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 :