Assignment 2
As I'm not really a motorbike man I arranged to meet at my colleague at his house and took to snaps to look at and get some ideas from.
Once all my exercises were completed a day was arranged for us to meet. The only suitable time was mid morning on a bright day. I had already decided that the Assignment would be submitted in Black and White so I figured the contrasts and dark shadows would work in my favour. All I had to do was to keep an eye on the reflections.
I feel some images are stronger than others and I really struggled with getting some images that fitted the brief. I'm still trying to figure out whether it was because of the subject or just myself not seeing what was in front of me.
The subject being quite small and compact compared to the suggested subjects has resulted in some of the photographs being quite graphic. These are sometimes simple, and sometimes quite cluttered. I have enjoyed my challenge, and found this to be another learning adventure.
Single Point
Quite a simple photograph of the fuel tank filler cap. Being chrome it was easy to blow out the pixels on this photograph.
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| Single Point Dominating the Composition f/9 1/50sec ISO-125 15mm |
I placed the two points opposite each other on a diagonal to induce eye movement and with one of the points out of focus it keeps drawing the eye to the upper left.
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| Two Points f/10 1/125sec ISO-125 20mm |
Several Points
All of the points have been placed out of focus on this image, they duplicate the point that is in focus . This reminded me of concentric circles after throwing a stone in to a pond.
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| Several Points in a Deliberate Shape f/1.8 1/5000sec ISO-125 50mm |
A Combination of Vertical and Horizontal Lines.
The vertical lines are produced by two chrome rods, but the reflection indicate more and at differing frequencies. The Horizontals are of the cooling fins of the piston housing.
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| A Combination of Vertical and Horizontal Lines f/9 1/50sec ISO-125 135mm |
The two piston housings have been photographed together this time. The two sets of cooling fins provide a set of graphical lines opposing each other.
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| Diagonals f/1.8 1/20sec ISO-200 50mm |
I chose this image for curves as nearly all components are either circular, cylindrical or a helix. As the components get smaller from right to left they create implied diagonals.
Distinct Shapes.
I don't know what this par is but the rectangular fins are place in a rectangular shape. The shallow depth of field was used to create interest.
Implied Triangles. (at least two)
I took this photograph at a low angle because it created a triangle out of the whole machine. Also an implied triangle has formed in the negative space between the front wheel and the stand.
My second photograph of an implied triangle shows the logo on the exhaust pipe "Screaming Eagle" this is apparently a trade mark of Harley Davidson Motorcycles. The implied triangle can be seen in the upper right quarter of the photograph. The exhaust leading to the shock absorber and then back to the exhaust along the dark shadow of the petrol tank.
Rhythm
Rhythm is shown along the belt of the drive system. Also pattern is shown by the three diagonal lines of the two pipes and metal bracket behind the belt.
Pattern
Pattern is shown by the holes in the inner and outer part of the disc brake and also within the spokes of the wheel.
As in my report from Assignment 1, the report is broken into categories listed as:
Single Point
This first photograph was met with positive tones.
"Obviously single point shots are simple to construct but your brave use of high contrast chrome against the rich blacks has worked well. Arguably you could extend the black to reduce the filler cap to let it occupy a point where it falls perfectly into the rule of thirds. It might prove an interesting experiment. I think this is one of the few places where the highlights of the chrome are justifiably clipped and the detail retained in the ridge allows that clipping to be held in place."
I have extended the black area. The cap is still not quite central on converging lines of the rule of thirds because I felt this placed it too close to the edge of the photograph. I do feel that the replacement has created by the extended dark areas has made this a better picture.
Two Points
"The Two Points shot is well executed and your use [of] reduced depth of field interesting. The viewers eye sees them as individual items, therefore they no not "need" to both be in focus."
It was also brought to my attention that images on the blog were presented on a white background while the enlarged ones were shown on a dark one. Different coloured backgrounds show the pictures in different ways.
"I do not think it can be underestimated the importance of how we view / or how we present work to view. This could be something worth developing over the next few assignments."
As a result I have changed the background colour of my blog site to one that I feel shows the images in a better light.
Several Points
The feedback on this photo surprised me at first but as I carried on reading I began to understand...
"The Several Points shot did not work as well as it might for me as the focal point was the chrome axil nut ( I think that's what it is!) holds my attention and whilst my eye then goes to the right side of the shot because of the intensity of the white circles I do not consider a relationship exists between the two. I also suspect it has to do with the lack of formal composition to the whole frame where the left hand is unbalanced to the right. Interestingly when viewed on black the entire oppose occurs and the over exposed background jumps to the foreground and helps balance the centre circle."
Working backwards, It was noted on "Two Points" that the background colour can change the way that we see images, and this is one of the cases where looking at a photograph on a black background is more suitable for this particular image. As a result (as previously mentioned) I have changed the colours on my Blog.
There is no formal compostion to the image, but I felt that with the diagonal of the strut splitting the image in half, the left hand having darker shades than the left was a suitable crop. It reminded me of the symbol for "Ying & Yang"
The crop is tighter on the left and needs to be adjusted.
The axil nut being in focus does draw your attention, but I feel that peripheral vision draws your eye away from the centre. Because the white points are out of focus the eye doesn't rest and so returns back to the axil nut that is in focus. I have included below a similar image to the one submitted. This one is in focas across the image and the axil nut is placed central. Though the points are visible it photograph to me does not hold interest.
The final image below is one of the original but cropped to lessen the white distraction on the right and some of the shadows on the left have been darkened more.
Though only very subtly different and with a change of background colour I feel it is enough to improve the photograph.
A Combination of Vertical and Horizontal Lines.
"The Combination of Vertical and Horizontal Lines is far stronger and I thought you did a great job in picking a subject that produced those linear , vertical reflections in the chrome. Again, better composed than the previous shot."
I did play with a copy with a tighter crop but I felt it didn't have enough information within it to keep the eye amused.
Diagonals
"Diagonals might have benefited from something being held behind the gap to fill the white background as the intensity of the white is overpowering and diverts the viewers attention from the graphic nature of the diagonal fins. I would take it to black in Photoshop."
I totally agree. I am still learning how much Photoshop is allowed to be used to enhance a photograph. I am aware that photo manipulation has been happening for a while now. I love the surreal photographs of Philippe Halsman.
Done.
Curves
"Your second Implied Triangle or triangles is more subtle but undoubtable exists. Again, for the purpose of the assignment you tick the box."
Rhythm
"Rhythm is identifiable as it undeniably leads the eye across the page..."
Pattern
"Your last image for Pattern a good shot of the bike but takes me back to a few of my comments made to you from the first assignment where I suggested you must remember that it is not what you know is happening in the shot but rather what the viewer is shown to be happening in the shot. For me patterns are there, but not prominent enough for it to be a successful depiction of pattern. If the spokes were not so bright or cropped down it would be another good curves shot though."
I have cropped down the image further still to show the grooves of the disc brake.
"In conclusion a good set of shots... Some work better than others as far as answering the brief, but they look good as images in there own right."
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| Curves, Number One f/10 1/40sec ISO-125 10mm |
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| Distinct, even if Irregular Shapes f/1.8 1/100sec ISO-200 50mm |
Implied Triangles. (at least two)
I took this photograph at a low angle because it created a triangle out of the whole machine. Also an implied triangle has formed in the negative space between the front wheel and the stand.
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| Implied Triangles, Number One f/10 1/200sec ISO-125 11mm |
My second photograph of an implied triangle shows the logo on the exhaust pipe "Screaming Eagle" this is apparently a trade mark of Harley Davidson Motorcycles. The implied triangle can be seen in the upper right quarter of the photograph. The exhaust leading to the shock absorber and then back to the exhaust along the dark shadow of the petrol tank.
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| Implied Triangles, Number Two f/10 1/400sec ISO-125 10mm |
Rhythm
Rhythm is shown along the belt of the drive system. Also pattern is shown by the three diagonal lines of the two pipes and metal bracket behind the belt.
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| Rhythm f/9 1/80sec ISO-125 50mm |
Pattern is shown by the holes in the inner and outer part of the disc brake and also within the spokes of the wheel.
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| Pattern f/9 1/80sec ISO-125 20mm |
Report
Having received my report on Assignment 2 I am pleased and agree with what has been written.
I don't feel it it necessary to reproduce the report in whole on this page, only the parts that show where I have lacked attention to detail or have fallen short of the mark.As in my report from Assignment 1, the report is broken into categories listed as:
Overall Comments
Feedback on Assignment
Learning Log
Suggested Reading / Viewing
Targets For Next Assignment
Overall comments
My tutor acknowledged that I had presented my Assignment had been presented in a similar manner to my first. He also commented that by using a subject that I was not familiar with was "ambitious". The use of different viewpoints was also addressed in a posative manner.
The final sentence of this section read "Finally I would add, I also thought all of the images were well exposed, processed and cropped with care and attention."
Single Point
This first photograph was met with positive tones.
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| Single Point Dominating the Composition f/9 1/50sec ISO-125 15mm |
I have extended the black area. The cap is still not quite central on converging lines of the rule of thirds because I felt this placed it too close to the edge of the photograph. I do feel that the replacement has created by the extended dark areas has made this a better picture.
 |
| f/9 1/50sec ISO-125 15mm |
"The Two Points shot is well executed and your use [of] reduced depth of field interesting. The viewers eye sees them as individual items, therefore they no not "need" to both be in focus."
It was also brought to my attention that images on the blog were presented on a white background while the enlarged ones were shown on a dark one. Different coloured backgrounds show the pictures in different ways.
"I do not think it can be underestimated the importance of how we view / or how we present work to view. This could be something worth developing over the next few assignments."
As a result I have changed the background colour of my blog site to one that I feel shows the images in a better light.
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| Two Points f/10 1/125sec ISO-125 20mm |
Several Points
The feedback on this photo surprised me at first but as I carried on reading I began to understand...
"The Several Points shot did not work as well as it might for me as the focal point was the chrome axil nut ( I think that's what it is!) holds my attention and whilst my eye then goes to the right side of the shot because of the intensity of the white circles I do not consider a relationship exists between the two. I also suspect it has to do with the lack of formal composition to the whole frame where the left hand is unbalanced to the right. Interestingly when viewed on black the entire oppose occurs and the over exposed background jumps to the foreground and helps balance the centre circle."
|
| Several Points in a Deliberate Shape f/1.8 1/5000sec ISO-125 50mm |
There is no formal compostion to the image, but I felt that with the diagonal of the strut splitting the image in half, the left hand having darker shades than the left was a suitable crop. It reminded me of the symbol for "Ying & Yang"
The crop is tighter on the left and needs to be adjusted.
The axil nut being in focus does draw your attention, but I feel that peripheral vision draws your eye away from the centre. Because the white points are out of focus the eye doesn't rest and so returns back to the axil nut that is in focus. I have included below a similar image to the one submitted. This one is in focas across the image and the axil nut is placed central. Though the points are visible it photograph to me does not hold interest.
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| f9 1/160 sec ISO-125 50mm |
The final image below is one of the original but cropped to lessen the white distraction on the right and some of the shadows on the left have been darkened more.
Though only very subtly different and with a change of background colour I feel it is enough to improve the photograph.
 |
| f/1.8 1/5000sec ISO-125 50mm |
A Combination of Vertical and Horizontal Lines.
"The Combination of Vertical and Horizontal Lines is far stronger and I thought you did a great job in picking a subject that produced those linear , vertical reflections in the chrome. Again, better composed than the previous shot."
I did play with a copy with a tighter crop but I felt it didn't have enough information within it to keep the eye amused.
|
| A Combination of Vertical and Horizontal Lines f/9 1/50sec ISO-125 135mm |
"Diagonals might have benefited from something being held behind the gap to fill the white background as the intensity of the white is overpowering and diverts the viewers attention from the graphic nature of the diagonal fins. I would take it to black in Photoshop."
I totally agree. I am still learning how much Photoshop is allowed to be used to enhance a photograph. I am aware that photo manipulation has been happening for a while now. I love the surreal photographs of Philippe Halsman.
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| Diagonals f/1.8 1/20sec ISO-200 50mm |
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| f/1.8 1/20sec ISO-200 50mm |
"I like the high contrast of these elements and think it works ever so well as a shot."
Distinct Shapes.
"Distinct shapes is excellent. I agree the limited depth keeps the viewer firmly focused on the corroded fins. The black surrounds this to good effect."
Implied Triangles. (at least two)
"Implied Triangles formed from the extreme wide angle is well conceived and would have been enhanced with a cleaner background, as my eye is taken straight to the 5mph sign. The triangle of course works upwards like a pyramid but also sideways to some extent (assisted by the diminishing perspective of the fence) - both pointing to the sign.
Point taken and agreed with.
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| Curves, Number One f/10 1/40sec ISO-125 10mm |
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| Distinct, even if Irregular Shapes f/1.8 1/100sec ISO-200 50mm |
Implied Triangles. (at least two)
"Implied Triangles formed from the extreme wide angle is well conceived and would have been enhanced with a cleaner background, as my eye is taken straight to the 5mph sign. The triangle of course works upwards like a pyramid but also sideways to some extent (assisted by the diminishing perspective of the fence) - both pointing to the sign.
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| Implied Triangles, Number One f/10 1/200sec ISO-125 11mm |
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| f/10 1/200sec ISO-125 11mm |
"Your second Implied Triangle or triangles is more subtle but undoubtable exists. Again, for the purpose of the assignment you tick the box."
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| Implied Triangles, Number Two f/10 1/400sec ISO-125 10mm |
Rhythm
"Rhythm is identifiable as it undeniably leads the eye across the page..."
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| Rhythm f/9 1/80sec ISO-125 50mm |
"Your last image for Pattern a good shot of the bike but takes me back to a few of my comments made to you from the first assignment where I suggested you must remember that it is not what you know is happening in the shot but rather what the viewer is shown to be happening in the shot. For me patterns are there, but not prominent enough for it to be a successful depiction of pattern. If the spokes were not so bright or cropped down it would be another good curves shot though."
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| Pattern f/9 1/80sec ISO-125 20mm |
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| f/9 1/80sec ISO-125 20mm |
"In conclusion a good set of shots... Some work better than others as far as answering the brief, but they look good as images in there own right."
Learning Log
My learning log was found to be well organised with some interesting entries, particularly of the photograph of the turned soil and mist.
"You are certainly doing a lot of reading at the moment, some more taxing than others!!!... unsure why of why some were struck through without any comment added."
The titles struck through are the ones that I have bought but haven't read yet. I have made adjustments to my reading page and hope this is clearer now. As work makes me travel away from home so much I am able to read quite often, it would be a different story if I were at home playing with the children.
Targets for next assignment
Based on this assignment, try and build photographs that contain some form of narrative....
You do not want to lose sight of the ultimate aim and that is to take better photos. If you carry forward the skills learnt in these two first assignments into the third I think progress will be self evident."
Well done with this assignment, and good luck with the next one.
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned elsewhere that you were looking for some ideas for narrative. Here are a few narrative sets by other students that stand out in my mind as particularly good ones. You'll find plenty more if you browse through the OCA Flickr site, looking at the various students' pages.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/clk55pete/sets/72157628080951849/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/clk55pete/sets/72157626988250558/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/southliving/sets/72157625119861657/
http://www.blurb.co.uk/books/3300207
Thank you for spending the time to help me out.
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