Photo Assignment Still Life

 

The first picture in this series was taken at 4:45AM, in one of a number of similar rooms in my home, before the natural light of the sun illuminates this room. No camera flash was necessary. Establishing the composition and environment was essential to capturing the intended essence of this photograph. This is to say, the backdrop, setting, and visual sets the thematic impact. Note that the depth of field aperture is distinctively clear despite being wide, capturing the relative size of the room with the central subject-matter of the photograph. The photographer’s framing draws the viewers’ eyes to the Chinese floor cabinet, specifically the oriental clock, and Ritual Candle regardless of the coffee table and other objects in and beyond the room. This is done with manipulating slow ISO and a soft light impact in the primary room. Amazingly, this is all accomplished with a soft light backdrop.

The second picture introduces the subtle presence of morning sunlight as the camera’s focus is sharpened on the subject matter. It creates a hard light impact. The background is a plain white wall, which only heightens the photo viewer’s sense of attention on the subject-matter objects. The natural lighting does not distract or offer a glare with the curtains slightly opened, it gives just enough illumination to permit the photo viewer to inspect or discover the finer details and artwork on the subject matter at an angle.

In the third picture, the depth of the field aperture is all consumingly close, clear, and intentionally so. The scope of the photo introduces the framed portrait above, which adds a layer of depth the viewer has forgotten or not visually considered since the first photo. Yet the focus of this picture is laser on point. The details of the subject matter are so crystal clear, the viewer can reach into the photo and touch the objects. Note that unlike the sharp change from picture one to picture two, picture two, three, and four all make use of the same light setting with a hard light impact. 

 

 

The fourth picture introduces the magic of angles or point of view, which to the human eye manipulates posture even when the subject matter objects aren’t physically moved. The photo viewers’ eyes are forced to shift by the photographer. This takes us back to the magic of manipulating composition which is “how the elements of a photo are arranged. It can be made up of many different elements, or only a few. It's how the artist puts those things within a frame that help a photograph become more or less interesting to the viewer.” Note that depth is added with the angle shot accompanied with subtle sunlight because the artwork on the Chinese floor cabinet becomes more apparent and detailed. As does the clock and the Roman Ritual Candle. 

 

Picture or photograph five introduces viewers to my approach to thinking creatively, which is “letting the outside world drop away and creating images that come forth from your heart and soul.“ I did this in layers, using the dramatic visual theme of working my way inward from the room, to the subject matter objects, to the clock itself and making the viewer think of time passing; After all, the candle is neither lit or displaying any action. It’s all about the clock ticking ever forward, that’s the final visual impression. That’s the subliminal influence of photography when it’s done conceptually. 

 

Picture six is an example of a picture you do not want to keep. The integrity and presence of this street level clock in the County Seat of Prince George’s County, Maryland is visually drowned out in the overpowering image of the County Administration Building. The skill of establishing and changing the Depth of Field Aperture is apparent. But, the depth and visual perception applied to this photo is poor. It’s a terrible picture.

 

Picture seven is a good picture, the subject matter is well framed, the natural light shortly before dusk is well used with a maximizing impact that draws attention directly to the street level clock. The integrity of the primary subject matter dominates the viewer’s attention, but one still takes note of the courthouse, library, and municipal buildings in the relevant distance.

 

Photograph eight captures all the positives in picture seven. It’s improved because the focus is narrowed.

 

Picture nine is very ideal. This picture incorporates the challenge of employing Depth of Field Aperture and concepts we have covered in the Photo Idea Index in this course FNAR 237 Digital Photography 1.