Reply To: Lesson 1 Assignment

#24263
Duncan Rawlinson
Keymaster

Hi Alan,

Thanks for signing up for the course and submitting your first assignment.

Don’t forget to follow IPS on Twitter: @PhotographyIcon

Here is the EXIF data for these two images:

022.jpg
http://photographyicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/022.jpg
Date Time Original: 2014:02:27 15:31:15
Exposure Time: 1/40
F Number: f / 4
Exposure Program: Manual
ISO Speed Ratings: 1600
Metering Mode: Pattern
Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length: 105mm
White Balance: Manual white balance
Make: Canon
Model: Canon EOS 6D
LensInfo: 4
LensModel: EF24-105mm f/4L IS USMUUD
LensSerialNumber: 00001dc72f
Exif Version:
Flashpix Version:
Color Space: 1
Pixel X Dimension: 5472
Pixel Y Dimension: 3648
Maker Note: 910
User Comment: 8694
Date Time Digitized: 2014:02:27 15:31:15
Subsec Time: 00
Subsec Time Original: 00
Subsec Time Digitized: 00
Shutter Speed Value: 5.38
Aperture Value: 4
Focal Plane X Resolution: 3810.58
Focal Plane Y Resolution: 3815.90
Focal Plane Resolution Unit: 2
Custom Rendered: Normal process
Exposure Mode: 1
Scene Capture Type: Standard
InteroperabilityIFDPointer: 8958
ExifIFDPointer: 360
GPSInfoIFDPointer: 9186
Orientation: 1
YCbCr Positioning: 2
X Resolution: 72
Y Resolution: 72
Resolution Unit: 2
Date Time: 2014:02:27 15:31:15
Artist: AlanHsieh

023.jpg
http://photographyicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/023.jpg
Date Time Original: 2014:02:27 15:36:30
Exposure Time: 1/12
F Number: f / 4
Exposure Program: Manual
ISO Speed Ratings: 1600
Metering Mode: Pattern
Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length: 105mm
White Balance: Manual white balance
Make: Canon
Model: Canon EOS 6D
LensInfo: 4
LensModel: EF24-105mm f/4L IS USMUUD
LensSerialNumber: 00001dc72f
Exif Version:
Flashpix Version:
Color Space: 1
Pixel X Dimension: 5472
Pixel Y Dimension: 3648
Maker Note: 910
User Comment: 8694
Date Time Digitized: 2014:02:27 15:36:30
Subsec Time: 00
Subsec Time Original: 00
Subsec Time Digitized: 00
Shutter Speed Value: 3.63
Aperture Value: 4
Focal Plane X Resolution: 3810.58
Focal Plane Y Resolution: 3815.90
Focal Plane Resolution Unit: 2
Custom Rendered: Normal process
Exposure Mode: 1
Scene Capture Type: Standard
InteroperabilityIFDPointer: 8958
ExifIFDPointer: 360
GPSInfoIFDPointer: 9186
Orientation: 1
YCbCr Positioning: 2
X Resolution: 72
Y Resolution: 72
Resolution Unit: 2
Date Time: 2014:02:27 15:36:30
Artist: AlanHsieh

I wouldn’t worry too much about shooting completely in manual mode unless you are already comfortable with your camera’s program automatic modes already. Don’t worry modern camera program auto modes are very useful. They allow you to isolate say for example your shutter speed and the camera will handle the rest.

Here is a quick rundown of the shooting modes for the Canon EOS 6D:

SCN: Choose one of the special scene modes that use settings deemed perfect for a specific type of image. You have the following scene modes from which to choose: Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, Handheld Night Scene, HDR Backlight Control.

Scene Intelligent Auto: The camera chooses the shutter speed and aperture needed to properly expose the image.

Creative Auto: The camera chooses the shutter speed and aperture needed to properly expose the image. You can control the depth of field, brightness, picture style, and image format by using a menu on the camera LCD monitor.

Programmed Auto Exposure: The camera chooses the shutter speed and aperture needed to properly expose the image. You can shift the exposure to change the shutter-speed-and-aperture combination to suit the type of scene you’re photographing.

Aperture Priority: You choose the aperture (f-stop value) and the camera provides the shutter speed needed to properly expose the image.

Shutter Priority: You choose the shutter speed and the camera provides the aperture (f-stop value) needed to properly expose the image.

Manual: You manually choose the shutter speed and aperture.

Bulb: The shutter stays open as long as the Shutter button is pressed. You can also use a remote to trigger the Shutter button.

C1 and C2: You can apply your own settings to these buttons. (source)

If you’re already comfortable with the various shooting modes then for sure shoot all manual but I wouldn’t recommend it until you have done so.

Now, in terms of these images specifically you’ve done a few nice things that the assingment required.

In your image 23.jpg you’ve made your tea pot look more interesting through an interesting perspective and you got quite close to your subject.

What’s more there is some interesting light happening here even though the image is a bit overexposed. Don’t worry though, you’ll learn more about the exposure triangle as you proceed through the course.

Your depth of field is very shallow here and most of the image is out of focus but don’t worry, you will get better at all of this.

One thing I’d like you to notice is how the green background is actually nice in your image 22.jpg.

Sometimes a simple one color background is really effective for getting the viewer to look at one thing.

Keep practicing and remember what Bresson says:

Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst. -Henri Cartier-Bresson

Keep it up!