Studio Lighting

Getting three what seemed like simple pictures for this studio lighting assignment took a much longer time than I had imagined. But after several sessions, a whole lot of  models and a few tons of hilariousness shots, I finally found a few shots I was super happy with. All pictures were taken with a Nikon D5100 and AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm lens. My inspiration and for this project was Julie Harris and my goal was to capture natural moments. To do this, I didn't tell my models what to do, and let them choose for themselves.

The model for the first picture was Jasleen. For this candid (subject unaware) shot, the light placed to my immediate right and Jasleens turned head created the 1:0 light ratio. I felt that the lighting worked very well in the picture because the dark side of her face complimented and illuminated the lighted side of her face (specifically the cheek). This picture portrays the maturity Jasleen acquires so well. In addition, Jasleen's own added expertise made my job a whole lot easier and overall, this shot was an easy choice and is my favourite of the three. (Aperture: f/5, shutter speed: 1/60).

The second shot, a posed (formal), is of Jacqueline. My goal was to capture an innocent and simple photo like my inspiration. I like  Jacquelines somewhat shy smile as well as the simplicity and innocence of the entire picture, especially from the reflected light in her eyes. The 2:1 lighting ratio was created by two lights and Jackie's hair. One light (to my left) was placed closer to Jackie while the second light (on my right) was placed twice the distance away than the first. (Aperture: f/5, shutter speed: 1/60).

The last picture is a candid (subject unaware) of Rachel. I had taken over 60 shots of her in total, all very different. Her awesome natural smile made it very hard to choose just one picture to post. The naturalness of this shot and of her smiling at something funny that was happening behind me made this shot better than all the others. The 1:1 lighting ratio also gave her eyes an awesome sparking touch. (Aperture: f/4.5, shutter speed: 1/60).

What's In a Name?

The "Y" was found in the trees located in the school atrium. The "I" was found in the in boundary of two bricks, also in the atrium. I actually found the "W" first, as I was walking out the art class to the Devils Pit area. I had thought it would be the hardest letter for me to find, but apparently it wasn't. The "U" was found while walking around the front of the school in the garage of a house across the street. It had to be flipped vertically, but it makes an awsome "U". Since my name is super short, I had more time to focus on finding the best letters I could find, and time to experiment with aperture and shutter speed, etc, while taking the picture.

This project started out as a simple project where you find a few simple letters to make a name, but after this project I continued to notice letters everywhere in the environment and in places where I am everyday. It made me pay more attention to the details of my surroundings, and overall it was a fun project to work on.

My Favourite Photographer

Ansel Adams is definitley one of my top favourite, if not my top, photographers. He captures pictures and moments in the world in a way that are breathtaking and wows anyone who sees them.  I admire not only his photos, but him as a person too. He is an environmentalist who makes an effort to preserve his country's land through capturing and spreading the beauty of it. He is an incredible artist, as well as original in his imagination. 

Adams photography expresses freedom and a whole new perspective of the earth and its beauty. Every detail in his work is crucial and a wonder to look at. It is a pleasure to look at his work. He inspires me to be more aware of my surroundings and try and capture new perspectives in my work. To find out more about him, visit his site, where you can view his artwork, or his Wikipedia page.