Sunday, February 7, 2010
The Lecture Today.
Really interesting and informative. :) Jing showed us a lot of pictures that had either the Fibonacci rectangle, Golden Ratio, Numbers or Shell Spiral. A lot of well-taken photographs upon analysis after the shot was taken was found to have that Shell Spiral somehow incorporated into its composition. The reason for such an aesthetically pleasing photo can thus be explained, though the photographer probably did not calculate and draw out the spiral whilst he/she was taking the photo.
(Jing explained that the Fibonacci rectangle and shell spiral are much more easily incorporated in drawings/paintings/drawn-art than in Photography due to the nature of the mediums. That makes sense.)
This led me to think that perhaps people with an "in-built" artistic sense when it comes to composing good photographs actually have this Shell Spiral subconsciously etched into their brain! So that what's aesthetically pleasing to them is only what fits in with the Shell Spiral. (Hence their superb artistic and aesthetic sense!) Such talent. *is envious*
Then again, others believe artistic and aesthetic sense is acquired through training and practice over time.
I guess this is something we can think about for forever, but will probably never find a convincing answer to.
Class Exercise D.
Making photo compositions:
i) We're supposed to use our handphones, choose a subject and compose it in various shot sizes and camera angles.
ii) State the purposes of using these techniques and how does it affect your audience who perceive your subject.
My groupmates chose to use me as the "subject". So here I am!
Shot #1
i) Long shot; High angle
ii) This shot gives the subject less focus and priority, since majority of the photograph is composed on the empty lecture seats, and the subject seems smaller, more insignificant and further away.
Shot #2
i) Mid shot; eye level.
ii) An eye level shot allows the viewer to relate better to the subject. A good perspective of the subject's interaction with the environment is obtained. Here, it is evident that the subject is "chilling"/reclining in an emptying Lecture Theatre. This allows the viewer to draw logical conclusions from the photograph--perhaps lessons have ended and the subject is enjoying a well-deserved break. The background context is clear without having to compromise focus on the subject.
Shot #3
i) Mid shot; Eye Level
ii) An eye level shot allows the viewer to cast a direct look at the subject and subject seems a little surprised to see him. It is as if the viewer's eyes are the camera lens.
Shot #4
i) Close-up; High angle shot
ii) This shot catches the subject in action. From a high angle shot, the subject seems susceptible to any observation from viewer. She is under the viewer's scrutiny. Here the focus of the photograph is the subject's expressions, she seems to be reacting to something out of the frame (which we can only guess).
Shot #5
i) Extreme close-up; Low angle shot
ii) This unique perspective for a close-up shot magnifies certain features and aspects of the subject that people aren't used to looking at (since such a perspective isn't common). These features include the subject's nostrils and the underside of her teeth. Attention is drawn to a dramatic moment that is caught on camera. The effect might be a little disconcerting to the viewer, due to the unnatural nature of this low-angle shot, but still unique, nonetheless.
Shot #6
i) Mid shot; Low-angle shot
ii) We wanted to capture a shot that looks as if the subject is about to stomp on the camera lens. :) Clearly here, the viewer is supposed to feel a sense of insignificance, partially due to the low-angle, and also due to the largeness of the foot in comparison to the whole picture, making it seem as if the subject is in the midst of stepping on the viewer. The character's action and expression are clear in this--she looks triumphant as she is about to take a step!
Shot #7
i) Canted angle shot
ii) This photograph seems to show that something is about to happen. The slanted angle indicates some action is about to take place! The viewer expects there to be action following this frame, and is held in a feeling of suspense, waiting for some action to happen.
Additional Notes.
We have Witono to thank for our wonderful taken photos! His photography skills are amazing :) All of these were taken with his handphone camera! (which isn't some 7.2mp monster, by the way.) Thanks Witono! You've taught me quite a bit about photographs! (taking them AND posing for them ;) )
♥ head in clouds.
7:09 PM
