the clouds. I want to be able to produce interesting images like this and particularly need to work on how I photograph the sky. I often find my images lack detail here and are often either bright blue or grey/ white. I need to work out why his is.
 
Green Rocks by Andrew Midgley
 
Green Rocks.
 
This is one of my favourite photos in Midgley's collection. It is taken at Hunstanton beach which I knew straight away as I always used to go on holiday there as a child. I am hoping to go back there and create a image of my own that I intend to hang in my house.
 
 High and Dry, Thornham by Andrew Midgley
High and Dry, Thornham.
 
Another image that I really like. It almost has the quality of a painting rather than a photograph. The light in the foreground helps give the shot more depth as the sky and background appear much darker.
 
 
The gallery was quite small in size but the quality of the work was amazing and it was definitely a worthwhile visit. I am now on their mailing list so I will hopefully get to hear about upcoming exhibitions and I will make a return visit as I was in no way disappointed.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Cambridge Style Week- Photogaphy Intern.

I had previously posted that I was going to be a photography intern at Cambridge Style Week on the 22nd February. As I have been working on my assignment I have only just got round to posting about it. I was back to work last week after a week off and with my shift work some weeks it is hard to find the time.
I attended CSWs Ethical and Sustainable Fashion Show is about sourcing and producing fashion which is environmentally aware. The show was also about raising money for Born to be Beautiful which provides beauty therapy training and skills to victims of slavery and poverty.
I was particularly looking forward to seeing designer Zoe Boomer showcasing her clothes on the runway. She supports The A21 Campaign who aim to abolish human trafficking. Her range of FREEDOM tops are to raise awareness and funds for the cause.
Others showcasing at the show were Curious Orange, GD Designer Hire, Rosie's Vintage and Styling by Style Heaven.
 
Below are only a few of the 375 images I took. I was able to stand at the end of the runway in the press section so I was in a great position.

 
 

 

 

 
   

 

 
    


 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 
I really enjoyed the whole experience and it has made me realise how much I love fashion photography. To gain further experience I have been looking for other internships and have been contacting other areas around the country which have their own fashion weeks in the hope that they will allow me to attend. I found that I learnt a lot more than I had expected. I did not want to use the flash gun as the room was right white and I would get a lot of bounce back.
This would also affect all of the other photographers.Instead I went for a higher ISO to compensate. It was also a valuable experience to get used to quickly altering the camera settings as you do not have very long to get your shots while the model walks down the catwalk towards you. I am really hoping to develop my skills in this area and see where it leads.