Prof K Pelka : Monday 6:00 - 9:20

Author: Ken Pelka (Page 6 of 15)

Week10 Lab 9 : Still life

Still life is a composition of inanimate objects on a theme

To make a successful still life, light, composition, and framing must be carefully considered

Procedure for still life exercise:

  • Begin with an idea or theme and objects for the theme
  • Arrange objects keeping the background simple and not distracting. The background includes what the objects are placed on as well as what is behind the arrangement.
  • After arranging the objects, set up the main light (first light set up and determines placement of shadows and highlights
  • When setting up the main light, start with side lighting. At this point you would decide whether to use hard or soft light.
  • Move the light around observing how the light is lighting the subject and where the shadows fall.
  • If some shadow area is too dark use fill . For fill light we are using a white card opposite the main light and reflecting light into the shadows.
  • Experiment with changing camera angles and changing the arrangement of the objects  to get a composition you like.
  • When moving the objects, how the light falls on them may change so you may want to adjust the main light
  • You may have to use exposure compensation to correct exposure  
  • images are not usable if shutter speed is too slow and are soft focus
  • Images are not usable if ISO is high and there is a lot of noise
  • May have to use tripod (cup for phone) with self timer

Shoot 25 photos utilizing different compositions by changing camera angles, moving closer and rearranging objects as well moving the light to different positions. Work the subject and experiment

Pick your best one , post to open lab with description of why you chose it

Post to student posts/ lab9 still life

Upload to flickr in album labeled CW9 still life

Upload 2 best to group in flickr

Homework 9: Self portrait still life.

Select a group of objects that together tell a story about you.

These objects should reflect your interests, activities, and or memories

  1. Using direct side light shoot 2 different arrangements of the objects
  • For each arrangement shoot using 2 different angles
  • For each arrangement shoot 2 detail shots filling the frame
  • Total 8 photos

2. Using soft light,( indirect window light ) shoot 2 different arrangements of the objects

  • For each arrangement shoot using 2 different angles
  • For each arrangement shoot 2 detail shots filling the frame
  • Total 8photos

Total due = 16 photos

Be aware

  • Be careful about framing and composition
  • Make the backrground not distracting ( use black or white board)
  • As you work you may have to use exposure compensation to get a proper exposure
  • Use white card to fill shadows if necessary
  • Images are not usable if shutter speed is too slow and are soft
  • Images are not usable if ISO is high and there is a lot of noise
  • May have to use tripod (cup for phone) with self timer

Upload images to flickr in album HW9

Upload 2 best to group

Homework 8: Barriers

Physical Barriers: Something that prevents movement form one place to another. Anything , either natural(trees,hedges) or manmade(fences, police tape, gates,walls ), that keeps you from passing through.

Working outside during the day:

Part 1

  1. Find examples of 4 different barriers. 

For each barrier shoot  following:    

  1. Using shallow depth of field technique from class, move in close and focus on subject and the background is out of focus
  2. Using shallow depth of field technique, take the same photo but focus on background and the barrier should be out of focus.

 Total of 8 images for part 1

Part 2

  1. Visual barriers: Shapes and forms that occupy large areas of the frame that are not the main subject. 

Use the frame to isolate a shape or form in the composition.

  1. Use rule of thirds and shallow depth of field and focus on shape
  2. Use rule of thirds and shallow depth of field and focus on background

Do this for 4 different shapes or forms

Total of 8 images for Part 2

Upload to flickr in an album labeled  Barriers DOF. There should be 16 images in this album. Send your best 3 images selecting from Parts 1 & 2 to the group.

Due: 4/11

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