Photography 1 - The Frame Project Dividing the frame - Exercise Balance

There are many elements in this image and it is a little unbalanced with the tree seating overpowering the building at the centre. However the picture still 'works'.

There is a balance in this image of both colours and weight. The church is 'supported' by a sea of buildings beneath.

Two major elements are present in this image. The church on the left not able in winter to 'hide' behind the central feature of the trees in the bend of the road. This image would not work when the trees have foliage.

This image has a more central balance with the church cupola's taking centre stage.

The wrought iron 'headstone' on the right of the image is counter balanced by the catacombs on the left.

The largest element is central to the image with the cyclist taking a smaller role to the corner.

Images, Page 56


The road image is balanced by the road 'leading the eye to the tree in the upper centre'

There is an equal balance of subjects spread across the image.

Cecil Beaton, as the largest element, occupies the centre of the image. His hat, a much smaller element, sits to the lower corner. 

Tutor comms

Hi Mike

I would use your Nikon where possible (and always on manual mode including focussing) These cameras are notorious for getting focussing wrong- just when you least need it! Its important to zoom in on the intended point of focus to check if it is actually pin sharp.

If you ever think of buying a film camera again I would consider my favourite: the Canon T90. It was the precursor to all Canon camera shapes since. It features spot and multi spot metering which is a great asset. I loved it until it was stolen. I am still tempted to buy another but I enough cameras to fill a cupboard.

Have good weekend and keep shooting in the "magic hour"

all the best

dave

On Fri, Apr 27, 2012 at 3:33 PM, Mike Harris <mikekharris@googlemail.com> wrote:

Thanks David.

I’ll try to find some more interesting subjects. I was just trying to dash through the exercises but I’ll take a little more care.

I no longer have the Zenith E but I saw one second hand in a dealer and nearly bought it. Nearly is the word though… I have to say that it’s the best camera to learn with as you get to know exactly how the mechanics work. Take a light reading, set the shutter speed, set the aperture, open the iris to focus, remember to close the iris, then make the exposure. Also made you spend more time on composure as it wasn’t really possible to just snap and go.

I have 2 camera’s now. I have a Nikon D80 and the Canon S90. I chose the S90 so that I could have a camera with me whenever I wanted to, and because it has full functionality with Aperture, Shutter and full Manual controls if needed.

You’ll see images from both as I go through the exercises. Does it matter which I use?

Also, should I be doing any post exposure processing at this time? Or should I just present the images as they are taken?

I’ll take a look at the sort of comments being made by others on the course as I find it difficult to decide what comment and reflections are appropriate. I did run a blog on a motorcycle tour of the USA but I used the photographs to illustrate the text rather than the other way round! mikekharris@blogspot.com

Regards,

Mike

Hi Mike

I see from the blog that you have made a start on the exercises. I know this can seem a bit futile when you have been taking pictures for a long time, but bear with it as often we overlook the basics, and its good to have the discipline. Just because its an exercise though, it doesn't prevent you from shooting some interesting subject matter. So do challenge yourself in that respect otherwise the exercises WILL become dull!.

I see you are using an S90. Is this your only camera? Is this your only camera at the moment? or do you still have your Zenith? I started out with a Zenith B myself, which meant guessing exposures.

remember to comment/reflect on what you are doing on the blog too.

All the best

Dave

On Tue, Apr 24, 2012 at 10:14 PM, Mike Harris <mikekharris@googlemail.com> wrote:

Hi David,

Thanks for your kind words. Had not thought of submitting anything for competition but I might now.. For information, the pictures of Ta Prohm at Ankor were taken at dawn. It was the only time the temples aren’t crawling with tourists. Worth the early start though.

Please find URL to my learning Blog. I find it strange to go out specifically to undertake the exercises and sometimes the subject matter is difficult to find when the light is good. However for the purposes of the exercises I have just got on with it.

http://oca-mikekharris.blogspot.co.uk/

Assignment quality will need to be better!

Mike

Ps – I have taken a look at your website which has some impressive images. Question. What lenses do you use to eliminate bent buildings? Or do you use Photoshop to compensate?

Photography 1 - The Frame - Project Focal lengths and different - Exercise Focal lengths and different viewpoints

Photography 1 - The Frame - Project Focal lengths - Exercise Focal lenghts

In this first image the subject is the hillside setting of the trees and bushes

In this second image the entire focal point is changed to train in the maintenance sidings

Again, this image has flowers as a focal point. This time the effect is driven by the depth of field.

In this second image the Park Keepers house is frames by the flowers. The narrow depth of field adds to the effect.

These two images better illustrate the simple effect of focal length.

Photography 1 - The Frame - Project Focal lengths - Exercise The angle of view

NOT PADDINGTON - the bus sets the location of the railway station but its not Paddington.

ST PANCRAS - the telephone box confirms the UK and suggests London 

ST PANCRAS and KINGS CROSS - the newly renovated Victorian St Pancras dwarfs the 1960's rebuild of Kings Cross and brings into relief the loss caused by uncaring redevelopment.

ST PANCRAS - from within King Cross station

Photography 1 - The Frame - Project Fitting the frame to the subject - Exercise A sequence of composition

Saturday showed that carrying a compact camera is a good idea. Crossing the bridge over a railway branch line, the dog and entered a run down part of Leeds. I noticed smoke coming from what I thought was waste ground beside a garden building. When I had walked past I could see that it was the building itself that was burning.

After checking that there was no-one inside I called the Fire Brigade to be told that the blaze had already been reported. 

A chap pulled up in his car and wound down his window. "I saw who started this" he opened with. "I was getting my exhaust welded at ..... when I saw the smoke". "When I came round the corner two lads belted past. One of them was wearing a red top. I don't know why they do these things....."  

Hot out of the Engine came the team, with a female firefighter at the front. I got the distinct impression that the Boys were giving the Girl a go at a simple job......

I continued my walk with the dog and swept by on the way back. Who should I find?

Photography 1 - The Frame - Project Looking through the viewfinder - Exercise Object in different position in frame