Exercise 2: Aperture, ISO & Shutter Speed

25.01.2017 & 26.01.2017 (Week 2)
Adrian Charles Chee Yew Chen (300666425)
Introduction to Photography

Exercise 2: Aperture, ISO & Shutter Speed

Lecture:

At the start of the second class, Mr Vinod opened almost all of our blogs one by one to briefly go through the images they had selected for the first exercise given. He asked the students to give a short explanation on why they chose the photos. Mr Vinod taught us about the 'holy trinity' of photography which were the aperture, ISO and shutter speed. He also mentioned that there is a 4th element in photography that is not entirely in our control which is light (natural light). Aperture controls the amount of light entering the lens and the main stops for aperture are 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16 and 22. These stops are called the f-stops. The smaller the f-stop, the wider the hole of the lens. This can bring about two effects which are the darkening or lightening of the image, and the depth of field of the image. The lower the f-spot, the more shallow the depth of field of the image and vice versa. We conducted two exercises in class to prove that the aperture does affect the amount of light entering the lens and also the depth of field. Next, Mr Vinod explained about the ISO which is the number indicating a digital camera sensor's sensitivity to light. Lower ISO would require more light to capture a proper photo than high ISO. Lower ISO would also result in images with the least visible noise (black spots in the image), which is more desirable. The main stops for ISO are 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 and 6400. We did an exercise in class to prove that ISO affects exposure and sensitivity to light. Last but not least, Mr Vinod taught us on shutter speed which is the duration of time the shutter remains open to allow light to reach a digital camera's sensor. Higher shutter speed will result in the 'freezing' of fast-moving objects. Mr Vinod informed us that 1/30th of a second is the last 'non-tripod' shutter speed to get a clear image. In addition to that, we also performed a class activity together to create a Chinese New Year 2017 greetings through light trails as well as a solo shot of one of our classmates, Asif. 

For the CNY 17 greetings, we had the camera on the tripod. The camera's settings were (-------). The most important element at play for this shot was the shutter speed as well as good timing by those trying to form the alphabets and shapes. They needed to time it so that it takes them exactly 2 seconds from start to finish to draw out their alphabet or shape. This is because the camera's shutter speed was set to 2 seconds. 

For Asif's solo shot, we offed all of the lights in the classroom and used 5 phone flashlights to create the affect seen in the image above. 3 flashlights to shine on Asif and the other 2 flashlights to create the light trails behind him. The camera's settings were (--------). Once again, the most important element for this shot was the shutter speed. The 3 flashlights were required to 'paint' Asif's sides throughout the entire 10 seconds (shutter speed was set to 10 seconds). This is to create the effect that he had lights shining on the sides of his face while the centre part remains dark and mysterious. It was not easy trying to create the perfect shot for this as it requires some trial and error in order to achieve the right balance of light shining upon him.

Instructions:

• a) Aperture (in-class) Exercise Instruction:

Upon reading, viewing and discussing the material on aperture, we have come to agree that aperture affects exposure (Exercise 2a.1) and controls depth of field (Exercise 2a.2).

Your problem task today is to prove the theory as fact that aperture does effect exposure (Exercise 2a.1) and control depth of field (Exercise 2a.2) by devising a plan and acting on it.

When updating your ePortfolio ensure you describe your plan before showcasing the evidence that proves the theory.

All images must be in black and white, you can make the adjustment in the camera (if the feature is available) or make the adjustment later in an approprite software or Photoshop (directions: Image > Adjust > Black & White)

• Exercise 2c: ISO

Upon discussing the material on ISO, we have come to agree that ISO effects exposure (Exercise 2c.1) and effects the quality of an image (Exercise 2c.2).

Your in-class task today, requires you to prove that:

2c.1) ISO effects exposure

2c.2) ISO effects the quality of an image by increasing the noise and grain of a picture.

---

Exercise 2b

Upon discussing the material on Shutter Speed in along with the discussions and exercises on Aperture and ISO, we have come to understand that Shutter Speed affects exposure and effects visibility of moving objects. While the evidence of shutter speeds affect on exposure is already evident in the Aperture and ISO exercise, the evidence of Shutter Speeds affect on moving objects has yet to be proven.

Your task in Exercise 2b is to showcase evidence of Shutter Speeds ability to freeze fast moving objects or blur moving objects.

Exercise 2a.1 Aperture affects exposure

Shutter Speed : 1/8 sec

Aperture : 5.6

ISO : 3200

Shutter Speed : 1/8 sec

Aperture : 22
ISO : 3200

Exercise 2a.2 Aperture controls depth of field

Shutter Speed : 1/15 sec

Aperture : 5.6
ISO : 6400

Shutter Speed : 1 sec

Aperture : 22

ISO : 6400

Exercise 2c.1 ISO affects exposure

Shutter Speed : 1/2 sec

Aperture : 16

ISO : 3200 

Shutter Speed : 1/2 sec

Aperture : 16

ISO : 12800

Shutter Speed : 1/2 sec

Aperture : 16

ISO : 100

Exercise 2c.2 ISO effects the quality of an image by increasing the noise and grain of a picture.

Shutter Speed : 2 secs

Aperture : 5.6

ISO : 100

Shutter Speed : 1/60 sec

Aperture : 5.6

ISO : 12800

Exercise 2b Showcase evidence of Shutter Speeds ability to freeze fast moving objects or blur moving objects.

Shutter Speed : 1/30 sec
Aperture : 4
ISO : 200

Shutter Speed : 1/800 sec
Aperture : 4
ISO : 6400

Feedback:

There are no feedback yet for this week's exercise.

Reflection:

Experience:

Working on this task made me appreciate a photographer's efforts much more. It has made me realize that taking a proper photograph is not as easy as just by a click of a button. It requires thorough knowledge and understanding of the basics of photography, patience, steady hands and a great sense of instinct and timing. It has also made me appreciate shots to freeze a moving object as I had the most difficulty with that exercise. It was not easy to get the right settings, lightings and timing while also trying to keep the main object focused by the camera for that very moment. 


Observations:

While working on this task, I came to notice that all three of the main elements in photography (ISO, Aperture & Shutter Speed) are inter-related and interdependent. Altering one of these elements would require us to adjust the others to ensure the proper exposure for a perfect photograph.  


Findings:

When I was doing exercise 2a, I found that aperture does in fact exposure and controls the depth of field. When my aperture was at 5.6, the picture had the right exposure but when I increased it to 22, the exposure was incorrect which resulted in a darkened image. As for exercise 2c, I found out that ISO too affects the exposure as well as the level of noise in an image. I presented 3 images for exercise 2c.1, one with the right ISO, one with high ISO and another with low ISO. The pictures turned out to be in perfect exposure, too bright and too dark respectively. Through exercise 2b, I found that shutter speed can freeze or blur moving objects. The first image had a pretty low shutter speed which resulted in a blurry image of the moving object whereas the second image had very high shutter speed which managed to freeze the moving object in mid-air. 

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

11.01.2017 (Week 1)
Adrian Charles Chee Yew Chen (300666425)
Introduction to Photography

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

Lecture:

This was the first class for the semester. Mr. Vinod introduced himself and had a short ice-breaking session with everyone who was in class. He proceeded to inform us regarding what this class is about and what we require during this course. Mr. Vinod then explained more about himself, what he has done in his field of work and what he is currently doing in his career. He also showed us some samples of photographs shot by him to further help us get a better picture of what we were in for. He ended the class early (because it was the first class) with a reminder of what we need to bring along next week for class which was a camera with manual function and a tripod stand as well as a short briefing on what our first exercise would be.

Instructions:

• Write your e-portfolio and upload the 10 images along with the description.
• Print A4 hardcopy of the 10 selected images with the description following the instructions (margin, font, etc.) given in class and place it in your hardcopy (portfolio) folder.

Here are the five pictures which I took by myself using my cellphone camera.

1. This is a picture which I took very recently. It was the first time ever that I played with any kind of settings and options available on a standard camera application on the phone. I tried my best to take a shot of the lighted billboard of an advertisement and managed to get a decently clear enough image of it. I'm quite proud of this shot as I never had any experience with photography and could never take a picture of something bright during the night. This image was taken along LDP.

2. I took this picture on the 2nd of November 2016. 2nd of November, All Soul's Day is the day where Catholics around the world would come to pay respects to the deceased. I like this image because it was something which I shot that wasn't too straightforward and ordinary. I also liked that the shot gave a vintage and solemn feel with the help of the position of the row of candles along the grave. This image was taken back in Taiping, Perak.

3. This image was taken at the boot of my father's car. I liked this image because, although the random placement of those items seemed scattered and messy, it still looked somewhat photogenic and somehow in the right places. 

4. I chose this image as I feel like it was a pretty good wide shot of the car being displayed along with the singer who unveils the car through a solid performance. This picture was taken in the grand ballroom of the Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

5. I like this captured image because I feel that it is a good wide shot of all the works of the artists. It may seem quite disorganized but I feel that there is a sense of artistry in how everything on display is everywhere. This picture was taken at Pasar Seni.

Next, here are the five photographs captured by photographers from different countries or continents.

1. The first picture below is taken by photographer Mark Gee from New Zealand. He has a passion for Astrophotography and takes many mesmerizing shots of the beauty of the night sky. Here is the story behind the shot he took, "Just after 3am, the Milky Way shines brightly above The Gap at Castlepoint, as the nearby lighthouse illuminates the surrounding landscape. Castlepoint is on the south east coast of the North Island of New Zealand just a few hours from from the capital city of Wellington." I like this picture because much thoughts were put into perfect alinement between the beauty of the night sky and the land.

2. The next picture was taken by photographer Max Rive from the Netherlands. He is extremely passionate towards mountain photography. I like this image because of the wonderful natural colours of the forest with the misty mountain as the background. 

3. The image below is taken by photographer Kilian Schönberger, a landscape and travel photographer from Germany. I like this photograph because of the lighting in the forest. The photographer also definitely chose a suitable spot to take the picture. It shows us the path that stretches all the way to the end of the horizon.

4. The image below was taken by photographer Vincent Favre of France. He is a nature and landscape photography enthusiast and takes many magnificent shots playing around with reflections. I like this image because of how well he positioned the capture, perfectly creating proportionate reflections on the clear waters.

5. Lastly, the image below was captured by Peter Lik, a fine art photographer from Australia. The reason why I like this photograph is because it is really very plain but extremely detailed. The timing of when the picture was taken was also perfect, resulting in such clear details that even the fine water droplets are easily visible.


                 

Feedback:

There are no feedbacks yet as this is the very first class and exercise.

General Feedback:
Mr Vinod advised all of us to take note of the photographers credited by all the students in their blog posts so that we can search more about these photographers. Mr Vinod also told us to look up on Herb Ritts, Mark Seliger (photographer who shot for Rolling Stones), Prabuddha Dasgupta (fashion photographer), Richard Avedon and Manoj Jhadav. 

Reflection:

Experience:

When we were given this first exercise to do, I immediately felt very demotivated and discouraged as I have never before had any proper experience with photography. It was not easy at all trying my best to complete this task to my level best but I persevered and ensured that I completed this task before the deadline even though I did not feel confident at all.

Observations:

It was my actual first time going through the photographs which I took and carefully analyzing them. It was also a first time for me to go through professional works by photographers and carefully observing their work to see what captured my attention. Through this exercise, I begin to take notice of other details in a photograph which I may have not bothered before.

Findings:

From this first exercise, I have learnt to be more open towards new challenges in life namely, photography. It has opened my eyes and mind towards photography and how it is not just 'one simple click' of a button. I found out that in order to get a good photograph, a great amount of patience, perseverance, timing and foresight is required. After all, we will not be able to capture a great image if we fail to first visualize that great image in our mind.