Photo Editing and Consistency

23/5/2014(week 8)

Imani Najwa Binti Nordin (0319405)

Photo Editing and Consistency

Lecture:

During todays lecture,again we didn't have our (not so regular now) group discussion.Instead Mr Vinod dived right into todays topic.Before hand we were required to read lightly upon the links he had sent us via Facebook regarding the topic we would be discussing.First of Mr Vinod mentioned about the little time we have,just 2 weeks away from our major theme based project.He explained to us that the major project is based on what you have learned and how much you've grasped so far.He mentioned that since we have completed various exercises regarding exposure and composition ,it would mean that we should be able to take a good photo.Not forgetting Mr Vinod did advise us to burn a cd copy and put it in our hardcopy file just in case.Other then that,Mr Vinod did mentioned that the  further we go deeper into photography, the HIGHER his  expectations will be on our work.

More over, Mr Vinod brought up the photography book that he was selling and how he explained that most of the photographers you'll see in the book are of Taylor's University architecture students.The one thing that he mentioned during lecture that got stuck in my head was to be "Brave".Being brave enough to climb steep hills,rocks and ect ,just to achieve a greater more different shot.

Later on Mr Vinod begin to explain to us how consistency works.He gave an example ,for instance the fashion page in which the pictures seem to be visually connected one  after another .This means it has a consistent set of images.In simple terms a Visual Connection = Consistency. Consistency is effected by the type of subject and the feeling it gives.

Instruction for selfie: (not a graded exercise)

You are to take a creative self portrait of yourself, using what you have learned in exposure and composition, you "may" attempt to go beyond the boundary or stay within what you have learned. What is essential is that the "selfie" must be unique.

Do not, make the selfie look like an illustration, the elements that make a picture look like a picture must remain. 

You may choose to experiment with composition and exposure, and later visual-compositing.

Just remember, the selfie does not need to reflect who you are precisely, it can reflect who you aspire to be, or the image you aspire to have, etc.

The selfie must be shot using your DSLR and your smart phone, you may enlist help when taking the picture, so long as it is you art directing the shot.

General Feedback:

Specific Feedback :

Reflection:

Experience:

Observations:

I've observed that if you want to achieve something different/spectacular you must go beyond limits.You must be brave,weather it be climbing to great heights,going into dangerous places or even creating a controversial photo.Mr Vinod had mentioned that creating controversy  is of the same coin as getting famous.

I've also begin to observe that many photographer or any type of artist love to criticise on something/anything.We become more curious on little details.We start judging and so on.However ,here in Malaysia it is hard for anyone (the society/government) to accept criticism to a certain level thus, art expression has become muzzled in.

Findings:

Form todays class I've found out how tough and challenging it must be to photograph someone.Many times people tend to over look simple photos like these

for example :

* photograph by © Brandon Thibodeaux

Since the photo doesn't look very editorial people overlook how the beauty of this photo where the lazy is in the centre of the photo and there is a clustered background in the back.The picture begins to tell a story.Like my previous post I remember that a background that is too clustered can break the subject.However in this case,the messy background works because you can tell the lady is sitting in the centre and you can probably tell that she has kids.If you noticed as well, the photographer is a complete stranger towards the subject.Now this is hard work .This is because often it is  hard for someone to simply let their guard down and be conformable,especially enough to be photographed by some random person.The camera can create a sort of intruding feeling towards the subject and we wouldn't want to scare them off.Therefore I have found out that as a photographer we must work our way to disarm people and make them feel comfortable enough for you to control them.Communication  skills is important to get the subject to be comfortable enough for you to get the photos you will want to achieve . Mr Vinod did share his tips on how he would ease his subjects by asking simple question and trying to make small talk,sometimes he would purposely make his camera visible to others so that they are aware he is a photographer.

I've also found that a good photo creates an emotional reaction,it sort of penetrates into your mind and stays for awhile.

For example to you it may be a simple photo of a girl who looks innocent

Natalia, Sentenced for stabbing, Juvenile Prison for Girls, Ukraine 2009

*photograph by  Michal Chelbin

However the picture has a  shocking value to it.When you read the photo and  why she was sentenced for jail it makes you wonder how she came to be.This photo also just proves that we should not judge a book by its cover.I've also found out that a background can either make or break the subject.For example :

Some of the prisoners   were shot  in front of  a beautiful floral/natural backdrop.This picture sort of portrays the separation between freedom and not having any at all.

Sergey, Sentenced for violence against women, Juvenile Prison for Boys, Russia 2009

 *photograph by Michal Chelbin

Rule of Thirds and Principals of Underpinning Composition

9/5/2014(Week 6 & 7)

Imani Najwa Binti Nordin (0319405)

Rule of Thirds

Lecture :
4.a(week 6)

Todays class started a bit later then usual which was around 10 am.As soon as I got to class almost half of my classmates were already starting to form a circle.As  usual we had our morning class discussion and todays topic was about the Rule of Thirds.The Rule of Thirds is basically a powerful composition technique for making photos more interesting and dynamic,in simple words how to take a good photo.For todays lesson there wasn't much confusion as everyone understood what it was all about.However there were a few here and there regarding "What is a Composition?" and "How do we change the settings in our camera to make it display the grid lines?".As soon as discussion was over Mr Vinod and a small presentation regarding The Rule of Thirds.He explained what a composition is and how there are many more other compositions such as Rule of Thirds,Counterpoint.He also had made up his own theory which was the triangular composition and multipoint.After that Mr Vinod went deeper into detail about underpinning composition such as (domination/emphasis,isolation,balance,repetition,symmetry/asymmetry and harmony) 

4.b(week 7)

Todays lecture Mr Vinod talked about the previous exercise 4.a.He asked around questions about the challenges we've faced when carrying out our exercise.When he was done explaining and giving us our general feedback for last weeks exercise .This time around we didn't have a group discussion instead he proceeded to give us a presentation about the "Composition of Rule Of Thirds".Mr Vinod explained that there are many different types of composition such as,balance,harmony,repetition,alignment,unity,contrast,solicitation,scale and proportion,domination,symmetry/asymmetry and perspective.He explained that it would take a while for us to get use to the composition terms.Mr Vinod did mentioned that as a beginner we tend to take photos like any other photographer.This is however natural,because who wouldn't want to take photos like them.However Mr Vinod said that with practice we will begin to notice tiny details that others might overlook and these composition  rule will then come naturally to us as if it is pre programmed in our brains.A higher observation skills lead to higher thinking skills that can analise and interoperate better work outcome.Moreover,Mr Vinod again stressed about the importance of documenting our work in our e-portfolio because it will help benefit you in the near future.

Exercise 4: The Rule of Thirds & Principals underpinning Composition

Instructions to Exercise:

Exercise 4a: Rule of Thirds (week 6)

Capture 3 Images adhering to the Rule of Thirds

1. Using 1 person
2. Using 3 persons
3. Using a scenery
4. Place image on the document for printing,one image with the Rule of Third lines visible and another without the lines side by side 

(Use the Zone System Concept)

1.One person

 With Rule of Thirds grid

Aperture:3.5,Shutter speed;1/400,Iso:200

 Without the Rule of Thirds 

Aperture:3.5,Shutter speed;1/400,Iso:200

 *for some reason the photos on my blog appears differently then in camera (sepia)

sorry sir for the inconvenience

Retake :

With the Rule of Thirds grid
Aperture:3.5,Shutter speed:1/400,Iso:200

Without the Rule of Thirds Grid

Aperture:3.5,Shutter speed:1/400,Iso:200

Mr Vinod mentioned that my previous photo(above) ,the background was a bit too distracting so I've decided to ope for a simple background where you can see clearly the subject located at the 3-rd most corner left of the vertical grid.

*again sorry for the inconvenience of the photo colour (sepia)

2.Three person 

With the Rule of Thirds grid

Aperture:3.5,Shutter speed:1/1000,Iso:200

Without the Rule of Thirds Grid 

3.Scenery 

With the Rule of Thirds grid

Aperture:3.5,Shutter speed:1/1600,Iso:200

 Without the Rule of Thirds grid
Aperture:3.5,Shutter speed:1/1600,Iso:200

Retake:

With the Rule of Thirds grid

Aperture:3.5,Shutter Speed:1/320,Iso: 200

Without the Rule of Thirds Grid

Aperture;3.5,Shutter Speed:1/320,Iso:200

4a) Rule of Thirds (5%)

Marking Criteria: The student must show evidence of knowledge and ability to use the Rule of Two-Thirds under the prescribed circumstances. Evidence of composition enhanced by cropping is acceptable in order to heighten the dynamism or intensity of the picture. Students must showcase their knowledge on exposure using the zone system.

Exercise 4b: Principles underpinning composition(week 7)

Capture 4 Images adhering to any of the mentioned principles below:

Domination/Emphasis • Isolation • Balance • Repetition

Alignment • Contrast • Rhythm • Symmetry/Asymmetry

Harmony

Print all 4 images on an A4 as instructed in class.

(Put to use what you have learnt in the Zone system exercises here)


1.

Contrast

With the Rule of Thirds Grid

Aperture:3.5,Shutter Speed: 1/60,Iso:200

 Contrast
Without the Rule of Thirds grid

Aperture:3.5,Shutter Speed: 1/60,Iso:200

2.

Repetition

With the Rule of Thirds grid 

Aperture:4.0,Shutter Speed:1/500,Iso:200

Repetition 

Without the Rule of Thirds 

Aperture:4.0,Shutter Speed:1/500,Iso:200

Repetition

With the Rule of Thirds grid :

 Aperture:4.0,Shutter Speed:1/200,Iso:200

Repetition 

 Aperture:4.0,Shutter Speed:1/200,Iso:200

3.

Alignment/Repetition 

With the Rule of Thirds

Aperture:5.0,Shutter Speed:1/1000,Iso:200

Alignment/Repetition  
Without the Rule of Thirds

Aperture:5.0,Shutter Speed:1/1000,Iso:200

4.

Perspective

With the Rule of Thirds

Aperture:3.5,Shutter Speed:1/125,Iso:200

Perspective
Without the Rule of Thirds
Aperture:3.5,Shutter Speed:1/125,Iso:200

5.

Isolation

With the Rule of Thirds Grid 

Aperture:5.0,Shutter Speed:1/800,Iso:200

Isolation 

Without the Rule of Thirds grid

Aperture:5.0,Shutter Speed:1/800,Iso:200

4b) Principals underpinning composition (5%)

Marking Criteria: The image must show evidence of the dominant principle used and the supporting principles (if any) underpinning the composition. The principles underpinning the image must be named and should be visible within the image. Students must showcase their knowledge on exposure using the zone system.

Feedback:

General Feedback:
4.a(week 6)

As for todays general feedback Mr Vinod talked about our exercise 4.a's outcome.Mr Vinod asked around if we had any problems regarding the exercise.However he said we shouldn't have any problems regarding the exercise .This is because we should  have used subjects of our choice ,like our friends for instance, this is because we can control where the subject stands and how it can affect the picture outcome.He also gave feedback regarding the one person shot,altho most of us did an okay job capturing the image using the Rule of Thirds concept,the background however was unsatisfying. Mr Vinod explained that a background should interact and complement the subject.The subject has to stand out from the background and be the main focus.I remembered clearly what Mr Vinod said "A background can either make or break the subject".Moreover,Mr Vinod  reminded us religiously to always question everything that everyone has said to you.meaning read,do your own research and find out the answers,contextualise the theory.As for the scenery exercise,Mr Vinod told us to not only take a photo just for the sake of completing the exercise.This is because if we just do it blindly most of our photos look flat.It is important to have a main point of interest so the subject can stand out and outshine the background/counter point interest.This will result in the outcome of a good photo.A good photo consist of a well exposure,well composed,good subject and a good lighting. 

4.b(week 7)

For todays general feedback there wasn't much to say except that  Mr Vinod just simply reminded us to add our dates and exercise tittles to our e-portfolio as well as to print in i t out on our hardcopy.This is because it is best to present accurate information when handing out important documents.

Specific Feedback:

4.a(week 6)

Mr Vinod said that my exercises were accurate,the evidence that I provided indicated that I've understood the Rule of Thirds theory.He particularly loved my 3 person shot which made up the Triangular Theory and said that I've developed an eye.The single shot on the other hand would have been better if the background was slightly blurrier or with less distractions.My scenery shot was okay.Mr Vinod thinks the picture needs more work as the 1/3rd-2/3rd division was clear to my intent but it didn't turn out to be aesthetically pleasing.Other then that,I did an excellent job on my observation.He told me that my reflection writing was quite revealing in a sense that I have developed the ability to reflect my progress(metacognitive skills). 

4.b(week 7)

Mr Vinod said that my redo for exercise 4.a was very nice.However he advised me if I had taken the road within the 1/3rd area or  2/3rds of the area it would have been a much more interesting shot .He mentioned that my exercise 4b was excellent!!Great work.Other then that,there was no issues regarding my e-portfolio,just to keep up the good work.

.Hardcopy:

Reflection:

Experience :

4.a(week 6)

From the experience that I've gotten I've realised that it is a bit challenging to take a good photo,altho you don't have to be too precise in placing the subjects at each grid,however even so it was a bit challenging to take the photograph but then again its probably because I took candid shots of people passing by.I did the exercise with my classmate Wafaa and boy was it a hot day.We ended up sweating and when we were just about to give up we got the right shots.I wondered if anyone thought we were psycho, just taking random photographs.I also came to realised that you have to work fast at the same time be patient.Since I took candid shots of people passing by it took awhile for  me to get the right shots,most of the time people will begin to interfere (a person steps right in front of you or my camera's to slow).

4.b(week 7)

From doing the exercise 4.b I've found out that it is not easy to find a well compose subject to be photograph.Many times I've tried to take a couple of pretty scenery's, however in the photo they look completely flat and unappealing.This mostly had to do with the lack of main subject to focus on.Either the trees look all the same or they didn't stand out very much.The weather also played a major factor.It was sunny yet cloudy at the same time.From a hill top the city looks like its covered with fog. I captured quite a few shots however they were unsatisfying to me so I had to retake some of them.

It was also kind of confusing at first fo rme to take these composition  shots.I've seen a couple of examples from google and it made me think that that was the only way for me to portray how the composition would look in a photo.So i guess you could say that I was having a brain block for a while.After much figuring out and understanding the composition I 've begin to understand and found different ways where I can take the photograph.I must say it was a bit challenging at first sinceIm not used to taking photos like this.I mostly prefere landscapes.However I've slowly got the hang of it.

Observation:
4.a(week 6)

I've also observed that not all rules are rules really,depends on how you look at it,they could also be part theory.A theory is something without proper proof.However I think The Rule of Thirds is  partly a theory and part rule.This is because you can always break free from the rules,after all rules are bound to be broken sooner or later.I've also came to realised that you can make up your own theory based on your own research and findings.For instance Mr Vinod had made two theory's of his own which is the "Triangular Theory" and the "Multipoint".I've learned that the Triangular Theory is sort of like a framework in the shape of a triangle,where there is a main point of interest and another two ares of interest.This means ,when observing the photos our eyes will stick within the triangular frame.The Multipoint on the other hand is where the point of interest exceeds more than three points.There is still the need to determine the main point and then only can you determine the rest of the assisting points.I've found this theory to be quit useful and true.Judging by these photos you can see how the theory comes to practice

The triangular theory

As you can the the main subject is located towards the left corner of the photo,if you can tell he is located at the centre of the vertical line of the left grid.Then you will see the lady at the far right corner,she is very far off corner that her body is within the vertical line of the right side corner that you cant see her hand.Then your focus will shift towards the two subject.The boy and girl.They are the third assisting points.The photographer did a good job capturing the image as you can tell the boy and girl appear to be walking to the left direction.A good photo also gives a sense of direction so the image does not appear static.

Basic Rule of Thirds

As you can see the cheetah is located off centre at the vertical line of the left grid.Off centre photos tend to give subjects a sense of direction.

4.b(week 7)

I've also observed that most of the photos that I took almost relate to one another's composition,for instance

The photo above looks like it is an alignment but it can also be a repetition or a perspective.

I think it is possible for one photo to have more composition then others.

I've also begin to realise that everyone is stepping up their game.This I've realised when I was taking a couple of photos with the rest of my course mates,we all begin to take our separate shots and most of them took quit unique and interesting shots.I've came to realised that what Mr Vinod said was true after all,since we've been practicing taking photos ,we become more observant over the tiniest details that it makes us all unique in taking different angle shots.

Findings:
4.a(week 6)

I've found out that the rule of thirds grid is a helpful tool.I used to hate the whole grid lines on my digital camera as I thought it always prevented me from taking a good photo.Now days however, I've came to realised that having the grid helps me balance and compose the picture better.The grid lines help give me an idea as to where the object should fell upon when I want to take a photo.I've found out that it is best to avoid taking photographs of objects in the centre as this can create a sense unpleasantness because the object will appear to become static or complex.As for landscapes the tip is to place the horizontal line to align with the upper or lower thirds of the image so that the picture does not look to balanced.However this doesn't mean that you have to worry about perfectly alining with the thirds of an image.The rule of Thirds is just a basic simple guideline.I've also found that you can also cheat a little and crop existing photos just to improve the photo.It is quite amazing how by cropping an old photo you can give it new life.On the other hand,I've found that there are also limitations,sometimes you are working with an image that has nothing to be applied to the rule of thirds.Don't fret you can still work with"the spirit of the rule" just try and make the object look as if it is slightly off centre . Lastly,the most  exciting part is to break free from using the Rule of aThirds and unleash the inner rebel in you.Sometimes having a subject in the centre of the photograph is not bad.Lets say you want to emphasise the subjects symmetry,then by all means go for it.

example of beneficial symmetry 
photo taken form previous week (zone system)

4.b(week 7)
I've found out that different composition creates different interesting photos.These different Composition can also bring about certain emotion to your viewer, for example isolation give you a sort of sad feeling as tho it is depressing or it can give you a sense of loneliness,contrast on the other hand is bold striking colours,which viewers will find interesting.

I find it amazing that with just rearrange the subject or also by taking the photograph from a different angle/perspective the whole photo changes based on its composition balanced.I've also found out that even though the exercises gets tougher week by week I've been getting the hang of it.Taking photos for my exercises doesn't seem like a chore to me anymore.

The Zone System

2/5/2014(Week 5)

Imani Najwa Binti Nordin(0319405)

The Zone System

Lecture:

Today coming in class I've prepared in advance for the topic that was to be discussed 'The Zone System".As always we would be sitting in a circle and share our research and thoughts about the topic.However before that session begin Mr Vinod has us open up Twitter ,which might I add that I didn't have one before,so it was a rush to get the hang off it but anyways He made us use twitter to answer some sort off pop quiz which he would update his twitter with a question and we(the students) had to answer(re tweet).Basic questions like "What effects depth of field?","How much is the main scale of the aperture?' and so forth.After the short quiz's we proceeded with the group discussion.Our main topic of the day was The zone System.This time we all were well prepared to keep the conversation ball rolling.After a while Mr Vinod came to give an explanation regarding the Zone System.The Zone system was formulated by Ansel Adams  and fed Archer in the 1930's.Basically it guaranties a correct exposure in every situation because as we all learned, the exposure meter is dumb,really dumb.This is because the exposure meter tends to assume that all scenes have an average tonal value which is middle grey(zone 5).The zone system has a scale of 1 till 9 however photographers are only concerned about zone 3 till zone 7.This is because,anything below zone 3 is pure black and anything above 7 is considered white.With that being said there is alot of tricky parts when it comes to the zone system.

After the whole presentation Mr Vinod set us off with our exercise of the day which was to prove that the camera can capture shades white/grey/black.

Exercise :

3a) Highlights, Middle Tones and Dark Tones

3b) Ansel Adams Shot.

  Exercise 3.a
3a) Light, Middle & Dark Tones (5%)

Instruction to Exercise 3.a
1.Take a photo of any photograph with the colours white,grey and black using the exposure meter of the camera
2.Take another photograph of the same object  but this time use the exposure using the method of the zone system.
3.Repeat these steps with all the shades of black,grey and white.
4.Observe the differences.


Marking Criteria:Show evidence of using the Zone System technique to capture an ‘accurate exposure’ of a subject with light tones, a subject with middle tones and a subject with dark tones. An accurate exposure entails ‘visible tonal values and details’ in all three tonal areas.

White :

What the camera thinks is the best exposure:

Aperture:4.0,Shutter speed:1/160,Iso:200

Using the zone system concept:

Aperture:4.0,Shutter speed:1/40,Iso:200

Grey:

 What the camera thinks is the best exposure :

Aperture:5.0,Shutter speed:1/80,Iso:200

Using the zone system concept :

Aperture:5.0,Shutter speed:1/40,Iso:200

Black : 

What the camera thinks is the best exposure:

Aperture:4.0,Shutter speed:0'6,Iso:200

Using the zone system concept:

Aperture:4.0Shutter speed:1/13,Iso:200

Exercise 3.b

Instruction to exercise 3.b

1.Using the zone system find a location that has all 9 zone system.

2.Take a photograph of the location depending on the exposure meter of the camera.

3.Sketch out the photograph on a piece of paper and record the aperture,iso,shutter speed.

4.Retake the same photo but this time using the concept of the zone system and pick a zone you want to focus.

5.Change the shutter speed,higher or lower depending on the zones you choose and snap the photo.

6.Add the details of the change in shutter speed on the piece of paper. 

Marking Criteria: Students must show evidence of using the Zone System. Student must produce 1 black & white image that captures depth and richness in tonal value by capturing light, middle and dark tones while maintaining details (texture and tone) in the dark and light areas of the image.

Ansel Adams Shot

Using the camera's meter exposure:

Aperture:3.5,Shutter Speed:1/1600,Iso:200

Using the Zone System Concept :

Aperture:4.0,Shutter Speed:1/500,Iso:200

23

Using camera exposure meter:
Aperture:3.5,Shutter Speed:1/1250,Iso:200

Using the Zone System Concept:

Aperture:3.5,Shutter Speed:1/1000,Iso:200

Using the camera meter exposure:

Aperture:3.5,Shutter Speed:1/640,Iso:200

41
Using the Zone System Concept:
Aperture:3.5,Shutter Speed:1/1250,Iso:200

What the camera thinks is the right exposure:

Aperture:4.0,Shutter Speed:1/400,Iso:200

50
What I think is the best exposure:
Aperture:4.0,Shutter Speed:1/800,Iso:200

 What the camera think is the right exposure:
Aperture:4.0,Shutter Speed:1/400,Iso:200

57
What I think is the best exposure:
Aperture:4.0,Shutter Speed:1/1000,Iso:200

Feedback:

General Feedback:

There was no specific general feedback for us,but Mr Vinod did say that all of us did a good job on our exercise.

Specific Feed back :

Mr Vinod said that I have done a very great job regarding my exercise 3.b.He said that I have grasped the zone system well and had evident it in the pictures that I've captured. My e-portfolio was also well written and was revealing.He had no other comment other then for me to keep up the good work.

Hardcopy:

Reflection:

Experience:

From todays class I've experienced that it is important to recap what you have studied in the previous classes ,for instance what Mr Vinod did was that he made all of us pull out our smart phones and go on twitter to have a little pop quiz .I find this sort of brilliant,in a way student get to use their everyday social website to actually gain information and also helps us students to use our brains early in the morning.The questions that Mr Vinod asked us via twitter was more of a recap to what we have learned for the pass 5 weeks .This exercise was good for us as it shows how important it is to recap on things you've learned.I've also experienced a good learning environment.Today most of us students came prepared with questions regarding the 'Zone System".Even though not many of us fully understood how it actually works ,we roughly know how its supposed to work and how the zone system guaranties a correct exposure almost in every situations.

As for the experience of  hiking up the mountain to get my assignment photos,the experience left me speechless.With all the assignments pilling up,this photography assignment in  particular was one that i was looking forward too.It was slightly difficult hiking up the narrow pathway.There were a couple of trees that blocked our path although that didn't stop me. I roll down under the tree to get to the other side.I've also got bitten by mosquito bites and had to face the humidity of the sun.When I finally reached the lake on top which might I add was beautiful,I sketched and took my time with the photos,meanwhile my friend observed me sketch.All and all I would still love to go on another adventure as it was sort of a small getaway which gave me a breather.

Observation:

From todays observation,I've realised that the camera meter exposure is dumb.Dumb in the sense that it assumes that all scenes have an average tonal value,which is middle grey(zone 5).Hence this is why Ansel Adams and Fred Archer formulated the zone system.I've observed that not everything is easy.Ansel Adams had went through many obstacles to get the perfect picture,he climbed mountains,camped to observe the scenery only to come back again just to take the perfect shot by being at the right place at the right time.He did his research in advance and put all his effort into his work.This proves to show that with hard work great things can be achieved.I've also observed that the picture I've took had a major difference between the camera exposure meter and the difference when I decided which zone was the best exposure.I've realised that just by changing the shutter speed the picture becomes either darker or brighter  depending on the shutter speed.This has something to do with the previous lessons "shutter speed".The greater the number of shutter speed the less amount of light entering the camera sensor thus producing a darker picture.I've realised that it will be difficult to get the perfect well exposed picture,this is because not all the zones you prefer will be exact ,you will have to compromise.However still make sure that the main focus of the subject is being well exposure.I've also realised that you don't have to make a full stop just to get the right exposure,sometimes making a half stop is just about enough to create a well exposed picture.

Findings:

I found out that the zone system is great,it allows you to get a correct exposure in almost any situation even with tricky lighting such as backlighting,extreme difference between light and shadow areas of a scene and so forth.I've found that the zone system has a total of 9 zones however digital photographers are only concerned about zone 3 till zone 7 as it is considered anything that falls below zone 3 is considered pure black and as for zone 7 which is the brighter part(white).Zone 5 is the middle grey tone.I've also came to realised how the zone system not only is for black and white photographs but also consist of many different shades of colour.For instance a dark shade of red will fall in the category zone 3 and blue will fall just slightly on the middle grey zone .This makes the zone system more versatile with using colours in the photograph.I've also realised that it takes time to calculate and adjust the zone system to get the prefect exposure.When i was taking the exercise 3.b photos often times if the picture is to over exposed,there are certain areas that are being washed out and are lacking of details.The less contrast,the more tonal value.I remember Mr Vinod explained how a good black and white photo makes you forget that it is black and white.

The zone system: