Top Ten Tips (7-10)

Finally! Today we learned the final 4 tips and techniques for photography.  These were all pretty basic tips, but definitely good ones to know.  Below are what I thought were some good examples of these tips, so without further adieu...here are the last 4 techniques!
*Move it from the middle-This technique was one I was already familiar with.  It pretty much the same concept as the rule of thirds technique.  The idea behind this is just to move your subject, object, or focal point slightly to the right or left.  This is a good way to show the viewer a new perspective.
*Know your flash's range-This is something that is very important to know about your camera.  Different cameras have different flash capabilities and this can determine ultimately how the photo turns out.  It is good to know the distance that your flash is able to produce light so your subject is able to be bright and defined.
*Watch the light-This is a tip for making sure another objects shadow doesn't affect something in your photo.  It is important to be aware of your surroundings so that your photo isn't dark or in the shadows.
*Be a picture director-A photographer should always arrange the subjects in the photo to what pleases them and what looks the best.  Rather than just having a group of people stand in a line, have them bunch together or stand on different levels.  This will overall create a less boring picture and give you what you want.

{This picture is an example of moving your subject from the middle.  My subject, McKenna, is walking into the frame and by putting her to the right shows what she is walking towards.}

{This photo of morgan is an example of knowing your flash's range.  By getting closer to him, the flash lit up his face and caused all shadows to go away.}

{This is an example of how to watch the lighting of the photo.  I had to move the subjects out from under the overhang before taking this photo.  Before their faces were too dark and had to many shadows.}

{This picture is an example of being a picture director.  Rather than them standing in a straight line, I moved my subjects closer together.  This overall made the photo more compact and more interesting.}

Top Ten Tips (4-6)

Continuing on from the last post! This week my class began to learn of 3 new techniques.  We went on another couple of photo walks and tried capturing new things with new techniques.  Below are my examples...and now for techniques and their definitions:
*Move in close/Fill the frame-This technique is pretty much the same as the fill the frame technique in my past blog post.  This is to get rid of any excess background and focus in on one subject or object.  Move your feet to get as close as possible to your subject, then(if necessary) use the lens to focus in closer.
*Blur the Background - This is another technique used to focus in on one main subject.  Blurring the background gets rid of any distractions and leads the eyes of the viewer to what you want to be the focal point.  This can be done by focusing on an object to the right or left of the subject and then moving the lens back to what you want to be the focus.  This will provide a cool effect and direct the eyes of the viewer to your subject.
*Horizontal-This is a good technique to use when you are trying to capture a tall or long subject.  Sometimes just the simple rotation of your camera can create a different perspective for the viewer.  Just rotate your camera to be horizontal and it may give the picture a new meaning.

{This picture of Carter is an example of filling the frame and moving in close.}

{This is an example of blurring the background.  By blurring the background the color of the rose really pops and stands out to the eye.}

{This picture of Hannah Hays is an example of taking a photo horizontally.  By taking this horizontally I was able to get her feet in the picture rather than cutting her in half at the waist.}

Top Ten Tips (1-3)

Recently my class began learning of some very important ways to take our pictures to the next level.  Over the next couple of weeks we will be adding onto this list of tips and taking photos of our surroundings, either at home or school or etc., to provide evidence of our understanding and show how to use these tips.  Slowly but surely, over time I will have learned and blogged about all ten tips that every photographer should know and try to incorporate in their photography.  I will be defining all ten tips here as time passes and will be sharing the examples and photos I have taken(the three pictures below).  So here's the first three:

*Eye Level- by getting down the the subjects eye level makes the picture sharper and makes a more personal feeling.  This also adds a new perspective for the viewer to take in.
*Use Plain Background- try to find a less distracting background that isn't cluttered or busy. This means no trees or poles sticking out from people's heads.  This focuses in on the subject of the photo. *TIP: Blurring the background may be useful.
*Use Flash Outdoors- there are three things to consider when you use flash outdoors, 1. use when the subject is in a shadow, 2. use when the subject is backlit, 3. ask yourself "will your flash reach the subject?". The outcome of the photo depends on the time of day.  Sometimes this can brighten your photo and create a better picture over all!

{This lovely picture of Shelby Hoyt is an example of the eye level technique.  Although it took me laying on the ground in blue hall, it ended up creating a better picture than if it were taken from above.}

{This photo of Madison Miller is an example of using a plain background.   Instead of a busy background, there is a solid colored wall behind her, which focuses the viewer's eyes on the subject.}

{Molly Neyland was a fantastic model for my "using flash outdoors" photo.  Without the flash there were dark shadows on her face.  Taking this photo with flash ultimately brightened the features of her face and eyes.}

PhotoJ Photowalk

Hello to all my loyal readers! Last week in my photojournalism class we started looking at various photography techniques. After learning these techniques we got the chance to walk around campus with our friends in hope of using our new knowledge of photography to enhance our photos. Our assignment is to define all the techniques we learned and to provide examples through the photos we took on our photowalk.  Fun right?! Hopefully that is what I captured in the photos below.  So here are the techniques:
*Rule of thirds- The basic principle behind the rule of thirds is to break down an image into thirds (Vertically and Horizontally). You should never center the subject of your photo exactly in the middle of the frame.  Move them slightly to the right or left.
*Anticipate the moment- Always know about what you are trying to capture with your camera. (ex: sports) Know where to stand to take a picture so you can get the right shot at the right moment in time.  Wait it out so you can capture the most action.
*Find a different angle- Examples of this are worm's eye or bird's eye view.  Taking a photo at a different angle can create a completely different perspective for the viewer than just to see something straight-on.
*Leading lines- Try to use a natural line to point to the focal point of subject in the photo.
*Fill the frame- Zoom in as far as possible, trying to have as little "background" as possible.  You may have to move yourself to get the best picture. TIP: Feet first, then zoom!
*Framing- This is used to highlight the element in a photo or to emphasize the subject.  To really frame your subject, find objects to create a "frame" around your subject to guide the viewer's eyes to what you want them to see.
*Repetition- This is the repeating of more than one of the same subject/object, this is usually to focus on one subject rather than the rest of what is in the background. Ex: A line of a sports team in uniform
*Let the mug shot tell the story- This is taking a photo of someone's face which describes something they are feeling are going through.

{This is a picture of my friends/team mates, Madison Miller and Margaret Tran.  This is an example of the "fill the frame" technique.  Notice there is very little background and their faces are the biggest focal point in the photo.}

{This is a good example of the repetition technique.  I like this photo because of the unique angle and how the photo gets less sharp as the cookie dough goes further back.}

{This picture is a good example of the worm's eye view.  The different angle allows the viewer to see this sign from a different perspective.}

Portraying Emotion Through Photography

True emotion is hard to capture, but if you are able to capture it at the right place and time, it can create an affect on all of those who view it.  Today in photojournalism, our class was shown how emotion is able to transform a picture.  Emotion is what allows a picture to become something more that just a picture, but a work of art.  You may have taken an emotional photo without even knowing it because of its many surroundings.  Emotion can often be lost in a busy setting.  Zero in on what the focal point actually is; the main subject conveying the emotion you are attempting to capture.  As opposed to recreating an emotion, it is best to let the emotion show itself to you.  Trying to recreate or stage an emotional scene can often look fake and although you may not be able to notice it, it is most likely noticeable to others.  To get the best shot possible, it may be helpful to set the camera down and observe your surroundings.  Waiting it out to find the perfect shot is well worth it.  

{Source: Pinterest}

The photo above is one of those pictures that hits you right in the heart.  My first reaction to this was the instant feeling of sympathy.  Although I have luckily never had to experience the feeling of having a loved one at risk, I can only imagine what it must feel like.  This picture conveys the soldiers feelings perfectly and gives me an idea of what it must have been like to be far away from someone you love.  This is a great example of an emotion picture because it is obvious the two subjects were not aware of the photo being taken.  It gives off the emotions of remorse, sadness, relief, love, and more.  This picture stuck me personally because of the incredible look on the woman's face.  Even though I don't know this woman personally, I am able to make a connection with her and understand her feelings.

All About Me

{My first Photoj assignment: All About Me collage}

Last week my class was assigned a project; an All About Me collage consisting of photos we took of objects, people, etc. that represent us and represent what is important in our lives.  I made this little collage through Photoshop.  Being completely new to the world of photoshop my photoj teacher was a great resource as she taught our class the basics and how to work the software, such as customizing the tint, saturation, re-touching, and color balances of our pictures.  After adjusting all that and fixing the size of my photos I was ready to make my first collage!  First off, probably the biggest thing that influences me is my family and friends, which is why I had to include all the photos of the people in my life.  I have always believed that one should surround themselves with positive people who believe in them, love them, and inspire them.  The #1 supporters I have in my life are my mom, my dad, and sister(to the right of the b&w picture of me and bottom right corner).  My mom is always there for me and somehow always knows exactly what to do.  She inspires me to be my best and I hope to only be a fraction of how amazing of a person she is.  My sister, Chloe, is the crazy component in our family, which always keeps me smiling and although it may get annoying, she's one of my favorite people in the world. My dad is the one who has inspired me to be who I am.  He has made me the hardheaded person I am today.  Somewhere in-between all those forced basketball clinics I started to love the sport(picture of basketball on the left).   My dad took me to numerous UT games beginning at age 3 giving me burnt orange blood instantly, and most importantly he inspired my faith. This brings me to the picture of the cross I keep in my room at all times(next to picture of my mom and I).  My faith makes me, me and always reminds me of the right choices to make.  My dog, Kyla(top, center) follows me everywhere and I absolutely love her.  Somewhere in this collage I just had to include food, so I took photos of the Sprinkles logo and some s'mores I made for a close friends birthday because, well, food is great.  So that's it!  This is the final product of my collage and hopefully it captures who I am.