Most of us are too preoccupied to stand and look at something for any great length pf time. We glance at something briefly and think we have seen it. Over the next week, look at everyday objects as if you have never seen them before and photograph them. Try to look at the objects from different angles i.e. from a vertical angle instead of horizontal, high or low viewpoints.
Aim To photograph everyday objects, inside or outside, in your personal environment from new viewpoints or angles, taking time to look at the objects before taking the photograph. |
Creative use of the aperture will enhance your skills as a photographer and produce photographs with
controlled depth of field for effect. Aim To gain a solid understanding of how and when to use depth of field as a means of creating more interesting photographs. The first part of this practical work can be done in the studio or at your home. The second task can be done outdoors at home or at a place you like to visit. You will create a series of still life images using different apertures to demonstrate the effect of Depth of Field. Set your camera mode to Aperture Priority (AV or A) the shutter speed will be automatically calculated but make a note of aperture and shutter speed. |
1. Objects
Gather a selection of objects in your home that have a common theme. Arrange the objects on a table top taking into consideration the background – keep it plain initially. Image 1: Isolating the foreground object and blurring the background objects Use a large aperture Image 2: Isolate the middle object and blur the foreground and background Use a large aperture Image 3: Isolate the background and blur the foreground objects Use a large aperture Image 4: Bring the whole picture into focus Focus one third of the way back and use a small aperture 2. Places – On Location 1. Select a suitable and interesting location with object(s) of interest in the foreground. Moving in quite close to the nearest object, it should fill 30% of the picture – take a series of images using the range of apertures available on your camera. Do not move your camera or change the point of focus. Start with the widest aperture and end with the smallest. Present your images with camera settings underneath and evaluate the results in your sketchbooks/Websites with accompanying notes. |
"Depth of Field is the distance between the nearest and furthest points of a subject which are considered to have sharp focus"
Basic Photography, M. Langford |