Project : Theme Based: Presentation of 5 images in printed form

6/6/2014(week 10)
Imani Najwa Binti Nordin(0319405)
Project : Theme Based: Presentation of 5 images in printed form

Lecture:

During todays class Mr Vinod talked about our up coming assignment.He mentioned that we will be getting less feedback and will not be able to redo this assignment.All this while he told us that  we were being hand held and now it is time to let go.There will be no supervision as to what we would be doing.However Mr Vinod  did told us to not be afraid and be brave enough to explore different types of photography.Since we have done all the exercises, regarding exposure and what it is effected by such as iso,aperture and shutter speed.We had even learned about the zone system ,rule of thirds and the principles underpinning composition and lastly editing and photo consistency which we did last week.Now Mr Vinod told us that we are required to pic a topic

whether it be landscapes,texture and ect.Mr Vinod did say that we should be bold and daring enough to take photos that are different,that will make heads turn.A good photo makes people question,great work that slaps someones face.The work doesn't have to be safe.He emphasise that in order to must create a mark in the world you must be able to leave people baffle by your work.

But how do you stand out? that was the question that stayed in my mind and Mr Vinod gladly explained that you must be different,break the norm.

Instruction to project:
1.Choose a subject of interest.
2.Photograph 5 pictures that interrelate.
3.Print out the pictures in hardcopy




Inspirations :

I've always had a fascination with old and abundant places,places like old abandon theme parks are the pace,they kind of leave you a chill feeling,the picture says it all,how deserted the place feels,you'll see,crops overgrown and it look very haunted looking,I would love to capture image's like these sometime.To be able to look through and see the beauty of all this forgotten places.A place now a hauntingly beautiful scene of decay.



Being alone

Landscapes and scenery

This is what I call a beautiful shots,the landscape pictures are particularly wide,maybe they shot it using wide view lenses but for the most part,the edit doesn't look so extreme until it looks extremely fake .

Hardcopy :

Reflection :
Experience:
There weren't much experience this week since I didn't do any exercises.I did however did a few research not in depth,but I've searched for photos that help inspired me to take creative photos for my project.

Observation :
From todays class I've realised that if you want to be know for something,you've got to go beyond the social norm.Like what Mr Vinod mentioned is that we are all unique in our own special way and that is uneatable.He mentioned that we must  tap into our individuality, the key aspects of yourself and try amplify it .I've also observed that you should always do your research before hand,it is important to know different varieties of photos and know where your benchmark should stand.

I've also came to observe that,I pretty much stay in my comfort zone,I haven't had yet challenge myself to go beyond.I was thinking of taking photos of scenery for my 5 picture assignment but to think of it again I've always done scenery.


Findings :
So Im kind of late to do this whole findings thing,my greatest apologies.So far I've found out that most pictures I see are quit similar in terms of


I've also found out that I really really like nature pictures,weather it be landscapes,old ruins,the forests and such,Im really into the non buzzy hype of the city,I've always think that that was something strange to actually possess such a liking to those things,what other people see as neglected objects,I cherish.However,now I've came to realised that Im not alone,there are other photographers out there that have similar taste like I do.I've also came to the conclusion that I do not fancy all these photos that are being overly edited through photoshop,some may think its spectacular,I think it looks fake and unrealistic.To me the point of photoshop is to only enhance the picture,not to make it look so hd and unrealistic looking that when I see it,it doesn't look and feel real. I've also came to realise I like being alone,I think I've always known that,being alone in a sense that Im placed somewhere peaceful somewhere far from the hussle and bussle of the city,where people cant reach me.


Test Results :

week 1

week 12

Photo editing with Photoshop

30/5/2014(week 9)
Imani Najwa Binti Nordin(0319405)
Photo Editing and Photoshop
Selfie (non graded exercise)

Lecture:

For todays lecture mr Vinod decided for us to have a group discussion.The topic for todays discussion was photo editing using photoshop.When we all told him that we didn't manage to do our research and which we basically had no idea what so ever about photoshop Mr Vinod got a little disappointed.(sorry sir :/).However ,despite the little knowledge we had regarding the topic some of us knew a bit more than others.When Mr Vinod told us that he was grading our participation, some of us(including me)took a stab at it.Not long after Mr Vinod decided to pull our attention away from the conversation and gave us a brief lecture about photoshop.Mr Vinod explained that different settings such as red filter,saturation,desaturated and ect all have their own specific function.He showed us a few tools that are commonly used by photoshop users.He explained that not all the tools are needed to be used because it depends on what effects you are trying to achieve.After the who talk he asked us students to edit our self portrait in such way that it would be interestingly questionable,something absolutely different and creative.Once we did that we were told to upload the photos as our profile picture on Facebook for the whole semester.

Instructions to exercise:
1.Photoshop your selfie if necessary.
2.Post the selfie on the Intro2Photography Facebook wall
3.Replace your Display picture to your current selfie until the end of the semester.
4.Record and keep tract of the reactions among's the likes and comments until the end of semester.

Exercise Selfie (non graded)

I started with a full body shot ,apparently Tia's foot seems to disrupt the shot, so I cropped it out 

Here as you can see I was editing my photo on photoshop.I manage to mirrored it.The blue grid line serves as a mark in order for me to know where the centre of the photo was.

Finished product 

* I did not edit to such an extend since I think we will have another edit exercise which could be the "double exposure "just like the ones our seniors did.

 Proof of my work on my  Facebook page

The number of Likes I've gotten :

Hardcopy:

Feedback:

Genreal feedback:

Soon

Specific Feedback:

Soon

Reflection:

Experience:

Experience wise I must say this is all very challenging for me as Im not a total computer nerd pro.It took me quit some time just for me to learn the basic tools.I've done my readings and fiddled with the tools and can so far understand and work their functions.I used trusty old google to help me with my research.Reading is a no problem I actually find it very helpful and informative.I've experienced that having photoshop skills puts you to a certain advantage.Whiles editing my photos it took me a while to learn the mirror effect,I ended up going through youtube tutorials to lean.I then tried to make it look more realistic by using the eraser tool to soften the edges around.This technique is similar to feathering.

We are then expected to change our Facebook photos to our pre-edited selfies that we took.I find this brilliant at the same time gosh how am i going to face this picture with my horrible selfie kind of thing.

I've checked other students photos and my their photos are simply unique.I've decided that maybe I will take another selfie,since this isn't a graded exercise I might be able to experiment with it.

Observation:

Today I've learned that there are many different types of black & white photos.Some have higher contrast whiles others look more settled and vintage looking with a bit of noise added to the photos intentionally.I've observed that there are a few ways to getting a good black and white photo.I've learned that you can first go to (image > adjustments> black & white) .I observed and realised that this black and white feature can actually give you more sense of control since there is a control panel that has a few colour ranges that you can adjust to help create different black and white photo effects.Another good black & white photo edit is by going to (image> adjustments > levels).I've observed that the level enables you to adjust the whiter,middled tones and darker shades area.It is best to help adjust tonality after the photo is taken.

I've also observed that the red filter is also useful.When you have two colours of the same red colour intensity (same shades) it can become white.However certain areas will reman its tonality.

In addition to that,I've also observed that canvas size is actually important and should be taken under consideration when wanting to print out a photo.This is because,the machine(printer) will end up cropping the pictures you've taken.This is because the formate of the computer does not match the printer.Therefor,to avoid this is it best to sat a border around your picture.It is also helpful to increase the canvas size .

Lastly something that Mr Vinod talked about in class was how you should never remove a permanent mark for instance a beauty mark because by all means it should be kept real.However it is an exception to remove semi permanent marks such as a blemish.

Findings:

I've also been experimenting on different photo editing technique aside from what Mr Vinod is teaching us.I tried editing my photos in a double exposure way.I refereed to youtube on how I can make this edit possible.Basically from what I've understood was that the Lasson tool is a very useful tool to help cut out the outlines of my portrait.The eraser tool is also very helpful in order to clear the background.I made the background white.Sometimes more than 1 pictures can be used to create a whole different effect simply by layering them together.I ended up using 2 photos one of my previous selfie and the other was  a simple nature picture.I first did my cut and begin to make the second photo( nature picture ) have a white background. What I did was under [image >adjustments>replace colour > result (white) >saturation (100%) .Brightness (100%) ]If the sky or the background is white then your doing it right.

I then place the photo together above each other and used the Blend Mode to lighten.Then your done,now it is just how to move and set the picture around to your liking.Lastly,since I've been fooling around with my photoshop,I've found that it is helpful to have the blue grid in the centre of your picture ever time you will want to do a mirrored effect as it give you a sense of where the centre is located.

Photo of my work 




Here are the tools used in photoshop  

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.