David Durbak Academia Erudition: July 2017

Assignment 06 A - Conceptual Portraits

UPDATE: When creating portraits outdoors, a shady area is usually better than bright sunlight as your subjects won't be squinting and there will not be dark, harsh shadows to accentuate blemishes and wrinkles. Here is a handy reference guide for exposures:

Weak, Hazy Sun with Soft Shadows = aperture of f/8 and shutter speed of 1/500

Cloudy with No Shadows = aperture of f/5.6 and shutter speed of 1/500

Heavy Overcast, Open Shade = aperture of f/4 and shutter speed of 1/500

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For this assignment, create a series of portraits using an entire roll of film that are creative, conceptual, and above the ordinary by using the following techniques:

1.) Change your point of view; i. e., choose a low viewpoint on the ground, or choose an overhead viewpoint, or get extremely close to your subject (if you have a close-up or macro/micro lens).

2.) Put your subject in a different environment; i. e., in the ocean or a pool, behind a window, peeking out behind a door or fence, etc.

3.) Use props as a different viewpoint to look at your subject; i. e., eyeglasses, jars, mirrors, etc.

4.) Ask your subject to show a different emotion than simply smiling.

5.) Use shadows creatively to frame your subject.

6.) Frame your subject by showing only a portion of her/his face.

7.) Add another person into your portrait.

Assignment 04 - Rules of Composition

UPDATE: Be sure to use the Rule of Thirds when composing your images for this assignment. The basic idea of the Rule of Thirds is to NOT place your subject or an item in the center of the image, either vertically or horizontally. Rather, place the subject your item (building, horizon, person, etc.) in the upper or lower third when thinking horizontally, or in the left-hand third or right-hand third of the image, as show in the examples below:

Successful location photography, which includes landscapes, seascapes, and urbanscapes, is dependent upon several factors:

1.) Learn about the location; i.e., the sun positions (morning or afternoon?), weather conditions (morning fog, afternoon showers?), tides (high tide or low tide?), parking spots, facilities.

2.) Arrive earlier than when you expect to photograph so that you can be ready for the "perfect" moment.

3.) Don't always use your widest lens; there might be details and vignettes that are worth photographing, as well.

4.) Have your selection of filters ready; i.e., neutral density, gradated, etc.

5.) Don't just photograph during the 'best' weather; sometimes, stormy weather can produce magnificent clouds and dramatic skies. Be sure to bring protection for your gear if you're out in stormy weather.

6.) Don't just shoot from eye-level; try lying on the ground or climbing a hill or tree for a different viewpoint.

7.) Don't try to include too much in your photo (which points back to Rule 3; study and find the most interesting subjects and focus on them.

8.) Shoot an entire roll of film of any combination of landscapes, seascapes, and/or urbanscapes, for this assignment.

9.) Have fun!