theme 1 indoor shoot planning

Today 's  outdoor shoot proven to be challengin as the weather conditions were not the best, but I have managed to take some good shos.
For tomorrow I'm planning to complete the group of my final images,and hopefully be able to edit them all on saturday.
I'm planning to take the photos within my own home enviroment as well as on the corridor.
For my own and other peoples safety I'll inform in advance my family and neighbours about my itentions to take photos.
I'm going to set up each pair of shoes in a different "enviroment" take shots and then set another.I'm hoping to take photos of 5 diferent pairs of shoes.

For tomorrows shoot I'm planning to take with me:

• cameraNikon D3000 (in its case, with neck strap)
• standard lens 18-55mm
• uv filter (fitted on the camera lens already to protect my lens from UV light)
• additional telephoto lens adaptter and  fish eye lens adapter with macro (both to achieve an unusuall style photographs)
• tripod (in its case, i'll be using my tripod for stabilty, to prevent the camera from shaking which then will help to achieve a sharp, blur free image)
• flash(to compensate for poor lighting conditions)

More details of above equipment in my previous post
http://joanna-ebbbrell.blogspot.com/2011/12/theme-1-and-2-equipment.html

Research theme 1

SHOE

Well for last few days I've been reading through all sorts of articles,blogs and webs,finding out information's and facts about shoes. I must say I am impressed at the amount of information out there about shoe, its history and meanings. The effect it had and still has on our culture,art,music and film.
I want to share some of the information that I've gathered with you and hopefully you will enjoy reading.

Firstly what is a shoe?where its come from?

Denotation of shoe
1. an external covering for the human foot, usually of leather and consisting of a more or less stiff or heavy sole and a lighter upper part ending a short distance above, at, or below the ankle.

History

"The world's oldest leather shoe, made from a single piece of cowhide laced with a leather cord along seams at the front and back, was found in a cave in Armenia in 2008 and is believed to date to 3,500 BC. Ötzi the Iceman's shoes, dating to 3,300 BC, featured brown bearskin bases, deerskin side panels, and a bark-string net, which pulled tight around the foot.
The earliest designs were simple affairs, often mere "foot bags" of leather to protect the feet from rocks, debris, and cold. Since shoes use more leather than sandals, their use was more common in cold climates. By the Middle Ages, turn-shoes had been developed with toggled flaps or drawstrings to tighten the leather around the foot for a better fit. As Europe gained in wealth and power, fancy shoes became status symbols. Toes became long and pointed, often to ridiculous proportions. Artisans createdunique footwear for rich patrons, and new styles developed. Eventually the modern shoe, with a sewn-on sole, was devised. Since the 17th century, most leather shoes have used a sewn-on sole. This remains the standard for finer-quality dress shoes today.Until around 1800, shoes were made without differentiation for the left or right foot. Such shoes are now referred to as "straights".Only gradually did the modern foot-specific shoe become standard.
Since the mid-20th Century, advances in rubber, plastics, synthetic cloth, and industrial adhesives have allowed manufacturers to create shoes that stray considerably from traditional crafting techniques. Leather, which had been the primary material in earlier styles, has remained standard in expensive dress shoes, but athletic shoes often have little or no real leather. Soles, which were once laboriously hand-stitched on, are now more often machine stitched or simply glued on."

Secondly the kinds of shoes there are?
Based on my research I've created my own groups of types of shoes there are.
See below along with examples.

First group can be divided shoes into 3 types which have been decided by who will be wearing them

• men's

• women's

• unisex

Second group would show 4 types, decided on what will the shoes be used for

• work

• Athletics/Sport

• orthopaedic

• dance

There are many more, but I feel it will take me forever to be adding them all,and  probably would bore you a little.

Shoes in ....
Shoes have an important role  in today's culture,often they being used symbolically in literature ("Cinderella's story"), music ("Those shoes are made for walking") film ("In her shoes").
Shoes have also an impact in religion(Acts 12:8 "And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me")
People even started to dream about them because of what we have a variety of shoe dream meanings.
We have also came up with a number of shoe quotes over the years like: "fill someones shoes", "shoe is on the other foot" and many, many more.

Interesting fact
A first Biodegradable shoe was introduced in November 2007 by Brooks sports.
BioMoGo is a first biodegradable non toxic midsole. Blazing a new trail in the athletic by offering runners more environmentally friendly footwear.this midsole s to biodegrade 50 times faster than conventional sports shoes.It was said that by using BioMoGo in its shoes Brooks will save nearly 30million pounds of landfill waste over a 20year period.

Google search
Monthly people google the work SHOE around 68,000.000 times

Ref:
Wikipedia Online encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoe
Dictionary.com
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/shoe
Nationall Geographic Online
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/06/100609-worlds-oldest-leather-shoe-armenia-science/
 Bible topics
http://www.bible-topics.com/Shoes.html
 The Corporate Social Responsibilty Newswire Press Release
http://www.csrwire.com/press_release
Images found onlne in google search box

theme 1 Shoot Planning

For last couple of days I've been taking some photographs at home(will be posted within next couple of days) but for tomorrow I'm planning to do some of my outdoor shoe photographs.
I've checked the weather forecast and as its predicts rain I'll ensure I'm wearing water proof and warm  coat along with appropriate footwear as well as an umbrella to protect my equipment.
For my and other peoples safety I've asked a family member to assist me, I'll also need his help with the equipment that I'll be taking with me.
I'm thinking of taking my photos around noon time when the sun is directly above, the shadows are short and deep, but as its suppose to be a cloudy day I'm not sure if i'll ahieve the effect that I'm trying to go for. I'll try to make the best use of the natural light without using a flash.
I'm planning to take some shoots of shoes of people passing by as well as ask my family member to pose in his pair of shoes, maybe additional pair to change into.
If the weather conditions will prove hard to work in I plan to go to a familiar photo studio and shoot some of my own shoes there.


For tomorrows shoot I'm planning to take with me:

• camera Nikon D3000 (in its case, with neck strap)
• standard lens 18-55mm
• uv filter (fitted on the camera lens already to protect my lens from UV light)
• additional telephoto lens adaptter (to achieve a different style photographs and to help to get an extra depth of field)
• additional fish eye lens adapter with macro (to achieve an unusuall style photographs)
• tripod (in its case, i'll be using my tripod for stabilty, to prevent the camera from shaking which then will help to achieve a sharp, blur free image)

More details of above equipment in my previous post
http://joanna-ebbbrell.blogspot.com/2011/12/theme-1-and-2-equipment.html

Theme 1 and 2 equipment

I thought it will be useful if I write something about the "gear" I'll be using.
1. NIKON D3000 DSLR CAMERA





CAMERA SPECIFICATIONS
Effective pixels  -10.2 million
Image sensor - CCD sensor, 23.6 x 15.8 mm; total pixels: 10.75 million; Nikon DX-format
Image size (pixels)  -3,872 x 2,592 [L]; 2,896 x 1,944 [M]; 1,936 x 1,296 [S]
Sensitivity - ISO 100 to 1600 in steps of 1 EV. Can also be set to approx. 1 EV above ISO 1600 (ISO 3200 equivalent), ISO sensitivity auto control available
Storage media - SD memory cards, SDHC compliant
Monitor - 3.0-in., approx. 230k-dot TFT LCD, and brightness adjustment
Exposure metering - 3D Color Matrix Metering II, Center-weighted, and Spot Metering
Exposure modes - Auto modes (auto, auto [flash off]), scene modes (Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close up, Night portrait), programmed auto with flexible program (P), shutter-priority auto (S), aperture-priority auto (A), manual (M
Interface - Hi-Speed USB
Power sources - One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL9a
Information provided from http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/dslr/d3000/index.htm

You can also find more details for Nikon D3000 on Nikon guide


2. AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm STANDARD LENS




Key Features
3x zoom lens covering the most frequently used focal range of 18 to 55mm (picture angle is equivalent to focal length from 27 to 82.5mm in Nikon FX-format camera or 35mm-format camera)
Vibration Reduction enables sharper pictures while shooting at shutter speeds up to three stops slower than would otherwise be possible
Hybrid aspherical lens element minimizes lens aberration
Nikon’s exclusive Silent Wave Motor ensures fast, quiet autofocus operation
0.28 m/0.9 ft. closest focus distance throughout the entire zoom range

Specifications
Focal length  - 18-55mm
Maximum aperture - f/3.5-5.6
Minimum aperture - f/22-36
Lens construction - elements in 8 groups (1 aspherical lens element)
Picture angle -76° - 28°50'
Closest focusing distance - 0.28m/0.9ft (throughout the entire focal range)
Maximum reproduction ratio - 1/3.2
No. of diaphragm blades -7 (rounded)
Filter/attachment size - 52mm
Diameter x length (extension from lens mount)
Appproximately 73 x 79.5 mm/2.9 x 3.1 in.
Information provided from http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/lens/zoom/normalzoom/af-s_dx_18-55mmf_35-56g_vr/


3. 52MM WIDE ANGLE LENS ADAPTER

0.45 X HD HIGH DEFINITION SUPER WIDE ANGLE LENS WITH MACRO



Key features:
0.45X Professional Deluxe High Definition Super Wide Angle Lens
Built-in MACRO lens for extreme close-up shots
Professional High Definition: PHD Lens reduces glass flare & ghosting caused by reflections
Special Element Frame: Special matte aluminium satin finish frame reduces reflections & optimised photography
Premium Rimmed Glass: High quality rimmed glass reduces light reflection around lens edge
Infrared Compatible: For high resolution day & night photography
AF / Infrared Compatible

"Super wide angle lenses can distort the image and have a limited, if vlaluable,use.Because the angle if view of the wide-angle lens is much greater than that of the telephoto or standard lens.it's obviously the lens to use where there's limited spaceor the subject is large.Using a wide-angle offers the ability to get close to your main subject to make it more prominent in the frane while keeping as much of the background in focus as you want."


Information provided from Manufacturer of the lens, and quote from the National Geographic Ultimnate Field Guide to Photography.

4. 52MM SUPER FISHEYE LENS ADAPTER 0.25X



WITH +12.5 MACRO
Camera Conversion Lens
High Definition Fisheye Lens
Outer Mount/Thread: 52mm
Magnification: 0.25X
Mechanism(mm): 69.5x56.5
Element/Glass: 3-3
Roll flower: None
Macro  +12.5

Even though  fisheye lenses are limited in use I think they can produce some unusual effects.
Its an extremely wide angle lens and it has a super short focal lenght, that adapter can produce up to 180 degrees,either circular or a full frame image that is very distorted at the edges.

5. FLASH SPEEDLIGHT YN-460 YN460




This flash speedlight YN-460 has a lots of functions, such as:
Reflector/Soft board, Diffusing board, Optic control sensor, Assist light, Flash head, Battery cover, Lock ring, Hot shoe mount, Connect point
Mode select button, Pilot signal light, Mode Button, Power Switch, Mode select indicator, Test button, Flash power level button, mini stand.


Key Features:
Circuit Design -Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT)
Colour temperature - 5600K
Flash Duration - 1/800S - 1/20000S
Flash Adjustment - "7 difference flash power level ( 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64 )
Power saving - Stand by mode, 30mins to power off mode. 60mins to power off when using the optic mode
Vertical rotation angle - 0~90 degree
Horizontal rotation angle - 0 ~270 degree


Information provided from the Manual leaflet.


6. UV FILTER


Key Features:
Generic 52mm Camera UV Filter Lens
Absorbs the ultraviolet rays which often makes outdoor photographs hazy and indistinct.
A multi-purpose, fine-weather filter for colour as well as black and white
films. Also serves as a permanent lens protector.
Super High Resolution Filter
High Quality Crystal Optics Filter

Information provided from Manual leaflet

7. TRIPOD



Tripods are used for both still and motion photography to prevent camera movement.
They are necessary when slow-speed exposures are being made, or when telephoto lenses are used, as any camera movement while the shutter is open will produce a blurred image. In the same vein, they reduce camera shake, and thus are instrumental in achieving maximum sharpness. A tripod is also helpful in achieving precise framing of the image, or when more than one image is being made of the same scene, for example when bracketing the exposure. Use of a tripod may also allow for a more thoughtful approach to photography. For all of these reasons a tripod of some sort is often necessary for professional photography as well as certain video uses. Tripods are also used as an alternative to C-Stands to photographic accessories.

Information provided from online encylopedia wikipedia
For more info http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camera_tripod

8. OTHER

Few other items that i'll need whilist working on both of my theme's will be
Water proof clothing
Water proof and comfortable shoes.

Research theme 1

Eric Kim an international street photographer currently based in Los Angeles.
He shoot in cities such as Paris, London, Korea, Rome, Florence, Venice, Prague, Switzerland, and Lebanon.
His blog work is was created mostly for sharing his passion for street photography.
Its full off usefull tips about street photography as well as information on inspirational street photographers from all around the globe.

The most useful to me post from his blog has to be "6 Tips How to Shoot Street Photographs of People’s Shoes".
That post was one of the reasons I chose Shoes as my theme, it's full of usefull information(see link below)

http://erickimphotography.com/blog/2011/06/6-tips-how-to-shoot-street-photographs-of-peoples-shoes-that-dont-stink/

Some of Eric's work:

Research theme 1

Wolf Kettler is on if the photographers I've chosen as an inspriation for my first theme.
Wolf have been a photographer almost all his life.
It all began with a good, all manual camera that he won in a raffle at a local festival when he was seven and a half years old.
Since then,he says he has never been without a camera.
His work has been published and exhibited internationally and featured on television.
His photographs have been exhibited at:

Sashay Gallery, Devizes, Britain
Agfa Professional Portfolio
Sunprint Gallery, Madison, WI, USA
Atelier Café, Steyr, Austria
Bildungshaus Schloss Puchberg, Wels, Austria



Editorial clients and publications include the British Journal of Photography (BJP), infolab magazine,
Digital Photographer magazine, Marlborough Living magazine, Wiltshire Magazine, Rondo Magazin,
Gazette & Herald, Brym, Camera Club, Foto Report, Kehrseite,
Your Cat magazine and Projekt-IL.

Couple of his quotes:

"I believe that everybody is beautiful — it just depends on how you look at them."

"I love the act of creating photographs. I can sit for hours in one place, photographing all the little things that I see."

Information and images found on Wolf's website and his blog
http://www.wolfkettler.co.uk/blog/
http://www.wolfkettler.co.uk/

Some of Wolf's work below:

Statement of intent theme 1 Shoes

Statement of intent

 

Theme: Alternative assignment approved by the tutor / Shoe

Title of the theme: If the shoe fits (wear it) 

Intentions/purpose of the photography to be undertaken 

I'm going to choose shoes as the main focus of my project.

My images will be divided in 2 groups, colour images of shoes,set up in different theme's, and black & white images of people wearing shoes mostly outdoor.

I believe through careful selection of my subjects(kinds of shoes) I will be able to present/ express feelings and mood within an image and I intend to express different statements /meanings of what they represent.

My 10 images will be published on my blog as well as presented in a portfolio as a 8x6 prints.

Reasons for selection of theme (including inspiration from the work of others)

I have chosen shoes as my theme for 2 reasons, one personal which would be my own what I would call “addiction” for shoes possession. I find it fascinating how big of effect such a thing like shoes have on our day to day life.

Second reason would be inspiration of street photographer Eric Kim, and Wolf Kettler.

I want to look at the techniques that they have used (such as composition, use of lighting etc) in creating their photographs and use that knowledge to help me with my images.

   

The photo imaging equipment and medium that will be used and why

I'll be using my Nikon D3000 camera, with a standard lens size 18-55mm and a UV filter lens. I'll also use lens adaptors 0.45x super wide angle lens with macro as well as 2x telephoto high definition lens.

For my indoor images where lighting can often be poor I intent to use an additional flash Speedlite YN460. Most of images will be taken whilst hand holding my camera but I might require setting my tripod up on the outdoor projects.

Techniques that will be used and how they will help convey the visual message 

I am hoping to capture some subjects with a shallow depth of field and blur out the background.

I will try and shoot my images at different angles to make them more interesting

There will be some image manipulation and for this I will be using Photoshop elements 9 and lightroom.

How light quality can be used to help convey the visual message

As previously mentioned for indoor images I intend to use an additional flash, for outdoor I am hoping that the day light will be enough but if necessary I will increase the ISO setting to compensate for low lighting conditions. The manipulation of lighting will hopefully help bring out the subject's meaning.

Safety considerations

At the outdoor shoots I must be aware of pedestrians as well as road users. I have to make sure that my equipment is not a hazards for anyone, that is safely set up and visible to everyone. For my safety someone must always be aware of my were about's as well as what gear I have got with me. In case of poor weather conditions I must have water proof clothing and shoes.

For indoor shoots I will be taking everyday health and safety prospects into consideration.

Statement of intent continued

In addition to the intentions stated on sheet 1 please give me indication of:

Legal aspects,ethical consideration, copyright, permissions, release forms

For my outdoor shoots I have to obtain permissions of people that I intent to take photos of(precisely their shoe wear).

Few photos will be taken at my friends house (images of her kids) I have her permission to take those and she is aware those images will be published on my blog and that this is a part of my College work project.

In addition it is possible that an assistant could be employed/or a family member would be asked in order to help with carrying the equipment and setting up the subjects scene's.

 

shoes

For last few days I've been taking some shoots in regards to my final theme SHOES, I've tried few things/techniques that we have been learning at the college. Colour was the main focus for me.

One of the photographers that I've been recently following is Wolf Kettler an ill be using his work as inspiration for my final theme.
In his blog he present a passion for shoes, "Purely visual and professional, of course. The tension in the design between an arched sole and the gentle curvature of a strict heel appeals to the photographer’s eye." Which I agree with, there is something about how the shoe looks like,what it means to us and how we present it to the viewers.

Below a couple of his photographs and underneath my own interpretations.



College class work White balance / portraits

Two weeks ago our class work involved looking at The Guardian's personal portraits selection, and taking images that could be used by the Guardian. Below photos of Lynn,Roger, Dave and Darren.
Images were slightly cropped.

Couple of weeks ago we were taking photos with different selections of white balance on our cameras, along with learning of white balance adjustment and the effect it ha got on the images.
Taken with Nikon D3000, standard lens 18-55mm, ISO 100, F5.6, S1/8

WB Incandescent

WB Fluorescent

WB Direct sunlight

WB Flash

WB Cloudy

WB Shade

week 10 poetry

This week's challenge was Poetry, not really my thing but I gave it a go :)

All photos taken with my Nikon D3000, standard lens plus a High definition 0.45x super wide angle lens with macro.

ISO 200, F5.3, S1/6, WB flash

ISO 200, F5.6, S1/6, WB flash

ISO 200, F5, S1/6, WB auto

Christmas market's week 9

Trying to make up for missing the Christmas markets trip, yesterday I've put our decoration's up and as the spirit was high I've taken the opportunity to do a few shots within the Christmas theme.  Below few photos I've chosen :) All images taken with my Nikon D3000, Manual mode

ISO 400, F5 S 1/2 WB direct sunlight

ISO 400, F5, S1/4, WB direct sunlight

ISO 400, F5, S1/2, WB flash

ISO 400, F5, S1/3, WB flash

ISO 400, F5, S1/3, WB flash

ISO 400, F5, S1/3, WB direct sunlight

ISO 400, F5.3 , S1/3, WB flash

ISO 400, F5 , S1/2, In shutter priority mode