Light: Activity 4

Find two examples of photographs, which make use of maximum depth of field, and two examples, which have very shallow depth of field.

Describe how the photographer's selective use of aperture affects the subject in each of the photographs you have chosen. 

Now I'm going to take moment to return to some of the basics....shallow and great depth of field! 

This photograph utilizes a greater depth of field. This allows the picture to appear deeper than it actually is, and helps to enhance the surroundings as well as add a better appeal to the overall image. The photographer's selective use of aperture effects the subject because if he/she decided to use a shallow depth of field then the picture may be harder to read as well as less appealing to the eye.

This photograph uses a shallow depth of field. Unlike the great depth of field picture, only a small portion of the subject, in this case a small dog, is n focus. It creates a centralized point of focus and helps direct the audience towards where the photographer wants them too look. A great depth of field would not work well in a photograph like this because since the dog is so small, it is better to get up close. It also helps to enhance some of the features of the dog. 

Light: Activity 3

A light meter is a tool that is commonly used by photographers in order to determine which shutter speed and f-stop should be utilized for optimum exposure of an image given the surrounding lighting and/or possible film speed. 

In the case of digital photography, obviously, there is no film used although the lighting situation will vary from place to place. For example, the lighting of a setting sun will be different than the hard light of stadium lighting. 

To enhance more on the subject of light...

Devin Peterson

In the photographs below I can provide further evidence about how light can change a piece. 

In this photograph, the photographer, Devin Peterson, must have gone bout using a light meter by calculating the exposure that was required to enhance the colors of the sunset but at the same time creating a silhouetted look to the couple.  

Devin Peterson

In this photograph the sun is behind the subject, giving her an enhanced, almost angelic type look. While the photograph is of lighter origin, the background is darker, creating a clear point of where the subject is. The photographer most likely went about using a light meter by taking into consideration the positioning of the sun and what effect he was aiming for in the photograph. 

Light: Activity 2

Single Light Source vs. Multiple Light Source

When taking photographs, there are things to consider that do not fall under the simplicity of poses or stay hairs. Lighting is a crucial part any photograph, as it can contribute to mood and/or effect of the piece. 

In this photograph, the model is light by only one source, her hair and other features almost obscured by the blackness while only her face is in true clarity. This creates a slightly more dramatic appearance. It also makes the image potentially look darker in mood, while a photograph using multiple light sources of the same model may cause it to appear more uplifting and cheerful. The light strikes the face of the subject, illuminating only her and nothing in the background. It also helps to add a dynamic of exaggerated light and shadows. 

Josh Lynn

In this photograph, a multiple light source is used. The light comes from both the setting sun behind the couple and the car headlights. The setting sun allows for the image to have a softer glow while the lights of the car add additional lights to couple. Even though there are multiple light sources, there are ways to achieve softer looks and include deep shadows as well as pools of darker color. 

Though it may seem like light is not a very big point in a photograph, it can possibly make the picture; or break it. 

Light: Activity 1 blog

Light

The effect that light can have on a subject is crucial both when viewing and taking a picture. It can add character to a piece or it can take it away. Some people may believe that a soft, more diffused light will look better when it comes to taking pictures; especially in relation to portraits. However, this is not always the case. In some cases, a harder light may add something more to the piece and enhance shadows along the grooves and curves of a subject to add to the charisma.

Matthew Hanlon

In the case of this photograph, the hard light enhances the portrait rather than take away from it as a softer light may do. The shadows that are created from the lighting choice creates a mood that is more serious and harsh. It also helps to define both the muscles and the tattoos that are displayed on the boxer. The picture appears to be deeper than it really is, looking almost as if the boxer's fist is going to be coming out of the photograph.

Jim Hermer

 The hard light in this portrait helps to define the features on both people and creates what appears to be an uplifting atmosphere. It creates pools of shadows that add to the charm of the piece as well as add an additional balance of contrast. 

In this photograph, a softer light is used to create a more joyful appearance. The soft light also helps to hide the hard lines on the face of the model. The light also enhances the colors and smooths out the details of the face.




Through these three examples a photographer can see that light can enhance a picture; if it smooths the details out or brought out. It depends on the quality of the light and what one may choose to utilize to achieved the desired photograph.