robschofieldphotography

After a really slow start to the course I finally managed to submit the first assignment on Contrasts for the end of February. I created a pdf slideshow and added title slides so I could include some brief information for each pair of photographs and technical data. I’ve posted a low res version below.

Contrasts Assignment Slideshow

Overall I was pleased with the feedback that I received, which was prompt and really constructive. I have to admit that I was relieved that it was generally positive. More importantly though it gave me a good steer on expectations of the OCA and how I should progress with, and present, future assignments. And I got some really practical pointers for development. The feedback is posted below.

Contrasts Assignment Feedback

Response

General points raised

I’m encouraged by the opening remarks made: broadly that I covered a range of subjects; achieved contrasting pairs through literal and metaphorical interpretations; and the composition and subjects were engaging. The tutor was quite correct to pick up that some of the photographs were archive shots. Although I have made a slow start to the course, I take a lot of photographs and have done since enrolling. This meant that I was in the fortunate position of being able to assemble final set of pairs from a much wider set. I ended up including a mix of photographs, some of which were taken in the same location and day as a quite deliberate pair (e.g. for large and small – two pictures from the same art exhibition), and assembling pairs from photographs taken at different locations and on different days (e.g. the boxer that I used for ‘still’ and the gymnast for ‘moving’ which were taken a few months apart).

I acknowledge the need in future assignments to elaborate on techniques applied, why I chose to compose shots in a particular way, and explain any post production techniques. On the last point, I will be laying off some of the heavier post production I applied (I used Topaz adjust on a few of the images) and instead concentrate on studying the histogram for images and using the levels tool in photoshop. I have also started to keep a log of photographers that I have researched and exhibitions that I have been to and will start to incorporate and reference some of this material in my learning log, which I have only done in the loosest of ways so far.

The recommendation to research the work of Alexander Rodchenko was a really welcome one, given my interest in architecture of the Constructivist movement.

Specific photographs

On the pairs of images, I don’t intend to address every point of feedback raised here but will certainly work through it all. I can address most of the improvements relatively easy through different crops or basic adjustments, but there are more substantive learning points in the two pairs described below.

Large and Small. For ‘Large’ I would certainly agree that the framing on the gorilla shot is too tight. I used a 35mm prime lens for this so I could take photographs in low light (maximum aperture of f/1.8) but the compromise was that I had to move with my feet to change the framing. To get the girl in the left hand side of the frame I had to take the shot reasonably quickly, but the composition could have been more considered. With hindsight, I think the processing here is probably a bit over the top and my tutor probably went easy on me. The photograph for ‘small’ is better composed and not heavily edited and is the better shot for it. This was a good find for the contrasting ‘small’ image (and I only come across it on my way out of the exhibition – it was in a side alley outside) and getting the litter into the shot and some detail of the alleyway adds to the sense of scale.

Still and Moving. The feedback suggested that this was the most successful pair of images, but technically I think one of the images leaves a lot to be desired. The ‘Still’ image was shot as f1.8 at 1/4000 and ISO 2000. There is no logical reason why I would have used such a wide aperture with a fast shutter speed (given that the subject was static) and high ISO, and the explanation boils down to the fact that I took this photograph with haste without checking the camera settings. It was taken at the Clapham Grand at a charity boxing night. After making some enquiries I was optimistic about a ringside position and the promoters being content for me to take some shots. As it turned out they were not ok with it at all, so while a friend was trying to negotiate with them for me I took what shots I could quickly. The end result was a half decent shot that could have been much better (less noisy with more depth to it). For ‘Moving’ I got the shot through patience and after a fair few attempts (no tripod – so I just had to hold the camera in position). It sounds like I should explore blending modes to improve this shot, and along with going back to the books on levels in photoshop, this is the next bit of technical development that I’ll be finding the time for.