Reflections of the lenses

Blog Assignment 5: Ethics

2008-11-19T06:31:00.000-08:00

What are the ways readers an judge the credibility of an image even in this age of digital manipulation?

First and foremost, the reader has to understand nature of pictures. The invention of photography has made freezing an action in a moment in time possible and the ability for one to relook at the photo at any point in time. Hence, there is already an element of time and space manipulation of a simple non digitally manipulated photo. A photograph can be seen as a picture which draws a person to a certain place and time, without that person being physically present at that moment. And thus, there is already missing information as people looked at the image and is then required to reinterpret the picture in their own ways. Hence, it is quite impossible to be in this age to say that a story reported is completely credible just by looking at an image. And thus, one needs to rely on other aspects of facts and figures before saying before that a story is credible.

Imagine yourself as a reader representative for a newspaper. What would you tell a reader who complained to you about a picture of a car wreck that was particularly upsetting?

I will need to ask that individual, in which aspects of the car wreck did he or she find upsetting. If it is in the aspects of blood and gore, then yes, it is the fault of the editor who allowed the photo to be up in the newspaper. The reason for having such blood and gore pictures to be controlled would be because of the psychological and emotional trauma that a person might experience after looking at that picture. We can see examples of such portrayal from war films when the a fellow comrade is seen blown into pieces. Not all individuals of varying ages will be able to with stand and understand the gruesome blood and gore. If one needs to consider the accuracy of the story reported, he or she cant rely on images alone. And this is even more important in the aspects of media reporting. There needs to be other elements such as facts, figures or testimonies to support the report story.

In conclusion, it is important to accept the complains brought in by fellow readers as they are our clients and we will need to treat every critic properly. However, it is to our discernment that we can either take the criticism constructively or ignore it completely. In terms of an upsetting photo, the image should still tell a part of the story, but its details need to be controlled. Especially when the audience spans of from adults to children of all ages. Self censoring is required for the people in the media. As the media is a powerful tool and cannot be mis used or overtly, detailed. There must be control from both parties.

Yup that is my take on ethnic issues.....

Assignment 04: Urban Fantasy Draft III

2008-11-06T22:14:00.000-08:00

This is my third improvement towards the surrealistic design. I hope this surreal enough...

Well i have made developments towards the previous concept.

A recap to my previous concept. It was about the identity of power and femininity around the world. As of the present, many women are taking up very important roles and responisbilities in the executive working world. Hence, claiming power and status in society. And therefore, many people will be come envious of these individuals.

That is for my initial concept.

Now for my renewed and improved concept

As you will be able to see, i have maintained the initial image of the female model. But i have disfigured most of her face with urban structures. Maintaining the fact, that women of present have become wealthier and more powerful. However, this concepts tells about they been absorbed into the fundamentals of material wealth and position. Subsequently, they start to loose their natural identity/self. As you will be observed that, a mask of urban structures have formed on the most parts of her face. Furthermore, the other part of her face starts to degenerate and cracks begin to appear.

In a nut shell, this portrait tells of the degenerating nature of urban affluence towards the identity of the individual female. That the identity of a female is in the danger of being lost to the material wealth and affluence of the urban society. The natural self is lost to the unnatural urban setting of the world today.

I hope this is a better design from the previous. Cheers.

Ed

Assignment S6IX: Conceptual Protraiture Version 2.0

2008-11-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

Okay here it is, the newly updated versions of my conceptual photos. Have A look @ them

Best Friends @ the sea

Sky Diving

Couples @ the sea

Tractor Driving @ sea

The changes that i have made in this version:

Increased the saturation and contrast for the sky diving pic.
Changed the background picture from Romantic Valley to @ sea
Repositioned the tractor picture
Reduce saturation of the couple @ the beach so that information is not lost.

The reason for the changes made were so that information will not be lost, from Miss Jing's feedback. And i have changed the background picture in accordance to their quality. Hence, the quality of the pictures should meet @ least 10 megapixels. As they are taken from a 10 megapixel camera.

I hope you have enjoyed looking @ this new pictures.

Cheers.
Ed

Assignment S6IX: Conceptual Protraiture Part I

2008-11-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

The following are series of photos that i have taken with a sequantial theme attached to each photo. The theme that i want to project is "Imagine". Imagine where you be and there you will be... hence the following photos:

Imagine being with your close one in a scenic valley

Imagine being with your buddies in New Zealand

Imagine being with your love one @ a nice beach

Imagine Sky Diving

Imagine Tractor Driving @ Sea

Imagine Giant Jellyfish @ One Fullerton

As you will be able to see, that my actors do not have a face. All you will be able to see from the photos are just expressionless faces. The reason for it being that way is anyone can be in that photo, place and time. Hence, the imagination element. It encourages people to conceptualize been physically there. In other words, anyone can refer to these series of pictures and say... "Hey I have been there and yeah it was great." Another consistant feature of these pictures will the background. As you will be able to observe, they are natural and scenic. Hence, what i am trying to do here is to incorporate the element of sublime and awe into the photos.

In conclusion, i had alot of fun whilst doing this assignment. Cos it had allowed my imagination to run alittle more wild then usual. Furthermore, the photos turned out rather nice, so then it sorts of compliments my efforts =). However, i will still need to touch up on the pictures to make it more appealing to viewers. Cant wait to house them @ exhibitions too.. Since Miss Jing is so kind as to get the exhibition hall for us. I didnt know i was that "creative" until i took this mod. This module indeed has released my craving for creativity. And i am thankful that i have this mod. Furthermore, i paid only 1 point for this mod!!! HAHAHA.. so worth it.. YEY... the best time of the sem.. cheers

Assignment fi5v3: Depicting Mood Part I

2008-11-05T05:29:00.000-08:00

This assignment has been an interesting one especially when Miss Jing actually placed a requirement in the assignment. And that is, i will not be able to use animals, humans and toys to portray the emotions. Hence, i was then required to use photoshop elements of colour and saturation to express the intended emotions. And thus it resulted the following photos:

I tried tweaking the colours of every photo in accordance to the following:

Joyful,Happy --> I brighten, added saturation to the photos
Gloomy --> I removed all tones of the photo and converted it into a monotonic form instead.
However, i have one exception on the last hopeful picture. Initially i wanted to project the emotion of loneliness, but because of the island and how are the kayaks, it somehow change the ideological composition of the picture. There was a suggestion from Miss Jing, that i might try removing the island, making it a wide ocean perspective. Hence, projecting the sense of loneliness. Will see and compare the feeling of changes made.

As for joyful picture 2, it seems to have created different feelings amongst different people in class. Some of them viewed the picture as Sleezy, but yeah maybe... however, i will try to brighten up the colours, or even make more repetition of the colours to project a clearer image of joyfulness.

Will upload new updates if i have them.. cheers

Assignment fou4R: A Visit to E Biennale Part II

2008-10-15T04:58:00.000-07:00

It took me quite awhile before i actually dare to post this. The reason being that i find all the pieces in the Biennale really intriguing and i like them all. However, for the purposes of this assignment i am suppose to select one piece which have fallen short of the theme of Biennale 08.

Before i begin, i must first state that, if you like this piece that i am going to comment on, please do not take it personally. I am actually judging it from an objective point of view. Hence, no heart felt feelings ya =). Okay here i go...

The piece that i am going to comment on would be the "Altitude Series: Infinite Island Series" by Ryuro Fukuda. Here are some pictures which i have taken during my visit.

Content of work
Here Ryuro Fukuda tries to communicate to the audience on the aspects of a true paradise. The islands are inaccessible as you will be able to see from the protraits posted above. Furthermore it is also suppose to create a unique perception of the elegance and smallness of humanity.

Why did i think that this piece has fallen short in comparison to the other pieces?
In reference to the theme "Wonder", this piece, in my opinion, has failed to drive not much of a surprise but it is more of a beautifully taken photo with photoshop manipulation. It looks as if, anyone would be able to take it and do it likewise. Furthermore, the artist was trying to send a message to the viewers that the islands are paradise, but it doesnt say that people will be on that island and enjoying themselves. Put it in a more blunt way, the portraits taken are somewhat normal and not surprising for my viewing hence, i consider it to be just another picture taken.

Photography technique and manipulation, framing etc
I must say that this piece tops the photography section. But art wise, it might fall short in comparison to other pieces in the Biennale 08.

Assignment fou04R: A Visit to Biennale 08 @ City Hall Part I

2008-10-12T02:06:00.000-07:00

Okie before i start, i cant help it but to say... BIENNALE is SSOOOOO cool... why? cos this is like mine first time and so far, i have been there for 2 times and it never fails to amaze me about how the human mind can think of such things. Well first thing first, from young my parents always tell me about thinking out of the box and the Biennale is, really an example that i should follow.

Okie enough of the informal part of my blog. I will now head on to answer the question stated within the lecture. Before i start, i must let you know that, i am always fascinated with unique art pieces and with a little humour element, for me, it goes a LONG LONG way.

So then, i will head into the selection of 2 successful and not so successful pieces. The selection of these pieces will be according to the theme "Wonder". Hence, it's definition is as of the following:

"Wonder" is a feeling of surprise and admiration caused by something beautiful,
unexpected or unfamiliar, and as a verb, it is not only to “feel curious” or “desire to know”, but also to "feel doubt" - Concise Oxford Dictionary, 11th Edition, pp1658, 1859.

I will then comment on the pieces in Biennale in reference to this definition. However, i must mention that, this is based on my perception of what it has been defined as and it might be similar to others.

A successful piece:
I'm Not Expensive 2008
Installation
Aluminum plate, fibreglass, urethane paint, neon light

Why i chose this piece?
In my opinion, this piece very much says alot about the theme. It is a wonder as it makes me see that i need to look at things from many perspectives. In this case, the car as shown about, changes its direction as i move along the piece. It is amazing how illusion can seem so real. Furthermore, when i looked at it, i thought it was just another ordinary portrait of just another piece. But i was very wrong, as the car follows me as i walked along the exhibition. Thus, i began investigating upon the illusion of this piece. And thus, it got to me that, this piece is not flat @ all!!.. Gosh i was a fool, but right after i laughed at myself and was then enlightened and humbled by the new discovery. Hence, it answers Deok's(2008) arugment that, we always take flat objects for granted.

This is a great piece because it brings "Wonder" to my thoughts and in that process, an experience that is very fun for me.

My Comment on the content of work and presentation method
As of all normal photographs, this art piece has a composition that shows elements of people, vehicles and buildings. However, in this case, it is obvious for the purposes for this piece, the artist has maniputed the photo. The photos are in mono tones with some neon colours, with the focus placed on the element with the brightest tone within the protrait. However, i believe the focus here would be on the movement of the bright element within the picture and hence, the other parts of the picture is non consequancial. These protraits are also life size so it make the illusion more believable as if there is another person looking at me.

Blog exercise II 02 tWo

2008-10-08T05:10:00.000-07:00

August 15 - 21, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
See No Evil?
A young Georgian refugee covers her eyes at a refugee shelter in Tbilisi, Georgia.

This picture is taken from the archives of pictures off TIMES. It is one of the best photos taken by one of their esteemed journal photographers. When I first saw this picture, my initial impression was that, this girl was playing a prank on the photographer. However, this picture speaks more than just that of a playful child.
The context of this picture was taken from a refugee shelter in Tbilisi, Georgia. The refugees were fleeing from the clashes between Georgian and Russian forces. Georgian forces launched an offensive on the 8th August 08 to recapture South Ossetia . Consequantly, Russian forces reacted to the offensive and hence, thousands had become victims towards conflict in this region. The main victim of the war would be the women and children.
Mentioned by UNICEF’s Representative in Georgia, Giovanna Barberis, these children have witnessed killings, exploding shells and displacement. All of which has left these children with psycho trauma and it will take them years to get back to normal life. (see http://www.unicef.org/emerg/index_45375.html)
Hence, after reading news reports on the conflict, I finally came to realize the reason for this picture. Subsequently, the child covering her eyes is no more a prank but a symbolic factor of not wanting to see any more of the conflict. Hence, the title of the picture “See No Evil?” The photo journalist has named the photo with a rhetoric connotation, most probably trying to get the viewers to read more on the conflict. In my opinion, the picture sure is see no evil.
Now I shall discuss on the technical aspect of this photo. It carries with it a standard for a winning photo. Hence, it’s composition and focus is expected to be in an ideal form for all photos. However, there might be a possibility that the photo has been manipulated on the photo shop. Yet, for a winning photo, minimal manipulation is allowed otherwise it will be detrimental towards the quality of the photo.
Depth of Focus.
The journalist has used hard focus, differentiating the girl from the background. As you will be able to see that the girl has a very sharp focus. Hence, the girl is in the center of the photo, directing attention of the audience on towards the girl.

Lighting
The lighting for this photo plays a big part in encouraging the right forms of attention towards the subject. In this case, though not obvious, has a globe of white aura surrounding the girl. Hence, the attention has been directed and stays upon the girl.

Colour
The girl is dressed in bright colours and her skin is white. Furthermore, her nails have been painted red. And thus, the attention is further diverted for the audience to look at her hands.
Consequently, the girl can be differentiated from the dark background and a contrast is obvious.

Composition
The girl is placed right at the center of the photo, and thus, attention is based on the center.

The other photo which shows such clarity and great composition would be another photo journalist.

Pie Eyed
World Pie Championship judge John Young poses with two scotch pies at a competition in Dunfermline, Scotland.

In this photo, we will be able to observe humor and at the same time a single character focused at the center of the photo. There is also a shallow depth of view, placing the character with the table of pies. However, unlike the “See no evil?” photo, the photo journalist instead played more with focus then lighting to place attention towards the character. The reason for that would be that the photo has a patterned background with the other pies. Hence, it will be just too much if the journalist includes another effect into the photo.

In conclusion, the similarities between these photos would be that the character to be portrayed would always be in the center. At the same time, colours are also contrasting. However, in the aspects of lighting, it depends on the theme of the photo.

Assignment 04: Urban Fastasy Draft II

2008-10-05T07:49:00.001-07:00

After my first draft and the critic session that it has undergone, i sort of like understood better of what it meant of surrealism. Hence, this is my 2nd piece.
The concept behind this art piece
This piece tells of the evolution of feminine power through the ages. Depicted by the shadow effect of progression towards the tie wearing professions. The beauty of these females are also part of the factor for the power and status. Hence, the stereotype of, "the good looking people always holds high positions". The eyes on the top left and bottom right corners signify the ever on looking people of different classes and races looking upon these people of power and strength. Different colours of background provides the jealousy and envy brought along with these individuals.

The composition of the pictures
The profile of the female's face have been pieced together with the profile of a Chinese and Caucasian female. The head wear and the tie are made up by the Maybank building in Shenton way. The tie is the same replical of the building, the only difference would be the colour. I used the colour filter function to change the colours of the eyes of the different individuals of envy and jealousy.

That is all for my 2nd draft of surrealism. I hope you guys will enjoy it... thanks... And please feel free to comment. Thanks.

Ed

Comments on a Master Piece

2008-09-26T02:25:00.000-07:00

My favorite Master work piece would be the following painting:

The Elephant Celebes, Max Ernst, 1921

What i like about this picture would be it's ability to protray a multiple number of elements into one. Furthermore, it has a more deeper meaning then just another objectified painting. In it, it hopes to express a certain ideal or thought about the society today. (E.g 1921 is the French industral revolution, where politics and industrial evolution clashes) And that would be, the ideal that we have become so reliant on technology that all living matter has been converted to "man-made" products. As you will be able to observe in the bottom right corner of the painting, a headless female. In my opinion, most painting always uses the female figure to depict a certain message. In this case, the female figure is calling for the "man-made" elephant to follow her. Hence, expressing a certain control over the technology. The artist here might also try to express through the headless figure, that anyone can be in her shoes. And thus, the thought that anyone is able to control these "mechanical" structure.

In my opinion, the artist has a unique humour added to this painting. This is done by using various goods of the industry revolution and ultimately forming an image of an elephant. As we all know that elephants are the biggest mammals to walk the earth. Hence, it also tells of human's control over the animals. Combining animals and technology is another way of saying, nature and man made.

In conclusion, this painting is illustrating a self reflection of the artist's ideals towards the Industrial Revolution, that all is transforming into a mechanical society. In this case, he also expresses human's ulimate control over nature and technology.

This is my take on the painting. Cheers.

Assignment One 01: Subject Elements

2008-09-24T21:14:00.000-07:00

The following photos are taken throughout school. I will describe the photos as they are been revealed through this blog post.

Colours

Location: Lover's garden @ central Forum

This picture has an outstanding orange colour which stands out from the green leaves in the background. Hence, it is a colour picture.

Lines

Stairs @ the central Forum

Lines protrayed by the stairs. So often that we always disregard the lines but yet they are part of our everyday lives. Yet, we tend to take them for granted.

Texture

Fans made by the NUS breakers
@ the central forum

Funny how it seems to be a textured portrait with all the standard fans looking like a man made texture form.

Assignment two 2 b: Class Shots

2008-09-24T20:22:00.000-07:00

These Class Shots are taken from the class Interactive storytelling (NM3217) in the National University Of Singapore

These shots are taken with the permission of the lecturer.

Just something about these shots before i continue. My team of 4 was broken up into a group of pairs. Each pair will be in charged of taking (NM3215 Game Design) whereas for the next pair, they will be in charged of taking the class NM3217, which is mine group.
My role was to take zoom shots of the class. Armed with a 70 - 200mm lens, i was challenged with lighting problems. Apparently the assistance of flash didnt really help and hence, i had to revert back to the usage of the lighting of the room. With the flash, it made my actors look artificial and the background very dark. On the other hand, without the flash, the actors became more natural. Yet, capturing candid moments would be blurred imagery of an action. Still, with these limitations, i continued on to capturing some great moments throughout the progression of the class.

Here are some of the more successful shots:

Lecturer with Students

Having a great time

Trying to find the answers

Thinking... thinking....

Bz noting down some impt stuff

Group think and participation

Lecturer and students

In discussion

Out of these photos i will be selecting 5 shots. The criteria of selection would be that the photos must be informative towards the activity of the class. And thus, re selection will be done, but it seems that i will be having a hard time as all the photos are nicely taken. So then, sigh... i will have to figure i guess.

Cheerios,
Ed

Assignment three 03: Perspectives, Depth of View, Zoom Shot, Low/High Key

2008-09-24T19:10:00.001-07:00

Zoom Shots

Star Trek

Some technicalities
Equipment make: Canon
Camera model: Canon EOS 450D
Shutter Speed: 1 SEC
Lens aperture: F/5.7
Focal Length: 55mm
ISO speed: ISO 400
Metering mode: Spot
Exposure program: Manual

What i particularly liked about this shot would be the effects that it brings to the audience. And the effects as you will be able to observe would be like the back of the space ship in star trek, taking off into hyper space. Hence, this picture is not just an ordinary picture but a picture with a metaphor. The space ship is represented by the 3 structures of the ride and the light represents the flash of light from the back of the space ship.
Hence, my choice of selection.

Self Critic: However, the composition is a little off. Sigh.. it could have been better if i were to shift the frame upwards, capturing the top of the reverse bungee ride.

Well i continued to venture down clarke quay and took a few more zoom shots and here are the rest of the shots.

Here is the shot of a bridge, as you will be able to notice, the bridge is the main focus of the picture. It is the most brightly lited and centered in the frame. However, i tried to reduce the distractions from the rest of the elements in picture (e.g. the lights on the buildings, the sign boards etc) And thus it is one of the few more successful shots of the day =).

Bridge of the center

Equipment make: Canon
Camera model: Canon EOS 450D
Shutter Speed: 1 SEC
Lens aperture: F/5.7
F Number: F/5.6
Focal Length: 55mm
ISO speed: ISO 400
Metering mode: Pattern
Exposure program: Shutter Priority
Exposure Compensation -0.3Step

Self Critic:
There might be a need for me to crop the picture. The railings on the bottom left of the picture is distracting and hence, i need to take it away. Furthermore i might have done too much of zoom and hence, the zoom lines are too long.

The next more successful take of the day would be the wide perspective view of clark quay. In this picture, i tried to protray a post card picture by capturing the wide view of the whole clark quay. Here, i experienced the most amazing discovery. I took these pictures @ 3am in the morning. And hence, most of the shops are closed and the lights from the place are suppose to be dark. However, with the miracle of the ISO technology. My picture turned out to be lively, portraying a sense of a living town but with no one person moving around the place. A picture with mystic and @ the same time of beauty. Well as you see the picture, take into account that this picture has been taken @ 3am in the morning. And clarke quay doesnt seemed to be this bright then. Do believe me? then go and see for yourself in Clarke Quay. Heh.. okie here is the picture.

The "PostCard" Shot

Equipment make: Canon
Camera model: Canon EOS 450D
Shutter Speed: 5.19 SEC
Lens aperture: F/11.3
F Number: F/5.6
Focal Length: 55mm
ISO speed: ISO 400
Metering mode: Spot
Exposure program: Aperture Priority
Exposure Time: 5 Sec
Exposure Compensation -0.3Step

Self Critic: One of the setbacks of this picture would be the white light on the left of the picture. It is the most distractive part of the whole presentation. Taking it away might enhance the quality of the picture. Yet, i must be careful so as not to remove any other information. These information are such as the shop houses and or the boats.

Perspective Shots

This picture was taken somewhere in Robinson quay (aka Mohammad Sultan). What i like about this picture, is that, not only it gives a perspective protrayal, at the same time, it brings out an EERIE theme. It gives another aspect of the feel towards the picture, and that would be emotion. And thus i like this perspective shot as it is just not a picture. But a work of art.

The Ghostly Corridor

Low Key

This low key shot was of the Love Bridge of Robinson Quay. Here you will be able to notice that only the bridge has been lited. I like this shot as the details of the bridge can still be seen even with the low lighting. Furthermore, there is only reflections from the water and the ligthts from the flats in the background. However, even with the lights from the background, it does not distract the focus from the bridge. From probably, it is due to the colorful nature of the bridge. The composition is great too, as the frame is able to capture an angeled form of the bridge and placing the bridge into perspective.

LOVE bridge of Robinson Quay

Equipment make: Canon
Camera model: Canon EOS 450D
Shutter Speed: 1/3 SEC
Lens aperture: F/3.5
F Number: F/5.6
Focal Length: 18mm
ISO speed: ISO 400
Metering mode: Pattern
Exposure program: Shutter Priority
Exposure time: 1/3 sec
Exposure Compensation -0.3 Step

Self Critic: This picture is not dark enough. However, using photoshop might be able to just alter that. Hence, I might need to do some software manipulation.

Conceptual Sun

The next set of photos will be a more exciting theme rather than just the normal technical stuff of the camera. It is the conceptualization of the sun. Hence, i took a few successful shots. These shots reflects the sun's ability to form shapes and hence it gives credit to the sun's awesome power of shadow and light.

What i like about the Spokes of Life?
The composition is great. There is a symmetrical formation of the shadows, one reflecting on the other. The settings of the camera also made the shadow distinct from the lighted area. And thus one of my all time favorites. Simple but yet sophisticated.

The spokes of life

Equipment make: Canon
Camera model: Canon EOS 450D
Shutter Speed: 1/512 SEC
Lens aperture: F/7
F Number: F/7.1
Focal Length: 27mm
ISO speed: ISO 200
Metering mode: Pattern
Exposure program: Aperture Priority
Exposure time: 1/3 sec
Exposure Compensation -0.3 Step

Self Critic: I dunno lehs, you tell me haa..

The Sun Bathed Floor

Equipment make: Canon
Camera model: Canon EOS 450D
Shutter Speed: 1/512 SEC
Lens aperture: F/4
F Number: F/4
Focal Length: 27mm
ISO speed: ISO 200
Metering mode: Pattern
Exposure program: Shutter Priority
Exposure time: 1/500 sec
Exposure Compensation -0.3 Step

What i like about the Sun Bathed Floor?
As you might be able to notice, the light expands even after the corner. Signifying the never ending light form of the shadow. The focus of the light is on the immediate corner. Hence, you will be able to see 3 tones in this picture. Furthermore, with the rough texture of the floor, it makes the picture ever more natural then just a picture by itself.

Self Critic: okie help me out here, i know it might be quite boring, but it is abstract.

What i have learn through the whole assignment?
The great amount of possibilities that the camera can be used to generate a certain kind of emotion to it's viewer. In this case as you will be able to notice the Clark Quay shots and the conceptual shots. It can have a story of it's own to tell as and when they are taken. And thus, the camera can generate this type of feel. However, there are still challenges towards capturing the most ideal picture. Yet, can there be an ideal picture? The pictures which i took and explained in this post are the products of repetitive shots before a successful was selected. And thus, in the ART of photography, it comprises many aspects not only the camera itself, but also, the patience of the photographer. Thus therefore, the art of photography is never an easy task and it will take me lots more of practice and observation from the photos taken by past professional photographers to be able to capture better and more successful shots.

This is my take after this assignment. Please do feel free to comment on my pictures. I am hoping to become a better photographer, will you help me?

Thanks.
Ed

Assignment two 02 A:Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO and depth of view shots

2008-09-05T19:50:00.000-07:00

Another assignment for field work. I must say field work is really no joke. It takes a lot of time but @ the same time, i had lots of fun. Ha. Ha. Okie where did we take our photos? Areas are the esplanade and the Singapore Flyer. Here are some shots that i particularly like.

Equipment Make: Canon
Camera Model: Canon EOS 400D Digital
Shutter Speed: 1/4000 Sec
Lens Aperture: F/4.5
Focal Length: 200mm
F Number: F/4.5
Exposure Time: 1/4000sec
ISO Speed: ISO 400
Metering Mode: Pattern
Exposure Program: Aperture Priority
Venue: The Esplanade

The top of the esplanade. What i like particularly of this photo would be the reflection off the patterned top of the esplanade from the sun.

Equipment Make: Canon
Camera Model: Canon EOS 400D Digital
Shutter Speed: 1/30Sec
Lens Aperture: F/10
Focal Length: 70mm
F Number: F/10
Exposure Time: 1/30 sec
ISO Speed: ISO 400
Metering Mode: Pattern
Exposure Program: Manual
Venue: Outside of the Singapore Flyer

This is one of my attempts towards panning. Although the picture might be alittle to plain but i like how i blurred out the back of the volkwagen and focusing on the front of the car. It has illustrated that the car was moving at quite a fast speed.

Equipment Make: Canon
Camera Model: Canon EOS 400D Digital
Shutter Speed: 1/500 Sec
Lens Aperture: F/9
Focal Length: 200mm
F Number: F/9
Exposure Time: 1/500 sec
ISO Speed: ISO 400
Metering Mode: Pattern
Exposure Program: Manual
Venue: Esplanade Outdoor Theater

I like this photo because it was able to capture and frame the actor in the far ground. Furthermore, the expression on his face had enhance the composition of the picture. This to me seems like a good picture to tell more of an event. Good for event reporting.

Friends With Soccer

Equipment Make: Canon
Camera Model: Canon EOS 400D Digital
Shutter Speed: 1/500 Sec
Lens Aperture: F/9
Focal Length: 200mm
F Number: F/9
Exposure Time: 1/500 sec
ISO Speed: ISO 400
Metering Mode: Pattern
Exposure Program: Manual
Venue: ZhengHwa Community Center

I like the composition of the photo, except for the extra head from the person's back. It would have been better if the picture hasnt revealed the person's head on the left. The next problem with this picture would be the dark skin colour the boys have in the picture. It has affected the brightness of the picture. Hence, the picture quality has deteroriated due to the similar skin colours.

Equipment Make: Canon
Camera Model: Canon EOS 400D Digital
Shutter Speed: 1/400 Sec
Lens Aperture: F/6.3
Focal Length: 173mm
F Number: F/6.3
Exposure Time: 1/400 sec
ISO Speed: ISO 400
Metering Mode: Pattern
Exposure Program: Manual
Venue: ZhengHwa Archery Range

Another one of my sport shots which i had taken near the community center where i was. Archery boards were like 300m away and i tried using the rule of thirds, compliment with the shallow of depth function to focus on the boards on the far side.

However, there are some really really nice pics that i cannot help but to comment. But before i do so, these shots were taken by my group members, and they are really SWEET!!

The WaterFall
By Xue Hua

Equipment Make: Canon
Camera Model: Canon EOS 400D Digital
Shutter Speed: 1/5 Sec
Lens Aperture: F/22
Focal Length: 17mm
F Number: F/22
Exposure Time: 1/5 sec
ISO Speed: ISO 200
Exposure Program: Shutter Priority
Venue: Botanica Gardens

What I Like?
Actually this is a fountain and not a waterfall. But it's size and look of the silky water flowing can be somewhat misleading. But still... it is A GREAT SHOT!! KUDOS to Xue Hua

Still Droplets
By Xue Hua

Equipment Make: Canon
Camera Model: Canon EOS 400D Digital
Shutter Speed: 1/1250 Sec
Lens Aperture: F/4
Focal Length: 60mm
F Number: F/4
Exposure Time: 1/1250 sec
ISO Speed: ISO 200
Exposure Program: Shutter Priority
Venue: Botanical Gardens

What I Like?
Another shot of the fountain... Speechless... Great Composition

Assignment zero 00: My Reflection On The Winning Photos

2008-08-20T05:30:00.000-07:00

The websites has indeed shown many beautiful shots of the moment. Each shot for a specific genre. The photos at the same time, also contains beauty of it's own kind.

The photo named Marta, not only was it a perfect shot with great camera techniques (e.g. right kind of lenses, expensive MKII camera and correct lighting) but it too has a unique feature of it's own. And that is, the picture is very visually explicit. In the sense that you can see an old and young lady in this picture. It really reminds me of the aesthetics of art which is really thought provoking.

This photo is interesting. It gives me the feel of a reminiscence of my past as a child. A sense of association to a time when i am much younger. Furthermore the kid in the picture is not looking directly to the camera, probably, he was feeling a sense of regret after getting himself hurt. Just like how i would feel, sad that i will not be able to go out to play until i have recovered from my wounds.

Back to the art of photography, as we would be able to notice, there is a white sphere forming in the background of the boy. It gives greater focus to the boy, although the boy is off center but you will still be able to sense that the boy is still the main focal point of the picture. Apparently, something that i had learn from 2208, still applies to photography. The blue background gives a calming effect to the viewers. Hence, my overall feeling for this photo would be a cheerful and a sense of reminiscence towards the days of my youth.

This photo has a perfect contrast of colours. As the same as other winning photos, it does not only has excellent camera technique but at the same time it exemplifies a story and drama. This photo has illustrated many actions simultaneously and hence, from this photo it tells most what it was trying to express.

From the first look of this photo, it has expressed a certain "awe" to my perception. "Awe" meant of the greatness of nature. The colour composite of this photo is perfect. With great toning and contrast. In my opinion, it seemed that the photo has been edited with photoshop. And therefore, the effects would be more obvious from the photo.

In conclusion, it is important that the hardware and the software is used properly inorder to conjure up an excellent photograph. So then what is an aesthetically pleasing photo? In my own opinion, the photo must be simple and yet it tells of a story. Colours, on the other hand, could be further enhanced through the use of the photoshop.

This is my take on award winning photos. They sure am a sheer beauty.