Week 8

26th September 2014 (Week 8)
Amer Eizwann (0320242)

Introduction to Photography

Exercise 4(b): Composition 

Lecture:
Today's class began with Mr Vinod giving us a general feedback about our last work. He was quite disappointed because he knew some of us just did the exercise for the sake of doing it and didnt put in much effort. He mention that to pass his class is simple of to get an A it not gonna be easy. Originality is important, He saw that few of the students work were the same subject and there was no originality in there. After he explain about the exercise we did the previous week the asked question and explain furthermore about the things that we were not to sure if it was right or wrong. Later on he started talking about Underpinning Composition, its another rule in photography that will make a picture interesting. He showed few example pictures and asked us what theme-based it was so that we know what underpinning composition is all about. After explaining we had an hour extra he asked us to go out and walk around campus individually and took random picture using the element of 3 person and ROT. After the shoot he gave feedback about the shot we took and continue explaining about the next exercise that we were going to do.

Instruction for Exercise 4b

Exercise 4b: Principles underpinning composition
Capture 4 Images adhering to any of the mentioned principles below:
Domination/Emphasis • Isolation • Balance • Repetition • Alignment • Contrast • Rhythm • Symmetry/Asymmetry • Harmony

Print all 4 images on an A4 as instructed in class.

(Put to use what you have learnt in the Zone system exercises here)

4b) Principals underpinning composition (5%)
Marking Criteria: The image must show evidence of the dominant principle used and the supporting principles (if any) underpinning the composition. The principles underpinning the image must be named and should be visible within the image. Students must showcase their knowledge on exposure using the zone system.

ISO: 320, f/3.5, 1/60

Symmetry:

Purely because we can see there is balance up and down also balance on the left and right.

ISO: 100, f/5, 1/640

Repetition:

The mirrors of the building gives the same pattern from the bottom all the way to the top. 

ISO: 200, f/5.6, 1/800

Isolation:

The boy on the right is looking at the couple next to him. From his expression can see that he feels alone and awkward.

4

ISO: 1000, f/2.8, 1/250

Domination:

The guy with flames on his hand was the center of attraction. He was different then the other which makes him the dominate subject.  

Screen Shot:

Feedback:  Feedback week 8

Amer, the first two pictures, symmetry and repetition were acceptable and technically correct but not notable in terms of impact. The last two were not appropriate with regard to the principle ascribed to the pictures. Domination does not simply mean a point of interest that is the closes to the lens, it must illicit a sense of command and power/strength which the picture chosen does not. Also, the choice of isolation was of the exercise for the class that pertained to the rule of thirds exercise. I expect you to show more initiative and go out there and get me an shot that is not according to your convenience. - Mr Vinod

Reflection:

Experience:

From today's class, we started with Mr Vinod giving feedback the exercise we did last week. I make me feel better and more confident to do better in the class when i get good feedback. It motivates me to get better shots. I realise that from now i have to put even more extra effort if i want to get an A for the class. Like what Mr Vinod said, its not about the grades but to me when we hv tired our best a good grade can be vert satisfying. From the experience of walking around the campus, i found out that its never easy to just shoot a picture. A good picture has to be well compose so i hv to know where to stand and when to press the trigger. Patients is the key. Shots are not going to just come to you but when u find a good subject to take a picture of you have to wait for the right time for it to be a good picture. 

Observation:

From today's class, I've observe that producing a good picture is not just  good exposure and good composition, the subject matter has to be interesting too. If its well compose picture but the subject if boring there is no use. During that hour of shooting in campus, i saw that it was not as easy as i though it would be because there was so many people walking around and sometimes it makes it hard to shoot what you want to shoot. You have to wait till the other disturbing people to move away and hope that the subject that you want to take doesnt move. You also hv to make sure u dont look like a creep when ure taking shots because some people dont like you taking picture of them, so that way you approach people  is very important. At times you have to "buat bodoh je" and just go around and shoot.

Findings:

From today's class, I find that as a photographer we have to be brave. Brave to approach people and take a picture of then and also brave to take risk and experiment with the picture we take. Dont stop shooting and eventually there is bound to be a good shot somewhere. Try something different and think before you shoot. When you buy a camera your are basically paying your shutter count which means you are paying every shot you take. So make every shot count.  

Week 7

19th September 2014 (Week 7)
Amer Eizwann (0320242)

Introduction to Photography

Exercise 4(a): Composition 

Lecture:
Today's class began with Mr Vinod checking each and everyone's hardcopy folder individually. While Mr Vinod was explaining to the other students me, Arieff and Yong were talking about each other about our pictures we took for the Zone System exercise the previous week. After he had check everyone's folder he continued with this week lecture which was about composition. He explain the importance of using the Rules of Third in photography because it will help to improve and produce to good photo. To make a good composition we had to frame and make our POI stand out. Mr Vinod had a every good point when he said that a picture should give an emotional feeling to the viewer. He would rather have someone hate is picture rather than not feeling anything when looking at his work. After all the lecture was told he gave us a 5 mins break to freshen up. After the break Mr Vinod started explaining the exercise that we were assign to do.

Instruction for Exercise 4a: Composition – Rule of Thirds

Capture 3 Images adhering to the Rule of Thirds
• Using 1 person
• Using 3 persons
• Using a scenery
When placing the image on the document for printing; place one image with the Rule of Third lines visible and another without the lines side by side (as instructed in class)

(Put to use what you have learned in the Zone system exercises here)

4a) Rule of Thirds (5%)
Marking Criteria: The student must show evidence of knowledge and ability to use the Rule of Thirds under the prescribed circumstances. Evidence of composition enhanced by cropping is acceptable in order to heighten the dynamism or intensity of the picture. Students must showcase their knowledge on exposure using the zone system.

Results:

1 Person

1

ISO 800, f/2.8, 1/100

2

ISO 400, f/5.6 , 1/320

3 Person

3

ISO 2500, f/2.8, 1/80

Scenery

4

ISO 800, f/10, 1/80

Screen Shot

Feedback; 
About the Hardcopy Folder: For my Week 5 work about the Zone System. My middle grey ( Zone 5 ) subject was not suitable. Due to it had to shades and that the background didnt match with the object. The rest is fine according to Mr Vinod. 

About the excersie done:

Feedback, week 7
Amer, the work displayed was inline with the rule of thirds, in addition the work was interesting and showed a certain level of imagination and creativity. Good work. - Mr Vinod.

Reflection:

Experience:

From today's class, we started with Mr Vinod checking our folders. It got the chance for me to see my other classmates' pictures that they took and learn the way they see when taking their pictures. From the lecture today also ive learn how to explain to myself what makes a good composition with the technics Mr Vinod showed us. From my experience i've always been using the Rules Of Thirds (ROT) when im taking pictures to make my POI stand out but i never knew there were so many other theory based on ROT. 

Observation:

From today's class, I've observe that producing a good picture have to consist of good exposure and good composition. While Mr Vinod was explaining about ROT, Conterpoint, Multipoint and Triangular Composition, a lot of pictures came to my head. I could had guess what exercise we were suppose to do next so basically while he was explaining about composition i was already planning how i wanted my shot to be while applying the ROT when doing our next exercise. I also observe that when i look at the examples Mr Vinod gave it reminded me of some pictures i saw online and it gave me more ideas when i wanna do the exercise later on. I could see that the final outcome of a picture looks really good when ROT is applied using the right exposure and settings. While doing the exercise, i saw that my biggest challenge was to find a good  subject.

Findings:

From today's class, I find that its not gonna be easy to compose a shot while applying and obeying the ROT. I would need to know how to focus on my subject and place my counter point in my frame and not over powering my original POI. I would also need to know to place my subject(s) if i were to do the triangular composition which to me is the most interesting theory to ROT.

Week 6

12th September 2014 (Week 6)
Amer Eizwann (0320242)

Introduction to Photography

Exercise 3: Zone System

Lecture:

Today's class started a bit late but Mr Vinod manage to finish his lecture to us and also explain to us the exercise that we are suppose to do. So it began with him giving a general feedback to us about our Eportfolio. He did mention that some of us still forgot to do few steps while doing our blogs such as numbering our pictures and writing down the marking criteria and etc. After he was finish giving his feedback, we did a recap of the things we learn last week and about the exercise that was done about the Zone System. Mr Vinod explain that last week's exercise was suppose to be done in campus but most of us did it at home. He also explain in order to get a good picture we need to take note of a few things. First of all we need to choose a subject that is suitable with the topic and exercise. Second is good exposure. With all the things that we have learn the pass weeks about aperture, shutter speed and ISO it will now test us if we knew how to control them in order to get the right exposure. Again Mr Vinod said that never depend on the camera's light meter because its dumb. The light meter will ALWAYS give u the average tonal value (Zone 5) and not the exposure that you want. Lastly is good composition. Framing your subject well will make your POI stand out thus, give you a good picture. After all the recap was done Mr Vinod explain to us about the exercise that we have to do. 

Exercise 3(b):
The Ansel Adam's Shot
Choose an image worthy of being called an Ansel Adam's shot (Still Life, Landscape or Portrait). In using the Zone System sketch and write down the perceived zones in the desired image and indicate the ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed used. Identify the point of interest and state the exposure settings recommended by the camera light meter and your improved settings upon using the zone system. The image captured must fulfill the following criteria:

3b) Ansel Adams Shot (5%)
Marking Criteria: Students must show evidence of using the Zone System. Student must produce 1 black & white image that captures depth and richness in tonal value by capturing light, middle and dark tones while maintaining details (texture and tone) in the dark and light areas of the image.

Results:-

2

ISO 2000, f/2.8, 1/800

Screen Shot:

Feedback;

"Feedback, week 6
Amer well done with the shot, good choice of subject and good exposure, sketch could have been better but that's ok it was good enough for our purpose. Your reflections were ok and the improvement overall in your approach to your work is visible, so keep it up." - Mr Vinod

Reflection:

Experience:

From today's class, we started off late and then a brief general feedback from Mr. Vinod about our blog. We did a recap of the previous class and exercise which to me was very helpful. Explaining not mistakes but ways to improve our pictures made me think about my work and only then question pop into my head. In today's class i understood more about the Zone System after going through the viewing and reading materials and also doing the earlier exercise with feedback Mr Vinod gave now made it easier for me to take input about the Zone System. 

Observation:

From today's class, I've observe that producing a good picture without the help of photoshop or any other editing tools is gonna be hard. I can see that from now i have to start mastering the settings of my camera instead of depending on Photoshop and etc. Apart from that, i could see that with less students in the class and it felt different to have sat infront. While i was doing the exercise, i realise that even based on the light meter, it doesnt give the actual tone that i wanted or the tone that i saw. The reading based on the light meter was ISO 2000, f/2.8 and shutter speed at 1/400. I find that the result was not what i wanted so i fasten the shutter speed by 1-stop.

Findings:

From today's class, I finally understand how zone system works and know how to define a good black and white picture based on the Zone System. I've also learned to always refer to the zone chart in order to take a good picture. Other then that, i've also felt that with less student un class and by sitting infront helped me concentrate better during lectures. 

Week 5

5th September 2014 (Week 5)
Amer Eizwann (0320242)

Introduction to Photography

Exercise 3: Zone System

Lecture:

Class started with Mr Vinod explaining to us about our mistakes that we kept repeating in our Eportfolio. Everyone didnt do the blog the right way. After he got us clear about the Eportfolio and kept reminding us about all the important thing that should and should not be done in the Eportfolio. After he make sure everyone understood the way the blog should be written he continue with a recap of all the pass things we have learn because he things we still have not understand the full function of Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO. We did a flashback study that Aperture controls the amount of light that enters the camera by the opening size of the aperture leaves. Shutter Speed in the other hand controls the duration of how long does light goes in and touches the camera sensor. ISO then controls the sensitivity of the sensor towards light. After all does recap lectures, Mr Vinod showed us how The Zone System works followed by showing us the Zone chart from zone 1 which is pure dark to zone 9 which is Pure white. Zone 5 is called Subjective middle-grey because different people might have different opinion on which is the middle-grey. It could be between Zone 4 to Zone 6. He also pointed point out that our camera light meter are "stupid" in a way because the camera will always find the average tonal value (Zone 5). Later on he continue by showing us the exercise we have to complete.

Instructions: Zone System
Having learned that the camera light meter is dumb, because it gives you an average or optimized (middle grey; zone 5) exposure irrespective of the subject matter, execute the plan below to prove the theory and record you thoughts on the matter in your eportfolio.

Exercise 3a: Zone System
1. Capture three subjects: one light zones, middle zones and dark zones.
2. Take two images for each subject, one exposure according to the camera's light meter and the other according to the zone you believe the image falls under.

3. Ensure that the subjects you choose for each zone area (light, middle dark) have a good range of tones within the zone's area. As an example if you are capturing a subject that falls under the light zone and the subject is a white wall, it is only going to have 1 shade of the light zone, so avoid such subject matters, choose subjects that have a healthy tonal range within the white zone. 

3a) Light, Middle & Dark Tones (5%)
Marking Criteria: The student must show evidence of using the Zone System technique to capture an ‘accurate exposure’ of a subject with light tones, a subject with middle tones and a subject with dark tones. An accurate exposure entails ‘visible tonal values and details’ in all three tonal areas.

Results of Exercise:

1

Zone 7 (ISO 200, f1.8, 1/10)

2

Zone 8 (ISO 200, f1.8, 1/2.5)

3

Zone 5 (ISO 200, f2.2, 1/50)

4

Zone 5 (ISO 200, f2.2, 1/50)

5

Zone 3 (ISO 200, f1.8, 1/5)

6

Zone 2 (ISO 200, f2.8, 1/2)

Screenshot

Feedback:

Feedback, week 5. Amer the choice of the middle tone subject was not approprite in that the background did not seem to fall within the shades that are considered to be middle. Plus the main object the iPhones were flat and did not have the required shades. Lighting was also an issue, with regards to your dark subject, was done with in door lighting ? It is best to do this work or for that matter any of the exercises using "daylight" as a source. -- Criteria for the exercise was not present under the instructions. Your reflections show an improvement from before and are better. Do look at Yong's reflection and read the feedback I gave him.- Mr Vinod.

Reflection:

Experience

From today's class, I learn that i really have to know how to manage my time to do all my assignments and nothing personal should effect my studies. From today's class also is my first time hearing about the Zone System. All this years ive never heard or studied about the zone system that was introduce to the world of photography by Ansel Adams. Before this i have not heard about Ansel Adams too because my knowings about other photographers was also around Malaysian Photographers. Ive never got to take the time to know many International photographers which i should take the time to get to know. As Mr Vinod explain what was the zone system i could not understand the whole thing but i got the main idea what the Zone system was because although i didnt watch all the videos given or read all the reading material, i ask my friend to read some of the info about Zone System in the morning while i was on my way to campus. 

Observation

From today's class I learn something new which was the zone system. i realise that it's true what Mr Vinod said that our camera light meter is dumb. I've observe that studying the topic before entering the class can be very helpful when u know the basic of the topic. I would not have to crack my head understanding if i had watches the videos materials. I only had time to go through a bit of the reading materials. Basically the zone system is about shades from light (white) to dark (black).

Findings

From today's class, Ive found out that  I have gained more knowledge in photography and about the Zone System as I understand the basic concept of it. I also noticed that i can remember things better if i wrote down short notes about the class so it can make me writing my Eportfolio easier. Also i find out that i study and remember things better when other people story me about the topic. not the explain the topic but put it like as if its a story. it helps me remember the important point and words better.

Week 4

28th August 2014 (Week 4)
Amer Eizwann (0320242)

Introduction to Photography

Exercise 2(c): ISO

Lecture:

Class began with Mr Vinod giving us another quiz to do though the app. 

After the test we talk about our answers during class, I did not know how to explain what is ISO. After the quiz,we had a discussion on shutter speed. We were split in groups for our exercise about ISO. Then, he told us the format and some homework to be done at home.

Mr Vinod asked us to memories the main stops of ISO and shutter. Which are-

Shutter - 1" - 2" - 4; - 8" - 15' - 1/15 - 1/30 - 1/60 - 1/250 till 1/10000

ISO       - 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400
-  Other stops are called 1/3 of a stop.

- Every 3 clicks is 1 stop.

Instructions:
2b) Shutter Speed (5%)

Shutter exercise 1: Keep the fan speed at 1 and capture images using shutter settings from 1/1000th of a second till 1’ of a second. Repeat this exercise after changing the fan speed from 1 to 2 and the from 3 to 5 and so on.

Marking Criteria: The student must capture the evidence of the Shutter’s ability to freeze fast moving objects and blur moving objects.

2c) ISO Exercise Instruction

Upon reading, viewing and discussing the material on ISO, we have come to agree that ISO effects exposure (Exercise 2c.1) and effects the quality of an image (Exercise 2c.2).

Your task today, requires you to prove that:
 2c.1

- ISO effects exposure
2c.2

- ISO effects the quality of an image by increasing the noise and grain of a picture.

2c) ISO (5%)

Marking Criteria: The student must capture the evidence of degradation of image as the ISO increases in sensitivity. The student also must produce evidence that ISO can directly affect exposure.

Plan: To use the same aperture, shutter speed and only adjust the ISO. starting from ISO 100 to ISO 6400.

Subject: Stairways.

Results of exercise 2c.1:

1

iso 100, 1/100, f2.8

2

iso 200, 1/100, f2.8

3

iso 400, 1/100, f2.8

4

iso 800, 1/100, f2.8

5

iso 1600, 1/100, f2.8

6

iso 3200, 1/100, f2.8

7

iso 6400, 1/100, f2.8

This proves that  that ISO effect exposure.

Results of exercise 2c.2: 

1

iso 100, 1/3, f5.6

2

iso 200, 1/5, f5.6

3

iso 400, 1/10, f5.6

4

iso 800, 1/20, f5.6

5

iso 1600, 1/40, f5.6

6

iso 3200, 1/80, f5.6

7

iso 6400, 1/160, f5.6

You can start seeing Noise after ISO 1600.

This proves that ISO effects the quality of the picture.

Exercise 2(b): Instructions

Exercise 2b: Shutter Speed.
Keep the fan speed at 1 and capture images using shutter settings from 1/1000th of a second till 1’ of a second. Repeat this exercise after changing the fan speed from 1 to 2 and the from 2 to 3 and so on.

Screen Shot:

Feedback: -

Feedback, week 4 You have copy, pasted info from week 2 to week 4 which is not relevant (general instructions). The work was done in colour when explicit instructions were that it should be done in black and white. I have repeated this more times than I should need to. The work seems to suggest that you have proved the fact that ISO effects exposure and quality of the image. You have also failed to number the pictures posted, again I explicitly mentioned that in class last week and the week before. -- You are not managing your time well as a result a lot of the work seems rushed and last minute and or not on time. Why? It is clear you have prior understanding of photography and therefore you should be able to complete the work with ease, but instead it seems to be the exact opposite. This is costing you marks. Discipline and focus, manage your time effectively. - Mr Vinod.

Reflection:

Experience

While doing the exercise, I was tried to take various angles and shots to fine a subject that would look more interesting while the other students do their exercise.  I completed the exercise in around 15 minutes. Once you understood what to do the exercise when smooth of me. I was still feeling down though cuz i know i didnt do well in my eportfolio and it was sad for me to here the feedback Mr Vinod gave back/

Observation 

It was my first time trying to test out different type of ISO, before this i use to stick with ISO 800 because either im lazy to change it or i forgot too. I never realise that it can effect my pictures a lot. 

Findings

From the ISO exercise, I found out that the ISO does effect how the pictures turn out. Changing the ISO can result to a better photograph. In the future i will always change my ISO depending on where im taking my photographs.