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All images were shot with an external flash to highlight the models in place and to sperate the main focal points from the background.

Group Evaluation

For this shot I wanted to shoot at a lower angle from the models in place to create a sort of important/dominant attitude. I found that the background was a bit of a distraction from the main subject matter. I converted my images into black and white to emphasise the range of tones within the images and to separate the models from the background. 

For this shot I added in a reflector from the left side of the image to bounce some light onto the models face to fill in shadow. I feel an additional reflector for the right would of helped get rid of the shadows under the chin but unfortunately extra help was not at hand. I changed my positioning from the previous shot above and maintained same facial expressions throughout. I found positioning myself off centre was much more useful. The building in the background set behind the trees to create a darker background to avoid the distraction, helped and didn’t take away the textured background I liked from the previous shot. The models are also in a better composition position. however, due to limited help the models had to help with reflectors hence the cropping and tight framing. For future reference I will plan out shoots for assistance to achieve a successful shoot. 

For this shot I liked the background of the bush which added an interesting coloured background. I feel the top of the image is a distraction to the main subjects in place. Eventhough I like the positioning and angle of this shot. The background is distracting so for future purposes maintaining eye level would of been helpful. 

For this shot I believe the framing could of been improved as well as focus. A reflector would of been useful to avoid unwanted shadow and bounce light from the left side of the image. 

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Light

PAINTING WITH LIGHT

For this we were put into groups to create a structure with the materials around us. The purpose of this was to have a subject to light up with a long continuous exposure. Above is the successful images produced from the shoot. This was a fun workshop as I experimented with the technical aspects of photography.

CONTINIOUS LIGHT

I experimented with a model in frame to shoot with a different subject matter. The image above is an example of this shoot. This image wasn't particularly successfull due to the focus and facial expression. However, I like the single light source lighting up the image and being presented in the image as a single strobe. I converted this image into black and white to bring out highlights and shadows.

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Enterprise Review

As a group we pitched our original ideas and decided to go with zines. This brief was a challenge in various ways. We struggled to arrange times to meet up to work together as some of us live far out from the city and our jobs got in the way and was non negotiable to get time off. We each done what we could in our spare time and in the end we all worked to get this brief done and sold our product. The original plan was never followed through so a Plan B was introduced which involved the nearest materials to produce the product and get it sold. I feel this brief could of been more successful but we still managed in the end to get it done. Although the quality of the zine inst what we originally hoped for, profit and time wise in my opinion still worked out. We communicated through a social media group chat and discussed what needed done etc, which helped in someways since myself and others couldn't travel into the city most days out of college. My share of the images to be put forward for the zines were lost so My initial number of zines I would sell dropped. For future purposes I feel communication could of been better with everyone to have had a clear role as a team effort. 

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Portfolio Self Review

During my year within the NC Photography course I have learned and experimented with various materials and genres. I got more in depth knowledge of the uses of equipment and how a camera operates. I tried to keep an open mind on new styles of photography to find the best genre for me. Vast majority of the materials I used throughout college was new to me and was the soul reason applied. I am pleased to have gained new tips and tricks for my future career in the media. It was exciting working in the studio and learning how the lighting affects an image and the subject matter in frame. The only thing I regret was not pushing myself out of my comfort zone and going for more challenging images to produce.

For my final 12 images on my end of year portfolio, I aimed to include a range of photographs instead of sticking to a specific genre. I included architecture, portraiture, nature, studio still life, confectionery/product etc. Some images I am more happy with than others. I personally believe my portraits are my strongest images but could require slight tweaking. I included location and studio portraits. For the location portraits, mainly focusing on the model in the red jacket, I used an external flash on a low power to control an even exposure and bring out features so the model in place can stand out. I feel composition wise for this image could be adjusted but I feel this was a simple yet effective  image. For my portfolio I wanted to include a diverse range of my work to showcase what I can produce from different angles within photography. Second to that, I was happy with my product shots (Perfume and chocolate bar) This was the first time I had participated in a product shoot. The perfume especially was a challenge to light due to limited light sources such as a tent or a larger soft box to conceal the round reflective part of the lid. However, I am pleased to have filled in the unwanted shadows with reflectors and maintained a successful amount of light for an even exposure throughout.

With the remaining images that I haven't analysed I feel there isn't much to comment on. Although I personally like these images, comparing some to what I feel was successful, I realised I have stronger work that should of been included. For future purposes I aim to push my work to the limit to excel in my career as a photographer.  

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Enterprise; Zine - Final Images

These are the final images from the zine produced my our team.

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final 6 images

here are my final 6 images to be added to my portfolio. 

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Macro

For my macro project my theme is the colour blue. I wanted to take close up shots of subjects that are made up of the colour blue.

Here is my final images.

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Enterprise Zines

Enterprise

Production of the zines.

We decided to print using the college facilities. The zines consist of 5 sheets of a4 paper that will be folded in half. This was a faster and efficient way of the production of the product. We cut down on the original amount we planned to make down to 10 due to funds on making the product and ensuring a good profit. The pages have been designed to fit around the folding and layout. Inside contains images and description of the zine. We still are taking a number of zines to sell each to family and friends and will make extra zines if need be. 

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A few points that involve my photostory

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Storytelling

From my contact sheet I am editing down to the best images that will tell the story. I aim to create a story on travel. The story will consist around emissions and how damaging it is to the environment. I aim to include alternatives to emissions.

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Product shoot

As part of my 6 shoot plan I wanted to do a product shot. For this shoot I got inspired by my climate change story that involves a farm. For this shoot I aim to shoot eggs.

For this shoot I had no real agenda, so I just improvised. I got the product, some coloured card and natural window lighting. 

here are some shoots I liked from the contact sheet. I quickly edited some but very little. Further editing is needed. 

Overall I am unsure about this shoot as I feel it is too basic with no real interest. However I still plan on editing and going through all images to see if there is any worthy shots to take further. 

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Nature shoot

As part of my 6 planned shoots I wanted to focus on simplicity in colours within nature. This may be an overused subject to shoot but I thought this would involve a different look for my portfolio.

As a class we went to botanic gardens in Glasgow. I took with me a macro lens, camera and a tripod.

I took various shots of plants focusing in on things such as; symmetry, repetition and colour. I found this fun to create a close up look on simple features of nature.

The outcome was I favoured the shots focusing in on the purple and green colour schemes.

I also quickly edited another image to focus in on tones.

With this image I like the focus on the two flowers tucked away with the remaining left out of focus.

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Studio portraiture

As part of our breifs we were asked to plan at least 6 shoots that may be considered towards our final shots.

I wanted to create a simple portrait experimenting with the atmosphere. I aim to use a plain muted background that ties in with the models attire, and use various poses and facial expressions. For lighting purposes I want to use a soft box as the main source preferably frontal lighting to create a nice smooth tone on the face.

Above are two edited images. For this I was experimenting with a new pose and a happy light atmosphere. I used a black background as it ties in with the models attire, to put all attention to facial expression. Although, the Jean's are slightly distraction to this aim of the shoot.

I used an additional hair light (snoot) just to simply separate the model from the background.

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Location Shoot

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Macro Shoot

Some images from todays shoot with a macro lens tying in with my blue theme. 

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Photoshoot Plan

As part of my brief I was asked to plan at least 6 shoots.

For one of these shoots it has to include a product shot. I first looked for inspiration before my shoot could commence.

I liked these images due to the fact liquid was involved. I believe that the splash adds interest and shows off a good creativeness within. The images would of been a technical challenge and involves a lot of pacience which I appreciate the photographers efforts to capture these shots. 

My aims are to recreate a shot with a liquid based product to emulate the splashes. For this i think I will need to spend a lot of time in the study with  several pieces of equipment and assistance to get the shot right. Through previous experience, I know how much of a challenge fast shutter speed shots are. 

for this shot, I want multiple light sources. I would like smaller light sources ie touches to be along side the product, to bring out highlights as well as reflectors. I also would like flags to be involved to ensure no light escapes and goes to unwanted areas. For the over head lights I would like a Lightbox as the main source of light on the product. I am unsure yet if I would like a coloured background or a plain muted one. tO ENSURE I don't make a mess, I will be using a basin or a tank of some sort to catch the excess water. 

I will require a tripod, camera, SD card, USB, flash sync, hot shoe adapter, flash meter, reflectors/defusers and a backdrop. 

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Portrait exhibition

All the nc classes came together to edit down photos to put towards an exhibition. We were asked to bring in 6 of our best portraits to be analysed. One would be put forward to be printed to a3.

The first image on this post was the chosen image. (The one with the post it notes) the rest are the other photos I brought in.