Shutter Speed and ISO

25.4.2014, Week 4
Tia Nellisa Binti Noor Badrol Akram (0320027)
Introduction to Photography
"Shutter Speed and ISO"

Lecture:
Last week, we were told to do a research about shutter speed and ISO. As usual, today we start our discussion about it. We discussed about ISO first and after that, Mr. Vinod gives us a briefing of it, also the answer for the question which left unanswered. We were later told to sit into groups to do a discussion, based on ISO, about our exercise. After Mr. Vinod came to each of the group one by one, we begin to do our exercise outside. After that, we come back to the classroom and start a discussion about shutter speed. Again, Mr. Vinod gives us a briefing about it later on. He even gives us an exercise based on shutter speed, which we have to do it at home.

Objectives:
 To learn to take pictures using the manual mode of their camera.

Instructions:
Instructions for Exercise 2(b) Shutter Speed (5%):

1. Using a ceiling fan, keep the fan speed at 1 
2. Capture images using shutter settings from 1/1000th of a second till 1/4th of second. 
3. Repeat this exercise after changing the fan speed from 1 to 2 and then from 2 to 3 and so on.  

Marking Criteria: 

The student must capture evidence of the Shutter’s ability to freeze fast moving objects and blur moving objects.

Exercise 2(b) Shutter Speed

(Screen Shots)Hardcopy of Exercise 2(b) Shutter Speed

Instructions for Exercise 2(c) ISO (5%):

Exercise 2(c).1

From the discussion and presentation, we know that ISO effects exposure, your task is to prove this to be true.

Exercise 2(c).2

From the discussion and presentation, we know that when the ISO is increased the quality of the picture gets effected, your task is to prove this to be true.

Marking Criteria: The student must capture the evidence of degradation of the image as the ISO increases in sensitivity. The student also must produce evidence that ISO can directly affect exposure.

Exercise 2(c).1 ISO 

ISO: 200

Shutter Speed: 1/15

Aperture: F5.6

\

ISO: 400

Shutter Speed: 1/15

Aperture: F5.6

ISO: 800

Shutter Speed: 1/15

Aperture: F5.6

ISO: 1600

Shutter Speed: 1/15

Aperture: F5.6

ISO: 3200

Shutter Speed: 1/15

Aperture: F5.6

ISO: 6400

Shutter Speed: 1/15 

Aperture: F5.6

ISO: 12800

Shutter Speed:1/15

Aperture: F5.6

(Screen Shots)Hardcopy of Exercise 2(c).1 ISO 

Exercise 2(c).2 ISO 

ISO: 200

Shutter Speed: 0''8

Aperture: F6.3

ISO: 400

Shutter Speed: 0''4

Aperture: F6.3

ISO: 800

Shutter Speed: 1/5

Aperture: F6.3

ISO: 1600

Shutter Speed: 1/10

Aperture: F6.3

ISO: 3200

Shutter Speed: 1/20

Aperture: F6.3

ISO: 6400

Shutter Speed: 1/40

Aperture: F6.3

ISO:12800

Shutter Speed: 1/80

Aperture: F6.3

Screen Shots)Hardcopy of Exercise 2(c).2 ISO

Feedback :

Specific feedback:

Mr. Vinod told I did a good work but for the ISO exercise, he told that it would be better if I completed the work on my own, not relying on the group picture only. Overall, he said that the exercises were accurate and had answered the question. He even told me that the reflection should reflect on 2 areas, first is about the in-class activities (for example: discussion, presentation); Second, the results of my exercise. Mr. Vinod told me that he was very happy I did an extra exercise about the ISO, as I acted on my curiosity and experiment it out; he said I did an excellent work about it. 

General feedback:

Mr. Vinod said that when we do our exercise, it needs to be black and white, as well for our hardcopy. For the exercise, whether we did it together in a group or not, we must do an individual task for that certain exercise as well. For reflection, Mr. Vinod also said that we not only need to write about what happen in class, but also what happen regards with the exercise we all did. Try to explain it in the form of what we understand based on our experience and try to find out what would happen if we did this or did that? Be adventurous in photography. Don’t only be an active learner, but also a deep learner, so that we will understand it even more. Become the scientist and ask a lot of question about the things we done so far. Like Mr. Vinod always say, “Take a stab at it”.

Reflection:

Experience:

From today class, I realize that we are still not used to this group discussion because there was an awkward silent sometimes. But as we went on, we all began to asked questions that never came across our minds before. It was refreshing because I can’t figure out the answer to that question. As for today’s exercise about ISO, we did it with my group and it was fun. It makes me even closer with my classmates as we help each other when we are having problem regarding with the exercise.

Observation:

I realize that we need to understand more what a group discussion really is and Mr. Vinod told us that we need at least 5 questions for the next class based on what we researched. I can understand why he told us that because since we are still not used to this group discussion. To become an active learner, we need to keep on asking question. When that kind of question been answered, we gain more knowledge about what we study about. Sometimes the questions are very rarely heard before and that’ll makes us gaining more knowledge about photography. I also realize that we need more teamwork regarding the exercise Mr. Vinod gives us about ISO because during the discussion about it, we didn’t really discuss about it thoroughly. 

Findings:

At today class, I really like I’ve become more confidence in asking questions because usually I don’t normally do that. One by one we are all becoming more like an active learner.  There are so many things I’ve yet need to learn about photography. I’m happy with my teammates but we definitely need more teamwork during discussion in the future as well.  

Additional Information :
During the group discussion, I've asked "Do we need flash when using ISO?". So I did my own experiment.

This picture was taken in a pitch black room using ISO 3200.

 This picture was also taken in the same pitch black room using ISO 3200 WITH FLASH

Thus, I realized some scene do require flash and ISO at the same time.

However, I wanted to see the difference between a low ISO and a high ISO when using a flash. (Both are still in a pitch black room)

This picture above using ISO 100 with flash.

This picture above using ISO 3200 with flash.

Thus, I notice that different ISO produce a different amount of brightness when using flash.

Aperture

18.4.2014, Week 3
Tia Nellisa Binti Noor Badrol Akram (0320027)
Introduction to Photography
"Aperture"

Lecture:
Last week, Mr. Vinod told us to do a research about aperture. Today, we were all asked to form a circle at the center of the room while facing each other and start a discussion about aperture. We questions and answers it with what we know. Some of the question doesn’t even have an answer to it. For example, “Do our phone camera had aperture too?” After the group discussion ended, Mr. Vinod give us a briefing about aperture, more details and explanation. He also gave an answer for some of those unanswered question. After that, Mr. Vinod asked us to carry out an exercise in order to understand it more and prove it with the theory he told us was right. According to him, it’s important to remember the F numbers, especially the main number {2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16}

Objectives:

• Does Aperture controls the exposure?
• Does Aperture controls depth of field?

Instructions:
1. Use a subject that is repetitive in nature.
2. Keep your zoom lens fixed at 35mm and ISO at 200.
3. Do not move your camera position at all when taking shots in different settings.
4. Record the ISO, shutter speed and F-number used in the picture captured.

Instructions for Exercise 2a.1:

1. Take a picture of your repetitive subject starting with the right exposure combination of shutter speed and aperture. 
2. Start your aperture setting from the lowest number (f1.4/f2.0/f3.5)
3. Do not change the shutter settings as the aperture is increased.

Instructions for Exercise 2a.2:

1. Take a picture of your repetitive subject starting with the right exposure combination of shutter speed and aperture. 
2. Start your aperture setting from the lowest number (f1.4/f2.0/f3.5)
3. Compensate the increase of your aperture with your shutter settings as the aperture is increased to maintain the right exposure.

Marking Criteria:
Exercise 2 : Aperture (5%)The student must capture the evidence of the Aperture’s influence in exposure using the various f-stops. The student must also capture the evidence of the Aperture’s influence on depth of field.

Exercise 2a.1:

Determine if Aperture controls exposure

Aperture : F5.6

Shutter Speed : 1/100

ISO : 200 

Aperture : F8

Shutter Speed : 1/100

ISO : 200

Aperture : F11

Shutter Speed : 1/100

ISO : 200

Aperture : F16

Shutter Speed : 1/100

ISO : 200

Aperture : F22

Shutter Speed : 1/100

ISO : 200

Exercise 2.a.2:

Determine if Aperture controls depth of field

 Aperture : F5.6

Shutter Speed : 50

ISO : 200

 Aperture : F8

Shutter Speed : 25

ISO : 200

 Aperture : F11

Shutter Speed : 13

ISO : 200

 Aperture : F16

Shutter Speed : 6

ISO : 200

Aperture : F22

Shutter Speed : 4

ISO : 200

Screen Shots of Hardcopy(Exercise 2):

Feedback :

Specific feedback:

Mr. Vinod told me I did a good work with regard to the exercise. He also said that the results seems accurate and reflect the requirement of the criteria. He said that ePortfolio was well written and told me to keep on improving it. Mr. Vinod said that I should express myself freely (negative or positive) with regard to the lesson, activities and describe them in my reflection. 

General feedback:

Mr. Vinod told us that we did well on our eportfolio  

Reflection:

Experience:

From today class, I realize that we are able to exchange knowledge better from doing the group discussion. Since it was the first time we are actually this kind of discussion, most of us just stay silent and only a few speaks. But slowly we were able to engage into the conservation. Some of the questions are difficult to give an answer, not only us but also Mr. Vinod. It was actually quite fun doing this as we are more relaxed around our classmates. 

Observation:

I realize that I understand aperture more hands-on rather than reading about it. Not like I’m saying reading is useless, it’s part of our general knowledge in photography. It’s better to understand it more before handling the camera first. During the group discussion, I realize that all those exchanged information about aperture was very useful. Even I didn’t even think about that. It was very refreshing, about how the ideas I never heard about flows through the discussion or when I wasn’t able to understand it even though I did my research. I was so confuse to use my camera in manual mode for the first time but some of my friends helped me with that and I was able to do finished the exercise.

Findings:

At today class, I notice that everyone begin to become an active learner and so do I. When I was doing the exercise outside, I also notice that everyone was helping with those who had problems with their camera. As for my tripod, I was having problem with it since I’d never used it before and some of the senior helped me with it. I would need to practice more about handling the camera with manual mode since Mr. Vinod told us that he won’t always help us. 

Art Movements

17.4.2014, Week 3
Tia Nellisa (0320027)
Principles of Design

Last week, Ms. Lisa told us to do a research about art movement. After doing the research, we have to pick at least minimum 3 of art movement that suited us best. We have to do a rough sketch to show it to her, whether we actually understand the concept or not. I choose Suprematism, Superflat and Cubism. These are few of my rough sketches. 

Suprematism

Superflat 

Cubism

During the tutorial session, I wasn’t able to explain properly to Ms. Lisa why I choose these art movements, thus I panic a little. After that, I decided to go with Superflat rather than Suprematism because I know I can do it better than other art movements. Ms. Lisa also gives me a few tips regarding about Superflat, for example; the line must be thick because it called Superflat and I need to know the pose and clothing for it as well. 

Principles Of Design

10.4.2014, week 2
Tia Nellisa (0320027)
Principles of Design

It was the first class for this particular course and Ms. Lisa give us briefings about what are we going to do in this course basically.  For our first activity, we were told to do a mind map about ourselves and a self-portrait using only natural stuff, for example leaves, twigs, flowers, newspaper, etc.  We were given two and a half hours to complete this task on an A3 paper. We need to present our work in front later on.

The picture above is a mind map that I’ve done that day. I’d try my best to make it representing my personalities and style. There’s actually more than that but I try to write what represent me the most. I like to keep it simple and neat.  

This is the self-portrait I did that day. There isn’t much natural stuff in it but I’m happy with the finishing product.  I line up the purple flowers so that it can be a flower hair crown, however one of the purple flowers fell off without noticing. For my eyes, I torn up the leaves into tiny pieces and stick it into my pupil. I had curly hair, so I don’t have any idea to do it. I don’t want to appear like I’m naked, so I put a twigs with leaves like a choker necklace and the leaves fall down like as like it’s a cloth of my clothes.

During the presentation session, I was the second person to present as Ms. Lisa decided to start from the bottom of the list to the top. I have to explain what I wrote in my mind map and show them my self-portrait. As I finished, Ms. Lisa asked me “Why do you want to become a designer?”  And I said “First of all, I love designing and when I see people use my stuff, I feel very proud and happy” I don’t know whether my answer is good or not but I try my best to be as honest as I can. Who doesn’t become happy when people actually use the stuff we made or design it? When that happens, I can’t help it but wanted to design more stuff in the future.  It’s kind of like a motivation for me. Ms. Lisa also asked me “What shapes do you like?” and I said “Circle” She also asked “What stuff do you like to design?” and I tell her “Things like furniture, clothes and etc.” and with that, I've ended my presentation. I was quite nervous but I have to get used to it sooner or later because we going to do a lot of presentation later on throughout the semester. I hope I can overcome that in the future.

"Photographs And Photographers" and "Mr.Vinods Top 10 Most Liked Pictures"

11.4.2014, Week 2
Tia Nellisa Binti Noor Badrol Akram (0320027)
Introduction to Photography
"Photographs and Photographers" and “Mr.Vinods top 10 most liked pictures"

Lecture :
Today, when we begin to start the class and mark our attendance, Mr. Vinod asked us whether all of us already completed and done with  exercise 1 on the Photography group page at Facebook. He also asked us questions on which presentation/photo did we think was the most memorable and give a reason why.
After we finished watching some of the videos my classmates have done, Mr. Vinod begin to show us his top 10 most liked pictures by different photographers and their work. The photographers that he show us is;

1. Herb Ritts (an American fashion photographer)
2. Mark Selinger (an American photographer)
3. Prabhuddha Dasgupta (a noted fashion and fine-art photographer from India)
4. Richard Avedon (an American fashion and portrait photographer)
5. Manoj Jadhav (a photographer and a visual artist specializing in avant-garde, film noir, vintage portraits and cutting edge fashion imagery)
6. Raghu Rai (an Indian photographer and photojournalist)

Instructions :

1. Re-write last week’s reflection.
2. Do research on a few different photographers.
3. Study what is Aperture and how it works.
4. Bring along your camera and tripod for the next class

Exercise :
None

Feedback :
Specific Feedback:
Mr. Vinod told me that I did a good attempt at the reflection and keep on improving it. He also told me that I should try to stick within the parameters of the topic being discussed and other points of reflection unrelated are also welcome to added. He even told me that whether I have any suggestion with regard to the teaching and learning experience in the class are welcomed to write about it, for example, is his delivery of the topic or presentation is too fast or too slow.

General Feedback:
Mr. Vinod told us that he is going to check out e-portfolio on Thursday. So, we have to update it by Wednesday night because some of our classmates updated it on Thursday. He even told us that if we don’t update it before Thursday, our marks will be deducted in the nearest future. 

Reflection ;

Experience:
In today class, I realize that everyone has their own like and dislike. Mr. Vinod said that its okay if we criticize each other works. It's part of our learning experience and we shouldn’t take it so personally. We have to use that criticism to make our work even better. That’s why I find it very helpful and it gives me motivation to do better than before. I found out Mr. Vinod’s favorite photos are mostly simple black and white with different kind of story behind it.

Observation:

I realize that in photography industries, great pictures come from skills. Everyone has their own judgment and it’s not wrong to criticize someone else work.  We can’t blame them, everyone is different.  

Findings:

I find that in today class, everyone has their own kind of style in a photography career. Some like landscape, some prefer still life photo and more.  Doing activities together with my classmates like exchanged thoughts regarding our photos makes us all an active learner. There’s more to learn in the future and I hope I can do better than before.

Introduction to Photography

4.4.2014, Week 1

Tia Nellisa Binti Noor Badrol Akram (0320027)

Introducing to Photography

Introducing to the course and Exercise 1 : Presentation of 10 of your best-liked pictures

Lecture – Introducing to the course

This morning Mr.Vinod gave us an introduction about photography. He also asked us to introduce ourselves to the class, so that we will know who our classmates were. Mr.Vinod told us briefly about all the exercise and project we are going to do throughout the whole semester. He also told us that we need to have our own portfolio (hardcopy and ePortfolio). He even told us about the 2 teaching objectives and 5 learning outcomes of the Introduction to Photography.

Objectives:

• To learn to take pictures using the manual mode of their camera.
• To be able to achieve good composition and exposure.

Learning outcomes:

• Use exposure settings (Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO)
• Use the Zone system exposure technique to achieve desired results
• Distinguish a bad exposure from a good exposure
• Apply the Rule of Two-Thirds for composition
• Use Adobe Photoshop to edit pictures at a basic level

After that, Mr. Vinod explained about that the learning outcomes can be related with Taylor’s Graduate Capabilities, which also known as TGC. It consists of discipline specific knowledge, lifelong learning, thinking and problem solving skills, communication skills, interpersonal skills, citizen and global perspectives and digital literacy. He told us about his blog   http://yourbrief.wordpress.com/ and asked us to make our own Facebook group for Foundation in Design (April batch 2014). He even told us to join his Intro2photography group at Facebook, so that we can be up to date with this course. Mr. Vinod mentioned about the materials we going to need for our photography class, such as, a laptop, a camera, a tripod, and a clear file holder for storing our portfolio throughout the whole semester. He even shows us some of his pictures he took from his previous works.
Mr. Vinod also lecture about the Aperture mechanism to us, for those who doesn't know what aperture is. An aperture is a hole or an opening through which light travels. The aperture determines how collimated the admitted rays are, which is of great importance for the appearance at the image plane. He even told us briefly about the differences of a Mirrorless Camera and average DSLR Camera.

Instructions – Introduction to the Course

• Choose a good quality camera (Example: Mirrorless Camera)
• A laptop is needed for this course 
• An A4 clear file is needed to keep our hardcopy 
• Choose a friendly-use tripod

Lecture – Exercise 1: Presentation of 10 of your best-liked pictures

After the lecture finished, Mr. Vinod gave us our very first assignment, Exercise 1(Presentation of 10 of your best-liked pictures).

Marking Rubric
Exercise 1(5%): Presentation of 10 of your best-liked pictures
1. Content (3%):
Marking Criteria: The presentation must showcase a variety of pictures: personal(5 self shot), landscape, portrait, still life, etc. AND from 5 different photographers. All pictures must be credited and explained.
2. Clarity of voice (2%):
Marking Criteria: The student must be clear and concise in their delivery and explanation of their pictures. Evidence of understanding can be deduced by their analysis and evaluation, and in the confidence of their delivery.

Instructions - Exercise 1: Presentation of 10 Best-Liked Pictures 

• Make a video (maximum 7 minutes) 
• Include 5 pictures of my own and 5 pictures by others photographer
• Explain why I choose that pictures 
• Post it to the net (via YouTube)
• Copy and paste the link to the Intro2photography group at Facebook

 My Video:

 

Pictures taken by me:

This painting caught my eyes and I just have to take this photo. I like those wet floor effects and people busy doing their own business, giving me space for taking this. Making the background grey scale makes the painting even more pop.

This photo was taken by me during my visit to ‘Rumah Pengasih’ last year on a school field trip. As we can see, this building is still under construction & I was told they renovated it by themselves. It reminds me of hard work, sweats and to never give up.

I was inspired to take a picture of my books collection after seeing a lot of pictures from tumblr. I love reading and drinking tea, so I decided to take this to show other people my hobby besides drawing. It’s like a teaser into my life for those who don’t know me well.

I captured this photo of my grandparent’s ‘tepak sireh’. In case you don’t know what this is, it’s actually a Malay traditional metal container for storing betel leaves used for chewing. Every time I see this, it reminds me both of my grandparents and it makes me happy. 

This is a picture of a tree I found around my neighbourhood. For some reason, I captured this because it reminds me of one quotes, “Nothing last forever”. This tree was taller than other trees around it but it’s still wilted.

Pictures by different photographers:

This picture was taken by Kristian Schuller, a German fashion photographer. I really like the colours in this picture and how the model posed with those colour powder behind her. It’s very unique in its own way.

I really like how the photographer shoots this picture of the tiger. The water splashes as the tiger jumps and I like how details we can see the water as it splashed. It’s very pretty and different from other pictures of a tiger I usually see at tumblr. 

My favourite flower would be roses. Not just it’s a symbol of true love, but it’s beauty with thorns. Also, I love how the freezing effect is so neat on the leaves part. I fall in love with this photo.

This picture was taken by Avant Garde, a fashion photographer. One thing you don’t know about me, I love makeup and makeup is synonym to colors. The flawless makeup effect & strong bold colors caught my attention. 

Crush but still standing. That came right into my head on a first glance of this picture. I always tell myself to move on in life when things do not go on like how I wanted it to be. This mellow effect photo caught my eyes.

Screenshot of my hard copy (exercise 1) :

Feedback;
Specific Feedback:
Mr.Vinod told me that I did a good work on exercise 1. He also mention that it would be better if I  divide my reflection into experience, observation and findings, as in just indicate as sub-headline. He told me to follow his general comments and explanations with regard to the reflections mentioned in the beginning of the class.

General Feedback:
Mr. Vinod talked about our eportfolio for the semester. Since we are still new to it, he'd corrected our errors. He told us to copy and paste the marking rubric of the exercise from his blog. He also told us to be more accurate when writing the reflection. He also mention that it is best to write around 125-135 words per paragraph. As for lecture sections, we need to write two paragraphs for it.  

Reflection :

After the lecture ended, I’ve know more about a portfolio for photography class is all about and a proper way of making the hardcopy, as Mr. Vinod also gave us a very useful website and links about it.

As for the Intro2photography group at Facebook, it’s very useful because I can asked Mr. Vinod question when I don’t understand and share some information with others.

As for my first assignment, Exercise 1 (Presentation of 10 of your best-liked pictures) it was a bit tricky since I’m not really great at explaining, but I still try my hardest to finished it.

I think Mr. Vinod is a cool person. His explanation was crystal clear and I was able to understand it well. I hope in the nearest future, I’ll be able to adapt myself as a university student and get along with all of my classmates. 

My Test result :