Photo project assignment #1

So, as some of you may know, I am taking a photography class. I just received my first photo project back from my instructor with the comments and critiques and wanted to share them with everyone.

Photo 1 Objective: Use the rule of thirds to create as much emphasis as possible on your subject .

Comments
“This is your daughter Emily. Great shot! I love the angle. I really like not only the angle but how you have taken off, sort of fragmented her and didn’t have to plunk her right down in the center of the frame. You made a composition out of her hair and her eyes, the shape of her face; which I love. I like how close in you are and how you’ve really filled the frame. Beautiful, candid little moment here. Her eyes are just so sparkly, and it is just a beautiful, relaxed facial expression. Very nice color. It looks like you were in the shade here. You have some really nice, even, diffused lighting on her face. I think it looks great! Good exposure and nice, sharp focus. Very great start!”

Photo 2 Objective: Use slow shutter speed to convey motion.


Comments

“Okay, this is really good. Definitely fulfils the requirements of the assignment. Now, the next thing I would say for you to do is pick a different subject. Now that you know how to do the technique, now put that technique to use and just challenge yourself to do something a little more creative because I know that you can based on picture number one. You can do it with several people, one person, try the panning effect. Now it’s just a matter of utilizing the techniques, but good job on this.”

Photo 3 Objective: Use fast shutter speed to "freeze" subject.


Comments

“Oh wow! Water dripping off your house…(reading my photo description) a very cold day in January provided the elements for this picture…I used a very fast shutter speed to capture the water droplets that were falling and freezing on the bushes. Yeah! Perfect job! This is definitely more creative subject matter in terms of the assignment. Probably a little easier to get creative with this one at first though. Love the lighting, color. The composition appears strong. Looks great!

Photo 4 Objective: Tricky backlighting situation.



Comments

“We’re working with backlighting here and you’re exposing for the person’s face. This looks good. I think you could brighten her face up a little bit in Photoshop, but I think the exposure looks good and the background has some detail. I think you could just brighten up the face a little bit, either with your dodging tool or sometimes you can go in and manually select the reds in selective color and move the bottom slider up a little and you can brighten up the facial tones a little. That’s my secret. Selective color and then select the reds. Very nicely composed. I always say it’s good, especially in the beginning, to take 20, 30, 40 different shots per subject, always experimenting with the frame. Don’t be afraid to tilt it or do something wacky."

Photo 5 and 6: Student choice.


Comments

“I love these last two shots here. I really love the one of the leaves. It just looks like an abstract painting. The colors are just very rich and sort of unusual…very striking. I love the one of the rose, it’s just a little more familiar to me, but again, both of these are technically very strong..”

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Final Comments
“Okay, fantastic start for this first project. Your in great shape. Just remember keep experimenting as much as possible. Challenge yourself on the subject matter, experiment with fill-flash, and we’ll see you again next time!”