Focal Point

Assignment 3: Focal Point

For help with this assignment i used: http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2012/10/01/best-camera-focus-techniques-10-surefire-ways-to-get-sharp-photos/

Focal point means the main focus of the photograph. The point where all your attention is drawn to, the whole point in the photo. It can be used in different ways, colour focus, being the focus is in black and white, or colour and the background is the opposite, it could be through framing, so the focal point is framed, and therefor stands out more, etc.

Factual

The photograph above is part of the Thirteen collection by Vee Speers. The focal point of this is the girl, and by positioning her against a plain wall, all your attention is drawn to the girl and the butterflies, because there is nothing else to really look at.

Context

The Thirteen collection is all about this girl, Vee's daughter, and she is the focal point in each photograph, against a plain background.

Technical

This photo looks like it could of been taken against any plain wall, whether it was a set created purposely for this collection, or it could of been somewhere outside, as the wall looks like grubby. The butterflies look like they have been edited on, through an editing program.

Aesthetic

I really like this photo, the focal point is made clear by setting her against a plain background, and the editing is done very thoughtfully, the whole look of the photograph really helps to show what the collection is about.

Depth of Field

Assignment 3: Depth of Field

For help with this assignment i used: http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/how-to-use-depth-of-field/

Depth of Field in a photograph means the difference between the nearest or furthest elements, with a sharp focus. This photo by Annie Leibovitz has a very short depth of feild, as the man being photographed is very close to the camera, and it is in a soft focus. The black and white colour theme make the detail in the mans face stand out more and gives the photo a better sense of emotion.

Factual:

This is a photo by Annie Leibovits, of William S. Burroughs (according to http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/episodes/annie-leibovitz/photo-gallery/19/), its in a soft focus with a short depth of field, and in black and white.

Context:

Annie takes a lot of portraits, and many of them being in black and white, but using different depths of field.

Technical:

This photo looks like its been taken in a dark room, with most likely some sort of backlight/flash or it could of been in a green room, or edited.

Aesthetic:

I like this photo a lot, because of how Annie has created an emotional photo, in my opinion. By the mans facial expression and the black and white effect, it makes him look like he is in thought, and it makes the photography intriguing. The use of depth also helps in this way because by him being close to the camera it creates a better atmosphere.

Composition

Assignment 3: Composition
For help with this assignment i used: http://www.dpreview.com/articles/7960854181/how-to-use-composition-to-improve-your-images

Composition

Composition is the arrangement or placement of the visual elements of the photo, so basically putting everything together.

In the portrait above John Hedgecoe demonstrates good understanding of composition, as he uses thoughtful placement. 

There are many things to look at in the photo, e.g. his hands, shirt, but because he is using his hands to create a natural framing effect, the attention is drawn to his face. Hedgecoe also effectively uses the 'rule of thirds', the left and right of the photo being almost mirrored, but again, your attention is drawn to his face, which is the middle section.The black and white effect also helps because the contrast is a lot stronger, letting you see more detail. Overall the composition of this photo is good.

Factual

John Hedgecoe was an award-winning British photographer and author of over 30 books on photography. He sadly died in 2010, but his work is well known around the country. He also helped in the photographing of a stamp. He was also very well known for sculpturing.

Context

This photo is part of his portrait collection, most of them being in black and white.

Technical

I think that this photo was taken in a studio infront of a dark screen. Possibly in daylight or a light has been angled to shine one way, creating shadowing.

Aesthetic
I like how the the pictures, i think its better being in black and white because if there was too much colour in the picture it would distract you from the main focus which is his face. I also like the way his hands create a natural frame, so not much editing is needed.

FIRST ANALYSIS

Assignment 2: Vee Speers

Vee Speers is a photographer who focuses on portraits, mostly of children, and makes the photo represent a certain situation. One of her collections is called 'Thirteen', and it captures her daughter making the transition from a child to a teenager. She photographed her in a way to show how her childhood was eclipsed by a desire for Independence, and the changes of growing up. She linked 'Thirteen' to another collection called 'The Birthday Party', only using her daughter as the muse, against they same grey background.

Factual

This is a photo of her daughter, representing growing up. It has been taken against a grey background. Her daughter is wearing feathers on her back, which represents what the collection is about.

Context

The background of this collection is about change and transition from different periods of life. The feathers show the struggle, and positive and negative change, as they grow into wings, like a bird, her posture shows innocence.

Technical

The photo looks like it was taken against a set, as the background is used in alot of her collections. In a bright lighting, to compliment the grey and white colour theme.

Aesthetic

I like this photo, how the simple colours give meaning to what the message of the photo/collection is. How you can sense what the photo is about, just from the way she looks. A lot of the photos in the 'Thirteen' collection are like this too.