PH323: W4A1: Set Up



Discussion Assignment 
NOTE: This assignment is due the same day as your W4A2!

Assignment 1: Using the Weather Outside, Regardless of the Conditions
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.

 If you've been photographing "senior portraits" - you'll continue with this sub-genre.  If you've been photographing "children" or "fashion" - you'll continue with this sub-genre. 
 
Assignment Overview
The sun is the largest light source a photographer can utilize. This can be a powerful tool to have in your disposal, but it all depends on how you can manipulate and control sunlight. In this exercise you will be using the sun (if available) as a back light or hair light and overpowering the sunlight (including filling in harsh shadows) with your strobes or a flash unit.  Check out the video below to learn more:



Below are links to the articles mentioned in the video:

https://iso.500px.com/backlight-natural-light-portrait-photo-tutorial/

http://photographyconcentrate.com/make-your-photos-magical/

http://mcpactions.com/2010/10/04/avoid-the-flashy-look-learn-to-use-fill-flash-in-your-portraits/

Below is a link to "Strobox.com" so you can research similar lighting schemes that use the sun as a backlight and a strobe or off camera flash as fill:

http://strobox.com/

You must use the existing outdoor lighting conditions in combination with your strobes or flash unit to create a portrait. This must be done in any kind of weather situation even rain. (Check the weather forecast this week and plan accordingly.) Below is a suggested lighting scheme:



Note: the sun must be behind your model.  Your fill light (strobe or off camera flash) must produce soft light - umbrella, strobe, octobox, or diffuser for flash. Your fill light should be positioned in front of your model or off to the side slightly.  You may choose to use two fill lights if needed.

Being able to improvise by using an umbrella or finding an overhang to shoot under will make you a stand out as a photographer. (Do not expose electricity/plugs to rain/water as this presents risk of electrocution.)

All too often the sunny day portrait is the only outdoor portrait in a portfolio. Shooting in different weather conditions will make your portfolio stand out.  When the weather does not cooperate with your plans, you have to go with "Plan B"; ensure that you have a back-up location in mind and plan accordingly.
Assignment Description
Begin scouting out an aesthetically pleasing location and monitoring how the sun looks at various hours of the day. Consider its position and the effect it has on the background, the shadows, and the overall color temperature.

Photograph a new test subject (5+ years and older) in this location and determine if it is the correct environment for the final project shoot you will perform this week.

Choose a location that does not have a lot of distracting elements in the background.  Consider the overall color of your environment and what your subject is wearing; stylize this test shoot.

Use your handheld light meter to meter the light. Take a photograph of you using your handheld light meter on your new subject.  Include photograph in your contact sheet to avoid loosing points.

Take a wide-angle image of your lighting scheme.  Ensure that this image clearly shows the proper gear and where the sun was positioned in relation to your new subject.  Include photograph in your contact sheet to avoid loosing points.

Shoot both horizontal and vertical images; zoom in and out - adjust the focal length; shoot from different angles.

While you are photographing your test subject, take note of the conceptual and technical concerns when shooting in outdoor conditions. You will be writing a 500-word statement on your production document and sharing your thoughts with your peers.
Assignment Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Scout a location for this shoot. Photograph in the location with a new subject.
  2. By Week 4, Day 5, post your contact sheet named PH323_W4_A1_lastname_firstinitial_contactsheet.pdf to the Discussion Area. Submit a contact sheet that contains at least 20 images.
    1. Ensure that your contact sheet is created according to Course Standards.
    2. Include the image of your handheld light meter in use at your location in your contact sheet; measure the incident light when shooting. Include image in your contact sheet. 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.


    3. Include a wide-angle image of your lighting scheme; ensure that image clearly shows where the sun was - where your strobe light with accessory was - and where both of these light were positioned in relation to your new subject.
    4. Refer back to past assignments to see how to properly take a photograph of your handheld light meter and wide-angle image of your lighting scheme.
      1. 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:

  3. Prepare a 500-word statement on the photographic process noting conceptual and technical concerns. In this statement include the following:
    • Reason for Location
    • Subject and Background Relationship
    • Depth of Field
    • Technical Issues
    • Conceptual Issues
    • Final Lighting Solution and Schematic: Create a diagram of the lighting set up, shown from overhead, establishing positions of the camera, subject, sun, and strobe lights or position of flash unit. Also include exposure readings for all sources and final camera exposure settings.
      • Refer to the post in the Questions for the Professor section to download your "Lighting Scheme PSD" to use for this portion of the assignment. 
      • Once you've created your Lighting Scheme, flatten the PSD file, and save it as a JPEG and include it in your contact sheet. (Ensure to "Save As" vs. "Save" so you do not ruin the original file and may use it again.)
  4. By Week 4, Day 6, comment and respond to at least two of your peers' portraits.
Assignment 1 Grading Criteria
Maximum Points
Submitted a contact sheet that contained a test subject that:
  • Successfully mixes artificial light and natural light.
  • Has correct exposure and demonstrates technical knowledge of camera and lighting control.
  • Exhibits creativity with angles and composition (moving camera and subject frequently to explore the angles).
  • Shows attention to composition and design elements.
  • Follows instructions and requirements for assignment.
40
Provided a 500-word production document that depicts the proposed photographic process and lighting solution.
20
Provided substantive feedback to at least two peers. Commented on the composition, subject, and lighting decisions in their photographs.
10
Total:
70
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.





    Arrow Use the Respond link to post responses and materials that pertain to this assignment. Use the Respond link beneath any existing postings to respond to them.


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