teacher: kenji tachibana digital photography i. spenv: follow up free choice shoot - 48 slides...

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography I.

spEnv: Follow UpspEnv: Follow Up

Free Choice Shoot - Free Choice Shoot - 48 slides48 slides

Copyright © 2003 - 2009 Kenji Tachibana

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography IAssignment Follow Up:Assignment Follow Up:

OOverview:verview:

You’ve now finished up with the complete 3-phases You’ve now finished up with the complete 3-phases (stages) self portrait series. Congratulation, most of (stages) self portrait series. Congratulation, most of you have stories that range from excellent to you have stories that range from excellent to acceptable. Those students will move into the final acceptable. Those students will move into the final project phase with a Tight-Layout‘ feedback from me.project phase with a Tight-Layout‘ feedback from me.

A few students still need more time to come up with an A few students still need more time to come up with an acceptable story idea. Those students will not get a acceptable story idea. Those students will not get a tight layout feedback. And they need to consider tight layout feedback. And they need to consider themselves ‘late’ which will affect the grade.themselves ‘late’ which will affect the grade.


OOverview: Storyverview: Story

A story must have a subject. To make it interesting, the A story must have a subject. To make it interesting, the subject must have a few supporting characters that I subject must have a few supporting characters that I refer to as 2refer to as 2ndnd and 3 and 3rdrd reading elements. reading elements.

The element can be a prop, lighting, aperture setting, The element can be a prop, lighting, aperture setting, shutter speed setting, or photographic design element. shutter speed setting, or photographic design element. It might even be about repetition of color, line, texture, It might even be about repetition of color, line, texture, curve, corner, or even concept.curve, corner, or even concept.

Although, limit yourself to using elements (prop, Although, limit yourself to using elements (prop, accessory, color, symbol, etc) that you understand.accessory, color, symbol, etc) that you understand.


OOverview: Packing for storyverview: Packing for story

Intentionally putting in 2Intentionally putting in 2ndnd and 3 and 3rdrd reading elements is reading elements is called ‘Packing’. It can also be thought of as ‘plating called ‘Packing’. It can also be thought of as ‘plating story elements’. story elements’.

As a student, there is no budget for an assistant or a As a student, there is no budget for an assistant or a stylist to help accessorize an assignment shoot or to stylist to help accessorize an assignment shoot or to find locations. So, take advantage of your own team find locations. So, take advantage of your own team members to help you. Be open to being surprised by members to help you. Be open to being surprised by team or class mate’s hidden talents.team or class mate’s hidden talents.


OOverview: Natural openingsverview: Natural openings

Once you know your story and make a heart felt Once you know your story and make a heart felt commitment to it. It is amazing how easily team mates commitment to it. It is amazing how easily team mates understand your story. And it is not just your team or understand your story. And it is not just your team or class mates. class mates.

Amazing coincidences can happen to deliver just the Amazing coincidences can happen to deliver just the right prop or a location for your shot in unexpected or right prop or a location for your shot in unexpected or even unlikely situations.even unlikely situations.


OOverview: Many waysverview: Many ways

There is no one perfect method for coming up with a There is no one perfect method for coming up with a story. Although there are some methods which might story. Although there are some methods which might work for you: Methods such as:work for you: Methods such as:

1.1.Brain storming – group discussionBrain storming – group discussion2.2.Mind mapping – word associationMind mapping – word association3.3.Sketching – simple line drawingSketching – simple line drawing4.4.Stealing – get inspired by the masters and recreate Stealing – get inspired by the masters and recreate their master peace. I guarantee that you will learn a their master peace. I guarantee that you will learn a lot from such a process.lot from such a process.


OOverview: Stealing historyverview: Stealing history

Painters have been studying the master for centuries. Painters have been studying the master for centuries. It is one proven way of learning. And if you do move It is one proven way of learning. And if you do move on with the ‘master inspired’ approach, keep one very on with the ‘master inspired’ approach, keep one very critical thing in mind. And that is to give full credit to critical thing in mind. And that is to give full credit to the original. the original.

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography IAssignment Follow Up: Student example Assignment Follow Up: Student example

FFree Choice: 2_alfonsoBest.jpgree Choice: 2_alfonsoBest.jpg

Alfonso was a student with a ‘natural eye’ for image Alfonso was a student with a ‘natural eye’ for image making. I am using his Free Choice shot for this demo. making. I am using his Free Choice shot for this demo. He needed help with technique, understanding light , He needed help with technique, understanding light , following directions, and in coming up with good story following directions, and in coming up with good story titles…titles…

Often the ability to follow precise instructions and the Often the ability to follow precise instructions and the ability to see-the-beauty-of-light does not reside in one ability to see-the-beauty-of-light does not reside in one person. And those students also have difficulty coming person. And those students also have difficulty coming up with titles before and even after the fact…up with titles before and even after the fact…

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography IAssignment Follow Up: Student exampleAssignment Follow Up: Student example

NNext Phase: Some assumptionsext Phase: Some assumptions

The next slides assumes that the Bridge is already open The next slides assumes that the Bridge is already open with the file management window pointing at the assign-with the file management window pointing at the assign-in folder. And that 2_alfonsoBest.jpg image thumbnail is in folder. And that 2_alfonsoBest.jpg image thumbnail is showing in the Content pane (window) in the center showing in the Content pane (window) in the center section.section.

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography IAssignment Follow Up: Just watch for now…Assignment Follow Up: Just watch for now…

MMouse Click: Single and doubleouse Click: Single and double

1.1.Single-clickingSingle-clicking on the thumbnail image gives you on the thumbnail image gives you access to its Metadata (EXIF and file property info).access to its Metadata (EXIF and file property info).

2.2.Double-clicking Double-clicking on the image will open iton the image will open itin Photoshop.in Photoshop.3.3.Once open, click on the Once open, click on the Magnify ToolMagnify ToolIn the In the ToolboxToolbox..4.4.Instantly, the Instantly, the Options Menu, Options Menu, directly under the directly under the application Menu, will change to match the selected application Menu, will change to match the selected tool as shown below.tool as shown below.

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography IAssignment Follow Up: Just watch for now…Assignment Follow Up: Just watch for now…

MMagnify: Actual Pixel display Menu Optionagnify: Actual Pixel display Menu Option

5.5.Choose Choose Actual Pixels Actual Pixels size from the Option menu. size from the Option menu. The center section of the image will be enlarged to The center section of the image will be enlarged to 100% 100% true sizetrue size. All other display settings are . All other display settings are ‘interpolated’, which means fake. Photoshop is good at ‘interpolated’, which means fake. Photoshop is good at faking but it is not true.faking but it is not true.

6.6.Use the Actual Size display for checking image quality Use the Actual Size display for checking image quality such as sharpness, noise level, and doing super critical such as sharpness, noise level, and doing super critical retouching or outlining work. retouching or outlining work.

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography IAssignment Follow Up: Alfonso’s ‘Rain’Assignment Follow Up: Alfonso’s ‘Rain’

SStory: Titletory: Title

The one word titleThe one word title Rain Rain is a noun. Where asis a noun. Where asRaining Raining is a verbis a verbdescribing a process,describing a process,an action word.an action word.

An image of an actionAn image of an actionhas a lot better chancehas a lot better chanceof being more visuallyof being more visuallyinteresting than just ainteresting than just anoun, an ID shot. In the class text book, there is a comparable noun, an ID shot. In the class text book, there is a comparable example in the Half-Full Story showing both a static ID and a example in the Half-Full Story showing both a static ID and a pouring action-shot.pouring action-shot.


WWhere is the Rain? here is the Rain?

Deliver the goods. If theDeliver the goods. If thetitle is Rain. The viewertitle is Rain. The viewermust be able to see itmust be able to see itwithout having to searchwithout having to searchfor it. What I actually seefor it. What I actually seeis a very poetic renderingis a very poetic renderingof ‘After the Rain’.of ‘After the Rain’.This image hints atThis image hints atAlfonso’s natural ability to overlay good design over his picture Alfonso’s natural ability to overlay good design over his picture taking. Even though the image is seriously under exposed, it still taking. Even though the image is seriously under exposed, it still shows that he has a natural ability to see beautiful lighting.shows that he has a natural ability to see beautiful lighting.

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography IAssignment Follow Up: Become discerningAssignment Follow Up: Become discerning

TTechnique: Get it rightechnique: Get it right

This image is seriously underThis image is seriously underexposed but all the studentexposed but all the studentgave a very positive feedbackgave a very positive feedbackabout the exposure. And thatabout the exposure. And thatis because they saw his is because they saw his poetry. poetry.

There is a difference between Moody dark (low-key) and There is a difference between Moody dark (low-key) and under exposure. It has to do with the white point. There must under exposure. It has to do with the white point. There must be some true white in the image. Please learn to tell the be some true white in the image. Please learn to tell the difference and please try to give accurate feedback about difference and please try to give accurate feedback about technique.technique.

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography IAssignment Follow Up: Giving helpful feedbackAssignment Follow Up: Giving helpful feedback

NNatural Unknowing:atural Unknowing:

The reasons for not sharingThe reasons for not sharingAccurate feedback ranges fromAccurate feedback ranges fromtechnical ignorance and tryingtechnical ignorance and tryingto be supportive. I applaud theto be supportive. I applaud thepositive instinct but not the confusion that it creates. positive instinct but not the confusion that it creates.

Now that you have done the EC test shoot several times Now that you have done the EC test shoot several times and ways, you have experience and concrete reference and ways, you have experience and concrete reference images that show exposure differences by .3 f/stop. Please images that show exposure differences by .3 f/stop. Please start describing exposure by the more exacting terms.start describing exposure by the more exacting terms.

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography IAssignment Follow Up: Gray scale referenceAssignment Follow Up: Gray scale reference

Grayscale Reference:Grayscale Reference:

There’s a grayscale image thatThere’s a grayscale image thatyou’ve already used in theyou’ve already used in themonitor calibration process. Itmonitor calibration process. Itcan be found in the can be found in the imagesimagesfolder online.folder online.

Use it when making exposureUse it when making exposurejudgment about your images.judgment about your images.And to do so, import it intoAnd to do so, import it intoyour assignment image file in Photoshop. Hopefully, you can your assignment image file in Photoshop. Hopefully, you can see that ‘Rain’ is under exposed based on the grayscale…see that ‘Rain’ is under exposed based on the grayscale…

DirectDirect Side by sideSide by side

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography IAssignment Follow Up: HistogramAssignment Follow Up: Histogram

EExposure Graph: xposure Graph:

This Histogram from This Histogram from RainRainclearly graphs the seriousclearly graphs the seriousUnder exposure. It is Under exposure. It is critical that you learn tocritical that you learn tosee correct or incorrectsee correct or incorrectexposure. The best is to see it with your naked eye. In exposure. The best is to see it with your naked eye. In the meantime, the Histogram graph can help. the meantime, the Histogram graph can help.

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography IAssignment Follow Up: Driving analogyAssignment Follow Up: Driving analogy

GGood Driving: ood Driving:

Good drivers don’t drive looking at the speedometer or Good drivers don’t drive looking at the speedometer or the tachometer. They drive by listening, seeing, and the tachometer. They drive by listening, seeing, and the feel of the car.the feel of the car.

Take pictures by using your eyes to see and to feel Take pictures by using your eyes to see and to feel the image using your gut. Please don’t the image using your gut. Please don’t drive your drive your camera by the numberscamera by the numbers. .

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography IAssignment Follow Up: Actual Pixel inspectionAssignment Follow Up: Actual Pixel inspection

CCritical Inspection: Photoshop 100%ritical Inspection: Photoshop 100%

This ‘Actual Pixel’ detail section from the This ‘Actual Pixel’ detail section from the DSLR image clearly shows technical DSLR image clearly shows technical issues. Instead of being perfectly photo- issues. Instead of being perfectly photo- realistic, it’s granular with poor color and realistic, it’s granular with poor color and lack of precise sharpness.lack of precise sharpness.

The grain is due to the under exposure and The grain is due to the under exposure and the super fast 1600 ISO setting. My ISO the super fast 1600 ISO setting. My ISO recommendation for DSLR is up to o ISO recommendation for DSLR is up to o ISO 400. Use ISO 800 in emergencies but not 400. Use ISO 800 in emergencies but not 1600 as shown to the right.1600 as shown to the right.

5050 – – 100100 – – 200 – 400 – 800 200 – 400 – 800 – – 16001600Hi-QHi-Q BestBest OK OK ++ OKOK

?? Not OkNot Ok

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography IAssignment Follow Up: Compact digital camera limitationsAssignment Follow Up: Compact digital camera limitations

SSimple ISO Requirement:imple ISO Requirement:

5050 – – 100100 – – 200200 – – 400 – 800 – 1600400 – 800 – 1600Hi-QHi-Q OnlyOnly EmergencyEmergency Not OkNot OkNeverNever Never-NeverNever-Never

For all practical purposes, the compact digital is limited For all practical purposes, the compact digital is limited to using the slow speed of ISO 100. Some better to using the slow speed of ISO 100. Some better digitals have both slower (50) and faster (800 and digitals have both slower (50) and faster (800 and 1600). It’s good to have the high image quality ISO 50 1600). It’s good to have the high image quality ISO 50 but it is impractical for most uses.but it is impractical for most uses.

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography IAssignment Follow Up: Slide film in the sixties…Assignment Follow Up: Slide film in the sixties…

FFilm Speed History: Kodachromeilm Speed History: Kodachrome

The ISO nomenclature comes from film. And ISO 25 The ISO nomenclature comes from film. And ISO 25 was considered very fast for a color slide film in the late was considered very fast for a color slide film in the late 50’s. Paul Simon sings about Kodachrome which was 50’s. Paul Simon sings about Kodachrome which was lightening fast at ASA 25. ISO use to be ASA (American lightening fast at ASA 25. ISO use to be ASA (American Standard Association). ISO is an international standard Standard Association). ISO is an international standard but the number remain unchanged.but the number remain unchanged.

25 – 50 – 100 – 200 – 400 – 800 – 160025 – 50 – 100 – 200 – 400 – 800 – 1600U.SlowU.Slow V.SlowV.Slow SlowSlow MediumMedium FastFastVery FastVery Fast Ultra FastUltra Fast


AAnother Operator Error: Shutter speednother Operator Error: Shutter speed

The image is also disappointingly The image is also disappointingly soft soft mostly due to mostly due to hand-holding a 170 mm hand-holding a 170 mm telephoto at 1/60 sectelephoto at 1/60 sec shutter speedshutter speed..

The hand hold able shutter speed for 170 The hand hold able shutter speed for 170 mm should have been 1/200 sec.mm should have been 1/200 sec.

And 1/200 sec is about 1.7 f/stops away And 1/200 sec is about 1.7 f/stops away from 1/60 sec as indicated in dashed-red from 1/60 sec as indicated in dashed-red above.above.

1/8 - 1/15 - 1/30 – 1/60 – 1/125 – 1/250 – 1/500 – 1/1000 – 1/2000


OOperator Error: Aperture & lightperator Error: Aperture & light

Fact - Aperture set to wide-open Fact - Aperture set to wide-open (which I recommend against) as per (which I recommend against) as per EXIF. With that fact, it was not EXIF. With that fact, it was not possible to open-up by 2 more possible to open-up by 2 more f/stops. f/stops.

And the extreme ISO 1600 setting And the extreme ISO 1600 setting also hints at extremely low light level. also hints at extremely low light level. At the minimum, a tripod should have At the minimum, a tripod should have been used.been used.

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography IAssignment Example: DSLR – special frame shapeAssignment Example: DSLR – special frame shape

DSLR: Shape too wide (or tall) DSLR: Shape too wide (or tall)

As explained in the textbook, earlierAs explained in the textbook, earlierlectures, and Q&A sessions, the lectures, and Q&A sessions, the DSLR 3:2 image shape is too wideDSLR 3:2 image shape is too widefor class assignments. The ‘require’for class assignments. The ‘require’shape is 4:3, which is the same asshape is 4:3, which is the same asthe traditional computer monitor. The 4:3 shape is indicated in the traditional computer monitor. The 4:3 shape is indicated in a dotted white line on the image example.a dotted white line on the image example.

DSLR users must shoot with the awareness that the excess DSLR users must shoot with the awareness that the excess image area must be ‘cropFramed’ in the lab work process. To image area must be ‘cropFramed’ in the lab work process. To eye-ball imagine such a frame cropping for beginners is a eye-ball imagine such a frame cropping for beginners is a huge challenge…huge challenge…

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography IAssignment Example: Layout shapeAssignment Example: Layout shape

LLayout Shape: Assign. ‘require’ ayout Shape: Assign. ‘require’

The 4:3 shape requirement can The 4:3 shape requirement can be considered arbitrary. But, as be considered arbitrary. But, as future Image Makers, you will future Image Makers, you will need to become aware of special need to become aware of special image shape needs by the client image shape needs by the client or your own story.or your own story.

Your grandmother might want a Your grandmother might want a square image for one of the square image for one of the sections in the quilt that she is sections in the quilt that she is creating…creating…

RectanglesRectangles

SquareSquare

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography IAssignment Example: Layout shapesAssignment Example: Layout shapes

LLayout Shapes: Client/story needs ayout Shapes: Client/story needs

The example shapes were randomlyThe example shapes were randomlycreated but they can just as wellcreated but they can just as wellrepresent your future shape needs.represent your future shape needs.So this shape change need issue isSo this shape change need issue isnot limited to DSLR shooters. Thenot limited to DSLR shooters. Theshape issue is something important to all image makers.shape issue is something important to all image makers.

With the advent of flat screens, the classic 4:3 monitor With the advent of flat screens, the classic 4:3 monitor shape has gone by the wayside. There is even the new shape has gone by the wayside. There is even the new 16:9 screen shape that most digitals can be set to.16:9 screen shape that most digitals can be set to.

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography IAssignment Follow Up: Must do image processingAssignment Follow Up: Must do image processing

LLab Work: All digital images need the basic lab workab Work: All digital images need the basic lab work

The basic lab workThe basic lab workincludes adjusting theincludes adjusting theLevels, Brightness/Levels, Brightness/Contrast, and Color.Contrast, and Color.They were applied toThey were applied toThe enlarged image.The enlarged image.The dark-gray sideThe dark-gray sideMargins reduces theMargins reduces theimage to 4:3 shape.image to 4:3 shape.

BeforeBefore AfterAfter

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography IAssignment Follow Up: Must do image processingAssignment Follow Up: Must do image processing

FFinal Solution: inal Solution: One more simple addition to the image.One more simple addition to the image.

Add a focal point. DoAdd a focal point. DoThat gently brighteningThat gently brighteningThe optical centerThe optical centerarea. Use the Up &area. Use the Up &Down arrow keys toDown arrow keys tosee the difference.see the difference.

The change is veryThe change is veryslight but it give a slight but it give a resting area for theresting area for theviewer while theyviewer while theyexperience the whole.experience the whole.

You may even wantYou may even wantthe to move the focalthe to move the focalpoint somewhere else.point somewhere else.That is determined byThat is determined byyour story idea…your story idea…

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography IAssignment Follow Up: Re-shoot?Assignment Follow Up: Re-shoot?

RReshoot: Second chance to LEARNeshoot: Second chance to LEARN

Alfonso voiced concerns about being weather Alfonso voiced concerns about being weather dependant. I suggested that he might overcome that dependant. I suggested that he might overcome that restriction by using a water hose with a spray head to get restriction by using a water hose with a spray head to get the exact rain affect to say ‘rain’. Water trucks are often the exact rain affect to say ‘rain’. Water trucks are often used in the film industry.used in the film industry.

In this way, he might be able to change his story from the In this way, he might be able to change his story from the noun ‘Rain’ to something more active like ‘Raining’, a noun ‘Rain’ to something more active like ‘Raining’, a verb.verb.

Warning – expect to re-shoot most assignment shots. Warning – expect to re-shoot most assignment shots. Don’t shoot subjects or situation that would be hard to set Don’t shoot subjects or situation that would be hard to set up again…up again…

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography IAssignment Follow Up: Camera supportAssignment Follow Up: Camera support

SSupport Your Good Idea: Use a tripod upport Your Good Idea: Use a tripod

A good tripod should be sturdy but light weight. It needs A good tripod should be sturdy but light weight. It needs to be sturdy to steady the camera. It needs to be light to be sturdy to steady the camera. It needs to be light weight so that you will not leave it at home.weight so that you will not leave it at home.

Another important thing is that the tripod head must Another important thing is that the tripod head must come up to your eye level when you are standing. If you come up to your eye level when you are standing. If you have to slouch or bend over, working with that tripod will have to slouch or bend over, working with that tripod will soon become a ‘pain in the back’.soon become a ‘pain in the back’.

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography IAssignment Follow Up: Tripod particularsAssignment Follow Up: Tripod particulars

TTripod: Desirable features ripod: Desirable features

Most important part might be the tripod head. Most important part might be the tripod head. Good tripods have detachable heads. I Good tripods have detachable heads. I personally like the simple ball head. It function personally like the simple ball head. It function very intuitively. More traditional heads offer very intuitively. More traditional heads offer more independent controls but can also be more independent controls but can also be slower to operate.slower to operate.

But like most things, neither types are perfect But like most things, neither types are perfect for all purposes. Expect to dish out about $100 for all purposes. Expect to dish out about $100 to $150 for a light weight but sturdy carbon-fiber to $150 for a light weight but sturdy carbon-fiber tripod. Until that’s affordable, learn to work with tripod. Until that’s affordable, learn to work with cheap aluminum/plastic tripods easily found for cheap aluminum/plastic tripods easily found for $30 to $60.$30 to $60.

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography IAssignment Follow Up: Free Choice shootAssignment Follow Up: Free Choice shoot

BBecky’s Beauty: ecky’s Beauty:

Strong ‘wow’ factor but the story is too Strong ‘wow’ factor but the story is too abstract. The black and white version abstract. The black and white version is definitely more powerful than the full-is definitely more powerful than the full-color version. Although the stated color version. Although the stated assignment requirement is ‘No’ assignment requirement is ‘No’ processing or B&W.processing or B&W.

Part of learning-to-see is to see the Part of learning-to-see is to see the full-color world in tones from black to full-color world in tones from black to white.white.

Also the idea that pure black and white Also the idea that pure black and white image is more powerful than color is image is more powerful than color is not always true. Even though a lot of not always true. Even though a lot of photographers share in that illusion.photographers share in that illusion.


Kenji Demo: Lab worked Kenji Demo: Lab worked

I processed Becky's image with the I processed Becky's image with the idea of adding more depth and punch idea of adding more depth and punch to the image which included putting a to the image which included putting a glow into the focal point areas. glow into the focal point areas.

The B&W image makes dodging The B&W image makes dodging (lighten), burning (darken), and (lighten), burning (darken), and contrast manipulation a lot easier to contrast manipulation a lot easier to show and see because the color isn't show and see because the color isn't there to confuse the issue.there to confuse the issue.

Use the keyboard Up and Down Use the keyboard Up and Down arrows to compare this image with arrows to compare this image with the Becky processed image.the Becky processed image.


BBrooks’: Point makerrooks’: Point maker

There is no doubt that the imageThere is no doubt that the imagewas born from a story idea. Andwas born from a story idea. AndPacked elements are positionedPacked elements are positionedwith precise angles to tell thewith precise angles to tell the‘‘relaxing and having funrelaxing and having fun’ story.’ story.

The lighting is a little edgy. The The lighting is a little edgy. The story is lit with multiple lightstory is lit with multiple lightsources. At least 2 are skylights and 1 is direct sunlight. And the sources. At least 2 are skylights and 1 is direct sunlight. And the hard light crosses the bottom of the rotated ‘V’ form creating an hard light crosses the bottom of the rotated ‘V’ form creating an unfortunate blow-out. My recommendation is to limit the lighting to unfortunate blow-out. My recommendation is to limit the lighting to a single soft light source. a single soft light source.


BBrooks’: Aperturerooks’: Aperture

The aperture is set perfectly byThe aperture is set perfectly bydesign or accident (good luck). design or accident (good luck). The ‘wide’ aperture setting isThe ‘wide’ aperture setting isworking well to softly suggestworking well to softly suggestrather than sharply draw therather than sharply draw thebackground.background.

I like the beer idea but I don’tI like the beer idea but I don’tlike the showing the label dead on. I would like to have seen the like the showing the label dead on. I would like to have seen the bottle turned or the contents poured into a class. And if it is meant bottle turned or the contents poured into a class. And if it is meant to be an ad, the label is in the wrong place and not well lit.to be an ad, the label is in the wrong place and not well lit.

BeforeBefore


BBrooks’ 4:3 shape ‘cropFrame’rooks’ 4:3 shape ‘cropFrame’

The ‘cropFrame’ was applied toThe ‘cropFrame’ was applied tothe DSLR image. Rather thanthe DSLR image. Rather thancentering, I took the croppedcentering, I took the croppedaway from the right side. Itaway from the right side. Itremoved most of the distractingremoved most of the distractingimage detail from the corner.image detail from the corner.

Although I introduced a tangencyAlthough I introduced a tangencythat I am choosing to live with because I don’t want to lose any that I am choosing to live with because I don’t want to lose any image off the left side. I also don’t want to crop tighter and lose the image off the left side. I also don’t want to crop tighter and lose the nice feel of the room. This After image is also fully lab worked. Use nice feel of the room. This After image is also fully lab worked. Use the keyboard Up and Down arrows to make comparisons between the keyboard Up and Down arrows to make comparisons between the Before and After images.the Before and After images.

After After


SScrabble: Game strategycrabble: Game strategy

Being a long time scrabble player, I amBeing a long time scrabble player, I aminto game strategy. love the idea of beinginto game strategy. love the idea of beingable to use the letters X or Q because ofable to use the letters X or Q because oftheir high point value. A word variation their high point value. A word variation might have been to replace LORD withmight have been to replace LORD withEXTR. That would allow me to use the ‘X’ which has a factor of EXTR. That would allow me to use the ‘X’ which has a factor of 10x. It also makes a soft connection to the 10x. It also makes a soft connection to the CORONA ECORONA EXXTRATRA. .

Look for ‘packing’ opportunities to Look for ‘packing’ opportunities to repeatrepeat symbols, lines, angles, symbols, lines, angles, color and anything else which have meaning for you or the viewer. color and anything else which have meaning for you or the viewer. The challenge is to build in concept complexity while maintaining The challenge is to build in concept complexity while maintaining composition simplicity.composition simplicity.


SStory: ID Shotstory: ID Shots

Both of these are snapshot -Both of these are snapshot -looking ID shots. The subject is looking ID shots. The subject is small, loaded, and more or less small, loaded, and more or less dead-center in the frame. dead-center in the frame.

Loaded is related to the idea of Loaded is related to the idea of packing. Both subjects are pre-packing. Both subjects are pre-packed with meaning. The dog packed with meaning. The dog is tame indicated by the dog is tame indicated by the dog tag and the manicured lawn. tag and the manicured lawn. The stop sign is a ubiquitous.The stop sign is a ubiquitous.


CCritical Observation: Shaperitical Observation: Shape

Even though I clearly state ‘cameraEven though I clearly state ‘cameraoriginal’ image, one detail of manyoriginal’ image, one detail of manycan easily get lost. The squarecan easily get lost. The squareshape of the image was a clue toshape of the image was a clue tothe assignment image beingthe assignment image beingchanged. That fact made me lookchanged. That fact made me lookat the EXIF to find that it was a 513at the EXIF to find that it was a 513x 453 pixels image.x 453 pixels image.It was not only cropped, it was It was not only cropped, it was reduced in image size. reduced in image size.


CCritical Observation: Lightingritical Observation: LightingI recommended the use of soft I recommended the use of soft ‘‘easy to work with’ Skylight, whicheasy to work with’ Skylight, whichis the Daylight without the directis the Daylight without the directsunlight portion. sunlight portion.

This image was created using theThis image was created using theunforgiving harsh direct sunlight. unforgiving harsh direct sunlight. The scene is slightly side lit but theThe scene is slightly side lit but thedog’s face is front lit ‘flat’. But thedog’s face is front lit ‘flat’. But theside light is causing a problematicside light is causing a problematicvery dark to black cast shadow on the body and the background.very dark to black cast shadow on the body and the background.


AApplied Design: Cropping storypplied Design: Cropping story

Crop for shape and error correction. I took Crop for shape and error correction. I took the cropping opportunity to cut off enough of the cropping opportunity to cut off enough of the image area to minimize the cast shadow the image area to minimize the cast shadow issues.issues.

Then the image was lab worked to make the Then the image was lab worked to make the dog ‘shine white’… Noticedog ‘shine white’… Noticehow the AFTER image looks how the AFTER image looks much more intentional aftermuch more intentional afterapplied design ‘moves’.applied design ‘moves’.

BEFOREBEFORE AFTER AFTER

1/31/3

2/32/3

2/32/3 1/31/3


AApplied Design: Make impactpplied Design: Make impact

As is, the camera original is a As is, the camera original is a snapshot. Use applied design to snapshot. Use applied design to increase visual impact.increase visual impact.

Re-shoot the shot using a super Re-shoot the shot using a super wide focal length to add pers-wide focal length to add pers-pective distortion to increase pective distortion to increase visual interest.visual interest.

I used Photoshop to fake the re-I used Photoshop to fake the re-shoot. Besides adding dramatic shoot. Besides adding dramatic perspective, I took the subject off perspective, I took the subject off center and gave it an edgy center and gave it an edgy cropping to increasecropping to increasetension into thetension into thecomposition. composition.


Cari’s Color Shift: PredictableCari’s Color Shift: Predictable

The assignment requirement is forThe assignment requirement is forSkylight. It warns against shootingSkylight. It warns against shootingindoor using incandescent orindoor using incandescent orfluorescent lights. The WB set tofluorescent lights. The WB set toAuto works well when usingAuto works well when usingSkylight. But it often gets poor result when using indoorSkylight. But it often gets poor result when using indoorincandescent or fluorescent lights. incandescent or fluorescent lights.

How you do any assignment is up to you. Although, take How you do any assignment is up to you. Although, take note that anytime you stray from the requirements, expect to note that anytime you stray from the requirements, expect to run into advance photographic issues beyond your current run into advance photographic issues beyond your current skill level to resolveskill level to resolve


Color Shift: Can become a nightmareColor Shift: Can become a nightmare

Simple under-exposure can be fixed.Simple under-exposure can be fixed.A combination of under-exposureA combination of under-exposureand color shift is much harder toand color shift is much harder tocorrect. correct.

The standard lab work sequence is:The standard lab work sequence is:First adjustmentFirst adjustment Levels adjustmentLevels adjustmentSecond adjustmentSecond adjustment Brightness/Contrast adjustmentBrightness/Contrast adjustmentThird adjustmentThird adjustment Color correction adjustmentColor correction adjustment

The image correction required by this is considered extreme. The image correction required by this is considered extreme. In this extreme ‘bad color’ situation, the sequence is changed In this extreme ‘bad color’ situation, the sequence is changed so that the color correction is the 1so that the color correction is the 1stst adjustment. adjustment.


FFix It: Simple as the guideix It: Simple as the guide

The first step in the lab work process isThe first step in the lab work process iscropping. I used cropping as an chancecropping. I used cropping as an chanceto crop away some of the compositionto crop away some of the compositionIssues. As part of the cropping process,Issues. As part of the cropping process,the image was rotated by degrees tothe image was rotated by degrees tolevel the horizon line and adding more pathos to the cat. The level the horizon line and adding more pathos to the cat. The mirror was also move down and to the right.mirror was also move down and to the right.

The lab work process got very complicated working with this The lab work process got very complicated working with this image. The subject and the background is being treated image. The subject and the background is being treated separately. And I spent way too long trying get it to look right. separately. And I spent way too long trying get it to look right. But, it still has a long ways to go. Hopefully, the story is more But, it still has a long ways to go. Hopefully, the story is more clear.clear.


CColor Guide:olor Guide:

The subject looks very similar to the catThe subject looks very similar to the catthat use to live in my LA studio. He wasthat use to live in my LA studio. He wasgifted to me from my X. By thegifted to me from my X. By thetime I learned that he was a she. it wastime I learned that he was a she. it wastoo late to return.too late to return.

Since his name was Silly, at least I didn’t have to change herSince his name was Silly, at least I didn’t have to change hername. And I used her as my color reference for the subject.name. And I used her as my color reference for the subject...


SSilly Inspired: illy Inspired:

With Silly as an With Silly as an inspiration, I spent inspiration, I spent more time forcing more time forcing the color to behave.the color to behave.

Too many hours Too many hours later… … …later… … …

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography IAssignment Follow Up: ConclusionAssignment Follow Up: Conclusion

SSummary:ummary:

Most of the problems occur when student do not Most of the problems occur when student do not follow the assignment requirements (require). The follow the assignment requirements (require). The require was devised and have been updated require was devised and have been updated continually to help students from tripping over their continually to help students from tripping over their own … foot.own … foot.

The more of the requirements that you follow, the The more of the requirements that you follow, the more likely you are to succeed in the assignment more likely you are to succeed in the assignment shoot. Don’t become your digital camera’s worst shoot. Don’t become your digital camera’s worst nightmare…nightmare…

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography I

xx

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teacher: kenji tachibana digital photography i. spenv: follow up free choice shoot - 48 slides...

Documents

kenji tachibana slide

o verview

assignment shoot

plating story elements

acceptable story idea

elements prop

team mates

team members