We are going to focus only on Photo Composition to start with. It simply won't do you any good to spend good money on purchasing an expensive camera, and even learning what all the dials/settings are for if you don't have the composition skills to know what makes a really good photo. One that inspires. The money shot.
So that is what we are going to focus on first. We will utilize the textbook "Learning to See Creatively" along with supplemental material from websites.
We are simply going to start our assignments by keeping your camera set to auto and auto flash. If you don't know how to do this, get your manual. If you don't have your camera manual, you need to get it. (See me if you can't find it) Don't stress if the photo is blurred or color is not right...again, only composition.
Picture within a Picture
Turn to page 114 and 115. Read all the material and look at the photos. Can you see how most of us would simply take the shot on page 114 and think it was really cute. But again, we are trying to get out of the box, get a photo that inspires. That would be the one on page 115. Also take a look at the example on pages 116 and 117.
To get more ideas on the 'Picture within a Picture' concept, check out the following links:
http://www.hubbardcamera.com/2009/01/part-22c-rules-and-guidelines-of-photo.html
Take a look at the four photos of the 'Ft. Vancouver Carpentry shop'. This shows how just getting in closer to your subject can help you find a better photo...one that inspires.
http://www.geofflawrence.com/photography_tutorial_composition.php
Read the first five paragraphs on learning what to leave out of the photo. The example is of the tiger's feet.
Assignment
Practice the concept of the picture within a picture:
- Take two photos - first will be of something/anything of interest to you, then take a look at the subject again and either get closer or zoom in on it and take your second photo
- The second photo should be able to tell a totally different story than the first...so basically, you are not just 'zooming in closer to the whole subject
- I would like for you to take several shots of different photos. Don't worry about not getting the perfect shots. I just simply want you to practice on seeing the different parts of a photo - perfect example is of the Ft. Vancouver Carpentry Shop
- Then I want you to pick your best set of photos and post to our class Flickr account. (See instructions in separate blog)
You can e-mail me any questions you might have regarding an assignment or the class. Or you can also post a comment to any assignment blog by following these simple instructions. This is a great way for other students who might have the same question to see the reply that I give:
- Under the assignment post, find the link 'Post a Comment'. Click on this link.
- You will then see a box where you can post your comment/question. Please use your full name at the very end of the comment box.
- Now type in the Word Verification Box
- Then click the 'Anonymous' radio button
- And finally click 'Publish Your Comment'
