Semester 1 Reflection

         Over the past semester, I have genuinely come to develop a liking and appreciation for photography. I originally signed up for this class because I thought that this would be an easy art class. However, this semester has taught me to enjoy capturing images and developing memories. I show creativity in my images through the use of various angles and content. I try to find different across our campus while taking photos. For example, my 7 elements post included images from all across our campus. I feel that my work serves as a good representation of my personality and mentality. I try to take uplifting pictures that show content in a good light. The Black and White Texture post demonstrate some level of skill and thoughtful photography. I would like to think that if someone scrolled through my blog, they would get an overall understanding of what photos I like to take. I always met deadlines throughout the semester. In terms of participation, I follow along during demonstrations and try my best to stay off my phone and avoid distractions. I also try to get the best shot I can by searching for images that appeal to my audience. I feel that my skills have improved over the course of the semester. I am glad I chose to take this class and feel that I have learned skills that will benefit me outside of this class. 

Name Assignment

Snowglobe

Quote Poster

4 Portraits

 This image is an informal portrait that does not use the rule of thirds. The image is asymmetrical.

This image is a candid portrait showing someone on the phone. This image does not use the rule of thirds and is also asymmetrical. 

 This image is a selfie and does not use the rule of thirds. However, it is symmetrical.

This image is a selfie and does not use the rule of thirds. This selfie is also symmetrical.




Overall, my favorite portrait is the third picture because it shows how enjoyable digital photo is.

Magazine Cover

The Perfect Selfie

I am sitting at the base of the stairs. The mood is optimistic because of the opportunities to come.

The photo is cropped in tight. Its a basic selfie and the mood is somber.

This is the rule of thirds selfie. My mood is happy and the photo shows a wide hallway.

 This selfie is taken in front of a bike stand because I enjoy biking. The mood is delighted.

This is another basic photo with a happy mood. I am standing in front of some trees.

2. No, I did not use any devices or hacks while taking my selfies. 

3. My favorite shot is the picture in front of the bike stand because it shares something about me with those who view the picture.

Fictional Self Portrait

Candid Portraits

Portrait/Balance

1. Which type of balance do you think was most effective, why?

        I felt that asymmetrical balance was the most effective because it gave a distinct visual variety to the picture, leaving viewers interested.

            

     2.   Which type of balance was least effective, why?

         I felt that placing the image in the bottom right was least effective because it made the image seem unfocused. Viewers may have been confused about what the picture was really about.

Formal Portraits

(Cropped and Edited)

(Cropped)

(Cropped)

1. Which portrait is your favorite and why?

My favorite portrait is the third one because the side profile gives a good look.

2. What was the easiest part of this process?

The easiest part was utilizing the spot healing brush tool. It was an easy way to fix blemishes.

3. What was the hardest part of this process?

The hardest part was brighting the eye whites and the teeth. 

​Turn an Administrator into a Zombie

Pumpkin Face in Photoshop

Painting with Light Lab

15"

f 9

200

15"

f 3.5

800

15"

f 3.5

800

15"

f 3.5

200

15"

f 3.5

800

Questions

1. The lower the f stop what happens?

The lower the f stop, the higher the aperture and more light comes in.

2. The higher the f stop what happens?

The higher the f stop, the lower the aperture and less light comes in.

3. The shorter the exposure what happens?

The shorter the exposure, the lens stays open a shorter amount of time, creating a quick image. 

4. The longer the exposure what happens?

The longer the exposure, the lens stays open a longer amount of time, crewing a more detailed image.

5. What worked well?

The best images had an f stop of 9, shutter speed of 15", and an ISO of 200.

The President's Photographer

1. What type of photography does Pete Souza practice as the President's photographer? Souza practices archive photography.
2. Who was the first president to have a photographer? Lyndon B. Johnson was the first president to have a photographer.
3. What did Nixon do to his photographer? Nixon did not allow his photographer to have full access.
4. The President's photographer's office used to be the what? The photographer's office used to be a barber shop before it was repurposed. 
5. Where are most of the photographer's photographs displayed? Most of his photos are either in the Smithsonian or the White House.
6. How long is the photographer's typical day? The photographer's typical day is 13 hours of taking various pictures.
7. Can Pete delete photos if he does not like them? Why/why not? No, Pete cannot delete photos he doesn't like. They are considered a part of history, so they cannot be deleted by law.
8. Would you want to be the President's Photographer? Why/why not? Yes, it would be a great opportunity to be the President's Photographer. You get a front seat at historical events being made. 

Black and White Texture

Image 1 Original

Image 1 Curves

Image 1 Bright/Contrast

Image 1 Levels

Image 2 Original

Image 2 Curves

Image 2 Bright/Contrast

Image 2 Levels

1. Which tool worked best for your first image?

The curves tool worked the best to enhance my first image. 

2. Which tool worked best for your second image?

The bright/contrast worked the best to enhance my second image. 

3. Which tool did you like working with the most?

I liked working with the curves tool the best. It allowed me to see a large variety of different colors and textures.

4. Did the texture in your image look better after you applied the filter? Why or why not

Yes, by altering the value and contrast numbers, I was able to make the texture in my image look better after I applied the filter. The creation of a perfect contrast between the blacks and the whites in the image gave a crisp look to my images.

Bracketing Assignment

1. Which setting worked the best? 
The first picture with settings shutter 1/4 and f-stop f8 worked the best. 

2. Which setting did not work at all?
The last picture with settings shutter 1/6 and f-stop f11 did not work at all.

3. Did this exercise help you understand f/stops better? how?
Yes, this exercise helped me learn many things about f-stops. I know each level makes a serious difference in the final picture. Each f-stop gives a different image due to lighting differences. 

​4. If you want to increase the depth of field in a scene and keep the same level of exposure, what are your options?
In order to increase the depth and keep same level of exposure, increase f-stop but leave shutter speed the same.

Photoshop Tutorials

Tutorial #1

                                                                         Tutorial #2

Photo Scavenger Hunt

What does it look like...

1. An ant looking at food.

2. A bird looking at the ground.

3. A three year old looking into a refrigerator or at an adult.

4. Loneliness

5. Excitement

6. Someone who stands out in a crowd.

Did not get a picture

7. A photo at 9am.

8. A photo at noon.

9. A photo at 4pm.

10. A building

11. A part of a building.

12. A door knob or detail.

Extra Credit

1. Something shiny. 

6. A photo at 6pm.