Assignment 6: take the best 5 images you created and make them even better!
This is all about post-processing using tools like Capture One, Photoshop, Lightroom, Camera RAW or whatever tool you prefer. Use skills you have or ask questions.I can help you with this at almost any skill level—seriously.
If you do not have a tool you like, most have free trials you can download.Capture One even has completely free versions if you use Sony or Fuji cameras.
Assignment 5: time to use the skills from 1-4. Create 5 great images of your chosen subject in good light!
So you have worked on finding good angles and perspectives for your subject. You have learned about light angles and how they look on your subject. You have explored how window light works (which contributes a lot to the use of strobes, if you have not tried that yet).
Now take your chosen subject and try to create five distinct images using what you learned in the first assignments.If your subject is a person or pet, how can you get the best or most interesting expressions?
If you are not already using RAW files on your camera, please start doing so. You can set your camera to shoot RAW plus jpeg, so you still have jpegs you might be used to. But, trust me, you will be happier in the future if you get in the habit of shooting RAW now. (Plus, you’ll want RAW files for the next assignment!)
This can be combined with assignment three to further explore window light. Or you can use the light-source from assignment two.
Grab something white and something black. A piece of poster board is ideal, but many items can work (hold up a t-shirt, paper, a bed sheet…be creative). Hold up either white or black item near your subject (start with opposite from window and then experiment.
What do you notice? How can you make the shadows lighter or darker? How many different ways can you make your subject look better or worse? Learning what doesn’t work is often as valuable as what does.
So this is fantastic for people, naturally, but window light is also fantastic for food or almost anything.
The relationship of the light source to the subject, as we learned in the last experiment, makes a difference. So does the angle and distance, as we learned from the first. So keep going as long as patience lasts and find out new things!
Assignment 2: Pick a single subject and a light source. Keep the subject and camera in the same place and move your light source to different places.
The light above or at least at the same height is “traditional” since the sun is above, but you should feel free to experiment with it. Play with light behind, change angles around the subject. Change angle up and down. Change the way the light faces if this can be changed. So many options.
Assignment 1: pick a subject and photograph it or them from five distinct angles.
You can be in front, next to, behind, above, below, closer or further away. This could be something you have made, a family member, a pet, garb, armor or anything else.
Virus keeping you from going to events? Want to get your camera out and learn, practice, and discuss photography with other people? Well, the Bryn Gwlad Photographer’s Guild has an assignment series for you! Every few days, Maybe Knott (Guild Leader) will be posting assignments to the guild. Look for assignments posted here, and join … Read more
