ISO and Shutter Speed of a camera

25/4/2014( Week 4)
Imani Najwa Binti Nordin (0319405)
Iso and Shutter Speed of a camera

Lecture:
During our lesson today,we had yet another group discussion.Mr Vinod had made us sit in a circle facing each other and have our talk.We first discussed about the ISO.Questions were thrown and some were answered.After the discussion Mr Vinod then gave us a short presentation of the ISO and how it works.He then gave us an assignment to complete within the class period regarding the ISO.After being grouped me and my teammates begin to set off and complete our task.We were given roughly 15 minutes.After taking a couple of photos we went back to class and present our work to Mr Vinod proving that our statement was indeed correct.After Mr Vinod had checked all of the other groups work,he begin to continue his small presentation this time regarding shutter speed of the camera.Before the class ended he gave us another exercise to complete during the weekends regarding the shutter speed which involves the ceiling fans.

Instructions for Exercise 2c) ISO (5%)

Exercise 2c.1)
From the discussion and presentation, we know that ISO effects exposure, my task is to prove that this is true.

Iso:200,Shutter speed:1/15,Aperture:5.6

Iso:400,Shutter speed:1/15,Aperture:5.6

Iso:800,Shutter speed:1/15,Aperture:5.6

Iso:1600Shutter speed:1/15,Aperture:5.6

Iso:3200,Shutter speed:1/15,Aperture:5.6

Iso:6400,Shutter speed:1/15,Aperture:5.6

Iso:12800,Shutter speed:1/15,Aperture:5.6

Exercise 2c.2)
From the discussion and presentation, we know that when the ISO is increased the quality of the picture gets effected,my task is to prove this is true.

Marking Criteria: The student must capture the evidence of degradation of the image as the ISO increases in sensitivity. The student also must produce evidence that ISO can directly affect exposure

Iso:200,Shutter speed:0"8,Aperture;6.3

Iso:400,Shutter speed:0"4,Aperture:6.3

Iso:800,Shutter speed:1/15,Aperture:6.3

Iso:1600,Shutter speed:1/10,Aperture:6.3

Iso:3200,Shutter speed:1/20,Aperture:6.3

Iso:6400,Shutter speed:1/40,Aperture:6.3

Iso:12800,Shutter speed:1/40,Aperture:6.3

What I Understand :
When the number of the ISO is increased,the more sensitive the sensor is to the amount of light which allows you to take a photo in the dark however the background of the photo will be a lot more grainer/noisier.

Instructions for Exercise 2b) Shutter Speed (5%)
1.Using a ceiling fan, keep the fan speed at 1.
2. capture images using shutter settings from 1/1000th of a second till 1/4th of second.
3.Repeat this exercise after changing the fan speed from 1 to 2 and then from 2 to 3 and so on.

Marking Criteria: The student must capture evidence of the Shutter’s ability to freeze fast moving objects and blur moving objects.

2b) Shutter Speed (5%)
Marking Criteria: The student must capture the evidence of the Shutter’s ability to freeze fast moving objects and blur moving objects.

2c) ISO (5%)
Marking Criteria: The student must capture the evidence of degradation of image as the ISO increases in sensitivity. The student also must produce evidence that ISO can directly affect exposure.

Feedback:
General Feedback :
For general feedback Mr Vinod told us that our photos should all be in black and white.he reminded us that this is through out our entire sem.He also gave a general feedback to those who have not screen shot the shutter speed exercise.Mr Vinod also told us to download adobe photoshop on our laptops because it will be used in the near future.Lastly Mr Vinod stressed about our reflection part.He said that we must dig in deeper into details and ask ourselves why an how such results came to be.Detailed observation was the key and it is best to ponder on why such results happen.As Mr Vinod would always say "Take a STAB at it",take a guess as to why it happened,it is fine to make an incorrect guess since it its a part of learning.

Specific Feedback :
Mr Vinod said that my Iso exercise was good however,it would have been better if I did my own exercise rather than to rely on the group work as the group work helps to solve the problem.Once I've tried out the group work I should try it out myself.I also got a compliment form Mr Vinod saying he liked that I included the "What I understand" but since it helps me be the scientist I am.He also added that I've did a good job on my shutter speed exercise.

There were some illuminating points that I wrote in my reflection regarding my learning experience that caught Mr Vinod's attention.It is when I said I learn better when Im 'carrying out" the work rather than reading.Having said this,Mr Vinod explained to me that it is still important to do "both",reading and experiencing which go hand in hand.Sometimes it is best to read and experience it,then read again.With that I couldn't agree any less.

Reflection :
Experience:
From todays class I've experience team work,even though my teammates and I were a little slow at grasping the information regarding the ISO we all still manage to capture photos with the right ISO which helped prove that our statement was correct.Me and my team mates had figured how to take the best photos in order to prove if the ISO effects the exposure? I also experienced a lot of hands on work.
When I begin to put my camera to practice,I somehow manage to understand how it actually works.I found out that  learning how to do it yourself and by practicing with the features of your camera helps make a better sense of understanding rather than just reading it all on the net.Once you put things to the practice you begin to register that to your brain.

Observations:
I've observed a lot of  things during the exercise that my teammates and I had carried out.As we go deeper into the subject of photographer there is so much to learn and things can get a bit tricky when it comes to understanding the concept but once I've figured it out it will be quite simple.I've begin to understand what an ISO does and how it affects pictures.The lower the number of ISO,the less sensitive the sensor is to light therefor giving a better quality image(less noise) and vise versa.When the Iso number increases ,the sensitivity or the sensor to light also increases,therefore the quality of the image becomes noisier(grainer). I've also realised that working in a team helps us to make good group decision.We begin to put our brains together and solve the problem for instance we decided it would be best to take a photo in a dark area,so my team mates and I set off to find a dark area to photograph our photo.

Findings:
I thought that todays class was pretty interesting even though todays class information was a lot to grasp and can become quit daunting  I still thought that I have learned and had benefit so much from todays lesson.Mr Vinod had given a lot of information which I can pretty much understand because he makes it alot easier to understand.Now I understand that all three (the Aperture,the Iso and the shutter speed work together to produce a good quality picture .I've also realised that with practice I can actually begin to  wrap my head around the functions of an Iso and the Shutter speed.Reading and jotting down notes isn't going to cut it,instead it is better to practice and have a go with the camera in order to fully understand how the ISO and Shutter speed really works.Overall I find todays class full or information,theres so much more to learn in the world of photography and I am excited and thrilled to learn so much more.


Additional Information :

Roughly how an Iso works and how grains/noise looks like.

When the number of Iso increases,the more sensitive the camera sensor is to light,therefor the image becomes grainer.

How Shutter speed works.

Aperture

18/4/2014(week 3)

Imani Najwa Binti Nordin (0319405)

Aperture

Lecture :

In the previous week we were supposed to do our own research regarding the functions of an Aperture.When I first came to class today Mr Vinod had asked us all to form a circle in the centre of the room  facing one another and begin with the classroom discussion.We were required to exchange our  thoughts and research and to each other,asking questions were also encouraged. After the class discussion Mr Vinod even showed us a small presentation regarding the Aperture located in the lens.He gave answers to some of our questions such as What is a Diaphragm?  Mr.Vinod then mentioned that we would have to carry out an exercise in order to prove to ourselves if the both of the theory he told us was right was right.

Instructions for today's Aperture exercise:

Aperture Exercise 2a.1) 
Instructions:
1.Take a picture of your repetitive subject starting with the right exposure combination of shutter speed and aperture.
2.Start your aperture setting from the lowest number (f1.4/f2.0/f3.5)
3.Do not change the shutter settings as the aperture is increased.

Aperture Exercise 2a.2)
Instructions:
1.Take a picture of your repetitive subject starting with the right exposure combination of shutter speed and aperture.
2.Start your aperture setting from the lowest number (f1.4/f2.0/f3.5)
3.Compensate the increase of your aperture with your shutter settings as the aperture is increased to maintain the right exposure. 

Exercise 2.a.1

1.Determine if Aperture controls exposure

Aperture: 5.6,Shutter Speed: 50, ISO : 200

Aperture : 8.0, Shutter Speed :50, ISO :200

Aperture : 11, Shutter Speed :50,ISO :200

Aperture :16,Shutter Speed :50,ISO :200

Aperture :22,Shutter Speed :50, ISO: 200

What I've learned:

The smaller the Aperture number (ex: 4.0) ,the larger the opening.In the last picture the photo is now darker,this is due to the larger number of aperture.A larger number of aperture,the smaller the opening therefore less light reaching towards the sensor.Without compensating with the shutter the amount of light is insufficient hence a darker photo is produced.

Exercise 2.a.2
1.Determine if Aperture controls depth of field

Aperture:5.6,Shutter Speed:50,ISO:200

Aperture:8.0,Shutter Speed:25,ISO:200

Aperture:11,Shutter Speed:13,ISO:200

Aperture:16,Shutter Speed:6,ISO:200

Aperture:22,Shutter Speed:4,ISO:200

2a) Aperture (5%)

Marking Criteria: The student must capture the evidence of the Aperture’s influence in exposure using the various f-stops. The student must also capture the evidence of the Aperture’s influence on depth of field.

Feedback :

General feedback:

Mr Vinod said that we are all doing well with our e-portfolio.

Specific feedback:
Mr Vinod said that my exercise seemed accurate and have fulfil the criteria of the exercise.I did a good job.However  regarding the small description about "What I've Learned":
The smaller the Aperture(ex:4.0),the larger the opening ... Mr Vinod told me that it was not precise.He corrected and explained to me that the reason why the photo became darker towards the end was because of the larger number of aperture used.The larger the number of aperture,the smaller the opening.Therefore there is insufficient amount of light to reach the sensor hence a darker picture is formed.Lastly Mr Vinod said my e-portfolio in particular the reflection was good and I should keep up the good work.I was reminded that it is okay to express anything negative or positive in my experience,observations and findings as this will help me learn not only about my thinking process but also give Mr Vinod some feedbacks on his delivery of his lesson.

Screen Shots of Hardcopy :

Reflection:

Experience:

From todays class I've experienced what team work was really all about all, even tough at first the classroom was at silence. When a few of us begin to speak up eventually all of us slowly begin to engage in the conversation.Not long after we begin to exchange information regarding the aperture of a camera. Some of us even asked questions that made not only us but also Mr.Vinod ponder.Does the size of the a different camera lens have the same aperture? Does our cellphones have an aperture?If so can we adjust it?I also liked the experience of 

Observation:

Form what i've observed it is important to have an e-portfolio not only because it is slightly graded but more importantly it helps to improve our essay skills by explaining the findings we gathered.An e-portfolio also help us to begin articulating and reflect the knowledge we gain. Regarding the exercise carried out I've observed that I still need more practice regarding the functions of my camera and how it works.Mr Vinod even helped me figure out the functions and help me carry out the task.

Findings:

Form what Ive gathered I've realised that the class is really getting into the spirit of being an active learner,most of the students will ask for help regarding any problems face,although eventually we will all have to learn on our own in the next assignment.However it was nice to have practical activity because it made me understand the lesson a bit more when I put my camera to the test .I also want to talk a bit about team work as far as grouping goes I appreciate how each and everyone is trying to help each other out to complete this exercise and I think that Mr Vinod did a great job at explaining and conducting the lessons.Thank you sir :)

Helpful Information :

taken from Intro2Photography( foundation) Facebook Page.

"Photographs and Photographers" and "Mr.Vinods top 10 Most Liked Pictures"

11/4/2014 ( Week 2)
Imani Najwa Binti Nordin ( 0319405)
"Photographs and Photographers" and  "Mr.Vinods top 10 most liked pictures"

Lecture :
Today as class begin as usual we would mark our attendance and take a sit.Mr Vinod asked us students weather we have completed and submitted our work link on the Photography facebook page.He then begin to ask questions on which presentation/photo did we students think was the most memorable and why.

After watching most of the students videos including mine he begin to show us his take on his favourite top 10 photographers and their work.The photographers that he showed us were Herb Britts,Mark Selinger (rolling stones),Prabhuddha Dasgupta a (fashion photographer,)Richard Avedon (who shot a couple of photos during the Khumbla Festival),Manoj Jadhav and Raghu rao who is a (National Geography photographer)

Instructions :
1.Re-write last weeks reflection.
2.Do research on a few different photographers.
3.Study what is Aperture and how it works.
4.Download Fight Club and Warlock

Exercise :
None

Feedback :
General Feedback:

Mr.Vindo gave us a general feedback regarding our e-portfolio.He did mention that our e-portfolio is to be updated before wednesday night before 12PM so that he can mark on our process by Thursday morning.I remember how Mr Vinod also stressed about the importance of having an e-portfolio as we are being graded on it,however he did mention that we shouldn't just drive on marks . One of the reasons why it is important to have an e-portfolio is it helps to improve ones talking skills,it also helps you to reflect and figure out all sorts of information that you have obtained during the period of the lesson.

Specific Feedback :
Mr Vinod told me that my e-Portfolio: the experience section of the reflection was incomplete however the rest was good. He reminded me to try and be as introspective as possible, like a scientist under a microscope. Nevertheless, I made a good attempt at writing the reflection, I should keep improving and try to stick within the parameters of the topic being discussed.Other points of reflection unrelated are also welcome. Also any suggestion with regard to the teaching and learning experience in the class I.e: with regard to my delivery of the topic or presentation (too fast/slow etc) would also be welcome

Reflection :
Experience :
From todays class I've experienced how to appreciate different photographs and photographers.It is the details and the effort that other photographers put that makes their photos stand out more.I also begin to appreciate black and white photos.Previously I wasn't too fond of black and white photos,they were to me 'okay' but during the slides Mr Vinod showed the 10 photographs he liked, I enjoyed every picture there was.


Observation :
From todays class I've realised that everyone has their own liking.Not all photos are attractive to others.I've realised that it is okay to criticise others work and let others criticise yours as well.It is a process of learningWe shouldn't take it personally instead use that criticism and help perfect ourselves,I also find it really helpful if someone criticise my work,I get see y work in a different perspective.I also realised that most of Mr.Vinod's favourite photograph pictures are in black and white.I realised that even tho the pictures are simple it is because of the photographer and how he manage to capture the image under such lighting.


Findings :
From what I've gathered I've realised that most of us (my classmates) have different likings whether some of us like colour in our photos or simply prefer photos in black and white.I also found out that by asking question frequently you gain more knowledge .Activities such as having a group discussion helps us to exchange our thoughts regarding different matters and help us to become an active learner.I also found out that it is good to be different,we should all be different and try to achieve something great.How we do so?? Well by stepping out of our comfort zone,like what Mr.Vinod said 'if you want to achieve something that different and extraordinary you must be able to go the extra mile'.Just like his friend who went to a remoted dangerous place in order to find and original work piece.

Photography Class ( FID)

4/4/2014 (week 1)
Imani Najwa Nordin (0319405)
Introduction to Photography 


Lecture :
This  morning was the first day of Photography class. Mr.Vinod gave us a lecture on the outline of  our 1st semester course programme and what exercises we would be doing for this first week and of our entire semester.He also thought us the basics from teaching objectives to learning outcomes to creating our own ePortfolio.

Teaching Objectives :
1.To learn how to take pictures using the manual mode of the cameras.
2.To be able to achieve good composition and exposure.

Learning Outcomes :
1.Us exposure settings (Aperture,shutter speed and ISO)
2.Use Zone System exposure technique to achieve desired results.
3.Distinguish a bad exposure from a good exposure.
4.Apply the rule of 2/3 for composition .
5.Use Adobe Photoshop to edit pictures at a basic level.

Taylor's Graduate Capabilities :

1.Discipline specific knowledge.
2.Lifelong learning
3.Thinking and problem solving skills.
4.Communication skills.
5.Interpersonal skills.
6. Citizenship and global perspectives.
7.Digital Literacy.


An ePortfolio basically consist of 2 parts :

1st part: :

• Lectures 
• Instructions / Tutorial 

2nd part :

• Feedback
• Reflection
• a) Experience 
• b) Observations
• c) Findings 

Mr Vinod also  gave us a lecture about the Aperture mechanism which is located in the camera lens .An Aperture is a hole or an opening in which light travels through.The aperture determines how collimate the admitted rays are, which is of great importance for the appearance at the image plane.

From what I understood: 
The narrower the Aperture the greater the photo quality ( sharper focus)
The wider the Aperture there will be  a drop in the photo quality ( image becomes sharp only where the lens are focusing on and  blurred the rest of the background)

Mr Vinod also talked about the differences between a Mirror-less Camera and an average DSLR Camera

From what I understood :
A Mirror-less Camera has no mirror are are relatively smaller in size.They have larger sensors .
An average DSLR camera uses mirrors



Instructions for exercise 1:
1. Presentation of 10 of our  best-liked pictures
2. Explain the reasons why we chose the pictures,what we found interesting when taking/choosing the pictures .
3.Student will present 5 pictures of their own and 5 pictures of 5 different photographers provided with credit.

My own pictures :

Location : Dubai Marina Bay Resort 
This was the view that I had during my stay at the Marina Bay Resort in Dubai.When i fist saw my balcony view I immediately grabbed my camera and took a couple of shots.The reason why I choose this particular shot was because of how simply breath taking the picture looks. I loved how the buildings were lit with colourful neon lights all the way from top to bottom.The different colour of lights illuminated the building making the city looks very lively.I love how I also captured the waters casting rainbow shadows in the lake,the yachts by the dock also adds a bit more to the photo,as if it was the city that never sleeps.

Location : China Fireworks Pullman Hotel,Putrajaya

The reason I choose this photo out of the rest was because of the colour pallet.There are mixtures of pinks and blues,and hints of gold. This picture looks almost unrealistic. I was standing at the tower tops when I captured this shot ,thats how I manage to capture another tower in the picture.I like how there is only the outline of the tower it helps add a bit more into the photo. The camera did its justice, I like how you can see the outburst of the fireworks itself such as the golden strands.

Location :Dubai

I opt for a daylight picture since the two previous photos were during night time.This was taken when I had took a boat ride to cross the rivers.I took a couple of pictures but I settled for this one because of how much I liked how wide and spacious the view looks.I like how I got an even balance of water and sky.You could see how smooth the water texture is .My personal favourite are the boats,different sizes and colours.I love how the boats look as if they are the separation between the waters and sky.

Location : Pullman Hotell,Putrajaya

This picture was taken by the poolside.I was took it while I was dipping my foot in the pool.I liked how the waters look crystal clear you can even see the tile floors.The wooden floors look even more genuine as it was wet. This picture looks very pure and minimalistic. You can see how the texture of the water is shown,it is calm and soothing,the water feels very inviting.I like how there is sort of a light refraction caused by the waters giving the picture an extra gloss.Overall this picture gives you a sense of relaxation as if your are on vacation.

Location : Sheikh Zayed's Mosque

This photo was taken during my visit to one of the most pretties mosque around the world,Sheikh Zayed's Mosque.This photo was one of my favourite photos that I took of the place. I still find it beautiful even if it is not brightly lit .You can see the details of the walls,they are decorated with tiled flowers adding a bit of colour.In this photo you can see that the place is very well spacious.The white coulour of the mosque looks marvellous,theres something about white take makes a building look timeless.Not forgetting how you can see the water reflection of the beautiful building.


Exercise 1. a) :

Photos taken by different photographers

Source : weheartit.com

I found this picture off of weheartit.com I chose it because I've always been fond of the forest and everything that lies beyond it. However this picture in particular attracted me because I felt as if it has its own story.The way there is a path leading into the darkness of the forest feels sort of mysterious and intriguing. I feel like im being lured into the forest not knowing what i may encounter.I also like the way the sun ray shines through the opening of the forest it is even more beautifully.I love the tall looking trees ,lush and green.I love how peaceful this picture makes me feel.

Source : weheartit.com

I assume this little girl is no more than 12 years of age but the reason I choose this photo was because of how raw and natural the photo looks. The freckles on the girls face is the main point of the picture,it is where the image is most sharp and focused on.To me it is far beyond beautiful he face looks so angelic .Her vibrant blue eyes portray a look of innocence and clarity,it is as if her soul is straying right back at us.The sharpness of the photo can be seen through her features .Her lips are nicely captured as well,the cracks and lines on her lips just as clear as any other persons lips.I like how the background (her hair and ears ) are being slightly out of focus and blurred out giving full attention to the girls face.This is what I call natural beauty .

Source :earthquake 1755  photograph by : pierluigi.ricci 

Convento do Carmo, Lisbon, Portugal 

I have a fascination with ruins whether it be building or any other.I find each and every ruin interesting each with their own story.This particular photo is a Gothic church that was found in the late 13th century.It was destroyed by the Great Earthquake of Lisbon in 1755.I love how the photographer captured the angles of the buildings.How he managed to capture the roofless building so that all you can see are bright blue skies.I also like the way he captured the buildings structure,making it look tall and lean almost haunting looking.I like how you can see the shadows casting down over the building,it gives the picture an extra feel.The building looks remarkable even throughout the centuries.When I see this picture it gives me chills.

Source : Tumblr - neverending-fairytales 

Books,theres something about them that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.Old books are the best,the leather cover detailed,torn and wore out.Thats exactly how the photographer had captured this image.I like how he/she emphasise and focused on the books details.You could see the middle book is simply torn apart with no book cover and a few rough edges.I like this picture because the photographer clearly captured how these books have been used up and how old they look by the rough leather detailed.Also the book covers are amazingly beautiful.I even like how the background is blurred out to give the books a sharper look.

Source : Tumblr "Tiger" by Peter Hausner Hansen

I have a thing for animals especially tigers so when I saw this photo I immediately fell in love.The photo of the innocent looking tiger looks so pure and beautiful. I love how the photographer captured that moment.The colours in the photo also attracted me, I love how the colour of the water looks almost black which to me brings something mysterious to the picture.The photo quality also helped bring out the tigers orange stripes making it look even more appealing.Another reason why I love this photo is because of how the tiger looks so calmly in the waters.

Screenshot of my hard copy (exercise 1) :

                                         

Link to my video :

Feedback :
General feedback :
Mr.Vinod talked about our ePortfolio.He asked us to rewrite our reflection part.We were asked to also to copy the marking rubric from his own page ,not forgetting to screen shot the hardcopy work and store it in a black folder.Mr.Vinod also told us to be careful of what we write in our reflection as it is the most important section in the ePortfolio.It is best to write  around 125-135 words per paragraph.As for lecture sections two paragraphs would do the trick.


Specific feedback :
Mr.Vinod said I did a good job on my exercise 1.However he did mention that it would have been best if I had divided my reflection into three (experience,observation and findings) for better differentiation.He also asked me to follow his general comments and explanation with regards to the reflections mentioned in the beginning of class.

Reflection :
From this exercise that I've done,I found out how important it is to take a good photo .How to do so is by taking things such as angles,the aperture settings,shutter speed ,lighting,focus and others into account.I can now see how other photographers have better quality photos compared to mine and how they use different approach when taking a certain picture.It is important to know how to handle the camera to produce quality photos.

I hope that Mr.Vinod can help show the class how to use the camera functions properly before we carry any other future exercises so that we can all produce great quality photos .Before this i would always play it safe by using the Auto Mode because that was much easier to use.I also would like to thank Mr.Vinod for giving us a brief explanation on our module outline for photography class and for properly guiding us on how to start our very own ePortfolio,Thank you :) Lastly it was nice to meet all my fellow classmates and hope that in the near future we can all work as a team.


My Test result :