Foggy morning

As part of the background research for this course I came across the work of a photographer called Brassai.  He undertook a projet photographing Paris by night.  The images are all sharp with great attention to detail. I was particularly taken with one image - foggy Paris (1934).

Although not at night the fog on Tuesday morning presented an opportunity to think further about images in difficult conditions. 

Foggy morning, Derby

14mm, 1/30th, F3.5, ISO400 

Strong centreground with detail in forground and back ground; the centre leading away from where the image was taken.

Foggy morning, Derby ii

21mm, 1 Sec, F16, ISO100 

No street lighting; the lights in the shop window have an old fashioned yellow/orange glow.  Strong foreground with the fog blurring bachground detail gives a greater feeling of depth to the image.

Melbourne Pool
14mm, 1/15th, F16, ISO200 

The sun had risen, but not burnt off the fog making the sky very bright behind the subject.  The colour image is almost sepia.

Melbourne Pool ii
17mm, 1/15th, F16, ISO200 

Foggy morning on the way to Leicester
34mm, 1/60th, F16, ISO200 

I wish! (Brassai 1934)

Barrow upon Trent

The forecast for the weekend is mixed, best Saturday morning - getting greyer and wetter as the day / weekend progresses. 

The aim is to capture external images images from around the site of the church at Barrow upon Trent.  This church dates back to the 11th century.  The architecture is less ornate than later buildings and is early Norman in style.  There have been some alterations over time, but most are old and form part of the character of the building.

The site has been visited on a number of occasions to gain an understanding of what is there and how colours chnge with differing light conditions.  The site is open with some trip hazards otherwise fairly safe paths. I have spoken with a keyholder for the church and have arranged access at a later date to photograph the inside of the building in exchange for access to any images.  This visit is to capture external images.  Equipment to be used is Olympus EP-1 + standard kit lens, Poloriser and tripod. 

The building is of a pale stone and the aim was to enhance colour, taking advantage of early morning light.  In practice, although the morning was bright it had characteristics of later in the year, being very pale, with none of the autumn gold that I had hoped for.  The cirrus clouds were almost wintry, closely followed by a solid bank of cloud that indicated an approaching weather front.

This first image is taken of a gate that is set into the curtain wall of the cemetery.

Barrow upon Trent i

25mm, 1 sec, F5.6, ISO100

There was a very short window of time where the light added some colour to the stone of the church.

Barrow upon Trent ii

19mm, 1/4th, F11, ISO100

Some of the history is there to be seen by those who have the ability.

Barrow upon Trent iii

33mm, 1/2sec, F8, ISO100

Barrow upon Trent iv

20mm, 1/2sec, F16, ISO100

The sky became wintry.  I was not able to achieve what I had hoped with the building.  It did give an opportunity to attempt photographing silhouettes against the sky.  Used small aperture to increase depth of field and to allow elatively slow exposure without bleaching the sky.

Barrow upon Trent v

14mm, 1/15th, F16, ISO100

Barrow upon Trent vi

22mm, 1/3rd, F16, ISO100

Theme 1 Community Buildings - Hilton Village Hall 30 10 10

Have been reading some stuff about photographing buildings and I will put some of the detail on here, but I figure that while there is still some good weather I should get out and take some photos

14mm, F16, 1/4sec, ISO 100

 Hilton Village Hall,
Half in Shade   

 

Out of the sequence this one stood out for me.  Kit zoom lens set as wide as it will go.  Still early morning so camera supported on a tripod to enable me to use a small aperture - F16 and a longer exposure - 1/4 second while using an ISO of 100.

This was taken from as close as possible to the building while still being able to see it all within the shot.  Unfortunately I was not able to get square on to the shot as the skate ramps were in the way.

I have seen this building many times, usually either early evening or late in the day.  This rear wall usually appears very dull, almost featureless.  It is the external wall of a hall that doubles as a badminton court and a performance space with the traditional village hall stage at one end. The early morning sun changed the colours of the brickwork, emphasising the red.  Long shadows have added a real difference to the appearance, highlighting the shallow buttresses and casting a series of shadows that cover half of the building.  The shadows only struck the top of the window arches for a short time as the sun rose.  Fortunately I was there to see it.

If I have another opportunity I think that it would be possible to improve on this by taking the shot from the top of the skate ramp.  This would put me square on to the building.  The additional height would also improve the image as the whole of the building would appear above the fence line.  All in all not displeased for a first effort.

I have added the images below as they place the wall in context.  The 16:9 image is taken from the north-east of the building.  Early shadows from the east.

 Hilton Village Hall                                                               Hilton Village Hall

Early Autumn Sun                                                                 Early Shadows

14mm, F22, 1/4 sec, ISO 200                                        14mm, F22, 1/2 sec, ISO 200

Hilton Skate Park

14mm, F16, 1/15, ISO 100

The image of the hall was taken while I was stood next to the large ramp on the right. 

If you enlarge the image above you are able to see the edge of a new building that was built for the Scouts.  During the development they had real problems with vandalism on site adding many £1,000's to the cost of the project.  Even after it was built there were a couple of attempts on the storage yard at the back.  One solution is captured below, not everything to do with the community is fluffy.

Warning, razor barbs!

25mm, F11, 1/8th, ISO200

This is the shot as taken.  Having just spent time looking at other walls I wanted to do more with this.  Taking the image on the angle, while focusing on the warning sign.  I tried the shot with a wider angle, which was not as effective - it was just a wall.  Filling the image and cropping in close was far more effective at producing a dramatic image.  Have still used 1/3rds, but on the diagonal.  The edge of the gate brings in another texture and reveals more of the spikes.

One of the filters that Olympus include with its' software is one called 'Grainy Film'.  While reducing the size of the file to upload to blogger I applied the filter, which made the image much more dramatic

Studio 21 10 10

Last week I spent a short time with Kev in the Studio.  It's not directly related to the themes that I am looking at, but it is certainly something that I have not done before.  A very controlled environment, I can see the attraction.

So this week when there was another opportunity to spend some time in the studio I opted to give it a go.  Still life.

Initial set up was undertaken by Steve. Camera to be used - Canon EOS 5D with 24 - 105mm lens.  Principle lighting from Bowens Esprit 1000W that can be adjusted for strength of light and flash - strong central light grading outward.  Light changed to a barn door light.  Camera and lens synchronised using a cable. The cable can be attached directly to the 5D, other cameras may need a fitting to attache via the hotshoe.

As well as an opportunity to look at still life the session gave me another chance to look at low light photography, taking images of the session - both as a record and as additional practice taking images of people.

My record of the session below.  Less conscious about taking pictures of people.  Almost enjoyed the candid shots, watching from the outside, recording action and process rather than posed images.

Had a conversation with Steve this evening about how I struggle to see pictures of people having avoided it for so long.  His suggestion was to work through a process of photographing themes that I can see, including people within the shot, gradually making them a larger part of the whole.   I am beginning to understand that as I reflect about the studio session.  It's not necessarily about staged shots of people.

Working without flash, using high ISO and large aperture, F3.5, has given rise to a series that almost have a sepia tone with colours emerging in areas caught by the spot.  Small images have good clarity, becoming grainy when viewed at full size resulting from the high ISO 1600-3200.

Studio i

14mm, F3.5, 1/30th, ISO 1600

Studio ii

14mm, F3.5, 1/30th, ISO 1600

Studio iii
14mm, F3.5, 1/30th, ISO 1600

Studio iv

14mm, F3.5, 1/30th, ISO 3200

Studio v
14mm, F3.5, 1/30th, ISO 1600

Studio vi

14mm, F3.5, 1/30th, ISO 1600

As well as  looking at an area of photography this has been a good lesson in using the manual controls of my camera in low light conditions and will be of use with soem of my planned low light sessions outside.

Unit 208 - a start

Two themes to be progressed, each to consist of a folio of images and supporting evidence.


Which comes first photos or themes?


Theme 1
Built environment
South Derbyshire Community Buildings.

Intention
The intention is to produce a series of photographs that explore the diversity of community buildings within South Derbyshire.  


Images will reflect the range of building style, attempting to explore how the form of the buildings has been impacted upon by function and place as well as how use has changed through time.

Reason for selection
My interest in this theme has developed as a result of the work that I undertake with communities throughout South Derbyshire.  While my work has a focus on people together with their wants, needs and desires I have often been struck by how focus can change from the people of the community to the buildings that are there to support them.  Does the change in form over time reflect a change in need?


Research / Photographic inspiration
Currently looking at various websites that concentrate on photographing buildings - although many of these concentrate on structures in urban areas rather than more rural location.  Research will be added as seperate blog updates through out the time of the course.

Additional research from textbooks has supported this work.  The following have been particularly useful -

• Photographing Buildings Inside and Out, Norman McGrath.  A lot of older, mainly US images.  Good for detail, perspective and use of light.
• Building with Light, Robert Elwall.  Describes itself as "The International History of Architectural Photography".  A really good place to start.  Images cover a wide range of subject from early images of the 19th centuary to more modern times.  Brief bigraphies of the photographer alongside of the image helps pull things into perspective.  Has been godd at identifying potential photographers to research further.

Equipment
Personal equipment is limited to Olympus Pen EP-1 + kit lens 14-42mm and an additional lens - 40-150mm. 

Tripod

Giotto - MTL9351B + MH5011 Kit

	Material	Aluminium
	Folded Height	71cm
	Min Height	30cm
	Max Height with out centre column	147cm
	Max height with centre column	180cm
	Weight	2.21kg
	Weight Capacity	4kg
	Leg Sections	3

Techniques

Throughout the time on this course I will be looking to develop a range of techniques and understanding supported by additional research that I will be undertaking looking at the work of different photographers.  Using the equipment outlined above I will be looking to develop an undertsanding of:

• Composition - looking at the make up of an image, what can help to make an image appealing, interesting to the viewer.  There are many things that contribute to this and are not unique to photography.  The aim from this is to try and understand ideas / rules that will help me develop my skills.
• Rule of thirds - dividing the image into nine equal parts using two horizontal and two verticle lines.  The rule identifies that it is desirable to place the subject of the picture at the intersection of these lines.  It also adds balance if the overall image is divided using this rule i.e. 1/3rd land, 2/3rds sky with the horizon falling along one of the imaginary third lines.
• Diagonals - the use of diagonals to encourage the viewers' eye to move into the image.
• Framing - using elements within the image to frome the main subject.  At it's simplest this could be using a doorway or arch in a building. 
• Golden Ration - refers to a naturally occuring ratio that is regularly seen in nature.  It has been recognised since early times that images that comform to this are attractive to the viewer.  A typical example can be seen in the spiral of a snail shell.
• Patterns - links with colour and texture.
• Use of light quality
• Recognition that the same view can look vastly different under differing lighting conditions.
• The "Golden time" either just after dawn or before sunset.
• Low light photography
• Depth of field - specifically looking at how the use of different apperture settings impact on the image taken.
• Leading lines - using elements of the composition / image to draw he viewrs iye into the image in a specific way to achieve the desiered rusult.
• Colours and textures - use of colours, blending / contrast to highlight specific elements of the image.
• Tripod use
• Timed shutter release 

Safety considerations

Throughout the course it will be necessary to consider health and safety, both self and others.

As both of my themes are targetting outdoor work this will include:

• An understanding of the expected weather conditions and it's impact on the need for specific clothing and equipment.
• Specific dangers related to the location - ground conditions, water, traffic, people etc.
• Use of equipment  - understand how to use specific elements of kit safely as well as other considerations such as weight etc.
• Aim to minimise impact on the environment and subject.  Location photography should not require damage to the location.

While exploring ideas for theme 2 I had been unable to access the reserve at Willington, South Derbyshire, due to flooding (which will have to feature as a safety issue if I am to take this forward within theme 2). 

However, in spite of this it turned out to be a fortunate trip - at 6pm the light was just changing and lack of access to the reserve gave me time to look at the surrounding area including the bridge across the Trent.

Willington Bridge 3rd October 2010

18mm, ISO 200, F5.6, 1/160th

I took a series of pictures of the bridge as the light changed.  I particularly liked the composition of this photograph - it has not been processed in any way, other than to reduce the size for the blog.  I looked to use the rule of thirds on some of the other images, but the reflections in the river were so clear that placing the horizon at the halfway point actually gave a more pleasing result, however the end of the bridge does fall at one of the third points and this has worked better than other images where this is not the case.

The colour of the stonework appears very true to how I remember it on this occasion. The low sun has given the usually grey looking stone a golden hue.

The image could have been sharper, as you look at the stone work of the bridge the image is a little soft.

Anyway it has reaffirmed that this is an area that I would like to work in as theme 2 develops.


Theme 2
Nature

Intention

To produce a series of photographs that reflect the character of the nature within South Derbyshire and the reserves developed by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust as part of their Transforming the Trent Valley Project.

 Specific focus will be placed upon Hilton Gravel Pits, a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest).

Hilton Gravel Pits, nature reserve

The aim will be to show through photographs the changes that take place as seasons change from Autumn to Winter to highlight the natural world that is accessible to all within a couple of minutes walk of major housing developments.

Reasons

The communities along the A50 have undergone a period of rapid change.  South Derbyshire is one of the fastest growing Districts in England.  The village of Hilton has almost doubled in size over the last 10 years with the development of a huge housing estate that would be at home as a suburb of any of the larger towns and cities of the Midlands.

All of this can be left behind within a matter of minutes; accessing nature reserves that many do not realise are there.  They lack some of the drama of the Peak District, but are difficult to beat for tranquility.

http://www.derbyshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/projects/projects_trent_valley.php

Regular walks of these areas over several years have continually surprised me.  The continually changing scenes, wildlife and tranquility that is so accessible.


Research
Research will be undertaken throughout the term of he course using written text, internet, presentations and general course work.


Equip
The equipment is as identified above for theme 1


Techniques
Techniques are as identified for theme 1

Safety Considerations

For theme 2 all photography work will be outside, including at water based nature reserves.  These reserves have areas of rough paths, water (either deep quarry lakes or large flowing river), woodland and open scrub.  One of the reserves is heavily wooded, the other is open to the elements.


The majority of the photography will be taking place at dawn or dusk during late Autumn or winter.  Weather is a major consideration for either area.  It will be important to pay attention to weather forcasts to ensure that appropriate clothing can be worn.  Specific issues are likely to be keeping warm and dry.

Other considerations are as for theme 1.

Type Body material Metal Lens mount Micro Four Thirds Image Sensor Type 4/3 '' Hi-Speed Live MOS sensor Effective pixels 12.3 Megapixels Filter array Primary colour filter (RGB) Aspect ratio & area 4:3 / 17.3 x 13.0 mm Full resolution 1 Megapixels 183204 Exposure System Modes Programme automatic, i-Auto, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual, Scene Modes Exposure compensation +/- 3 EV ( 1, 1/2, 1/3 steps ) Exposure bracketing 3 frames ( +/- 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 1 EV steps ) ISO bracketing 3 frames ( 1/3, 2/3, 1 EV steps ) Shutter Speeds Shutter speed range 1/4000 - 60 s Bulb mode 1/4000 - 60 s Up to 30 minutes (selectable longest time in the menu, default: 8 minutes) Sensitivity Auto ISO 200 - 6400 (customisable, default ISO 200 - 1600) Manual ISO 100 - 6400