Principles of photo imaging output 210 (Theme II)

Conwy via Llanddulas

(for Assignment 206-2)

So that’s it... today I received my final prints for theme II - Landscapes. It come more or less satisfied quality and I can put them on screen now. 

If I have to be honest that was not what I meant to do as my final for Landscape theme.... my intention was capture sunrises, but as I researched more and more I quite understand that to get decant sunrise I have to live on a field or a hill, buy more better equipment and most of all it will take me ages as you all know sunrise in England is hard to catch as there is mainly cloudy then sunny weather conditions....

So when I decided to put sunrises a side...I start to look for new options and exactly that time I went for small day trip to Wales with kids...I didn't bring my tripod as I thought I won’t be able to capture something with my kids racing around. So we all went to small town Conwy, what I wanted to see for a long time. As history lover I admire old places and I was really keen to see Conwy castle,... and also on our way back we stopped near seaside in Llanddulas.

Whether was nice and sunny, probably too sunny and I thought I won’t be getting any nice picture in this light and I was right...I went home and I didn't like any of them, except for a few... All my images was dull... too bright and absolutely with no any feel as a good photograph.... as I remembered a couple students in my group was doing black and white photography and I decade to try convert them in black and white... when I talk to my tutor he was quite happy to accept my Wales trip black and whites.... so I began to improve them, which is a bit shame as its not make me a good photographer, anyway.... they there are.....I am pleased with result - even if it wasn't what I meant, but I have many years ahead, so this will do for now and I`ll improve my skills for future so I could do without computer post-processing.

Setup	All photographs were taken in Wales - in town known as Conwy and by the small village Llandulas seaside.
Lighting	It was midday when I get there, so not the best part of the day - bright sun all over the place.
Lens	Nikon 18-55 mm VR lens. (purchased together with camera)
Camera Settings	Manual Mode –  Image quality -  JPEG-Fine.
Accessories	Cokin Gradual Grey G2 Light (ND2) filter

Image Nr 1

/remembrance/

Camera Mode:     Manual

Shutter Speed:     1/100 sec

Aperture:             F 7.1

ISO:                   100

Lens Length:       38mm

White Balance:    Auto

Meter Setting:     Pattern

Quality setting:    JPG

Light:                  Daylight only

It is part of a boat and originally was vertical (portrait) position,...I took a picture of it when I walked down to Conwy bay- there was boats everywhere and I was looking for some nice lines and patterns when I saw that....

When I get home I turn it to black and white (already in my camera - as it has option like this), add some contrast and sharpness on a compurer with HP MediaSmart Photo... and it looked good to me, but there was one problem, it was portrait layout and if I wanted to include this image in my final part I had to change it for landscape to suit my other images.

Fallowing advise from my tutor I crop it using Photo Shop.

I quite pleased with the image itself, only thing that worries me, that I probably made it darker that should be, as I added some more contrast. Well what’s done done…that time I was satisfied, now not so much…you decide…

Image Nr 2

/two/

Camera Mode:     Manual

Shutter Speed:     1/100 sec

Aperture:             F 8

ISO:                   100

Lens Length:       55mm

White Balance:    Auto

Meter Setting:     Pattern

Quality setting:    JPG

Light:                  Daylight only

Same story and same location- Conwy bay…these two was so adorable that I couldn’t resist not to take a picture….originally was in colour, same as Nr 1 added contrast and a bit sharpness, what makes same problem, it`s looks dark, well it didn’t, when I post-processing, probably my experience growing in days.

Image Nr 3

/nets/

Camera Mode:     Manual

Shutter Speed:     1/100 sec

Aperture:             F 7.1

ISO:                   100

Lens Length:       50mm

White Balance:    Auto

Meter Setting:     Pattern

Quality setting:    JPG

Light:                  Daylight only

 

Conwy bay...bunch of fishing nets - excellent pattern. Same as my Nr 1 boat originally shoot in vertical position and then cropped in photo shop to suit my needs.

Also I added sharpness and contrast, with help from HP Media Smart Photo and  created soft focus around the edges, placing main in the middle...that way I liked image more and I things it`s works very well...

 

...whitaut soft focus it looked a bit pale and boring...but thats only my opinion...

Image Nr 4

/seagulls/

Camera Mode:     Manual

Shutter Speed:     1/125 sec

Aperture:             F 9

ISO:                   100

Lens Length:       40mm

White Balance:    Auto

Meter Setting:     Pattern

Quality setting:    JPG

Light:                  Daylight only

Just by a chance this photograph get to the final...it was least on a list, but my tutor insisted to put it between my final 10...originally colour, turned to black and white it just doesn’t work for me and I didn’t like it...I tried different ways to improved but all was the same...nothing much you can change there is it???

So I come up with idea to darken the edges with same HP Media Smart Photo software effect tools- choose vignette option and result was more than better…it gives something else to that image than just plain reflections of plain sky…

Image Nr 5

 /albion/

Camera Mode:     Manual

Shutter Speed:     1/125 sec

Aperture:             F 8

ISO:                   100

Lens Length:       40mm

White Balance:    Auto

Meter Setting:     Pattern

Quality setting:    JPG

Light:                  Daylight only

Probably one of my favorites, and not just from Black White’s, but I quite liked in colour as well… as I was about to leave Conwy I past this boat and was touched by the colours, lines, shapes - ideal subject for good image….

On a computer I add a bit more contrast and sharpness, silly of me, I don’t think now that was necessary, but well as I already printed it’s too late for regrets….

Like you see isn’t so bad at all, and which one I like more is hard to say, even if they are the same, these images are very different…

Image Nr 6

/stonebeach/

Camera Mode:     Manual

Shutter Speed:     1/160 sec

Aperture:             F 9

ISO:                   100

Lens Length:       55mm

White Balance:    Auto

Meter Setting:     Pattern

Quality setting:    JPG

Light:                  Daylight only

Not the best of mine, as I can say…in colour look even more boring, but transforming to black and white create nice grey tone passage, which I pleased about, as it gives to some temper to image itself.

That was one of the first scenes which I captured, when we all get down from our car in outskirts of a small village Llanddulas, (hard to even pronounce that). Sun was shining upon us and I already, that time, given up to get anything decant from this trip, so I just shoot everything, not even much think about it. But like I said….as a black and white is somehow worked for me – what I find rally surprising….

Image Nr 7

/loneliness/

Camera Mode:     Manual

Shutter Speed:     1/160 sec

Aperture:             F 11

ISO:                   100

Lens Length:       20mm

White Balance:    Auto

Meter Setting:     Pattern

Quality setting:    JPG

Light:                  Daylight only

Same old problem, I think I over use a contrast and not only on black on white – on my colour image as well. At the beginning it was without any contrast, a bit overexposed and if you count that awful light than nothing good was even possible. Can you imagine same scene in the sunset, probably will be stunning, but well….maybe I am so self-critical, but I could done something a bit different.

There is my both images and you can compare them…first – originally less of colour, pale, without any contrast at all….bellow after my corrections, which I overdone….after when I change it to black and white is made it a bit too dark…Sometimes is too hard to realize in the work progress, but more often I see my final ten – more critical I get. With flowers I dint have problems like this, I knew what I was doing and I didn’t need any corrections as well….when I went to Wales I didn’t know that I`ll be coming back home with my themed photographs, but that’s life- more you live more you learn….

Image Nr 8

/abstraction/

Camera Mode:     Manual

Shutter Speed:     1/200 sec

Aperture:             F 11

ISO:                   200

Lens Length:       55mm

White Balance:    Auto

Meter Setting:     Pattern

Quality setting:    JPG

Light:                  Daylight only

Same story, but a bit better composition, - which I pleased about. Why my ISO is 200 is hard to tell, what was on my mind beck then I don’t remember. 

I added contrast and sharpness after change to black and white. 

Black and white photography from one point of view seems easy, especially in digital, but making these images I realize, I have so much to learn more. 

Black and White itself should consist form black and white colours, bur now looking closer my images it seems to me more Black and Grey. Printed out it looks better but on screen I am not very keen about results.

Image Nr 9

/irresistible/

Camera Mode:     Manual

Shutter Speed:     1/160 sec

Aperture:             F 9

ISO:                   100

Lens Length:       55mm

White Balance:    Auto

Meter Setting:     Pattern

Quality setting:    JPG

Light:                  Daylight only

I`ll be honest this irresistible image looked better in colour – seriously, but then it won’t be suitable along with others. No matter now, that it has same problems with contrast this photograph is very dear to me – tiny, week flowers making thru the stones…

Originally was a bit pale, I added contrasts, same to Image Nr 7, and then changed to black and white .

Image Nr. 10

/the perfect/

Camera Mode:     Manual

Shutter Speed:     1/160 sec

Aperture:             F 11

ISO:                   100

Lens Length:       40mm

White Balance:    Auto

Meter Setting:     Pattern

Quality setting:    JPG

Light:                  Daylight only

My favorite – the perfect. I didn't done anything to that photograph – it was already captured in Monochrome setting, never been in colour, never been post processed and that’s way I liked the best.

 If you looked the image is nothing special appears, but all lines and small holiday home structure makes perfect composition.

I remember, sitting by the sea that time, I was fed up from colour images from my camera, which I didn't like at all, so I decide to go through some options on camera display, what lead me to Monochrome setting…. glad did choose to experiment- it lead me to even one good image.

_____________________________________

So that's about it....all images was printed (order took a place with DS Color Labs) and mounted. I already had mounts ready size 8x10- leftovers from Level 1, which I didn't get a chance to use then. Prints was satisfied quality and am really pleased. I took a picture to let you know what exactly I am talking about.

 

I choose that kind presentation method as I thought it`s very suitable for black and whites...even more probably will be real frames, but considering that is not for some kind of exhibition but only for a assignment it works well.

Now only whats left - to finish off  my blog and start waiting for results...hope good ones....:))

Searching for Filters - (part of assignment 205).

Perhaps with landscape photography more than any other subject, knowing when to use the appropriate filter can turn a good image into a fantastic one and there are many of suitable filters to choose from.

Last year I bought filter kit with 23 different filters, which now I consider was a bad choice. 

The kit contain -

• Macro Lens kit (4 Lenses): +1, +2, +4, +10D Macro.
• Diffusion Effect (5 Filters): Duto, Diffuser, Softone, Sand, Soft effect.
• Image enhancing (8 Filters): Sepia, ND, Veri-Cross, Rainbow 8x, Two Field lens, Multi Image Lens, Multi Image filter, LP
• Color Filter Kit (5 Filters): Red, Yellow, Green, Orange, Blue
• Lens Safety (1 Filter): For protection of epensive lens fronts. 

I am very disappointed, it won’t turned out how I vas expected….if the colour filters is useful more or less for black&white photography, rest of it is very poor quality…when I read the description that looked very impressive to me, but now when I had to chance really try it in a practise – filters just doesn’t work as they should, and I really don’t have any dissent image to show….For example using ND you know – no any landscape photographer won’t leave a house without it. Natural Density graduate filter, helps bring out all beauty of the sky, leaving foreground unaffected and it is very important for many photographers who want to get the best possible results and so as I.

I can show you some examples from my images…how is shouldn’t be…and after will provide you with some of my research ones, which are completely shoving different picture…

As you can see image Nr.1 is taking without any filters ISO 100, WB Auto…in the mid-morning, image Nr.2  is taken with my ND filter, it’s done nothing much with a sky, looks like it more turned everything green. Look at the grass-If I have to be honest I really prefer image on the left with more realistic colors.

Same I had to say about these two below...I went out-was not quite nice day; there were clouds everywhere with some sunny spells. I remember me thinking - this will be the perfect day to test my ND filter...and look what a shocking result….

  

If on the second image I can notice some small improvements with a sky in first it looks worse than it was on that day…-dull and blurry. So yes, probably we all need to learn from own mistakes…and make sure we not repeat that on the future….this buy was really failure…from all 23 filters probably useful 1/3….so I have to search for different ones.

Fallowing advice from my tutor I took a look of the original square filter system of COKIN:

http://www.cokin.co.uk/pages/main.htm 

I had to say I am more than imprest….I took some screen grabs to compere …there are lots and lots to choose from and I really regret now my bad choice before.

For example ND and Graduated filters….what colourful difference can make a good quality filter :

First is not even close to one rubbish I had….look how plain, white sky beautify appears, I cant see any major changes to the scene except that all looks perfect and complete now….as researching Cokin web page I find out that there is lots of different ND filters we can use, all depends of weather conditions and what kind a result we want get. Take for example that Gradual fog…probably the best thing for rainy autumn days or misty cityscapes, whith that filter every image can appear some unusual way….

I considering getting one of those, even if it is expensive….but -you get what you paying for-, that what I always say.

 New filters coming soon, so I hope without bad experience this time... will keeping my blog updating…

Assignment 205 part I /Photo imaging equipment and materials/

This assignment provides me with opportunity to demonstrate evidence of use of a range of materials supported by the efficient operating of photo imaging equipment.

The written account will be based on unit - 206 Principles of photo image capture and will include fallowing:

• Reasons and justification for selection of equipment and materials (including relevant research and alternatives);

• How the equipment and materials were prepared and used;

• The characteristics of equipment and materials used;

• The advantages and disadvantages of the equipment and materials used;

• How equipment was used to capture images (including the method of image capture and operational procedures fallowed)

• How the equipment and materials were used to convey the required image;

• Health and safety considerations.

I decided to divide this assignment in two parts to save time afterwords…as I still waiting for right time and whether conditions to move forward with my image capture. So in this first part I want to describe what equipment I will be using- reasons, alternatives, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages and also health and safety considerations.

Last year, when I begin my journey to photography I bought my first ever SLR digital camera, well I would say the cheapest what I can afford that time- Nikon D3000: 

Nikon D3000 is often described as a entry-level camera, however, for me as first-time DSLR buyer I think is not a bad choice.

Nikon D3000 Key Features

•   10.75 megapixel DX-format CCD sensor (effective pixels: 10.2 million);

can let me capture outstandingly detailed images and produce stunningly sharp enlargements.

•    3" fixed LCD monitor (230,000 dots);

makes it easy to view essential camera information, and also  to review and edit my shots.

•      Image sensor cleaning (sensor shake and 'airflow');

Image Sensor Cleaning and Airflow Control systems keep dust away from the camera’s image sensor for clear, spot-free images.

•      11 AF points (with 3D tracking);

offers fast auto focus coverage across the frame. Four AF-area modes, including 3D-tracking AF, deliver sharp results, whether your subject is off-center, moving fast or completely unpredictable.

•      IS0 100-1600 range;

features an Auto ISO setting and is manually extendable up to ISO 3200 using the Hi1 setting. Enables faster shutter speeds, significantly reducing the risk of blurred images when shooting fast-moving subjects or take pictures in low light.

•     3 frames per second continuous shooting;

allows  to capture fast-moving action at 3 frames per second.

•      Picture Controls;

sets the look and mood of images before shoot. Choose from six settings: Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Monochrome, Portrait and Landscape.

•       Scene Recognition System;

delivers sharply-defined images by optimizing the camera settings immediately before the shutter is released.

•      Extensive in-camera retouching including raw development and straightening;

I can edit and enhance images in the camera. Offers a range of photo effects including D-Lighting, Filter Effects and a clever Miniature Effect that makes images appear as if they are photos of miniature scale models.

•      System Expandability;

compatible with a wide range of lenses, renowned for delivering outstanding sharpness, crisp contrast and precise color reproduction.

•    72 thumbnail and calendar view in playback

List of the different shooting modes that the D3000 offers:

• Programmed Auto: - camera automatically chooses the optimal shooting settings, both an aperture and shutter speed setting.
• Shutter-Priority Auto: - allows  to choose your shutter speed while the camera chooses the best aperture for your chosen speed.
• Aperture-Priority Auto: the opposite of S mode, - choose the aperture,while the camera chooses the shutter speed.
• Manual: in this mode you have total control over shutter and aperture speed, and the most control over exposure (personally my favorite).
• Portrait: this mode is for taking model shots, which softens skin tones and helps to blow out the background with a shallower depth of field to give emphasis to your foreground subject.
• Landscape: -for vivid landscape shots where you want focus throughout the frame, while still providing lush greens and other tones when a beautiful landscape is captured.
• Child: -for taking snapshots of kids, it soften the tones of skin while giving backgrounds a vivid look.
• Close Up: -flower macro captures or small objects you want to take a close picture of.
• Sports: -gives a fast shutter speed and continuous shooting for capture split seconds of action and sports.
• Night Portrait: - simply for taking portraits of people at night.

Descriptions above is like a small part of everything what my camera offers, it has a lots more interesting and challenging functions, which is helping me every time when I taking my photographs and I am still learning to get to know every one. For that I have to say big thanks to Jeff Revel and J.Denis Thomas who books I bought in order to learn full control over my camera:

After listing owners manual I understand that I not understand anything and I had to find other options - that`s when I came across thees two books, what help me a lot, not only fully understand my camera functions, but get the best of them.

The D3000 is pretty closely related to the D5000, reading some reviews in magazines, books and internet sometimes I think that I probably didn't make the best of choice, - but well now is too late, otherwise it will be just waist of time and money...and how I remember photographers always saying - "... its not the camera but the person using it who makes beautiful photographs..."

The best thing about the D3000 is that Nikon gave it one of the best menu systems yet, everything is made easy to use...the downsides probably as I read that Nikon D3000 slower and balkier operation when compared to other Nikon DSLRs. The camera is as noisy at ISO 800 as the D40 is at ISO 1,600. While the D40 looks great at ISO 1,600 - the D3000 is too grainy at ISO 1,600 for normal use. So I will have to keep the D3000 at ISO 800 or below for the best results. Actually I always intent to keep it on ISO 100 so that could batter me less. About slowest I have to agree...it is a bit slow to produce the images, but I never use any other DSLR so I can live with it for now.

But still anyone who is intend to buy a DSLR camera I would recommend  to take their time - really research the camera systems and see which, will going to serve them for a few decades. Otherwise switching systems can become very expensive after. I read one interesting comment about changing the cameras which said that is like  marriage - "Getting out of one and into another can be very expensive." And that's so true. For now I am in peace with my camera, it became to me as a friend, but in the future I will be definitely looking for some more high quality Nikon DSLR body in order to keep all lenses what I own already.

As I mentioned lenses I had two for now which I am using along with my camera.

1. Nikon 18-55mm VR lens. (purchased together with camera)

A convenient wide-angle zoom lens with high quality optics for use with Nikon DX Format Digital SLRs. The ample 18-55mm zoom range is equivalent to a 27-82.5mm lens in 35mm format offering maximum versatility to accommodate tight portraits to expansive landscapes....(from Jessops home page).

Although Nikon offers many very high-quality professional lenses, the D3000 kit lenses it not so bad performers ( and once again I had to say, I didn't have a chance to use others). They offer some advantanges, like:

• Low cost- compere to others;
• Image quality- Super Integrated Coating on the lens helps to ensure accurate color and reduce lens flare and also is quite sharp for a lens in this price range.
• Compact size - small in size and super light, ideal for everyday use.
• Vibration reduction- very handy feature especially when needs to take images in low light conditions. It can allow to handhold a camera at slower shutter speeds.

I use thees lens mainly taking photographs, so I am pleased.

To complete my purchase I also bought (telephoto/macro) Tamron AF 70-300mm lens, which I find now very handy.

Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD is a macro telephoto zoom lense. The lens features 70-300mm at focal length with maximum aperture of F/4.0-5.6. The lens construction has 13 elements in 9 groups and has diagonal angle of view at 34°21′-8°15′. Minimum focus distance at 1.5m (max. magnification ratio 1:4), 0.95m in macro mode (1:2) and has a filter size of 62mm.

The lens itself feels pretty good build quality and for the money, the optics is good too If you are on a budget, as I was, you will not be disappointed with this lens. The lens barrel rotates during focus so using circular-polarising filters can be a little troublesome but this can be overcome by focusing then switching to MF and adjusting your filter.

This lens has good focal length for mid-range nature photography and reasonably fast (f/5.6 at 200-300) sharp under 200mm. 

I am totally happy with this lens- is not the best out there, but you should expect a supreme lens with this price any way! For me it is effective, and good macro feature provides me with nice photos. 

I would recommended to anyone who is a beginner -like me- and want to do some practice on different aspects of photography (macro and telephoto) before moving on to the serious part where you have to pay at least double the amount for only one of the previous features.

Some downsides: At higher ISOs and shutter speeds the image are crisp but at lower speeds the absence of VR is easily noticeable. If you're using a tripod - lens is very workable but unfortunately I can’t comfortably use it for hand held shots.The auto-focus does search quite significantly, but some shots were just not possible to take using it. The macro switch is also a little fiddly so I need to  be careful when using it as it could be damaged. And also for me is a bit too heavy.

I can’t compare it with other, for only reason as I am beginner and never have a chance to using different types of lenses, but after reading some reviews on internet I probably will say it's worth spending a bit more and to go for the Nikkor 55-200 lens instead or even 55-300 lenses which also has VR and it is worth the investment.

Moving forward I need to mention I also own a tripod, without what – any photographer won’t be photographer. Same as with a lens I choose the affordable option and went for a Velbon DF-50 Tripod:

 Specifications

• Max Load: 3kg
• Max Height: 152cm
• Min Height: 58cm
• Weight: 1.49kg
• Leg Diameter: 23.2mm
• Leg Sections: 3

It is medium-sized tripod complete with radially braced legs and a geared centre column which help to provide a stable platform for my equipment. As very handy option it also has an integrated spirit level most helpful for architectural and landscape photography.

It is a good tripod that's light enough to carry around with and it`s very easy to set up. Mainly Velbon DF-50 is great for amateur-learning photographers like me -who want an all-purpose tripod.

Downside for me probably is that mounting screw on the quick release plate is not designed at the best and doesn't hold the camera tight - especially for vertical shoots. But, like we all know- you get what you pay for. If we look at Jessops there are a lot better deals if you can afford it.

  

Also I am possessor of couple of lens filters, but I will write about that in my next post which I want to delegate only to that theme.

So describing as good as I can my main equipment I have to pay some attention to Health and Safety considerations which is taken quite seriously in the creative media industries. 

While photography is fun, photographers need to be aware of the health issues and risks associated with taking pictures.  That includes - maintaining all equipment in good working order, taking adequate breaks, constantly being aware of surroundings on location....you never know...anything can happened when you out and about, especially in unknown place. So take care - so will I.

Conclusion

I was writing this post for two weeks…weather improved very fast from worst to best and now all I have to do is go out there and explore some possibilities for my main themes. I am really looking forward to it. I had some good shoots already and I am very pleased with them, but still is lots and lots to do…I hope with all my basic equipment I will achieve required standards and in the end add some useful photographs to my portfolio.