Archive for August 2014

Introduction to Photography - Week 3

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22.8.14 (Week 3)
Jasmine Yeoh, (0321190)
Introduction to Photography
Exercise 2a: Aperture

 Lecture:
The first thing we did today was have a quiz on aperture which we self studied on using the study material Mr Vinod gave us. After the quiz, he gave us a lecture on aperture and explained and clarified our doubts on the topic. He then told us to do an exercise to prove that aperture affects exposure and depth of field.

 Instructions

Exercise 2: ExposureThe second exercise is divided into 3 areas (2a. Aperture [2a.1 & 2a.2], 2b. Shutter Speed & 2c. ISO[2c.1 & 2c.2]), all of which directly control the quality of an exposure. This exercises will give the students’ an understanding of how the 3 aspects work in combination to create an exposure.
2a) Aperture (5%)
Marking Criteria: The student must capture the evidence of the Aperture’s influence in exposure using the various f-stops. The student must also capture the evidence of the Aperture’s influence on depth of field.

 Exercise 2a.1
Testing if aperture affects exposure. In order to prove this me and my team mates planned to take a picture multiple times and each time, change the aperture at each main f stop while keeping the same shutter speed.
 f4 // 1/800 // ISO200

  f5.6 // 1/800 // ISO200

  f8 // 1/800 // ISO200

  f11 // 1/800 // ISO200

  f16 // 1/800 // ISO200

 f22 // 1/800 // ISO200
Exercise 2a.2
Testing if aperture affects depth of field. For this test I took a picture of a ruler several times, each time changing the aperture at each main f stop as well as adjusting the shutter speed. I used a ruler because it is easier to see where in the picture becomes less clear.

f4.0 // 1/13 // ISO200

 f5.6 // 1/6 // ISO200

 f8 // 0"3 // ISO200

f11 // 0"6 // ISO200

 f16 // 1"3 // ISO200

 f22 // 2"5 // ISO200

Screenshot:

Feedback
"With regard to the work you posted on your ePortfolio (under instruction) the title states just Exercise 2a, but which is it? Proving depth of field or exposure? You need to mention : Exercise 2a.1 or Exercise 2a.1: Exposure. The images with the ruler, I assume are to prove aperture controls depth of field, it would seem that you have proved that with your exercise, while the next set of images seem to indicate that aperture controls and effects exposure, again here it would seem that the exercise has proved it. Good work with regard to the exercise!!! --- With regard to the eportfolio you forgot to the Exercise type (Exercise 2a: Aperture). Armored importantly, the findings, of your reflection were a little "light" lacked proper reflection or insight, I know you can do better and I hope to see this in the next ePortfolio entry. In your observation you did not mention any observations you made with regard to the exercise, that was important. Alright, this should be sufficient feedback for you to mull over. Good work on the exercise, more work/concentration required in listening to instructions and in writing your reflections."

Reflection
Experience
Doing the test on the Sacrotes App was new and a fun way to mix things up. I really liked doing the practical work where we had to go and take pictures to prove that aperture affects exposure and depth of field. 

Observation
I noticed that Mr Vinod goes off topic easily but I don't mind it and rather, I find that the things he talks about when he goes off topic is interesting and entertaining. It is also quite informative and its good to have extra information since knowledge is important when you are in the design world because you need to know what you are talking about.

Findings
I didn't understand how to set the appropriate shutter speed before the class but Mr Vinod showed us the meter which you can see through the viewfinder when you press the shutter button half way.


Introduction to Photography - Week 2

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15.8.14 (Week 2)
Jasmine Yeoh, (0321190)
Introduction to Photography

Lecture:
In this lecture Mr. Vinod reviewed our blogs and gave us feedback on them. After that, he talked about his education in India and where he worked, as a fashion photographer for many magazines such as ELLE, Cosmopolitan and Men's Review. 
He then went on to showing us picture by other photographers such as Herb Ritts and how he made his model get a tan to enhance the tones and shadows of their muscles and how he didn't bleach out the white background like other photographers. He then showed us the pictures he took while he was working as a fashion photographer, portrait pictures as well as pictures of his family which he took with his phone.

 Instructions:
Mr Vinod gave us links for us to read and self study about aperture. He also asked us to come up with 3 questions about aperture in preparation for next class.

Feedback:
"Jasmine, with regards to the eportfolio, you left your observation blank. Also, the feedback section is meant to document my feedback to you. When you want to give me feedback, it would best be included in the appropriate section under reflection. While I am happy with concise reflection, you must ensure that the reflection does justice to the time spent in class, for example, mentioning spy our view of the photographers I presented, which ones did you like etc."

Reflection:
Experience: 
The class was really entertaining and interesting because we got to see the work Mr. Vinod has done and a bit about his background before he became a teacher.

Observation: 
It was difficult for me to remember the names of the different photographers so I should have wrote down notes while Mr Vinod was lecturing. I really liked the the photographers who took pictures which were black and white most such as Herb Ritts and Mark Seliger, rather than the more colourful pictures because I think black and white pictures are more emotional and richer in tone.

 Findings:
I was sick during class so it was difficult for me to concentrate on what Mr Vinod was saying so i found that can't concentrate in class when I'm sick. I need to be more attentive while Mr Vinod is verbally giving me feedback.

Principles of Design - Week 2

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12.8.14 (Week 2)
Jasmine Yeoh (0321190)
Principles of Design
Assignment 1A: Mind map and Self Portrait

Mind Map - About Me

"Trash" Self Portrait

Introduction to Photography - Week 1

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8.8.14 (Week 1)
Jasmine Yeoh, (0321190)
Introduction to Photography
Exercise 1: Presentation of 10 of your best-liked pictures

Lecture:
During the first lesson of "Introduction to Photography" Mr Vinod asked each of us to introduce ourselves as well as state why we had chosen this elective. I chose Photography over Human Communication because I prefer hands on and practical tasks such as taking pictures and editing them. I developed an interest in photography while aimlessly playing around with my sister's DSLR(that now belongs to me) or the camera on my phone, taking pictures of whatever intrigued me or looked pretty.

 After the introduction, he explained to us what the Taylor's Graduate Capabilities for our course were and how the grading system worked. 

 Our final grade consists of:
-40% Formative exercises
-40% Summative based projects
-20% Portfolio

 Mr Vinod instructed us to get either a DSLR camera or mirrorless camera, a fixed or short range lens a steady tripod and a folder for the hardcopy portfolio. He told us that a good lens has a lower focal point (2.8 and below), and a sensor size with a higher APSC.

 ---

 Exercise 1:
We have to select 10 photographs which we liked and make a video with a voice over talking about what we found interesting about each photograph. Out of the 10 photographs, 5 have to be taken by other photographers and 5 that we took ourselves.

10 Best Liked Pictures
This picture was taken with a Sony Digital camera when I went on holiday to Bangkok, Thailand. I like how the focus is on the rattan ball but you can still see the hanging wooden puppets in the background. This makes the picture more interesting because there is more than one subject in the picture and the puppets add pops of colour to the picture.

I took this picture to draw for my art exam and the topic was “Portrait of a person wearing a hat”. I love how the sunlight shines through the holes of the straw hat and onto her face. This adds texture to the picture. The contrast between the main subject and the surrounding pushes the focus towards subject and makes the picture look less busy. I edited the picture in black and white and increased the contrast because I felt like it highlighted the light casted on her face.

This was one of the pictures I took when first trying to use a DSLR camera. I found this picture interesting because even though it is so simple and minimal, there is a story behind it. During the Chinese Lantern Festival, children usually go to this park to play with their lanterns so this heart is created on the pavement using melted candle wax. It reminds me of when I use to do that when I was younger.

This picture was taken for my IGCSE art exam with the topic “Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me”. I like this picture because there is a deep emotional story behind it and people can interpret this picture differently, giving it their own backstory as to why she is screaming so in this sense I think this picture really is worth a thousand words.
This is a photo that I took when I learned the power of aperture. I used a small aperture and a single focal point to give the dreamy background effect. That, together with the bright and sunny colours, gives a very cheerful and happy vibe to the picture. However, if it were black and white it could very easily give a very different mood to the picture.
This picture was taken by a photography named Benoit Courti. Almost all of his photographs have pitch-black backgrounds that typically represent unhappiness and they all illustrate heartbreak or sadness.  I love that the focus is on the hands and that the face in the distant is blurry. I love how emotional this picture is because it tells the heartbreaking story of having to leave someone.

Fakrul Jamil who is a local photographer took this picture. He took this picture on his trip to New Zealand. It is a Milky Way panorama from lake Takapo and it actually consists of 36 vertical pictures stitched together. I think this picture is visually stunning and it really captures the beauty of nature. The big, bright stars make this picture look as if it was actually taken in space.
This iconic picture is by Alfred Eisenstaedt called V-J Day in Times Square. I love this picture as it illustrates romance because of the passionate kiss shared by the sailor and the nurse and celebration, because it was the end of the war and there are happy   people around them. I really like that it was a candid picture that captured a moment rather than it being staged and composed.
This picture is also an iconic one, candy cigarette by Sally Maan. I think this accurately represents children these days who are growing up too fast. In the blurry background you can see her siblings playing how children their age should while she is slouching, holding a cigarette. I like this picture because it is quite truthful and it kind of wakes people up into realising how wrong this is and that children should have a proper childhood.
This is a picture of model Sasha Pivovarova taken by fashion photographer Craig McDean. I chose this picture because of my love for fashion and clothes. I like the colours and how they compliment each other such as the nudes and neutral colours. There is colour blocking is present in the background which is modern and simplistic. The model is facing the source of light so that her face is lit up the most and it displays her facial features better.
Screenshot of Word Document:



My video: 10 Best Liked Pictures

Feedback:
"Jasmine with regards to your content, you articulated, analysed and explained your reasons for choosing the picture presented very well, and in addition credited the photographers as required in the criteria, well done! You were clear and concise in your presentation fulfilling the necessary requirements of the criteria, my only negative comment would be with regards to the music which I felt was appropriate but at times was a little too loud and tended to drown your excellent commentary. Overall, it was a well done, good job and keep it up."

 Reflection:
Experience:
I learned a bit on the different types of cameras lenses and tripods, which are good and which are bad, and where to buy cheap, value for money photography equipment. I really enjoyed making the video and finding, choosing and adding music to go with it.

 Observation:
I like talking about pictures but sometimes i find it difficult to find the words that match my feelings towards the picture.

 Findings:
I found that I enjoy producing videos but I hate the sound of my own voice.

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