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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

Info taken from http://www.bipp.com/Default.aspx?tabid=690

 



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

 

 

 

 

San Jose to Denver 2003 - film scan of Nikon D100

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

Info and images taken from - http://gizmodo.com/5978749/this-is-why-you-always-ask-for-a-window-seat

 

 

 



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.

 

 

Northern Harbour II

 

 

Work by Norfolk based Photographer Andrew Midgely is on permanent show at the gallery.

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Images and info taken from http://www.seapicturesgallery.com/Current_Exhibition_3.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.