In one of the very first days of digital photography, I remember being asked a question. What’s the difference between a photograph and a snapshot? When asked, the class didn’t seem to respond, not sure of the difference. All of us seemed to share the same thought, well aren’t both just photos? Later, I realized there is a huge difference. A snapshot is a quick, meaningless photo, taken without purpose, intent and the effect to feel something. A photograph, on the other hand, is a photo that’s well thought out, that should make the viewer think and question the purpose of the shot. A snapshot is merely a slight moment in time, whereas a photograph is a PLANNED moment frozen in time. Relating back to my experience, I feel that within these 12 weeks, I’ve learned how to take a REAL photograph, one that is laid out with purpose and intention trying to evoke a certain feeling. Down below, I put my “worst” photo and a few of my best to exhibit my growth. Worst Best Continuing on with the theme of taking a REAL photograph, we can next move on to composition. This is imperative when taking a well executed photograph. What I’ve learned, is that by shooting from different angles, and using different techniques of composition, you can create an entirely different mood to your photo. Below I have a few more examples of some of my favorite photos with strong compositional elements. Overall, I feel I benefited greatly from this class. I now have lots of knowledge regarding photography basics, photoshop, and in addition to that, I have my very own blog! I really enjoyed the multiple elements of this class and how it wasn’t so limited just to one field. The curriculum is interesting and fun and was enjoyable with the mix of repetition with not only our photo assignments but also the intermix of photoshop. I’ll definitely will be taking the part B of this course. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope you enjoyed!
0 Comments
Assignment Description: For this assignment, we were instructed to go into photoshop and create two different images that obviously defined a certain word. I chose the words shopaholic and autumn. What I Learned: During this assignment, I learned how to change the color of your layer mask background. I also feel that I continued to strengthen my skills in photoshop by practicing certain skills over and over. Such as using the quick selection tool and other helpful tools in photoshop.
Assignment Description: For this assignment, we were instructed to come up with three different visual puns and showcase them in photoshop. Can you guess what they are? What I Learned: Although I don't feel I learned any new skills, I feel that during this assignment I was able to apply my photoshop skills and create a cool product. I really enjoy doing photoshop assignments and I'm upset we only have a few more.
Assignment Description: For this assignment, I chose to shoot pictures of my adorable dog, Chloe. She's a pug, so she is pretty funny looking. But none the less, very cute. Main Photo ISO: 100 Aperture: f/1.8 Shutter Speed: 1/15 Raw Photo Additional Photos: What I Learned: When shooting animals, I highly suggest shooting in sports mode or with a higher shutter speed. Because when your animal is in motion... There's no hope in capturing it. I loved this shooting assignment because got to shoot pics of my dog. If you need a good laugh scroll below to see a funny action shot of Chloe's face.
Assignment Description: For this assignment, we were instructed to go out and shoot multiple shots of a subject with the same background context. I chose to shoot photos outside and around the school. Main Photo Other Photo What I Learned: During this assignment, I learned how to use photo stacks, and became more comfortable using layer masking. I feel like this assignment was really fun, and helped us come up with more creative ideas for a photo layout. Knowing how to use layer stacks in photoshop is important so I'm glad we got the chance to learn how.
Assignment Description: For this assignment, I went out and shot some portrait photos of my good friend Sarah. I tried to capture her personality and her cheerfulness though the "eye" of the lense. Enjoy! Main Photo ISO: 400 Aperture: 1/4.5 Shutter Speed: 1/60 Raw Photo Additional Photos: What I Learned: I learned that when shooting any sort of portrait photography lighting is key. Having the correct settings are important as well, but shooting where there is good light will overall increase the quality of a photo. In the future, I want to try to shooting some portrait photos outside with natural light. Because off the rain this past weekend I was not able to. Now I have something to try again in the future.
Assignment Description: For this assignment, we had to go out and shoot portrait photos using proper lighting and a makeshift bounce light. In the photo to the left, I used a bounce light. The other photo to the right, was taken in the studio. My "model" was Naomi. Main Photo What I Learned: I learned that when shooting portrait photos, you need good lighting to capture detail. Also, if you're able you should try and use manual mode. By doing so, you'll get better exposure and get an overall better photo.
Assignment Description: For this assignment, I selected photos that I shot from past assignments and made them black and white. I chose to do this because by removing color, you're better able to focus on the compositional elements of a photograph. Main Photo ISO: 1/1000 (on a VERY old camera older than I am) Aperture: f/8 Shutter Speed: 1/250 Raw Photo Additional Photos: What I Learned: Overall, I feel I learned how to take a photo's best compositional elements and highlight them using black and white. I will definitely consider taking black and white photos in the future.
Assignment Description: For this Assignment, we were instructed to find multiple photoshop tutorials and recreate them on our own, doing our best to follow the tutorials. After Before After Before What I Learned: I learned a ton of new things. For starters, how to create a pattern in photoshop... Which is not very easy. In the two photoshop assignments I did, I feel I learned a bunch of new skills. They are the following: How to change background, create a contact sheet, use the rectangular marquee tool, and how to make a free transform without altering the image. That isn't even all! I enjoyed exploring photoshop more in depth than I have in other assignments, and I know that next time I use photoshop I'll be able to create an even better end product knowing what I know now.
Assignment Description: For this assignment, I went out and shot photos that captured architecture. I did so using an old Nikon SLR camera that's older than I am. Which prove to be a little more difficult then the cameras we usually use. And because of its age, the ISO was higher. Main Photo ISO: 1000 (on a very old Nikon camera) Aperture: f/9 Shutter Speed: 1/320 Raw Photo Additional Photos: What I Learned: Overall, I feel that I learned how to capture good angles of buildings. Personally, I feel that when shooting architecture your perspective is key to the photo. You could take two pictures of the same building and have them look so different. Perspective is definitely key.
|
Details
Sophie SheppsSophie Shepps is an aspiring photographer and videographer who is up for sharing her perspective of the world. Currently, Sophie is taking a digital photography class to practice her skills and to grow as a photographer. As part of a class assignment, she was encouraged to create a photo blog to express her feelings of the world through picture. Follow Sophie on her path through photography as she learns more and grows as an artist. |