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Photography for Self Expression

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 Photography for   Self Expression ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A project I recently worked on for Advanced Studio was all about Mindful Photography. I utilized two books to learn about this process: Exploring the self through Photography by Claire Clark and Zen Camera by David Ulrich.  The Books The Discovery Even before this Advanced Studio class, I was looking at using photography as a tool for self awareness, especially through workshop series.  Mindful Photography Mindful Photography is a way to look at the world around you, as well as your values/what is important to you, by capturing it in images, then reflecting on the process and the image taken.  The Process: Example The following is the process followed during my Advanced Studio project.  Supplies needed: camera, tripod, journal, pens/pencils Objectives: ·        Understand ...

Making a Scene

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    Making a Scene ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The script Person in a room. A bed separates this person from an open door. Something is out of place. A second person is looking. A third person's presence exists but is unclear. One of the three figures thinks, "Everything is perfect". The Concept This scene is about reflection. It relates to how we perceive ourselves, but also how others around us influence us.  It represents inner growth and reflection - going towards open doors within our lives through learning and growing.  Title: Reflect, Grow, Be You The sketch The sketch is hard to read, but the following Items that will be included: plants mirrors frames others tbd The following are concepts to be included: reflection in a mirror plants to represent growth and open door opportunities other people supporting or pulling back someone trying to grow and move forward The Results I have not decided which ...

ABC Assignment

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   ABC Assignment ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OK! I will first start by saying that I had SOOOO much fun with this assignment! At first I was thinking of photographing items, or a theme, related to each letter of the alphabet. Then I decided I was going to actually photograph the alphabet, in a unique and creative way! I had two ideas: 1. paint the alphabet on my face 2. paint the alphabet on canvases then create a mini-wall mural within my house ------------------------------------------ I decided to go with #1!  I wanted to paint my face all up! ------------------------------------------ The Results I created a contact sheet so to sat, of all the photos. I then printed it on 18inches by 24 inches to display in class. I thought this would be the most rational way to display it. Although, printing 4 by 6 prints would have been good too. This way they are all in one location and I do not have to pin each one up...

Digital 4 by 5

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 Digital 4 by 5 Results ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I will first start by stating that I am disappointed in my digital prints. I got them printed at London Drugs, as I did not have time to come in when our technician was in. I forgot to check the box that says leave the images "as is" and not edit them further.  If you did not know, London Drugs edits all the photos you send in, unless you specify not to.  These are nothing like the photo I had in Photoshop, and the contrast is high, and the blacks are too much.  I did not pick them up until Monday after a work meeting, and did not have time to re-send them. And to be honest, it was a little pricey. I am much happier with my enlarged photos, as you can see in the other 4 by 5 results post .  A great learning opportunity, but always ensure you are getting what you want, especially when you send for digital printing! I think the...

4 by 5 Results

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   4 by 5 Results ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I took 8 pictures when my friends and I went to take photos with the 4 by 5 toyo field camera at the school studio. I knew I would not have enough time to develop them all, so I placed them in a dark bag to process later. I did, however, develop one that day to ensure that there was an image on it. When I developed this one, I left the dark bag open a bit so the rest of my negatives had  little bit of exposure on each one.  Luckily, we got that new SP 445 developing tank and I used that to develop the other 7 negatives. A silly (and should not have happened) mistake, but the effect is ok on most of the images! --------------------------------------- The look I was going for: Dark and dramatic ------------------------------------ And, so, the results: **These are only pictures taken of the pictures - scanned images will be uploaded once they are done** Dexter P...
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 4 by 5 Film Development ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ How to develop 4 by5 film We were shown how to develop 4 by 5 film using trays and chemicals.. the similar to the way you would enlarge a photo in the darkroom, except in complete darkness.  I came across a YouTube video on developing large format prints using 3 different methods. One is using the SP-445 developing tank. I wanted to buy one, but these run a cost of about $129 per tank, with a long delivery time.  A week after I looked into this, one showed up in our class! So I think I will try this method instead of developing 4 by 5 film the old fashioned way, in complete darkness and chemicals in trays.  I looked more closely at the SP 445 developing tank, and came across this instruction sheet from Spearman Press. It is a beneficial guideline to using the tank.  Here are some key checklist items to look at prior to developing: Make sure the 'O...

Lighting: Godox 860II C Flash

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    Lighting: Godox 860 II C Flash --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I bought the Godox 860 II C flash flash a while ago, and have used it for many sessions to add more light. Now that I am beginning to be more advanced in my portraits and creative ideas, I would like to learn more about this flash, how to use it, and the various functions it has! The video below describes the functions of this flash.  Triggers I am looking at for this flash: XPro X2T The video below explains the difference between these two, plus the X1. My biggest debate is whether to go with the Pro and the TCM feature or the X2T with the bluetooth feature and additional top shoe mount. I am leaning towards the X2T and cannot wait to try it out! After watching the video, I learned a few things: 1. TTL stands for "through the lens", and gets a meter reading through the lens of the camera. 2. TCM stands for TTL Convert to Manu...