Introduction to Photography - Week 4

24.4.15 (Week 4)
Farah Wahida Bt Ismail, (0322808)
Introduction to Photography
Excursion Exercise (Tioman Trip 23rd Apr - 26th Apr)

Lecture
(none)

Instructions
Assignment description:
With the knowledge gained from the teaching and learning activities in exposure (and composition; Jan batch) thus far, capture images that are rich in tonality and composition ally strong. The images must be in black and white only.
(Note: if your camera has a black and white option please use the setting).

From all the images captured, select only one image, which in your estimation best represents or encapsulates your experience in Tioman (or a place of interest of your choosing).

Answer the following and try not to exceed more than 300 words (1 page inclusive of picture, see attached sample; Appendix 1):

1. Describe who you are and the circumstances of the trip.

2. Describe, analyse and evaluate the photograph:
2a). Why did you choose this photograph to represent the excursion?
2b). What was the aperture, shutter speed & ISO setting and why did you use it?
2c). Explain the situation that led to the moment the photograph was taken.
2d). Conclude by reflecting on the impact or reaction you feel when viewing the photograph.

For a reference refer to the link below:
http://vervephoto.wordpress.com
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Objective:
To be technically capable of manipulating the camera and to be able to critically analyse and evaluate the output.

Learning outcome:
1. The student would be able to expose and compose using the manual mode of their cameras.
2. The student should be able to reflect on their chosen photograph.
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Advise:
Decide your ISO first, then your aperture, keeping in mind your desired depth of field and then your shutter speed – bracket the exposure using your shutter speed to determine the best exposed option.

Observe, pause and think before immortalising a moment. The more frequently you do it, the faster you become at it. Good luck!

Exercise

Salang Beach, Tioman Island.  24 April 2015.

F5.6  S1/2000  ISO200

                                                                                                           

I am Farah Wahida, a student of Taylors University, Lakeside Campus. My course mates and I went on an excursion to Tioman Island on 23rd April to 26th April. The purpose of this excursion of visiting Tioman Island is to participate in a simulation game that can help to build up teamwork spirit, to expand the students’ creativity/critical thinking skills, and also to get the students from each batches to get to know each other and make friends. 

This picture photographs a few of our seniors (Jan 2015 & Aug 2014) making a wording by their own body poses. The wording spells out ’T I O M A N’ and a heart at the end. 

The settings used were F5.6 S1/2000 ISO200. It was still quite bright during the day so I used a lower ISO. Lower aperture is used to obtain as much light possible into the lens to help brighten the picture. The shutter speed is as so because I adjusted the shutter speed according to the exposure meter. 

This was after playing beach games, the seniors suddenly get into a line at the beach and started to make poses. We were all laughing hard because of the weird poses some made. I quickly joined Ilana to capture the moment. I shouted “1 2 3” to get their attention so they can pose properly. We took a few more shots of course, to be clearer of the wording made out of the pose and I chose this picture as the best one. 

I feel excited and joyful seeing how the picture come out because it looked so nice, following the silhouette made because of the shadow. Everyone who viewed the picture too felt satisfied seeing the outcome of the picture.

Screenshot of Excursion Exercise submission

Feedback

Farah, the image you captured is a memorable one, the exposure is good as you have managed to capture and image with fading light and the range of tones despite the fading light was good. Good work overall. The next class will equip you with further insight of a particular technique called the zone system. I shall be putting up the reading and viewing info next week.

Reflections

Experience

This was the very first time I experienced capturing pictures using manual mode while I was out on a trip. This assignment taught me to use my basic skills (that i have learnt so far) for photography to the fullest. I was able to distinguish what to increase or decrease on the settings depending on how I want my picture to look like. 

I was also having a hard time using the camera that I brought with me (DSLR D3100), this is because I am not used to the manual settings for this camera. Usually for class, I used my dad's camera (DSLR D90) which I am very used to the settings to change the Aperture, ISO and Shutter Speed. Sarah and Ilana helped me to adjust myself to the camera's settings because it was different than the one I used to, I hope the pictures I took were good enough.

Observations

I found that when I took my picture at the correct exposure meter, the picture looks darker than expected. I am not sure if this was because my viewfinder screen is not good enough or because I'm using another camera. 

I noticed that sometimes I cannot determine the sharpness when adjusting the focus part of the lens. Which sometimes in return gave me quite a blurry picture despite how good the exposure was.

Findings

I realised that even when I took my picture at the correct exposure meter, it looked dark. So I increased the exposure making it over-exposed. Surprisingly, the picture came out as bright and exactly like how I wanted it to be. 

I realised that I need to use a lower ISO when taking pictures outdoor and during the days when the sun is up. Also vice versa when its getting darker during the day.