Archive for October 2014

Principles of Design - Week 13

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27. 10. 14 (Week 13)
Jasmine Yeoh (0321190)
Principles of Design
Composition

Assignment:
We had to use the rule of thirds as well as a frame which we cut out to produce well composed pictures within the frame. We had to propose a number of themes to Ms Lisa and eventually, she guided me to choose the theme of "Shoes".

It was a fun assignment as I already knew about the rule of thirds from my chosen elective; Photography so it was pretty easy for me. I enjoy talking pictures but to properly frame the picture with the cut-out frame was a challenge for me. It was also fun because I had to match the colour of the shoe with the colour of the background and direct how the model should pose.




Introduction to Photography - Week11

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17.10.2014 (Week 11)
Jasmine Yeoh (0321190)
Introduction to Photography

Lecture:

Mr Vinod talked about our topics we asked questions on the brief feedback he gave regarding the topics. We then went to the photo studio and cleaned the mess the graduating class made and Mr Vinod showed us the equipment and where is should go. We then went to take our "Wow Factor" shot.

Instructions:

Go around campus to take a "wow factor" picture and later resize the image and canvas size and edit accordingly using photoshop. 

Class Exercise

1) ISO200 / f3.5 / 1/250


2) ISO200 / f4 / 1/160

3) ISO200 / f4 / 1/30


4) ISO200 / f4 / 1/30


5) ISO200 / f4 / 1/30



Reflection:
I was quite happy with the "wow" factor pictures I had taken this time around. I had gotten more pictures because I became more comfortable with going around and taking pictures in public without caring if I were in an awkward position while taking the picture or taking a picture of something that might seem silly.

While we cleaned the photo studio and learnt where everything went, I learnt that we should be very careful with all the equipment if we were to use them or move them around because they are very expensive and difficult to replace.


In class, I expressed that I was STILL unsure about my theme and Mr Vinod mentions that we can get inspiration from everything and anything we do. He told us about how he got the idea for a theme to shoot sweaty bodies from a business magazine. So I think i am going to rethink my theme once again and look through some magazines for inspiration.

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I had not realised I didn't publish this post and it was still a draft. I apologise, Mr Vinod!

Introduction to Photography - Week 10

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12.10.14 (Week 10)
Jasmine Yeoh, (0321190)
Introduction to Photography

Lecture:
Mr Vinod told us to upload the pictures of our 5 pictures every week. He then talked briefly again about photoshop and asked us to clarify and doubts. We then had to go around campus once again to capture a "Wow Factor" picture.

Instructions:
Go around campus to take a "wow factor" picture and later resize the image and canvas size and edit accordingly using photoshop. 

Class Exercise
ISO400 / f8 / 1/2500


Final Project(Week 2)
Topic: Prisoner
1) ISO100 / f3.5 / 1/100

2) ISO100 / f3.5 / 1/100

3) ISO200 / f5 / 1/200

4) ISO200 / f4 / 1/100

5) ISO200 / f3.5 / 1/100

(extra photo because I couldn't decide which to pick)
ISO100 / f3.5 / 1/100


Reflection:
Experience
In-class:
Many people didn't upload their 5 pictures on their e-portfolio because we misunderstood the instructions. I feel like my photo for this week's "wow factor" picture was much better than last week's picture.

Project:
I decided to change my topic for my final project of "Homosexuality" because it was difficult for me to find people who were willing to pose for such a subject as it is quite a controversial topic in this country. I was thinking of a number of different themes to do however, there were many setbacks that prevented me from eventually choosing it. 

I thought of doing the theme "Illness" where I could visit hospitals and take pictures of the patients, with their consent of course. I got this idea while I was driving on the way to campus and I saw a hospital for chemotherapy. After thinking about it, I didn't think it would work out because many people might get annoyed and not want their picture taken especially since they are already feeling horrible from the treatment.

After much consideration, I decided on the topic "Torture". I was inspired when a few weeks ago, Mr Vinod showed us the pictures of a senior's work whose theme is to disturb the viewer. Mr Vinod said that our pictures should surprise the viewer and it should be something they've never seen before or could think of so I tried my best to do that. Through out the next few weeks I am think of gradually making the pictures and the "torture" more extreme until eventually, the final 5 pictures will be the most shocking. 

I went with my model to an empty house in Valencia to shoot the photos. I planned to shoot inside but all the doors were locked so we shot the pictures outside the house instead. I dressed her up in an over sized large t-shirt which I distressed and smeared black eyeshadow all over her to look like she was dirty and hasn't showered for days.

The concept of these 5 pictures is that she was left to rot outside the house with no food and no water. She can't escape cos her hands are tied up. She begs and longs to go inside the house and to belong(picture 3). In the end, she gives up and uses the rope to hang herself(picture 5).

Observation
The past few weeks, it was difficult for me to update my e-portfolio because I was having problems with my computer so I had to send it to the service centre. This caused me to update my blog a bit late. I know it isn't an excuse because I do it using the computers on campus but I always procrastinate and leave it till last minute to upload my pictures. I need to manage my time more wisely because I couldn't find time to go to the library to do my blog. I also need to stop procrastinating and be more prepared.

Findings
I found that I like taking pictures of people more than objects because there is more emotion envolved and I really like that but at the same time, I find it more difficult to photograph people because you may miss good moments or take a good picture but the picture turns out blurry or over/under exposed.

Introduction to Photography - Week 9

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3.10.14 (Week 9)
Jasmine Yeoh 0321190

Introduction to Photography

Lecture:
In this lecture, Mr Vinod gave us a tutorial on how to get our digital photographs ready to print, using photoshop. He gave us a demonstration on how to use photoshop tools such as burn tool, dodge tool and spot healing tool as well as how to edit the levels. He then showed us how to resize the image and change the canvas size into A4, suitable for printing. He then gave us instructions for our class exercise.

Instructions:
Go around campus to take a "wow factor" picture and later resize the image and canvas size and edit accordingly using photoshop. 

Exercise:
ISO200 / f3.5 / 1/320


Final Project (Week 1)
Topic: Homosexuality

1) ISO100 / f3.5 / 1/160

2)  ISO100 / f3.5 / 1/80

3)  IS0400 / f4 / 1/6

4) ISO800 / f3.5 / 1/5

5) ISO400 / f4 / 1/13



Reflection:
Experience
Since I already knew how to use photoshop, I was familiar with how to use the tool on photoshop, however, I didn't know how to resize the picture without reducing the clarity of the picture. While doing the class exercise, I found it difficult to get a "wow factor" picture on campus because i see it everyday so I'm use to the surroundings and nothing looks special.

Choosing the topic for my final project was difficult for me because I had many ideas but wasn't sure how to execute them. Finally, I chose to do homosexuality. The reason I chose it was because it was a controversial topic, especial being in a country such as Malaysia due to religion, and I wanted to shock the viewer.

Observation
In the end I think my shots weren't what I envisioned them to be because I faced many problems such as finding people who were willing to pose for me and even when they posed for me they felt really uncomfortable so I had to be quick to capture the shot. Some of my shots were not exactly in focus and you can see unintentional movement in the picture such as in picture 4.

Findings
I found that when you make the image smaller on photoshop, it increases the clarity of the shot. I realised that in order to get a good shot in a place where you are familiar with, you have to experience things as if you are doing it for the first time, only then will to find beauty in what you see everyday.