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[Duncan Rawlinson]

I have bumped up the file size. Let me know if that works.

[Duncan Rawlinson]

Actually, let me increase the file size limit and see if that helps you.

[Duncan Rawlinson]

Hi Ruth,

It looks like these are too big. Can you email the files? office@Photographyicon.com

[Duncan Rawlinson]

Hi Maggie,

Excellent I’m glad the shallow depth of field was intentional! When you play around in manual notice how isolating your fstop changes the depth of field. (try using a ruler or a yardstick in the photo itself if you really want to observe the differences)

I like your objective of trying to get everyhting right in camera. This is the way to go. I use tools like lightroom to organize my photos and make minor tweaks.

You should be shooting RAW all the time. Storage and hard drive space is cheap and only getting cheaper. The only time I would advise shooting jpg is if you are in a huge rush (say for news) but even then I would advise shooting in RAW+jpg…

One easy way to think about RAW is that imagine when you take a photo in RAW mode you are capturing a cube of light. With jpg you would be taking a tiny sliver of that cube of light.

So yes always shoot raw.

And yes buy Adobe Lightroom (I would recommend the Photography Plan).

Here are some resources for Lightroom.

Don’t worry about taking too many pictures! Worry about taking too few.

One of the all time greatest photographers Henri Cartier Bresson once said:

Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.

So you’re already way ahead of the game.

Nice job here and see you on the next assignment.

[Duncan Rawlinson]

Radial Skyline Toronto

[Duncan Rawlinson]

Hi Maggie,

Thanks so much for sending in your assignment. I guess I somehow skipped over this one by mistake so this took longer than it should have. Emailing was the best thing to do so thanks for that.

Onto the assignment.

Here is the EXIF data for the images:

http://photographyicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_9980.jpg
Date Time Original: 2016:03:27 20:30:01
Exposure Time: 1/60
F Number: f / 2
Exposure Program: Not defined
ISO Speed Ratings: 1250
Metering Mode: Pattern
Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length: 50mm
White Balance: Auto white balance
Make: Canon
Model: Canon EOS REBEL T3
LensInfo: 4
LensModel: EF50mm f/1.8 II
LensSerialNumber: 0000000000
Exif Version:
Flashpix Version:
Color Space: 1
Pixel X Dimension: 4272
Pixel Y Dimension: 2848
Maker Note: 770
User Comment: 8328
Date Time Digitized: 2016:03:27 20:30:01
Subsec Time: 02
Subsec Time Original: 02
Subsec Time Digitized: 02
Shutter Speed Value: 6
Aperture Value: 2
Focal Plane X Resolution: 4720.44
Focal Plane Y Resolution: 4786.55
Focal Plane Resolution Unit: 2
Custom Rendered: Normal process
Scene Capture Type: Standard
InteroperabilityIFDPointer: 8592
ExifIFDPointer: 208
Orientation: 1
YCbCr Positioning: 2
X Resolution: 72
Y Resolution: 72
Resolution Unit: 2
Date Time: 2016:03:27 20:30:01

http://photographyicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_0013.jpg
Date Time Original: 2016:03:27 20:46:52
Exposure Time: 1/60
F Number: f / 2
Exposure Program: Not defined
ISO Speed Ratings: 800
Metering Mode: Pattern
Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length: 50mm
White Balance: Auto white balance
Make: Canon
Model: Canon EOS REBEL T3
LensInfo: 4
LensModel: EF50mm f/1.8 II
LensSerialNumber: 0000000000
Exif Version:
Flashpix Version:
Color Space: 1
Pixel X Dimension: 4272
Pixel Y Dimension: 2848
Maker Note: 5014
User Comment: 12572
Date Time Digitized: 2016:03:27 20:46:52
Subsec Time: 00
Subsec Time Original: 00
Subsec Time Digitized: 00
Shutter Speed Value: 6
Aperture Value: 2
Focal Plane X Resolution: 4720.44
Focal Plane Y Resolution: 4786.55
Focal Plane Resolution Unit: 2
Custom Rendered: Normal process
Scene Capture Type: Standard
InteroperabilityIFDPointer: 12836
ExifIFDPointer: 2380
Orientation: 1
YCbCr Positioning: 2
X Resolution: 72
Y Resolution: 72
Resolution Unit: 2
Date Time: 2016:03:27 21:38:27
Software: Windows Photo Editor 10.0.10011.16384

Now let get into this.

For starters I commend you on your choice of a really mundane object. Many students sort of skip that part and just take a picture or something that is already interesting. So I’m glad you challenged yourself here.

I like what you’ve done here. You’ve done a few things very well. You’ve completely removed everything but the subject of your photo by getting close and using shallow depth of field.

Whether you did this all intentionally or not is unclear but notice how much more compelling the photo is. It’s the same trivial little apple and all you’ve done is change the way you look at it.

Notice this. Take a minute and really think about it. Everything can be shot like this. Everything can be photographed from interesting and unique perspectives. Use this as the start of the way you look at the world with your camera.

Now here are some things you could have done to improve this image.

The first thing that came to mind when looking at the image was that it appears to be a little blurry or murky. This could be from camera shake, shallow depth of field, your lens’ minimum focus distance, the relatively high ISO. It could also be that you have cropped the image very close. I don’t know.

What I do know is that if you’re shooting a still life photo like this you have the benefit of no motion. That means you can put your camera on a tripod slow down your shutter speed to nail it a bit better. You could also reduce the ISO and just ISOlate your f-stop to control depth of field. In this case I think F2 is making the depth of field so shallow that not all of your subject is in focus.

If all of this is too much right now don’t worry. It will all come together through the course!

I’d like you to try shooting this again on your own time. Not because you didn’t do well here. You did great. I just think this is a good time for some play and experimentation.

Put your camera in full manual mode and make sure the apple is in range of your lens’ minimum focus distance. If you don’t know what that is you can often look at your lens and look for the distance markers. The shortest distance will be it your minimum. If your lens doesn’t have that you might have to consult your manual.

Now make sure you’re also shooting at your lowest ISO setting.

Set your shutter speed for a decent exposure.

Now try playing around with just your f-stop. if you need to, make a note and write down what you’ve done for each photo.

Then refer to your notes when you import the photos.

Basically what I’m saying here is that you would benefit from a little play here. Play in manual and experiment to learn what happens when you ISOlate each setting.

Another thing I noticed with this image is that the vertical orientation of the image may not be ideal. Perhaps a square aspect ratio would have suited the subject better?

Most cameras filename systems can only handle the 1-9999 counting so don’t worry about it. What you can do is rename your files on import in Lightroom.

I have some questions for you, are you shooting RAW? What software do you have on your computer for processing your photographs? How many photos do you think you’ve taken in total?

Nice work here. I look forward to going through the course with you.

[Duncan Rawlinson]

Hi Peter,

Where is the second photograph for the assignment?

[Duncan Rawlinson]

Hi Peter!

This one fell through the cracks I’ll try to get a critique up soon. My apologies.

Thanks.

[Duncan Rawlinson]

Hi Peter,

Apologies if I wasn’t too sure about which image was which.

You are right to try to nail a few things at a time. It can be totally overwhelming at first.

One thing you can try is to just shoot in Aperture priority or shutter priority for a while and just work on that.

Remember if everything feels like too much you can always say forget this and just set it to auto and fire away!

As you used to do shooting in auto is not the end of the world.

Most cameras do a great job of trying to figure out what to use as settings.

Obviously I encourage manual shooting as much as possible for learning but I sometimes just set my camera to auto and snap away when I don’t feel like thinking about anything.

I never do this for my “real” photos when I’m trying to achieve something

The last thing we want is photography to feel burdensome for you!

Keep it up!

[Duncan Rawlinson]

Hi Peter,

Thanks for submitting another assignment.

Let’s dive right in.

Here is the EXIF data for these photos:

http://photographyicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/ngv.jpg
Date Time Original: 2016:02:19 13:13:53
Exposure Time: 1/250
F Number: f / 14
Exposure Program: Manual
ISO Speed Ratings: 1000
Metering Mode: Spot
Focal Length: 50mm
White Balance: Auto white balance
Make: Canon
Model: Canon EOS 6D
LensInfo: 4
LensModel: EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM
LensSerialNumber: 0000a09d6c
Exif Version:
Flashpix Version:
Color Space: 1
Date Time Digitized: 2016:02:19 13:13:53
Subsec Time Digitized: 00
Shutter Speed Value: 7.97
Aperture Value: 7.61
Max Aperture Value: 4
Focal Plane X Resolution: 1520
Focal Plane Y Resolution: 1520
Focal Plane Resolution Unit: 3
Custom Rendered: Normal process
Exposure Mode: 1
Scene Capture Type: Standard
ExifIFDPointer: 232
Orientation: 1
YCbCr Positioning: 1
X Resolution: 400
Y Resolution: 400
Resolution Unit: 2
Date Time: 2016:02:21 14:07:18
Software: Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6.4 (Macintosh)

http://photographyicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/ngv-uncropped.jpg
Date Time Original: 2016:02:19 13:13:53
Exposure Time: 1/250
F Number: f / 14
Exposure Program: Manual
ISO Speed Ratings: 1000
Metering Mode: Spot
Focal Length: 50mm
White Balance: Auto white balance
Make: Canon
Model: Canon EOS 6D
LensInfo: 4
LensModel: EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM
LensSerialNumber: 0000a09d6c
Exif Version:
Flashpix Version:
Color Space: 1
Date Time Digitized: 2016:02:19 13:13:53
Subsec Time Digitized: 00
Shutter Speed Value: 7.97
Aperture Value: 7.61
Max Aperture Value: 4
Focal Plane X Resolution: 1520
Focal Plane Y Resolution: 1520
Focal Plane Resolution Unit: 3
Custom Rendered: Normal process
Exposure Mode: 1
Scene Capture Type: Standard
Saturation: Normal
ExifIFDPointer: 232
Orientation: 1
YCbCr Positioning: 1
X Resolution: 400
Y Resolution: 400
Resolution Unit: 2
Date Time: 2016:02:21 14:07:47
Software: Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6.4 (Macintosh)

http://photographyicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/poppies.jpg
Date Time Original: 2016:02:19 11:55:21
Exposure Time: 1/1000
F Number: f / 4.50
Exposure Program: Manual
ISO Speed Ratings: 320
Metering Mode: Spot
Focal Length: 40mm
White Balance: Auto white balance
Make: Canon
Model: Canon EOS 6D
LensInfo: 4
LensModel: EF17-40mm f/4L USM
LensSerialNumber: 0000000000
Exif Version:
Flashpix Version:
Color Space: 1
Date Time Digitized: 2016:02:19 11:55:21
Subsec Time Digitized: 00
Shutter Speed Value: 9.97
Aperture Value: 4.34
Max Aperture Value: 4
Focal Plane X Resolution: 1520
Focal Plane Y Resolution: 1520
Focal Plane Resolution Unit: 3
Custom Rendered: Normal process
Exposure Mode: 1
Scene Capture Type: Standard
ExifIFDPointer: 232
Orientation: 1
YCbCr Positioning: 1
X Resolution: 400
Y Resolution: 400
Resolution Unit: 2
Date Time: 2016:02:21 13:33:39
Software: Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6.4 (Macintosh)

http://photographyicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Turkish-Delight.jpg
Date Time Original: 2016:02:19 11:55:01
Exposure Time: 1/1000
F Number: f / 4.50
Exposure Program: Manual
ISO Speed Ratings: 320
Metering Mode: Spot
Focal Length: 40mm
White Balance: Auto white balance
Make: Canon
Model: Canon EOS 6D
LensInfo: 4
LensModel: EF17-40mm f/4L USM
LensSerialNumber: 0000000000
Exif Version:
Flashpix Version:
Color Space: 1
Date Time Digitized: 2016:02:19 11:55:01
Subsec Time Digitized: 00
Shutter Speed Value: 9.97
Aperture Value: 4.34
Max Aperture Value: 4
Focal Plane X Resolution: 1520
Focal Plane Y Resolution: 1520
Focal Plane Resolution Unit: 3
Custom Rendered: Normal process
Exposure Mode: 1
Scene Capture Type: Standard
ExifIFDPointer: 232
Orientation: 1
YCbCr Positioning: 1
X Resolution: 400
Y Resolution: 400
Resolution Unit: 2
Date Time: 2016:02:21 13:30:20
Software: Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6.4 (Macintosh)

ngv.jpg:

I could immediately tell that this image was warped and distorted and this more anything else took me out of the image. As a photographer you really don’t want people to drop out of having interest in your photos for a technical reason. It’s fine if they’re just not interested because they don’t like the image but you really never want someone to be distracted by a purely technical problem as I was here.

A potential solution to the distortion here is 1, not warping the photo in post and 2, capturing using a tilt shift lens.

There is a great article on that here:
http://goo.gl/S77MhI

I would also advise you to try not to crop in post. Always always always try to get the photo you want in-camera. If that means moving your feet, move your feet!

You’ve done something quite important here. You have use patterns and leading lines to showcase what you think is interesting. In this case the architectural elements on this structure. This is really great.

What’s more the image is very simple and elegant. So you’ve met the requirements for the assignment and done well with this image.

The process of simplification is really a wonderful way to make your images really sing.

It’s so simple but it’s often overlooked, show whats interesting and NOTHING else! Easier said than done but it really is key.

poppies.jpg
In this image the element in the lower left of the frame was a little distracting to me but since it’s shape almost mirrored the shape of the object holding the flowers I feel like it’s not too bad.

Notice here how the camera’s automatic white balance got confuse and the photograph’s color is very pinkish?

Try to always shoot in raw and set your white balance manually. In this way you’ll always be able to fix the color if you make a mistake with your white balance setting.

Turkish-Delight.jpg
This is image is the best of the batch. The lines are nice and the colors are wonderful. BUT, there is one tiny problem. The flowering in the top left corner of the frame is cutoff. If something is part of your area of interest you really don’t want to cut it with the edge of the frame. Or at least do it intentionally if you must.

Overall you’ve done a good job with this assignment. I would encourage you to continue working on this process of simplification.

The one question I ask myself (in my head) is usually “what is interesting and unique about THIS”. It really forces you to identify what is actually interesting and worth putting into a photograph and this should set in motion all of your other knowledge of how to shoot…

I have to say you’re really progressing well and I sympathize with you on having trouble with this assignment. You may find the noise of the world and the visual noise of your environment will encroach on your ability to really simplify. It will be a constant battle.

Go have a look at the works of Steve McCurry one of the greatest photographers alive today:
http://stevemccurry.com/blog

Notice the simplicity and the elegance of every single frame.

If there is an element in the frame it’s there for a reason!

Keep up your excellent work Peter. You are doing really great.

Thank you.

[Duncan Rawlinson]

Hi Peter,

I moved this to lesson 6 and will critique it now. 9AM March 1 (EST)

Standbye.

[Duncan Rawlinson]

Hey Peter,

Can you confirm which lesson you are working on here? This was posted under lesson 5 but I think you already did that one via email?

I may be mistaken. Please let me know.

Thanks.

[Duncan Rawlinson]

Hi Peter,

As we discussed we will do you assignments over email.

I have sent the critique for assignment 1 and 2.

You did a great job!

[Duncan Rawlinson]

It’s great to try and shoot on manual as much as you can! I think one of the things your missing here is ISO. I noticed this because in both images your ISO was set at 1600.

ISO is a fancy way of saying how sensitive your camera is. The higher the number the more sensitive your camera is. Of course that comes with more noise. So in your image of the dog up close you can’t even really see any depth of field because the noise of the image has kind of taken over.

Also be aware that your lens will have a minimum focusing distance. If you get too close to something your lens may be unable to focus on it. This may be the case here as the dog doesn’t appear to be in good focus.

Don’t worry about doing anything wrong, it just takes practice to keep it all in mind.

You had the right idea here with your fstop though. F 2.8 should lead to shallower depth of field all else equal.

http://photographyicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/IMG_0012.jpg
Date Time Original: 2015:09:28 03:44:26
Exposure Time: 1/15
F Number: f / 2.80
ISO Speed Ratings: 1600
Metering Mode: CenterWeightedAverage
Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length: 5mm
White Balance: Auto white balance
Make: Canon
Model: Canon PowerShot SX20 IS
Exif Version:
Flashpix Version:
Color Space: 1
Pixel X Dimension: 4000
Pixel Y Dimension: 3000
CompressedBitsPerPixel: 3
Maker Note: 734
User Comment: 3036
Date Time Digitized: 2015:09:28 03:44:26
Shutter Speed Value: 3.91
Aperture Value: 2.97
Max Aperture Value: 2.97
Focal Plane X Resolution: 16393.44
Focal Plane Y Resolution: 16393.44
Focal Plane Resolution Unit: 2
Sensing Method: One-chip color area sensor
File Source: DSC
Custom Rendered: Normal process
Exposure Mode: 1
Digital Zoom Ration: 1
Scene Capture Type: Standard
InteroperabilityIFDPointer: 3300
ExifIFDPointer: 240
Orientation: 1
YCbCr Positioning: 2
X Resolution: 180
Y Resolution: 180
Resolution Unit: 2
Date Time: 2015:09:28 03:44:26
Image Description:

In this (outside) picture the shutter speed is 1/1000th of a second. This is actually a relatively fast shutter speed. This is the opposite of what the assignment called for.

http://photographyicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/2015-09-28-16.48.23.jpg

Date Time Original: 2015:09:28 16:48:23
Exposure Time: 1/1000
F Number: f / 8
ISO Speed Ratings: 1600
Metering Mode: CenterWeightedAverage
Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length: 5mm
White Balance: Auto white balance
Make: Canon
Model: Canon PowerShot SX20 IS
Exif Version:
Flashpix Version:
Color Space: 1
Pixel X Dimension: 3840
Pixel Y Dimension: 2160
CompressedBitsPerPixel: 3
Maker Note: 734
User Comment: 3036
Date Time Digitized: 2015:09:28 16:48:23
Shutter Speed Value: 9.97
Aperture Value: 6
Max Aperture Value: 2.97
Focal Plane X Resolution: 15737.70
Focal Plane Y Resolution: 11803.28
Focal Plane Resolution Unit: 2
Sensing Method: One-chip color area sensor
File Source: DSC
Custom Rendered: Normal process
Exposure Mode: 1
Digital Zoom Ration: 1
Scene Capture Type: Standard
InteroperabilityIFDPointer: 3300
ExifIFDPointer: 240
Orientation: 1
YCbCr Positioning: 2
X Resolution: 180
Y Resolution: 180
Resolution Unit: 2
Date Time: 2015:09:28 16:48:23
Image Description:

I feel like you could use some more work here and you may want to try this assignment again. Don’t worry though, it will all make sense with more practice.

Take a look at this page on the exposure triangle. It might help you refresh some things in your mind.

You just have to work at it!

Keep practicing.

[Duncan Rawlinson]

Hi Emily,

Thanks for submitting your assignment. It looks like you might be having some trouble here. That’s totally ok!

Maybe if you could answer some questions for me I can get a better idea of where you’re at.

Are you able to full control your camera manually?

Do you understand depth of field?

Do you understand shutter speed?

If you’re having trouble with either of these concepts let me know and we can go from there.

Thanks.

[Author]

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