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[Duncan Rawlinson]

please email office@photographyicon.com

[Duncan Rawlinson]

Hi Ruth,

Thanks for submitting your images.

1
http://photographyicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DSC6760.jpg
Date Time Original: 2017:01:31 09:51:58
Exposure Time: 1/400
F Number: f / 5
Exposure Program: Manual
ISO Speed Ratings: 200
Metering Mode: CenterWeightedAverage
Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length: 40mm
White Balance: Auto white balance
Make: NIKON CORPORATION
Model: NIKON D800
Exif Version:
Flashpix Version:
Color Space: 65535
Pixel X Dimension: 3600
Pixel Y Dimension: 2400
CompressedBitsPerPixel: 4
Maker Note: 1140
User Comment:
Date Time Digitized: 2017:01:31 09:51:58
Subsec Time: 10
Subsec Time Original: 10
Subsec Time Digitized: 10
Max Aperture Value: 4.60
Light Source: Unknown
Sensing Method: One-chip color area sensor
File Source: DSC
Scene Type: Directly photographed
CFA Pattern: 1116
Custom Rendered: Normal process
Exposure Mode: 1
Digital Zoom Ration: 1.53
Focal Length In 35mm Film: 60mm
Scene Capture Type: Portrait
Gain Control: None
Contrast: Normal
Saturation: Normal
Sharpness: Normal
Subject Distance Range: Unknown
InteroperabilityIFDPointer: 37228
ExifIFDPointer: 472
GPSInfoIFDPointer: 37260
Orientation: 8
YCbCr Positioning: 2
X Resolution: 300
Y Resolution: 300
Resolution Unit: 2
White Point: 2
Primary Chromaticities: 6
YCbCr Coefficients: 3
Date Time: 2017:01:31 09:51:58
Software: Ver.1.10
Artist:
Copyright:

2
http://photographyicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DSC6758.jpg
Date Time Original: 2017:01:31 09:51:33
Exposure Time: 1/400
F Number: f / 5
Exposure Program: Manual
ISO Speed Ratings: 200
Metering Mode: CenterWeightedAverage
Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length: 44mm
White Balance: Auto white balance
Make: NIKON CORPORATION
Model: NIKON D800
Exif Version:
Flashpix Version:
Color Space: 65535
Pixel X Dimension: 2400
Pixel Y Dimension: 3600
CompressedBitsPerPixel: 4
Maker Note: 5218
User Comment:
Date Time Digitized: 2017:01:31 09:51:33
Subsec Time: 30
Subsec Time Original: 30
Subsec Time Digitized: 30
Max Aperture Value: 4.70
Light Source: Unknown
Sensing Method: One-chip color area sensor
File Source: DSC
Scene Type: Directly photographed
CFA Pattern: 41374
Custom Rendered: Normal process
Exposure Mode: 1
Digital Zoom Ration: 1.53
Focal Length In 35mm Film: 66mm
Scene Capture Type: Portrait
Gain Control: None
Contrast: Normal
Saturation: Normal
Sharpness: Normal
Subject Distance Range: Unknown
InteroperabilityIFDPointer: 41342
ExifIFDPointer: 2536
GPSInfoIFDPointer: 41400
Orientation: 1
YCbCr Positioning: 2
X Resolution: 300
Y Resolution: 300
Resolution Unit: 2
White Point: 2
Primary Chromaticities: 6
YCbCr Coefficients: 3
Date Time: 2017:01:31 17:18:40
Software: Ver.1.10
Artist:
Copyright:

3
http://photographyicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DSC6757.jpg
Date Time Original: 2017:01:31 09:51:27
Exposure Time: 1/400
F Number: f / 5.30
Exposure Program: Manual
ISO Speed Ratings: 200
Metering Mode: CenterWeightedAverage
Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length: 60mm
White Balance: Auto white balance
Make: NIKON CORPORATION
Model: NIKON D800
Exif Version:
Flashpix Version:
Color Space: 65535
Pixel X Dimension: 3600
Pixel Y Dimension: 2400
CompressedBitsPerPixel: 4
Maker Note: 1140
User Comment:
Date Time Digitized: 2017:01:31 09:51:27
Subsec Time: 20
Subsec Time Original: 20
Subsec Time Digitized: 20
Max Aperture Value: 4.90
Light Source: Unknown
Sensing Method: One-chip color area sensor
File Source: DSC
Scene Type: Directly photographed
CFA Pattern: 1116
Custom Rendered: Normal process
Exposure Mode: 1
Digital Zoom Ration: 1.53
Focal Length In 35mm Film: 90mm
Scene Capture Type: Portrait
Gain Control: None
Contrast: Normal
Saturation: Normal
Sharpness: Normal
Subject Distance Range: Unknown
InteroperabilityIFDPointer: 36866
ExifIFDPointer: 472
GPSInfoIFDPointer: 36896
Orientation: 1
YCbCr Positioning: 2
X Resolution: 300
Y Resolution: 300
Resolution Unit: 2
White Point: 2
Primary Chromaticities: 6
YCbCr Coefficients: 3
Date Time: 2017:01:31 09:51:27
Software: Ver.1.10
Artist:
Copyright:

4
http://photographyicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DSC6902.jpg
Date Time Original: 2017:02:06 16:03:23
Exposure Time: 1/640
F Number: f / 5
Exposure Program: Manual
ISO Speed Ratings: 200
Metering Mode: CenterWeightedAverage
Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length: 50mm
White Balance: Auto white balance
Make: NIKON CORPORATION
Model: NIKON D800
Exif Version:
Flashpix Version:
Color Space: 65535
Pixel X Dimension: 5520
Pixel Y Dimension: 3680
CompressedBitsPerPixel: 4
Maker Note: 1140
User Comment:
Date Time Digitized: 2017:02:06 16:03:23
Subsec Time: 60
Subsec Time Original: 60
Subsec Time Digitized: 60
Max Aperture Value: 1
Light Source: Unknown
Sensing Method: One-chip color area sensor
File Source: DSC
Scene Type: Directly photographed
CFA Pattern: 1116
Custom Rendered: Normal process
Exposure Mode: 1
Digital Zoom Ration: 1
Focal Length In 35mm Film: 50mm
Scene Capture Type: Portrait
Gain Control: None
Contrast: Normal
Saturation: Normal
Sharpness: Normal
Subject Distance Range: Unknown
InteroperabilityIFDPointer: 39188
ExifIFDPointer: 472
GPSInfoIFDPointer: 39220
Orientation: 1
YCbCr Positioning: 2
X Resolution: 300
Y Resolution: 300
Resolution Unit: 2
White Point: 2
Primary Chromaticities: 6
YCbCr Coefficients: 3
Date Time: 2017:02:06 16:03:23
Software: Ver.1.10
Artist:
Copyright:

Hi Ruth,

So it looks like you have submitted 4 different images for this assignment and let’s get into it! I can only assume you meant Opteka filters and that you we’re using a Neutral Density filter. It’s quite difficult to tell just by looking at an image what type of filter was used. Perhaps it was one of these: http://opteka.com/filters.aspx

1
http://photographyicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DSC6760.jpg
This image is ok but the tree touching the edge of the frame creates an awkward tension from a composition standpoint.

2
http://photographyicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DSC6758.jpg
This image is better in terms of composition but the main area of interest is out of focus.

3
http://photographyicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DSC6757.jpg
This image is probably the best of the bunch. It’s framed a little tighter although the composition does feel a little too heavily slanted to the right. This is a result of the large open area on the left of the frame.

4
http://photographyicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DSC6902.jpg
This image is underexposed by at least 1 stop. If you look at the histogram you can see that. Beyond that the power lines and the horizontal lines of the train tracks are crooked which makes for a strange feeling. Always try to keep strong horizontal lines like this flat. Humans look at the world in a very flat horizon kind of way. We don’t walk around with our heads on tilt…

Beyond that I’m just not sure what I’m supposed to be looking at in this image. What is the main area of interest? What are you wanting to show here?

All of that said the purpose of this assignment to get you playing with filters. In this case I think you have used a neutral density filter and that’s great. That type of filter is not really needed in the snow scene because it looked quite dark and overcast already. However in the bridge scene it may have been useful if you wanted to control the light a little but it looks like it caused you to underexpose your image.

With filters you should always use them for a purpose. For example with a CPL you could use it to remove reflections. With an ND filter you could use it to say make a longer exposure.

Keep practicing and maybe try to get a CPL filter to play with?

[Duncan Rawlinson]

Was this an ND filter? I’m just a little confused about what exactly happened here.

Thanks.

[Duncan Rawlinson]

What brand is the filter? To be clear this is a physical filter that you put on your lens correct?

Thanks

[Duncan Rawlinson]

Hi Ruth,

Thanks for submitting your images.

Can you tell me which filter you used for these images:

1
http://photographyicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DSC6760.jpg
Date Time Original: 2017:01:31 09:51:58
Exposure Time: 1/400
F Number: f / 5
Exposure Program: Manual
ISO Speed Ratings: 200
Metering Mode: CenterWeightedAverage
Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length: 40mm
White Balance: Auto white balance
Make: NIKON CORPORATION
Model: NIKON D800
Exif Version:
Flashpix Version:
Color Space: 65535
Pixel X Dimension: 3600
Pixel Y Dimension: 2400
CompressedBitsPerPixel: 4
Maker Note: 1140
User Comment:
Date Time Digitized: 2017:01:31 09:51:58
Subsec Time: 10
Subsec Time Original: 10
Subsec Time Digitized: 10
Max Aperture Value: 4.60
Light Source: Unknown
Sensing Method: One-chip color area sensor
File Source: DSC
Scene Type: Directly photographed
CFA Pattern: 1116
Custom Rendered: Normal process
Exposure Mode: 1
Digital Zoom Ration: 1.53
Focal Length In 35mm Film: 60mm
Scene Capture Type: Portrait
Gain Control: None
Contrast: Normal
Saturation: Normal
Sharpness: Normal
Subject Distance Range: Unknown
InteroperabilityIFDPointer: 37228
ExifIFDPointer: 472
GPSInfoIFDPointer: 37260
Orientation: 8
YCbCr Positioning: 2
X Resolution: 300
Y Resolution: 300
Resolution Unit: 2
White Point: 2
Primary Chromaticities: 6
YCbCr Coefficients: 3
Date Time: 2017:01:31 09:51:58
Software: Ver.1.10
Artist:
Copyright:

2
http://photographyicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DSC6758.jpg
Date Time Original: 2017:01:31 09:51:33
Exposure Time: 1/400
F Number: f / 5
Exposure Program: Manual
ISO Speed Ratings: 200
Metering Mode: CenterWeightedAverage
Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length: 44mm
White Balance: Auto white balance
Make: NIKON CORPORATION
Model: NIKON D800
Exif Version:
Flashpix Version:
Color Space: 65535
Pixel X Dimension: 2400
Pixel Y Dimension: 3600
CompressedBitsPerPixel: 4
Maker Note: 5218
User Comment:
Date Time Digitized: 2017:01:31 09:51:33
Subsec Time: 30
Subsec Time Original: 30
Subsec Time Digitized: 30
Max Aperture Value: 4.70
Light Source: Unknown
Sensing Method: One-chip color area sensor
File Source: DSC
Scene Type: Directly photographed
CFA Pattern: 41374
Custom Rendered: Normal process
Exposure Mode: 1
Digital Zoom Ration: 1.53
Focal Length In 35mm Film: 66mm
Scene Capture Type: Portrait
Gain Control: None
Contrast: Normal
Saturation: Normal
Sharpness: Normal
Subject Distance Range: Unknown
InteroperabilityIFDPointer: 41342
ExifIFDPointer: 2536
GPSInfoIFDPointer: 41400
Orientation: 1
YCbCr Positioning: 2
X Resolution: 300
Y Resolution: 300
Resolution Unit: 2
White Point: 2
Primary Chromaticities: 6
YCbCr Coefficients: 3
Date Time: 2017:01:31 17:18:40
Software: Ver.1.10
Artist:
Copyright:

3
http://photographyicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DSC6757.jpg
Date Time Original: 2017:01:31 09:51:27
Exposure Time: 1/400
F Number: f / 5.30
Exposure Program: Manual
ISO Speed Ratings: 200
Metering Mode: CenterWeightedAverage
Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length: 60mm
White Balance: Auto white balance
Make: NIKON CORPORATION
Model: NIKON D800
Exif Version:
Flashpix Version:
Color Space: 65535
Pixel X Dimension: 3600
Pixel Y Dimension: 2400
CompressedBitsPerPixel: 4
Maker Note: 1140
User Comment:
Date Time Digitized: 2017:01:31 09:51:27
Subsec Time: 20
Subsec Time Original: 20
Subsec Time Digitized: 20
Max Aperture Value: 4.90
Light Source: Unknown
Sensing Method: One-chip color area sensor
File Source: DSC
Scene Type: Directly photographed
CFA Pattern: 1116
Custom Rendered: Normal process
Exposure Mode: 1
Digital Zoom Ration: 1.53
Focal Length In 35mm Film: 90mm
Scene Capture Type: Portrait
Gain Control: None
Contrast: Normal
Saturation: Normal
Sharpness: Normal
Subject Distance Range: Unknown
InteroperabilityIFDPointer: 36866
ExifIFDPointer: 472
GPSInfoIFDPointer: 36896
Orientation: 1
YCbCr Positioning: 2
X Resolution: 300
Y Resolution: 300
Resolution Unit: 2
White Point: 2
Primary Chromaticities: 6
YCbCr Coefficients: 3
Date Time: 2017:01:31 09:51:27
Software: Ver.1.10
Artist:
Copyright:

[Duncan Rawlinson]

Hi Ruth,

Thanks for submitting your images.

Can you tell me which filter you used for these images:

1
http://photographyicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DSC6760.jpg
Date Time Original: 2017:01:31 09:51:58
Exposure Time: 1/400
F Number: f / 5
Exposure Program: Manual
ISO Speed Ratings: 200
Metering Mode: CenterWeightedAverage
Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length: 40mm
White Balance: Auto white balance
Make: NIKON CORPORATION
Model: NIKON D800
Exif Version:
Flashpix Version:
Color Space: 65535
Pixel X Dimension: 3600
Pixel Y Dimension: 2400
CompressedBitsPerPixel: 4
Maker Note: 1140
User Comment:
Date Time Digitized: 2017:01:31 09:51:58
Subsec Time: 10
Subsec Time Original: 10
Subsec Time Digitized: 10
Max Aperture Value: 4.60
Light Source: Unknown
Sensing Method: One-chip color area sensor
File Source: DSC
Scene Type: Directly photographed
CFA Pattern: 1116
Custom Rendered: Normal process
Exposure Mode: 1
Digital Zoom Ration: 1.53
Focal Length In 35mm Film: 60mm
Scene Capture Type: Portrait
Gain Control: None
Contrast: Normal
Saturation: Normal
Sharpness: Normal
Subject Distance Range: Unknown
InteroperabilityIFDPointer: 37228
ExifIFDPointer: 472
GPSInfoIFDPointer: 37260
Orientation: 8
YCbCr Positioning: 2
X Resolution: 300
Y Resolution: 300
Resolution Unit: 2
White Point: 2
Primary Chromaticities: 6
YCbCr Coefficients: 3
Date Time: 2017:01:31 09:51:58
Software: Ver.1.10
Artist:
Copyright:

2
http://photographyicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DSC6758.jpg
Date Time Original: 2017:01:31 09:51:33
Exposure Time: 1/400
F Number: f / 5
Exposure Program: Manual
ISO Speed Ratings: 200
Metering Mode: CenterWeightedAverage
Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length: 44mm
White Balance: Auto white balance
Make: NIKON CORPORATION
Model: NIKON D800
Exif Version:
Flashpix Version:
Color Space: 65535
Pixel X Dimension: 2400
Pixel Y Dimension: 3600
CompressedBitsPerPixel: 4
Maker Note: 5218
User Comment:
Date Time Digitized: 2017:01:31 09:51:33
Subsec Time: 30
Subsec Time Original: 30
Subsec Time Digitized: 30
Max Aperture Value: 4.70
Light Source: Unknown
Sensing Method: One-chip color area sensor
File Source: DSC
Scene Type: Directly photographed
CFA Pattern: 41374
Custom Rendered: Normal process
Exposure Mode: 1
Digital Zoom Ration: 1.53
Focal Length In 35mm Film: 66mm
Scene Capture Type: Portrait
Gain Control: None
Contrast: Normal
Saturation: Normal
Sharpness: Normal
Subject Distance Range: Unknown
InteroperabilityIFDPointer: 41342
ExifIFDPointer: 2536
GPSInfoIFDPointer: 41400
Orientation: 1
YCbCr Positioning: 2
X Resolution: 300
Y Resolution: 300
Resolution Unit: 2
White Point: 2
Primary Chromaticities: 6
YCbCr Coefficients: 3
Date Time: 2017:01:31 17:18:40
Software: Ver.1.10
Artist:
Copyright:

3
http://photographyicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DSC6757.jpg
Date Time Original: 2017:01:31 09:51:27
Exposure Time: 1/400
F Number: f / 5.30
Exposure Program: Manual
ISO Speed Ratings: 200
Metering Mode: CenterWeightedAverage
Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length: 60mm
White Balance: Auto white balance
Make: NIKON CORPORATION
Model: NIKON D800
Exif Version:
Flashpix Version:
Color Space: 65535
Pixel X Dimension: 3600
Pixel Y Dimension: 2400
CompressedBitsPerPixel: 4
Maker Note: 1140
User Comment:
Date Time Digitized: 2017:01:31 09:51:27
Subsec Time: 20
Subsec Time Original: 20
Subsec Time Digitized: 20
Max Aperture Value: 4.90
Light Source: Unknown
Sensing Method: One-chip color area sensor
File Source: DSC
Scene Type: Directly photographed
CFA Pattern: 1116
Custom Rendered: Normal process
Exposure Mode: 1
Digital Zoom Ration: 1.53
Focal Length In 35mm Film: 90mm
Scene Capture Type: Portrait
Gain Control: None
Contrast: Normal
Saturation: Normal
Sharpness: Normal
Subject Distance Range: Unknown
InteroperabilityIFDPointer: 36866
ExifIFDPointer: 472
GPSInfoIFDPointer: 36896
Orientation: 1
YCbCr Positioning: 2
X Resolution: 300
Y Resolution: 300
Resolution Unit: 2
White Point: 2
Primary Chromaticities: 6
YCbCr Coefficients: 3
Date Time: 2017:01:31 09:51:27
Software: Ver.1.10
Artist:
Copyright:

[Duncan Rawlinson]

Hi Ruth,

Thanks for submitting your images.

Can you tell me which filter you used for these images:

1
http://photographyicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DSC6760.jpg
Date Time Original: 2017:01:31 09:51:58
Exposure Time: 1/400
F Number: f / 5
Exposure Program: Manual
ISO Speed Ratings: 200
Metering Mode: CenterWeightedAverage
Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length: 40mm
White Balance: Auto white balance
Make: NIKON CORPORATION
Model: NIKON D800
Exif Version:
Flashpix Version:
Color Space: 65535
Pixel X Dimension: 3600
Pixel Y Dimension: 2400
CompressedBitsPerPixel: 4
Maker Note: 1140
User Comment:
Date Time Digitized: 2017:01:31 09:51:58
Subsec Time: 10
Subsec Time Original: 10
Subsec Time Digitized: 10
Max Aperture Value: 4.60
Light Source: Unknown
Sensing Method: One-chip color area sensor
File Source: DSC
Scene Type: Directly photographed
CFA Pattern: 1116
Custom Rendered: Normal process
Exposure Mode: 1
Digital Zoom Ration: 1.53
Focal Length In 35mm Film: 60mm
Scene Capture Type: Portrait
Gain Control: None
Contrast: Normal
Saturation: Normal
Sharpness: Normal
Subject Distance Range: Unknown
InteroperabilityIFDPointer: 37228
ExifIFDPointer: 472
GPSInfoIFDPointer: 37260
Orientation: 8
YCbCr Positioning: 2
X Resolution: 300
Y Resolution: 300
Resolution Unit: 2
White Point: 2
Primary Chromaticities: 6
YCbCr Coefficients: 3
Date Time: 2017:01:31 09:51:58
Software: Ver.1.10
Artist:
Copyright:

2
http://photographyicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DSC6758.jpg
Date Time Original: 2017:01:31 09:51:33
Exposure Time: 1/400
F Number: f / 5
Exposure Program: Manual
ISO Speed Ratings: 200
Metering Mode: CenterWeightedAverage
Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length: 44mm
White Balance: Auto white balance
Make: NIKON CORPORATION
Model: NIKON D800
Exif Version:
Flashpix Version:
Color Space: 65535
Pixel X Dimension: 2400
Pixel Y Dimension: 3600
CompressedBitsPerPixel: 4
Maker Note: 5218
User Comment:
Date Time Digitized: 2017:01:31 09:51:33
Subsec Time: 30
Subsec Time Original: 30
Subsec Time Digitized: 30
Max Aperture Value: 4.70
Light Source: Unknown
Sensing Method: One-chip color area sensor
File Source: DSC
Scene Type: Directly photographed
CFA Pattern: 41374
Custom Rendered: Normal process
Exposure Mode: 1
Digital Zoom Ration: 1.53
Focal Length In 35mm Film: 66mm
Scene Capture Type: Portrait
Gain Control: None
Contrast: Normal
Saturation: Normal
Sharpness: Normal
Subject Distance Range: Unknown
InteroperabilityIFDPointer: 41342
ExifIFDPointer: 2536
GPSInfoIFDPointer: 41400
Orientation: 1
YCbCr Positioning: 2
X Resolution: 300
Y Resolution: 300
Resolution Unit: 2
White Point: 2
Primary Chromaticities: 6
YCbCr Coefficients: 3
Date Time: 2017:01:31 17:18:40
Software: Ver.1.10
Artist:
Copyright:

3
http://photographyicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DSC6757.jpg
Date Time Original: 2017:01:31 09:51:27
Exposure Time: 1/400
F Number: f / 5.30
Exposure Program: Manual
ISO Speed Ratings: 200
Metering Mode: CenterWeightedAverage
Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length: 60mm
White Balance: Auto white balance
Make: NIKON CORPORATION
Model: NIKON D800
Exif Version:
Flashpix Version:
Color Space: 65535
Pixel X Dimension: 3600
Pixel Y Dimension: 2400
CompressedBitsPerPixel: 4
Maker Note: 1140
User Comment:
Date Time Digitized: 2017:01:31 09:51:27
Subsec Time: 20
Subsec Time Original: 20
Subsec Time Digitized: 20
Max Aperture Value: 4.90
Light Source: Unknown
Sensing Method: One-chip color area sensor
File Source: DSC
Scene Type: Directly photographed
CFA Pattern: 1116
Custom Rendered: Normal process
Exposure Mode: 1
Digital Zoom Ration: 1.53
Focal Length In 35mm Film: 90mm
Scene Capture Type: Portrait
Gain Control: None
Contrast: Normal
Saturation: Normal
Sharpness: Normal
Subject Distance Range: Unknown
InteroperabilityIFDPointer: 36866
ExifIFDPointer: 472
GPSInfoIFDPointer: 36896
Orientation: 1
YCbCr Positioning: 2
X Resolution: 300
Y Resolution: 300
Resolution Unit: 2
White Point: 2
Primary Chromaticities: 6
YCbCr Coefficients: 3
Date Time: 2017:01:31 09:51:27
Software: Ver.1.10
Artist:
Copyright:

[Duncan Rawlinson]

Hi Ruth,

I don’t see a photo here. Please use the ‘attachments’ option at the bottom.

Or email office@photographyicon.com

Thanks.

[Duncan Rawlinson]

Thanks for your submission.

I’m glad you have found inspiration from such a talented instagram photographer!

In that vein I have a little extra assignment for your.

I want you to go and watch all of these videos:

Learn From Instagram Photographers

Also browse around here:

The Masters of Photography

These two pages are a goldmine of photography information.

Now in terms of your assignment I’m happy your still working on completing the course. Do you have your own instagram account or something else I can see?

You’ve done well here. You might be asking yourself why do this little essay? Well mainly because it gets you to think about what you like and what inspires you. If you forget what inspires you, you may just end up getting bored of photography which might see impossible now but it can happen. What’s more if you like a certain aspect of photography focusing on just that can help you improve faster. For instance if you like landscape photographs that are quite colourful maybe work on just shooting those and then move onto something else.

If you like vibrant landscape photographs check out photoserge:
https://www.instagram.com/photoserge

He really goes overboard with the post processing but you can learn quite a bit from him. Including what it looks like when you take photographs and then really push them in post processing.

I have some questions for your.

What is your goal with photography if any?
And are you having fun?

If you’re not having fun with it let me know and I’ll give you some ideas of fun things you can do to learn.

Thanks for your assignment and I’ll see you on the next one.

Keep shooting!

[Duncan Rawlinson]

I still havent been able to access this.

Can you email me the text or post it here?

Thanks.

[Duncan Rawlinson]

Hi can you post this here. I’m afraid I can’t open this document.

Thanks

[Duncan Rawlinson]

Also I just noticed this is in the wrong forum. (It was in “share a photo” so I have moved it to the lesson 3 section.)

[Duncan Rawlinson]

Hi Ruth,

Thanks for your patience here.

June was an awful month for me. I was quite sick, my wife got sick, and my baby girl got sick. Just a terrible time but I’ll spare you the gory details….

Thanks for submitting another assignment here! Nice new camera. The D800 is outstanding.

Here is the exif data:

Date Time Original: 2016:06:24 11:02:29
Exposure Time: 1/1000
Exposure Program: Manual
ISO Speed Ratings: 250
Metering Mode: CenterWeightedAverage
Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
White Balance: Auto white balance
Make: NIKON CORPORATION
Model: NIKON D800
Exif Version:
Flashpix Version:
Color Space: 65535
Pixel X Dimension: 7360
Pixel Y Dimension: 4912
CompressedBitsPerPixel: 2
Maker Note: 5218
User Comment: 43926
Date Time Digitized: 2016:06:24 11:02:29
Subsec Time: 20
Subsec Time Original: 00
Subsec Time Digitized: 00
Light Source: Unknown
Sensing Method: One-chip color area sensor
File Source: DSC
Scene Type: Directly photographed
CFA Pattern: 44038
Custom Rendered: Normal process
Exposure Mode: 1
Digital Zoom Ration: 1
Scene Capture Type: Portrait
Gain Control: None
Contrast: Normal
Saturation: Normal
Sharpness: Normal
Subject Distance Range: Unknown
InteroperabilityIFDPointer: 44006
ExifIFDPointer: 2536
GPSInfoIFDPointer: 44064
Orientation: 1
YCbCr Positioning: 2
X Resolution: 300
Y Resolution: 300
Resolution Unit: 2
White Point: 2
Primary Chromaticities: 6
YCbCr Coefficients: 3
Date Time: 2016:06:24 13:01:45
Software: Ver.1.10
Copyright:

Now the very first thing I notice was that this image is about 1 stop under exposed. Take a look at your histogram for the photo and you will see it’s a bit under exposed. This is ok and there is no rule saying you have to expose perfectly or anything I just want you to be aware of it.

Now in terms of the assignment you have achieved an interesting shallow depth of field photograph here so that’s great.

If memory serves you we’re having some trouble with the motion portion of the assignment. Have you had some time to play with that? Perhaps try the panning technique.

If you are interested in pursuing macro photography with the D800 you may want to invest in a good nikon macro lens.

Here is some more information on Macro photography.

Have you purchased Adobe Lightroom yet?

I highly recommend you buy that and start learning it.

Do you have any specific questions or things that are troubling you with your process? I’m happy to help if you ask here or shoot me an email.

Thanks for your patience here. I hope to make it up to you!

[Duncan Rawlinson]

Hey Kaylie,

First off huge apologies for my absence. I have been very sick and it has not been fun. I’ll spare you the gory details but I’m starting to get back to normal now (I hope).

As I was looking at the fake apple on the shelf I noticed how much more shiny it appeared rather than a real apple that can become dull after time. The beauty of the picture is to show how things will always seem to look better from the outside without knowing what’s inside. A fake apple will always be beautiful because it isn’t real, but a true apple will grow and fade with time just like we do.

Let’s take a look at the EXIF data for these images.

http://photographyicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSCN0336.jpg
Date Time Original: 0000:00:00 00:00:00
Exposure Time: 1/12
F Number: f / 3
Exposure Program: Normal program
ISO Speed Ratings: 400
Metering Mode: Pattern
Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length: 4.30mm
White Balance: Auto white balance
Make: NIKON
Model: COOLPIX P510
Exif Version:
Flashpix Version:
Color Space: 1
Pixel X Dimension: 4608
Pixel Y Dimension: 3456
CompressedBitsPerPixel: 2
Maker Note: 1398
User Comment: 852
Date Time Digitized: 0000:00:00 00:00:00
Max Aperture Value: 3.20
Light Source: Unknown
File Source: DSC
Scene Type: Directly photographed
Custom Rendered: Normal process
Focal Length In 35mm Film: 24mm
Scene Capture Type: Standard
Gain Control: High gain up
Contrast: Normal
Saturation: Normal
Sharpness: Normal
Subject Distance Range: Unknown
InteroperabilityIFDPointer: 1368
ExifIFDPointer: 314
GPSInfoIFDPointer: 1002
Orientation: 1
YCbCr Positioning: 2
X Resolution: 300
Y Resolution: 300
Resolution Unit: 2
Date Time: 0000:00:00 00:00:00
Image Description:
Software: COOLPIX P510 V1.0

http://photographyicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSCN0360.jpg
Date Time Original: 0000:00:00 00:00:00
Exposure Time: 1/4
F Number: f / 3
Exposure Program: Normal program
ISO Speed Ratings: 800
Metering Mode: Pattern
Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length: 4.30mm
White Balance: Auto white balance
Make: NIKON
Model: COOLPIX P510
Exif Version:
Flashpix Version:
Color Space: 1
Pixel X Dimension: 4608
Pixel Y Dimension: 3456
CompressedBitsPerPixel: 2
Maker Note: 1398
User Comment: 852
Date Time Digitized: 0000:00:00 00:00:00
Max Aperture Value: 3.20
Light Source: Unknown
File Source: DSC
Scene Type: Directly photographed
Custom Rendered: Normal process
Focal Length In 35mm Film: 24mm
Scene Capture Type: Standard
Gain Control: High gain up
Contrast: Normal
Saturation: Normal
Sharpness: Normal
Subject Distance Range: Unknown
InteroperabilityIFDPointer: 1368
ExifIFDPointer: 314
GPSInfoIFDPointer: 1002
Orientation: 1
YCbCr Positioning: 2
X Resolution: 300
Y Resolution: 300
Resolution Unit: 2
Date Time: 0000:00:00 00:00:00
Image Description:
Software: COOLPIX P510 V1.0

Don’t worry if all of this is nonsense to you now. Over time you will come to understand what this all means.

If you haven’t already take a quick read through of your camera’s manual.
http://cdn-10.nikon-cdn.com/pdf/manuals/coolpix/P510_EN.pdf

A handy tip is to put your manual somewhere you visit often like beside your bed or in the bathroom and look at it when you can. Modern cameras are amazing and can do so much.

Now let’s get into the meat of the assignment. The first thing is that I want to commend you for taking this journey. You area on the path of learning and you are already doing really well. You have made a commitment to learn photography and that’s wonderful. I wish I could go back and learn it all again. It’s so fun.

In the photograph that is farther away the first thing I want you to notice is that it is not in focus. Focus is really a fundament aspect of photography. If your photo is blurry you can’t really do anything with it. That’s the case here the photo is blurry. The take away here is that just because your photo looks ok on the back of your camera doesn’t mean it’s in good focus. Sometimes cameras have a hard time finding focus on shiny or reflective objects. If that is the case try to switch to manual focus and control the focus yourself.

In the closer image of the stem you are trying to do something called Macro photography. Take a look at this page on Macro photography and spend some time on it.

In fact while we’re at it I’d like you to also take note of the photography glossary page which will help you understand different photography terminology.

One thing I noticed is that your camera is actually very well suited to macro photography because it has a VERY short minimum focus distance. In other words, you can do nice macro photos with this camera because it can focus on this that are very very close to the lens. On your camera I believe there is a dedicated macro mode which is the little flower setting. Use that setting and play around with taking photos of things that are very close to your camera. This is a fun way to learn. It’s digital so it doesn’t cost you anything.

I like that you have gotten close and you have filled the frame with your subject. Those two things are usually enough to dramatically improve the quality of your images. Get close and fill the frame.

As Robert Capa said: “If your pictures aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.”

So your instincts and learning is good here. Just notice that in a still life frame like this everything matters. So the white spot in the top right of the frame does take away from the image.

Now here is one thing you can do to improve this macro photo of this apple. Put your camera on a tripod and lower your ISO setting to the lowest number it will go. Most likely ISO 100… Then use your camera’s 10 second self timer to take the photo. What this will do is result in a much cleaner image. It will feel less grainy and it will be sharper do to reduced camera shake. It will also make it so you don’t get this white spots on the image where you lose detail in the highlights.

Now let me ask you a few questions.

What are you wanting to achieve with your photography?
Are you on social media / instagram / flickr?

If so add me so I can see how you are progressing.

My instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/duncanrawlinson/

My flickr:
https://www.flickr.com/thelastminute/

If not, sign up and start sharing pictures!

Nice work and I’ll see you on the next assignment. Apologies again for my absence.

[Duncan Rawlinson]

I’m still quite sick. I hope to get to this on monday. My apologies for the delay.

[Author]

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