PH323: W3A1: Set Up

Assignment 1: Mixed Lighting Environment Exercise Note: You will be using the same environment and concept for your final project this week—make sure it fits your chosen genre of portraiture. Assignment Overview This week's lecture focused on complex interiors and mixed lighting situations. Lighting a room is a complicated task for a photographer, but when you add a human subject, the task becomes even more challenging. While the subject is the main focus of the photograph, the room becomes an important supporting element that can make or break your photograph depending on how you choose to light it and what key elements of the room are visible. Not only the lighting is important - but also the stylizing of the room: what furniture or props do you need to "tell a story" about the person you're photographing. The combination of all the room lights, subject, and composition, tell the story of your subject in one still image. The purpose of this assignment is to scout and tryout the location that you will use to photograph your subject for the component of the Final Project assignment that is due this week. Assignment Description For this assignment you will be selecting a complex mixed indoor lighting environment containing a source of artificial light and light from a window. Choose a room that has ample natural light coming through a door or window. You will create a two light scenario for this assignment.  The subject in your photographs must be lit using a strobe as a key light; attach your soft-box to the key light to create a soft light.  You may use another softbox for your fill light or you can choose to use a snoot, grid, or barn doors for a hair-light.  Choose one: the fill light or the hair-light. For this assignment you will be using a test subject so you can determine how you will approach this week's component of the final project. You will re-utilize this same location to photograph your Final Project subject. By taking these preliminary test shots you will be able to analyze potential shooting angles, light sources, color temperatures, and exposure settings. Your location scouting skills will aid you in the selection of a mixed lighting environment. Below are some examples of mixed lighting environments: An office with a desk, an office lamp, computer screen, and windows. A living room with a TV, room lamps, and windows. A kitchen with recessed lighting, window lighting, and a candle. A lodge with a fireplace, big bay windows, and overhead chandelier. Begin by scouting several mixed light environments and determine which one will work for your final portrait. Be sure to consider the following factors when determining an environment: Your subject and their level of interaction with the environment. Your subject's wardrobe. Props needed to emphasize a meaning or thought. Available lighting sources Time of day of shoot. It is your task to analyze the environment, determine a lighting solution, and apply this solution to your photographic method in order to produce an effective portrayal of a subject. Create a detailed lighting schematic of where you intend to place your strobes and the other light resources in the room in relation to where the subject will be placed.  Use the attached PSD file in the Questions for the Professor section to create the lighting scheme. Once complete, flatten the file, "SAVE AS", and submit as a PDF. Label the PDF "PH323_W3_A1_Lastname_FirstInitial_Lighting Scheme.PDF". Take notes that document your thoughts, ideas, and plans on how you will light the room as well as your subject. Use your test subject to determine the best location for your subject. You will need to document your final lighting solution with a detailed photograph that shows the overall layout of the room, subject position, and location of both artificial and natural lighting sources. Assignment Step-by-Step Instructions Choose a new subject to photograph for the "test shots" and ensure the age of your subject "matches" the sub-genre of Portraiture you said you wanted to work on in this class during W1A3. This should be someone whom you have not photographed for this class before.  This will help create a stronger sense of diversity in your portfolio. Photograph twenty portraits using your test subject with complex indoor mixed lighting environments. Create a contact sheet according to course standards and save your contact sheet as "PH323_W3_A1_Lastname_FirstInitial_contact.PDF" Include one wide-angle image that shows your "2 light" set-up and as much of the environment as possible; ensure that it's clear where the natural light was coming from in your shot.  Include the wide angle lighting scheme in your contact sheet.  Ensure that all of the gear you are using is clearly displayed in the image.  When photographing a human model, ensure that your photo is clearly showing where your lights were in relation to the subject.  Please see the examples below: Take a photograph of your handheld light meter in use (similar to what you've done during the past weeks).  Include the image of your handheld light meter in your contact sheet as well. Please note: If instructor is not able to read the information on the screen of your handheld light meter, you will not receive points for using it. Submit your assignment to the Discussion Area by Week 3, Day 5. By Week 3, Day 6, comment and respond to at least two of your peers. Assignment 1 Grading Criteria Maximum Points Submitted a contact sheet created according to course standards that contained a test subject in a mixed lighting environment, a clear lighting schematic (wide-angle shot showing set-up of a 2 light scheme), and an image showing the handheld light meter in proper use: Have correct exposure and demonstrate technical knowledge of camera and lighting control. Exhibit creativity with angles and composition (moving camera and subject frequently to explore the angles). Show attention to composition and design elements. Follow instructions and requirements for assignment. 30 Provided a production document that depicts the proposed photographic process in regards to props, wardrobe, lighting, and subject considerations. Provided a 250-word written statement in the body of the post noting approach student to to assignment and choices made regarding lighting. 5 Provided substantive feedback to at least two peers. Commented on the composition, subject, and lighting decisions in their photographs. 5 Total: 40 For assistance with any problems you may have when completing this assignment—OR—to offer your assistance to classmates, please use the Problems and Solutions Discussion area located through the left side navigation link.

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