Evaluate how well you did
I am pleased with how my building images turned out, particularly the use of unusual viewpoints to create perspective and the colours and textures captured. I also really like the evening light in the photos in Bath.
What could you do next time to improve?
Perhaps take a wider variety of buildings into consideration, such as castles and get more of the close up detailed type of images. Also attempt more indoor shots where the lighting conditions would be totally different.
Did you have the right equipment?
Architectural photographers often use a wide angle lens or even a fish eye. As with theme 1, i was using my compact so changing lenses was not necessary. In order to get interesting images without different lenses, i made sure i chose an unusual viewpoint to take it from to create perspective.
Did you choose the right viewpoint?
As i didn't have a tripod, sometimes my position was dictated to by needing something to lean on to get a crisp shot. Where this occurred i had to use a bollard or wall and this then restricted my choice of viewpoint. The result of this was that in some images there were elements in unfortunate positions, such as shop signs.
Is your composition strong?
The images in theme 2 generally required more cropping than the tree photos, so my composition may not have been as strong. However, it might just have been that there are more distractions in built up areas than natural landscapes!
A note about people
The main difference between my images and the ones i researched is the people. None of the research images have people in shot, whereas quite a few of mine do. Obviously in an ideal world you could have the street to yourself without people wandering into view constantly, but in a tourist spot like Bath that isn't going to happen very often. In some of the images the people are a distraction, but in others i feel they give a sense of scale to the buildings, movement due to the slow shutter speed used and also adds a busy atmosphere to the city centre photos.
Monday, 24 January 2011
Evaluating - Theme 1
Evaluate how well you did
I am pleased with the tree images i captured, as i was able to cover a range of different colours, textures, shapes, angles, light and depth of field.
What could you do next time to improve?
Perhaps a greater range of lighting conditions, for example, more variation in the time of day. Another aspect i could have incorporated was a panoramic. I could also have experimented with a longer shutter speed to show movement of the foliage in some of my images, although without a tripod that would have been quite difficult.
Did you have the right equipment?
As i was using my compact i didn't have a choice of lens to think about. If i had been using a DSLR i would most likely have used a combination of wide angle and macro. As it was i switched between the macro setting on my compact and made use of the zoom where appropriate.
Did you choose the right viewpoint?
I think overall i chose the right viewpoint. There were some which were discarded as i'd included too many distractions, but i am happy with the majority.
Is your composition strong?
Overall i think my composition was quite accurate as there wasn't a huge amount of cropping to do with the chosen images. I made sure to consider the rule of thirds were appropriate and lead in lines to create perspective.
I am pleased with the tree images i captured, as i was able to cover a range of different colours, textures, shapes, angles, light and depth of field.
What could you do next time to improve?
Perhaps a greater range of lighting conditions, for example, more variation in the time of day. Another aspect i could have incorporated was a panoramic. I could also have experimented with a longer shutter speed to show movement of the foliage in some of my images, although without a tripod that would have been quite difficult.
Did you have the right equipment?
As i was using my compact i didn't have a choice of lens to think about. If i had been using a DSLR i would most likely have used a combination of wide angle and macro. As it was i switched between the macro setting on my compact and made use of the zoom where appropriate.
Did you choose the right viewpoint?
I think overall i chose the right viewpoint. There were some which were discarded as i'd included too many distractions, but i am happy with the majority.
Is your composition strong?
Overall i think my composition was quite accurate as there wasn't a huge amount of cropping to do with the chosen images. I made sure to consider the rule of thirds were appropriate and lead in lines to create perspective.
Saturday, 22 January 2011
Nikon tutorial for photographing architecture
This video provides some tips for photographing architecture.
1. Be aware of perspective distortion or converging verticals
2. Use a wide angle lens or fisheye for a more unusual view
3. Use a high ISO in low light
4. If you need a shutter speed slower than 1/30 sec use a tripod to avoid camera shake
5. Consider position wisely to decide if you need to include the surroundings
6. Look out for eye catching patterns and shapes
7. Use fill in flash where necessary
Thursday, 20 January 2011
David Noton - Chasing the Light DVD Extracts
Here is an extract from his DVD 'Chasing the Light' showing the key aspects he thinks are most important when he is working.
1. Location finding and visualisation
2. Choosing time of day to get the best light
3. Shape, composition and perspective
4. Colour, contrast and tone
5. Post Production
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
Choosing Final Images - Theme 2
The images that didn't make it to the final ten were discarded for various reasons. One example being that there would have been a fair amount of retouching work to do to remove distractions such as a shop sign. This was the case with the street image below.
The other main reason was that there were too many similar images. For example, I took quite a few on a visit to a local church, which became a little repetitive in content. So although there wasn't anything wrong with them exactly, the most interesting were chosen above the rest. An example of the kind of image that was left out is below.
Image 1 was chosen for the way the light shone through the columns and the line created by the buildings.
Image 2 again this was about the light shining from the beautifully shaped windows.
Image 3 was chosen as i liked the perspective created by the position of the camera and the carved ladder.
Image 4 was a bit different with the bollard in the immediate foreground and the archway blurred behind.
Image 5 used the simple composition and lack of colours of a leaded window.
Image 6 used bright colours, textured glass and curved lead to create a close up detail shot.
Image 7 was chosen for the unusual viewpoint, position of the passing cloud and the frame created.
Image 8 is about the texture of the bricks and the strong shape created by the corner of the wall.
Image 9 was chosen for the interesting angles the roofs make with the spire in the centre.
Image 10 was chosen for the way the archway framed the city.
Saturday, 15 January 2011
Choosing Final Images - Theme 1
The images that didn't make it to the final ten were discarded for various reasons. One example being that there would have been a fair amount of retouching work to do to remove distractions such as mud. This was the case with the leaf image below.
The other main reason was some of the images were generally less striking, perhaps with less interesting lighting conditions or content too similar to what had already been chosen. An example of this can be seen below.
The final ten cover a variety of ways of photographing trees.
Image 1 was chosen for the interesting sky detail and shape of the tree.
Image 2 was chosen to make use of macro to show the detail in a leaf.
Image 3 shows focus on colour and leaf shape.
Image 4 uses a tree to frame a scene.
Image 5 is an example of a silhouette.
Image 6 was all about the graphic shape of the branches and the contrast against the sky.
Image 7 was from an unusual viewpoint, focusing on bark texture and the sunlight above.
Image 8 shows a different way of lighting.
Image 9 was kept as a simple composition to focus on the colours.
Image 10 was about showing the branch shape, the sun on the foliage and the colours.
Sunday, 9 January 2011
Comparison with Research - Theme 2
The image at the top is by Nadia Mackenzie. I liked the use of structure to create a frame for the viewer. I chose a viewpoint which enabled me to make an unusual frame.
The image above is by Mark Fiennes. I loved the use of light to draw attention to the building's structure. I attempted to do the same in this image with the lit columns.
The image above is by Nick Meers. This is another example of the use of framing in architectural photography. My image attempted the same using the archway.
The image above is by Ashley Franklin. I liked his use of perspective which made the building tower over the viewer. I decided to attempt a similar image with the same type of architecture.
The image above is by Antony Weller. I liked the way this image showed the textures of the building material. Although in his image it has been carved in this way, i chose an example of weathered texture instead.
Comparison with Research - Theme 1
Here are some examples of how i used the research to influence my own work.
The image on the left is by Tony Howell. This photograph inspired me to look for eye catching colours in the local landscape. Although the compostition is totally different, it was the colour that i found striking in his work.
The image on the left is by Jeremy Walker. After seeing this i wanted to try and capture a backlit tree which showed the shape of the foliage. Although the conditions and time of day were not alike, i still think the concept of the light worked.
The image on the left is by John Potter. I liked how the shape of the tree dominated the picture. I attempted to recreate this by choosing a nicely shaped tree with contrasting sky behind it.
The image on the left is by Andrew Lawson. It is all about the shape that the knarled tree branches make. Although mine is a brightly coloured version i still liked the shape the trunk and branches created.
The image on the left is by David Noton. I loved the way the light shone through the trees and reflected off the water. Although taken at a different time of day, this is my attempt at sunlight peering through foliage.
The image on the left is by Tony Howell. This photograph inspired me to look for eye catching colours in the local landscape. Although the compostition is totally different, it was the colour that i found striking in his work.
The image on the left is by Jeremy Walker. After seeing this i wanted to try and capture a backlit tree which showed the shape of the foliage. Although the conditions and time of day were not alike, i still think the concept of the light worked. 
Thursday, 6 January 2011
Image Processing
As the initial step all images needed to be resized and cropped using Photoshop. Once this was done images that needed further processing could be chosen. Generally I prefer to keep the Photoshop work to a minimum wherever possible. With this in mind I chose images that were promising but needed some minor adjustments such as removing a distracting element from them. Examples of these elements are power lines and centrally placed clods of mud.
In order to resize and crop i followed these steps:
Open the image, choose the crop tool, enter the dimensions (in this case for A3), drag the crop box over the image and confirm the crop. Below is an example of cropping.
In order to remove the distracting parts of photos i followed these steps:
Open the image, choose the clone stamp tool, click a part of the image that you would like to clone and then paint over the distracting area with this. Another option which can be used is the healing brush tool. This is where the software tries to match the patterns and textures from the surrounding area in order to blend it in. Below is an example of cloning.
Cropping needed to be used sparingly if possible as losing pixels isn't useful especially if using a compact sensor (like mine). The main thing is to get the composition right (or as close to right as possible) in camera. Generally i used the crop tool to emphasize the focal point more strongly and to remove any oddly positioned distractions at the sides of the image.
Below are examples of images that required a more substantial crop than the others.
The top image needed the people cropping out, the second image the sale signs, the third image as much of the people as possible, the fourth image the drainpipe and the final image the railings.
Here are the screenshots to show how they looked after the crops.
There are obviously many things that could be done using Photoshop but given the content of my images (nature) it seemed inappropriate to do much as it can make photos look unrealistic (in my opinion). Also given the amount of time it can take to make major adjustments (as a novice) it is questionable as to what is a worthwhile change.
In order to resize and crop i followed these steps:
Open the image, choose the crop tool, enter the dimensions (in this case for A3), drag the crop box over the image and confirm the crop. Below is an example of cropping.
In order to remove the distracting parts of photos i followed these steps:
Open the image, choose the clone stamp tool, click a part of the image that you would like to clone and then paint over the distracting area with this. Another option which can be used is the healing brush tool. This is where the software tries to match the patterns and textures from the surrounding area in order to blend it in. Below is an example of cloning.
Cropping needed to be used sparingly if possible as losing pixels isn't useful especially if using a compact sensor (like mine). The main thing is to get the composition right (or as close to right as possible) in camera. Generally i used the crop tool to emphasize the focal point more strongly and to remove any oddly positioned distractions at the sides of the image.
Below are examples of images that required a more substantial crop than the others.
Here are the screenshots to show how they looked after the crops.
There are obviously many things that could be done using Photoshop but given the content of my images (nature) it seemed inappropriate to do much as it can make photos look unrealistic (in my opinion). Also given the amount of time it can take to make major adjustments (as a novice) it is questionable as to what is a worthwhile change.
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
Inspiration from Research - Theme 2
Antony Weller
Images 21 and 22 show the use of lead in lines.
Images 14 and 23 were taken from unusual viewpoints.
Mark Fiennes
Images 1 and 15 show interesting shapes.
Nadia Mackenzie
Images 3, 7 and 9 use simple graphic shapes and compositions.
Nick Meers
Images 3, 17, 20, 21, 22 and 23 use light to create atmosphere.
Ashley Franklin
Images 3, 5, 7, 9, 13, 15, 19, 20 and 22 create interesting perspective.
Images 2, 7, 10 and 13 use framing.
Images 5, 10 and 21 include sky interest.
Images 21 and 22 show the use of lead in lines.
Images 14 and 23 were taken from unusual viewpoints.
Mark Fiennes
Images 1 and 15 show interesting shapes.
Nadia Mackenzie
Images 3, 7 and 9 use simple graphic shapes and compositions.
Nick Meers
Images 3, 17, 20, 21, 22 and 23 use light to create atmosphere.
Ashley Franklin
Images 3, 5, 7, 9, 13, 15, 19, 20 and 22 create interesting perspective.
Images 2, 7, 10 and 13 use framing.
Images 5, 10 and 21 include sky interest.
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
Image Log - Theme 2
All of these images were taken using my compact camera (no other equipment) with no post processing. As with Theme one, the content is a mixture of close ups and wider shots. I took the photos over various days under different lighting/weather conditions. The church images were taken on a sunny day with wonderful blue skies as the backdrop. The weather in Bath was quite dull and boring so i was pleased to get the chance to take some photos after dark as a contrast.
Locations
Images 1 - 10 were taken in my local village.
Images 11 and 12 were taken in my house.
Images 13 - 23 were taken in Bath city centre.
Techniques
Images 4 and 15 show shallow depth of field due to the use of macro on my camera.
Images 17, 20, 21 and 22 show how light can be used to transform a subject in various ways.
Images 2, 8 and 14 show considered composition, such as the rule of thirds.
Images 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13, 18 and 19 were taken from an unusual position to create a more interesting perspective.
Image 11 was taken to make the most of the colours.
Images 1, 6, 12 and 23 are to illustrate various textures and patterns.
Images 16, 20 and 21 show some movement through the frame due to the people walking past.
Equipment Operation
As with the Nature theme, all the images were taken on Manual. The main difference here was that some of the later images were taken as night was falling. This resulted in some very slow shutter speeds. I had the aperture on the widest setting to let as much light in as possible. I also made sure i leaned against walls etc where available due to not having a tripod. I could have pushed the ISO higher on occasion but i wanted to avoid degrading the image quality if i could. The result of this is that some of the lowlight photos have come out less than crisp.
Ethical, Safety and Legal Considerations
As far as i am aware you do not need any special permissions to enter church owned land. Whilst taking the church images i was careful to be respectful i.e not being there during a service. During my time in the city of Bath i made sure i didn't take photos that were intrusive to the people in them. Most people didn't notice i was there and if anyone had approached me i would have explained what i was doing and offered to delete any they were caught in. Luckily this didn't happen!
Locations
Images 1 - 10 were taken in my local village.
Images 11 and 12 were taken in my house.
Images 13 - 23 were taken in Bath city centre.
Techniques
Images 4 and 15 show shallow depth of field due to the use of macro on my camera.
Images 17, 20, 21 and 22 show how light can be used to transform a subject in various ways.
Images 2, 8 and 14 show considered composition, such as the rule of thirds.
Images 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13, 18 and 19 were taken from an unusual position to create a more interesting perspective.
Image 11 was taken to make the most of the colours.
Images 1, 6, 12 and 23 are to illustrate various textures and patterns.
Images 16, 20 and 21 show some movement through the frame due to the people walking past.
Equipment Operation
As with the Nature theme, all the images were taken on Manual. The main difference here was that some of the later images were taken as night was falling. This resulted in some very slow shutter speeds. I had the aperture on the widest setting to let as much light in as possible. I also made sure i leaned against walls etc where available due to not having a tripod. I could have pushed the ISO higher on occasion but i wanted to avoid degrading the image quality if i could. The result of this is that some of the lowlight photos have come out less than crisp.
Ethical, Safety and Legal Considerations
As far as i am aware you do not need any special permissions to enter church owned land. Whilst taking the church images i was careful to be respectful i.e not being there during a service. During my time in the city of Bath i made sure i didn't take photos that were intrusive to the people in them. Most people didn't notice i was there and if anyone had approached me i would have explained what i was doing and offered to delete any they were caught in. Luckily this didn't happen!
Building Images
Here is a selection of images that i took for theme 2...
1. Aperture = F/5 Shutter Speed = 1/100 sec. Sensitivity = ISO 320 35mm Equivalent Focal Length = 96mm
2. F/5 1/200 sec. ISO 100 44mm
3. F/5 1/200 sec. ISO 100 25mm
4. F/5 1/80 sec. ISO 250 25mm
5. F/5 1/250 sec. ISO 80 25mm
6. F/5 1/200 sec. ISO 80 29mm
7. F/5 1/200 sec. ISO 80 55mm
8. F/5 1/250 sec. ISO 80 96mm
9. F/5 1/320 sec. ISO 160 25mm
10. F/5 1/320 sec. ISO 100 25mm
11. F/3.3 1/13 sec. ISO 160 25mm
12. F/3.3 1/60 sec. ISO 80 25mm
13. F/4 1/13 sec. ISO 100 25mm
14. F/3.3 1/5 sec. ISO 100 25mm
15. F/3.3 1/5 sec. ISO 100 25mm
16. F/3.3 1/8 sec. ISO 80 25mm
17. F/3.3 1/13 sec. ISO 320 25mm
18. F/3.3 1/4 sec. ISO 100 25mm
19. F/3.3 1/2 sec. ISO 100 25mm
20. F/3.8 1/4 sec. ISO 320 52mm
21. F/3.3 1/4 sec. ISO 250 25mm
22. F/3.3 1/4 sec. ISO 250 25mm
23. F/3.3 1/4 sec. ISO 200 25mm
1. Aperture = F/5 Shutter Speed = 1/100 sec. Sensitivity = ISO 320 35mm Equivalent Focal Length = 96mm
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