Studio :Flashlight lighting at home

18/7/2014(Week 15)

Imani Najwa Binti Nordin (0319405)

Photostudio:Studio Lighting 

Lecture:

In the morning,When I came to class everyones face looked relieved seeing me with the camera since non of them had brought theirs,and for the fear that Mr Vinod would get upset they asked pretty much anyone who hasn't arrived yet to bring their camera.I had been the saviour of class(at least I liked to think that I was).As soon as I got in the studio they quickly asked me to place it on the tripod and wait for further instructions from Mr Vinod .When Mr Vinod did arrive in class he made us gather around him.In his hands he pulled out a box and showed us what the functions were.Which button does what,and how much you can increase the intensity.Which btw lowest is around 3 and it goes up till 10.We also had to build up the set again where there was a back drop and Mr Vinod was the model in the centre surrounded by flashlights and one ring light(which literally looks like a ring).A few complications here and there,where the flashlight wouldn't set off even though we had switch it off.

Exercise :Using Flashlight lighting at home :

Some of the exercise photos where Mr Vinod was the model at the beginning :

The photo overall is dark looking,however you can see that Mr Vinod had gain a rim arond his body structure that helps to highlight and give shape to Mr Vinod,that makes him stand out from the background.Not to mention it looks pretty cool.

On a lower studio box light meter.

Further Update on my final 5 themed photo :

Rational:

Nature's Nectar 

Imani Najwa Binti Nordin (b. August 1996,Malaysia) studying in Foundation in Design at Taylors University Lakeside Campus,Subang. Ever since I was little I always had a passion for photography however I would have never imagined myself entering photography classes since they look pretty intimidating.When I found out that I had an elective course for photography I decided to give it a shot.Now I find myself enjoying ever bit of aspect that my photography course has to offer.

About Photograph :

Ever since I've been in the photography class I've leaned a lot over the past few months, yet the most memorable thing that Mr Vinod has ever thought me was to always be different.Unique in a sense to start thinking outside the box.To push and go further and to take a stab at things.There was once when Mr Vinod had even asked me weather I wanted to just be good,great ,excellent or better yet create an artwork that would make heads turn.Those saying gave me the motivation to become more observant,to see and pick up tiny details  that people tends to over look,to be able to see things in a different manner.

The themed that I’ve chosen is Nature.Growing up I’ve always loved mother nature from the different types of flowers,to the textures of the leaves.I even loved getting my hands dirty digging through soil. I wanted to bring out the beauty in mother nature from my pictures.I wanted for people to feel what I feel when I’m unclose to nature.To see the difference between each branch and leaves.To make them feel sort of nostalgic just looking at it.Because to me there is nothing more beautiful then raw beauty.

On the other hand however,I had to face obstacles where I wouldn't get the perfect photo every time I pulled out my camera.After all the long hikes and all the searching I usually only end up with 2 to 3 photos that would work .I had to be patient for the most part,since I couldn't just magically make the insects appear or shape the tress in a certain way that I wanted them to be in.Nor did I have total control of the background for it to complement the main subject.With that it  thought me to look beyond and actually see the beauty in it. Often, I took my photos during the day mostly around dawn where the misty clouds would appear like fog.I usually keep in my of my exposure ,if it get too bright and sunny I would underexpose it by a few stops.

With most of my pictures being natured themed,this gave me the perfect excuse to go visit places.Most of which were hiking sights.One of the pictures that I’ve captured with the “lalng” leaves were from Broga Hills,Semenyih. Some were taken just around my garden.This gave my photos a bit of verity. I went out every week in search of something different.When I came across a few insects like the bees I quickly seize the moment.For example,when I saw the insects I had to be still whiles taking the photo working fast enough so they didn't fly off.There was also the issue of getting unclose poking my lenses nearer each time.To my surprise they didn't bother me at all which was a new experience for me.For the most part I used a low range of aperture;f/4.5,

http://imanifidnajwa.blogspot.com/

Hardcopy:

Reflection

Observation:

From what i've observed I've realised that it is important to come prepared,just incase.Like what happened today when everyone didn't bring their camera because they thought that Mr Vinod was going to teach us something else.This also brings to my next observation were we must always think ahead of time.Reason is because,all the time I tend to only think about my current problem,for example earlier today I've confronted Mr Vinod regarding my photo complications and when he wanted to see it for himself on my laptop,thats when I realised that I didn't brought it with me,only my camera.There I've missed a chance for him to figure out what went wrong.Therefore ,reminder to my dear self as well as others to always think in advance as it can save you a lot of time.

I've also realised that it is never to late to prefect your work,some of us still have to take a few more shots.

Another thing I've also wanted to mention was to trust your gut,again not rely on anyone,most of the time we as students seek opinion of our teacher/lectures just to make sure we've pleased them but unlike Mr Vinod he made us decide ourselves,we have to choose and decide which we think is our best photos,i think this is a good self learning discovery since it makes us sit and think which is best and make us focus for once.

Observation during visit to photomedia:

Whiles at the photo media studio,I've slowly begin to observe that me and all the rest were having a total meltdown especially  Katrina.Boy did I feel sorry for her since she had to edit almost everyones photo and all of the formats were wrong.I realised that the lady was a bit too harsh on Katrina when she wanted to teach her how to properly edit,pure pressure was really something difficult to work with.

I've also observed that they were totally in advance with their knowledge skills for photography.They really knew their stuff,however I still didn't fully understand why they wanted an original picture instead of the edited version.Something about the data has been erased or there wasn't even any to begin with.Though I wonder how that is possible since all I do is upload the photos using the cables and into my laptop.Couldn't be any more original then that.They also did mentioned that we should always stick with one editing software.It makes things much easier and apparently avoid using I photo edit.My bad.

Moreover,I've realised(not trying to pin point anything) but most of the time some of us cant really be bothered or are too tired to even focus during photography classes.This I think is a sort of a bad habit because I feel bad for Mr Vinod trying to get us all involved.This brings to my point where I think we should take initiative and pick up what people are teaching us.We cant always rely on one person all the time (ehem Kat).

Experience:

During todays lesson I've experience how to handle the flash light under pressure.I normally don't work well under pressure, and to be the only photographer whiles others stare me down was something I had to shake my nerves off

I then begin to get used to it slowly,tho I really wished I could have used the tripped since I was shaking most of the time

Another thing that I've realised is the amongst my fellow course mates.Most of use pitched in and gave an effort to help whiles others who sat back was called by Mr Vinod to get physically involved into the process.I sort of think that this exercise was quit a tricky thing to work with,however never the less,we can easily get away by using modern technology( light meter) it was easy to indicate which light source is the highest .

Findings:

I've found out that things are “more then what it seem” .Sometimes /Most of the time our eyes tend to betray us,fooling us into thinking that such things are proper and correct.When Mr Vinod asked use if the lights are of the same concentration and we thought it is but when we tested it out with the light metering 

Whenever it flashes it will automatically indicate if the lighting is either to bright or to dark from one another.I basically think its a nifty gadget since we couldn't possibly tell if both lights have an equal concentration.Another thing I've realised is that with the light metering,your supposed to also change your aperture to the number that it gives you for best results.

I've also realised that a rim lighting give you a really cool effect,A rim light is basically used in order to help highlight and create a rim or  a halo around the object/subject giving it  dimension and shape.Sort of like  a highlight hugging the frame of the person/subject.

I've also realised that it is best to get branded things such as the tripod and the light stand.The reason being is because most of the branded stuff although expensive are worth it.As the saying goes "worth the money ".Like earlier today Mr Vinod accidentally let his grip loose to fast but the lighting lamp was saved due to the air pressure in the light stand which helps to slow down the action and creates more friction so the camera wouldn't  easily go “THUMP” and is prone to less damage.

Most importantly,I cannot stress enough how it killed me that I didn't use the tripod,I hated the fact that my hands shook and the angle kept changing,my ocd was really drilling me,thought nothing photoshop couldn't fix.More work for me,yeah :/

Studio Lighting exercise (week 14)

11/7/2014(Week 14)
Imani Najwa Binti Nordin(0319405)
Studio Lighting & Progression on Theme based project:Presentation on 5 Images in printed form.

Lecture:
For todays lesson we proceeded with our previous photo shoot which is the study of the studio lighting.Like the previous week I came a few minutes earlier to finalise my makeup.Not long after I was done and headed for the studio whiles waiting for the others to finish up their makeup.Whiles waiting Mr Vinod did gave the rest of us our Specific feedback as well as mine.He mentioned that submission date is just around the corner and let no time be wasted.Once everyone got settled down in the studio,again Mr Vinod had mentioned about the submission date for the 5 printed:themed based project which is due in week (16) 2 weeks from now.He mentioned important details that had to be taken down,for example when the submission date was and what we should be doing now in order to prepare for the final submission.Apparently Mr Vinod said that by now we should have already selected photos that would be use to start and test print those. First we have to start selecting  photos that iterelate and compliment amongst each other ,a picture that plays to your strength.He told us how they should be printed by photoshopping the photo onto a white border and where we should get the photos printed and all the important details we should know like.

*Ps Tia(my course mate mentioned to me that I've almost always misspelled Mr Vinod's name all the time,so my apologies sir.I usually update my blogs late at night or in the wee hours of the morn and sometimes cant be bother to check my spelling mistakes.

Instructions to Studio Lighting Photography:
1.Select an image from the 1940s-1950's.
2.Only use photos that are photographed under studio lightings.
3.Pose similarly as the subject in the original photo.

The photo that Wafaa choose :

The photo that I photographed and recreated :

As you can see it was a but impossible to get the perfect lighting.The left corner is too dark where as the right side corner is fine.I think the original photograph has already been altered and edited therefore I don't know the original studio lighting set.However,I think I did an acceptable job making her stand out even more.You can also slightly tell her right side part of her cheekbones cast a shadow.

The photo that I choose:

The photo that Wafaa help photographed  :

Progression on the 5 Images:Themed based project:5 Images that are printable

These aren't the same bees like in the previous post.I dont know what it is,but you can actually come really up close to them,since they don't really mind my nosey camera.

more updating soon 

Hardcopy:

Feedback:
General feedback:



Specific feedback:

Reflection:
Experience:
The experience of working in a lighting studio for the past few weeks was simply a good change.Usually we come to class and sit and get briefed about something from Mr Vinod,which I might add I do miss a bit.But then again we still do have lectures whiles at the studio.My point is,it was a game changer to be able to actually physically work and do something other then sit around taking notes although thats also how I learn best.I've experienced that handling all this equipment takes great responsibility.

I've also experienced that it was kind of nerve-wracking to behind, both behind the camera and as the photographer.

When It was my turn to photograph Wafaa. I begin to have doubt in myself.I've always seen my course mate Katrina behind the lens working so effortlessly like it was second nature to her.So when it came to me,I got a little frighten,eventually I got over it and to my surprise the rest of my mates teamed up and helped me out.I then and there I realised that I was playing captain and they were my crew members trying to help figure out what I wanted,Weing Ning kept helping me out,arranging things around asking me  if everything was as exact to the photo Wafaa intended to recreate.There were minor problems like how the lighting looks,isn't it always.My mates were very helpful they helped out by dimming the lights and blocking them.There reached a point where there was a harsh shadow in the backdrop that couldn't be smoothen and so I made them switch on a different source of light and from the right I made them carry it towards the left site of the studio.There was also a malfunction when Weing Ning accidentally switched off the lights since she didn't know it would have take around a few minutes for it to restart again,she felt bad but I didn't mind,these silly mistakes are what makes things interesting,it sort of gave me a breather to calmly collect myself and figure out the situation.In the end,like all the shots the last photo was the best out of the rest.

As for being photographed,I dreaded it,owh my how I look so Chinese(no offence taken) I really did ,with my heavy caked makeup it was as if I was some Datin or something.I regreted taking a full face photo,should have done a side portrait:( owh well.All and all it took a while for me to be photographed since everyone wanted to be "next" so I just let them.Being in front of the lens I was like a dear in the headlights,lights flashed bright onto my face,everyone busy preparing me,the worst was to get your body and angle positions correct.It took me quit some time to get into the pose that they wanted me to,believe me it wasn't a breeze,they kept telling me that mr right shoulder needed to be slightly tilted and my left shoulders needed to pop up,say whatt??.I was in a very awkward position,and my hair was a mess despite having a head scarf to tie it all up.There was also the constant" move to the left","chin up","noooo you've gone to far","again","shoulders" and "to the left".Even Olivia felt tensed ,whenever  she came to fix the position of my face it felt like she wanted to tung my head off( you know i love you olivia ;) ).The longer it took the more it got to my nerves and when it was finally over,I took a peak at what they captured and there and then I hated it.God knows why my hair wasn't fixed,it looked dead and greasy but I was to tired to give a damn so I shook it off.

But did I enjoy it? Yes for the most part,helping out others was a lot more fun.I got to help out with the lighting,makeup,something that I would never possibly dream of doing.All and all it was an unforgettable experience.

Observation:
I've observed a lot lately,first I've observed that we girls share a lot of things together for instance makeup, from blushes to mascara to even lipsticks,call it gross,unsanitary too but it was kind of nice for all of us to lend out a helping hand.I've also realised that most of us were really into the photo shoot then others,like me I couldn't be bothered much with my dressing but Sabrina and the rest really did put their all into it.Maybe I should be like them,giving my 100%.I've also observed that everyone pitched in when it came to helping other peoples shots.For the most part I've realised that more and more of us are getting the hang of handling the equipment and knowing which lighting is best.

Findings:
Lately,I've realised that all of this,this studio lighting exercise all of it is actually important.Its the kind of knowledge thats hard to grasp unless your actually doing both reading and physically handling the equipment.Another thing that I've also realised is that this time around most of us were early,we came early and we did our makeup touch up in the restroom.We were much more calmer then the previous week,probably because we know whats going to happen next.

Presentation: Studio Photography Portraits (Wafaa's Place)

4/7/2014(week 13)

Imani Najwa Binti Nordin (0319405)

Presentation: Studio Photography Portraits 


Lecture :

Two weeks ago Mr Vinod had asked us to choose out a photo of women in the olden age between 1940s -1950s .We were asked to select one or two and upload the photos on the photography group page.Teh whole idea of picking out a vintage photo was so that we would be able to recreate the photo and be the model itself.In relation to that,we were also subjected to use the photo shoot studio,which was today.Before we begin taking studio photos,we had a brief lecture regarding the different types of light and the different types of lighting those of which are two different things.From what I understood Different types of light is referred  to the quality of lights whereas,different types of lighting is referred more towards the settings of the lights.There were a few type of light that was mentioned which are main light,fill light,rim light,hair light and background light.


The different types of lights are pretty self explanatory
Back in the olden days people would actually go through pain just to look good in photographs,this is because photographs were something special taken only for special moments and big events.Hair for instance,people with darker hair (black) like us :/, it would have been difficult to photograph and capture the texture of our hair therefor back in the days people would grease and put jell in their hair to make it shiny enough to be seen visibly on camera.


The Different types of light:


• The main light is the first light that you will need to position.It basically illuminates the major portions of the image and all the other lights will be constructed around the settings.

• The fill light is used to help lighten/soften the shadow areas that has been created by the main light.It is said to help produce details in the shadow areas and can also act as a flash.

• The rim light is used to give form to structure around the object/subject that is being photographed.It creates a silhouette around the subject more like a halo ring around it thereby revealing its shape.

• The Hair light basically helps to give body to your hair.It helps illuminate and give textures to your hair,making it look from 2D to 3D.

As for the Different position of lighting it is basically refereed to how the settings of the lights are placed, for example :

• Broad Light

• Remembrant Light

• Split Light

• Loop Light

Mr Vindo also mentioned about the other equipments that are useful in the studio

• For instance a soft box .

• A C curve is used as a backdrop,it is basically used so that there will be no sharp crease in the backdrop photo.

• Tracing Paper is out around your light or in front of it to change the shadow effect,making it either softer of shaper when removed.Another way to change the effects would also be to just by different types of voltage bulbs

• Aluminium file acts as a reflector to reflect light.However since the surface of the aluminium foil is rough and full of crease and bends the reflected light will begin to spread everywhere.

Presentation: Studio Photography Portraits 

The photo that I would have to recreate 

My five photos :

Hardcopy :

Feedback:

General Feedback:

As for general feedback Mr Vinod mentioned that we should all by now be well prepared with 5 pictures that we have in mind and start to develop them.He even told us that we should start taking things seriously since submission is due on week 16 (which in my calculation is next week).He also mentioned that it is important to be profesional when getting your photos developed.What he meant was that,you should know what you want and so should they,make sure that our photos aren't cropped or edited by placing a border line on the photos we want.Also not forgetting to print it on different textured paper,either smooth,mate,glossy and ect.The reason as to why we should do a test print on week 15 is to see which suits our photo more and there will be more time to fix mistakes rather then doing it on week 16.

Specific Feedback:

Mr Vinod kind of caught me off guard when he mentioned about my photos.He said they were good and at that time I thought he was talking about the photo shoot photo Im about to recreate but then he went on about the other photos and mentioned that I can safely start picking out the 5 images I want to print out.He said that maybe I can have a go and take a few other shots but for the most part I can already start test printing.

Tia mentioned to me that whiles I was gone Mr Vinod said that this weeks photos were much more satisfying then the previous week (broga hills adventure) .He also told Tia that I always seem to misspell his name and Im truly sorry Mr Vinod xp

Reflection:

Observation:

From my observation I've realised that coming prepared to class is important.To be honest when I came to class I was kind of blurred out, probably because I was so nervous for the photo shoot.When MR Vinod begin to explain all the different types of lights and lighting at first I was a bit confused.I was confused because I hadn't read the article that he posted on Facebook.This is unlikely of me since I always go to Facebook and check the updates if there are any assignments  due.But thankfully when Mr Vinod explained I begin to quickly capture what he had meant.

Other then that,I've also observed that the ones who have to model in front of the cameras were all very shy.Girls were everywhere doing their hair and makeup,red lips,bold brows and even teasing their hair.It was also very hectic when it came to setting the lights.Since I wasn't the first I got to nose around and help out the few who had to be photographed.I've realised that most of the time the makeup artist have to come prepared with a makeup kit since most of the time either the eyebrows need touch up or the lips.

Progression on project:Theme based project:Presentation on five images in Printed Form :
I've observed that I have really been procrastinating and it is really affecting me.I don't meant to be I just simply put things off and that is a big no no.I used to love every assignment I've gotten and would complete the task the second I get my chance to do so.However nowadays,what with all the projects and boos I've been putting off taking photography.The fact that I have no partner to go hike with makes it even more unbearable,I guess Im just looking out for my safety,but then again it is really annoying to just sit around and ask people to follow me hike.In relation to that,I've observed that having company is both good and bad,bad in the sense that most of my friends are impatient and always nags about getting the shot faster,most of the time I've realised that people who aren't into photography don't get to see the beauty in taking photos in black and white,even in colour they don't consider their composition.Long story short,I've observed that  cant wait for no one.Hopefully this Saturday I will be able to go hike despite the thirst of Ramadan or having any companion.   

Experience:

Todays lesson was very nerve wrecking I was at the edge of my seat hoping I'd get through the day.Most people were really looking forward for todays photo shoot but as for me I just wanted it to be over.Probably because I had just  recently wore a Hijab and Im still trying to get used to it.Its not such a big deal really,not that Im saying Im against it or anything but if you place yourself in my shoes I think you would understand me even more.Maybe i was also just way too nervous as well.Im quit the camera shy so when Mr Vinod said that I had to  find another other then the previous ones I've showed him,I got even more nervous.I had to search for vintage people with head scarves within those few hours before it was my turn to shoot.My stomach ached trying to find the right photo to replicate.It was very hard for me and Wafaa to find a perfect well covered hijab vintage 1950s look,most of the models wear scarves but show peaks of hair and I tried my very best to search for ones that were fully covered.But rest assure it was that hard,we even tried to search for Arabian and Iranian girls but to no such luck i found non that looked vintage enough.Long story short i didn't have much time to search for a picture that I thought would be worthy to reenact so I asked Mr Vinod if I could prosponed my shoot to the upcoming weeks class.Mr Vinod did hesitate a bit saying that next time I  should be well prepared .Sorry sir,I will.

Progression on project:Theme based project:Presentation on five images in Printed Form :
As for this weeks experience,I went to Wafaa's house to take photos of nature since she mentioned about her house being near the gold course.We had a sleep over and the next morning around 7:45am we went out of the house and walked around.Since naturally a golf course is pretty flat and straight forward with their nicely cut grass it had those typical scenery's however it was still nice.We were supposed to go near the lake when this guard shoo'ed us away for our own safety( incase a golf ball hits us :p).And so I proceeded by taking close up photos of plants instead.I must admit that I think it would have been a whole lot better to go hike up and take photographs there but there weren't any place that was exotic enough.


Findings :

This time around I've found that different terms can mean two different things.For instance "the different types of light" and "the different types of lighting".

I've also found that working in the studio can be quit challenging.There has to be specific people in charge for specific things,for instance,the hair and makeup artist are in charge of anything related with makeup by fixing the models hair and filling in their eyebrows.Camera crew,which are the lighting people have to work their way through. Although,along the lines my fellow classmates got the hang of it and it was all good.I was being nosey and manage to to help around a bit however thinking about it now I wish I could have done more.

I've also found that the makeup that you put on  before the shooting doesn't really matter much this is because most of the time I've found that the lights are to bright which causes half of the makeup not to show on camera.This is where the makeup artist comes in and retouches the make making it more bolder then before.I've also found that since not all of us had obvious facial structures the photos look flat and not 3D like.Therefor,lighting plays an important role in bringing out those facial structures,for instance the butterfly light position helps to shadow and create that cheekbone effects that girls love.

On the other hand so far my progression on my 5 pictures have been on the slow paste.I haven't had the time,most probably because it the fasting month and its quit hard to find someone to be willing enough to go and hike with you,tho this shouldn't be an excuse I will still try my best to capture stunning images when I get the chance too.I think sometimes Mr Vinod thinks were not ready enough for this big challenge however I do know some of us have really good photography skills and will manage to create spectacular shots .

Progression on project:Theme based project:Presentation on five images in Printed Form :
As for this week,I've found that I've been really trying to spot for different unusual things,things that people usually overlook.Details in dead plants and so on,their not really hard to photograph since I usual later on use Photoshop to edit and crop my photos.However the backgrounds really bothers me,most of the time they are to cluttered and when I blur them they become to distracting.I know I should practice more on how to achieve good quality photos and that I shall. 

Lastly I've did my research and used the helpful links that Mr Vinod gave us
my favourite site at the moment is fubiz,they have amazing photos and I've fallen in love with most of them.There was a series that I particularly loved,it had spenticular images of the palm trees and volcanos,most of the pictures shot looks like the place is up in flames with the heavy fog.A few shots of the island and the stretch of the island looks marvellous.

since I couldn't read the article since it was in an entirely different language , I just had to admirer it.