Presenting Photo Images

Presenting Photo Images - Assignment 211

Roger Bone
Subject - Theme 1, The story of Old Moor

Task 1a - Presenting Images

For this assignment I am basing the following information on the presentation method chosen for Theme 1 (the story of Old Moor).

The final images selected for this theme were displayed in an A4 Black Leaf, landscape photo book.  The images were also published on this blog with full details of the images in regard to why they were taken and the camera settings used.

Task 1b - Produce a written account

Why have you presented your work in this manner:

Whilst working on this theme I decided that I wanted my images to tell a short story in photographs of the nature reserve that I had chosen to photograph.  I want my images to tell a story and thought they would be best displayed in the form of a book.  This way the images could be placed into the book in an order that would flow and hopefully guide you through the reserve as you turned each page onto the next image.

I have chosen a Landscape style photo book as my images have all been taken in landscape and I think these will sit better oppose to putting portrait onto landscape and vice versa.


Describe the process for presenting your work:

Once the final images had been selected they were cropped in lightroom using an aspect ratio of 7 x 5.5 as this was going to be the print size used.  I cropped using this aspect ratio in lightroom so that the final images
would print to size and to avoid any areas of the images being cropped during the printing process.  I chose this print size as the photo book being used was A4 landscape and I wanted the area around the photograph to act like a frame.  I did consider printing in 8 x 6 and after a few sample's arrived I decided the smaller prints looked better having a larger framed area around the print.

The first set of printed images were placed into the book using blue-tak and once the images were all in place I decided I wanted to add a border to make the images stand out against the black background.  The images were then edited again in lightroom adding a white solid vignette (rounded corners) to the images, however when these arrived I still wasnt happy with this.  I then decided that I wanted a solid square edge border on the images and again re-ordered these.

Being much happier with the square edge borders the images were placed into the photobook placing one image on each right hand side page.  I did not use the left page as I wanted only one photograph to be viewed at a time.

On deciding the order in which the images would be placed into the book I placed the final image selection onto a large black sheet of paper.  I then  looked at the content of the images along with the colours and displayed them in a way that the colours and content would flow.

The images did not need to be cut to size as they were ordered to the correct print size including the borders, these were placed into the centre of each page and stuck down using a pritt-stick.


Describe other presentation methods considered and give an explanation against using these methods:

Whilst researching other methods of presentation I had considered using the other methods of presentation, I have listed these below with the resons why these were not used.

A collection of Key Rings / A collection of Mugs

Images are small and can sometimes loose there impact if too small, this method would have also proven to be quite expensive.  Using this method would have also made it difficult to keep the images in a certain order to be able to tell the story that i was able to by using the photo book.

Postcards - affordable but would have been loose and again I wanted to keep the images in a certain order.

Mouse Mats - very expensive and the images would not look as sharp and clear as I would have liked and set out to achieve. 

Calendar's of various sizes - this was an option I did consider very much but decided I wanted to have glossy, sharp clear prints and from having made calendars in the past dont think the print quality is as good as actual prints.  This would have also restricted the number of images I would be able to present.

Video with background music - I like this idea a lot and have made several vidoe's from photoghraphs, however I wanted a firm object that I could show to anybody at any time.

Picture Mounts - This is another idea I liked a lot and have decided to use this to present my second theme.

Photobook - I have produced many photobooks using Blurb and again I dont think quality is as good as printed images on glossy photograph paper.  Another concern with this option is that it is an expensive option and if I wasnt happy with the book it wouldnt have been so easy to change my mind as I did and re-order in a way that I have been able to using prints which are much cheaper.



What health and safety considerations did you observe:

Whilst editing photographs and doing other PC work I have ensured that I am seated correctly, meeting workstation safety standards.  During this time I also ensured that regular short breaks were taken and that the work being done was varied.

When using glue to stick the images into the photo book care was taken when purchasing this to ensure it was a standard non-harmfull solvent.

Canine Companions - Theme 2 - Final Image selection

Here are the final images selected for theme 2

My second theme was based on shooting people and their pets and capturing the special bond that they have.  I have chosen to shoot members of my family and a couple of my close friends who all own and adore their dogs. 

Shirley & Bailey

(together for 3 years)

F/4.5, S1/160, ISO 100, Focal Length 130mm

For the images taken of Shirley and Bailey I simpy followed them on their usual walk along the trans penine trail.  Using a tripod and a 300mm zoom lens I was able to stay back in the distance and capture them in the normal surroundings in the hope that I would alarm Bailey to much. 

The weather was great with lots of sun which made it perfect for capturing the detail in Bailey, he is a very dark haired dog an the light really helped.  The tripod helped to steady the camera whilst zooming in close and working on shutter priority I was able to avoid any blurred images.

F/4.0, S1/160, ISO 100, Focal Length 120mm
 

F/4.5, S 1/160, ISO 100, Focal Length 130mm

F/6.3, S 1/160, ISO 100, Focal Length 300mm 

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Sarah & Jack

(together for 4 years)

&

Jane & Daisy & Lilly

(together for 5 years)

F/4.0, S 1/100, ISO200, Focal Length 105

For the images of Sarah, Jack, Jane, Lilly and Daisy I used the same approach as I did above for Shirley & Bailey.  This session proved a lot more difficult as the subjects were all very excited and it was difficult to keeo the dogs still or to try and place them in a certain way.

Again I simply followed from a dsitance using a 300 mm zoom lens accompanied by a tripod to avoid camera shake.  The weather was great on this day with a lot of cloud and therefore I have had to increase the ISO to 200 and again have worked in Shutter Priority with this set at around 1/100 upto 1/160 where possible.

Jane & Sarah were really good subjects as they absoluteley love their pets and this shown through in every image taken.  The aim of the theme was to capture the special bond that people have with their pets and they both made this very easy to do.

They both have very big personalities and so do their dogs.

F/4.0, S 1/100, ISO 200, Focal Length 70mm

F/4.0, S 1/100, ISO 200, Focal Length 120mm

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Poppy & Merlin

(together for 4 years)

F/5.6, S 1/200, ISO 200, Focal Lenth 40mm

For the first two images of Poppy and Merlin I used a standard 35-70mm lens and didnt use a tripod.  The natural lighting wasn't very good so an ISO of 200 was used.

Merlin was brought for Poppy for her 1st birthday but lived at the Grandparents home.  It was really nice to photograph them both as the love between them was so clear.  When the other grandchildren would be at the home Poppy would tell them to "Stay away from my dog" and make Merlin follow her around in which he did.

F/5.6, S 1/250, ISO 200, Focal Length 55mm

F/1.8, S 1/640, ISO 100, Focal Length 50mm

For this final image chosen of Merlin I have used a 1.8 Portrait Lens, I love how the nose is in focus and they eyes are not, but the image stil drws you to the eyes.  I have moved in close to take this image but remained at a similar level to Merlin to avoid alarming him.

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Regan & Austin

(together for 5 years)

F/1.8, S 1/320, ISO 200, Focal Length 50mm

For this session with Regan and Austin I used only a 1.8 portrait lens and didn't use a tripod.  I wanted to stay close to the subjects and wanted to have a shallow depth of field in the images.  The weather was dry with some light which resulted in an ISO of 200 being used.

For the first image above I stood over Austin and was looking down on him as he sat, looking up at me and love the result.

Austin is a strong excited dog and it took a good half hour of running around the garden, playing with his toys before he actually calmed down and allowed me to photograph him.

Once he had calmed down he simply lept on top of his kennel and went to sleep whilst Regan stroked him.  This was then the time for me to get some good shots of him and Regan.

F/1.8, S 1/320, ISO 200, Focal Length 50mm

F/1.8, S 1/250, ISO 200, Focal Length 50mm

F/1.8, S1/250, ISO 200, Focal Length 50mm

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Ethan, Mariah & Toby

(together 7 years)

F/1.8, S 1/125, ISO200, Focal Length 50mm

During the session with Mariah, Ethan & Toby the plan was to visit the local park where they usually take Toby, however it rained all day so we decided to stay indoors.  We decided to take the shots in their bedrooms and again a 1.8 portrait lens was used with an ISO of 200.  The natural lighting available was brilliant due to the weather outside and the bedrooms being quite small with only one window in each room.

For the shots of Ethan & Toby I wanted to get in close and capture they fun they always appear to have when playing on the bed and fighting on the floor.

F/1.8, S 1/60, ISO 200, Focal Length 50mm

F/1.8, S 1/15, ISO 200, Focal Length 50mm

When capturing Mariah I decided to choose these final 3 images as I like the fact that you dont actually see Mariah, only seeing her hair or her arm.  I think the images have bit of mystery to them as you dont know what the owner looks.  I also like the expression on Toby's face here as he is clearly looking at Mariah and is totally relaxed and not one bit bothered by me or the camera.

F/1.8, S 1/200, ISO 200, Focal Length 50mm

F/1.8, S 1/250, ISO 200, Focal Length 50mm

F/1.8, S 1/250, ISO 200, Focal Length 50mm

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Logan & Hoo Hoo

(together 11 months)

This is my youngest nephew Logan, although this is clearly not a real dog it appears to have become one of his favourite toys which he keeps with him all the time.  I thought these would be nice pictures for his Mum and Dad and also for Logan to have when he is older.  Although Logan can not yet speak he calls all dogs Hoo HOO, I think he is trying to say Woof Woof!!

A 1.8 portait lens has been used as we were indoors in low light using this has helped to avoid any blurr or movement. 

 

F/1.8, S 1/125, ISO 200, Focal Length 50mm

F/1.8, S 1/60,  ISO 200, Focal Length 50mm

F/1.8, S 1/80, ISO 200, Focal Length 50mm

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Canine Companions, Some images from this weekends sessions.

Theme 1,The Story of Old Moor, Final Image Selection

Here are the final images selected for theme 1.

The images below were selceted from approx 1200 shots that were taken at Old Moor.  During a number of visits to Old Moor (approx 6) I have tried to capture images from around the reserve in the hope that I would be able to tell a short story in Photographs.

Here is my final image selection that I feel tell this story and hopefully show the beauty of Old Moor and show some of the beautifull bird life that can be found here.  This reserve is one of many belonging to the RSPB and offer a great day out for all the family.

F/16, S 1/320, Focal Length 40mm, ISO 200

Using a tripod to and a large F stop for a wider depth of field, I wanted to capture the light falling on the reed beds and creating the reflection in the water and a lovely bright glow as the sun was setting. 

F/25, S1/10, Focal Length 24mm, ISO 100

Footpath and directions leading into the reserve, using a large F stop and a tripod to capture the overall detail and especially the detail in the sky.  It was quite a windy day with gaps in the cloud which allowed the light to pass through.

F/4, S1/400, Focal Length 70mm, ISO100

Taken at the same point as the image above and using a tripod I have moved in closer and used a smaller F stop to achieve a shallow depth of field in order to focus on sign and blur out the backround slighty.

S 1/200,  F/8, Focal Length 135mm, ISO 400

This image was taken from the reedbed hide, the sun was setting and was reflecting beautifully on this Swan. I have used a zoom lens to get in close to capture some of the detail in the swans eye's and beak as it lifted its head out of the water, I have also used a sand bag to steady the camera.

 

F/4.5, S1/100, Focal Length 35mm, ISO 200

Using a small F stop and a tripod I have moved in close to this sign to capture the texture in the wood and the colour used on the letters.  I have taken this shot from an angle so that the foreground and background are slightly blurred with the focu being on the centre of the image.

F/5.6, S1/10, Focal length 70mm, ISO 200

A view from inside the bird hide, I thought it would be good to show one of the many visitors at Old Moor looking out into the bird garden.

F/5.6, S1/250, Focal Length 300mm, ISO 200

Bullfinch - Taken from inside the bird hide looking out, I have used a full zoom (300mm) to get in close to the bird and a sand bag to steady the camera for a clear shot.  I have taken hundreds of images of the birds at Old Moor and have attempted to capture them both still and in flight.  Due to the bird garden being quite sheltered it wasnt always possible to use a high shutter to freeze the birds completely. 

 

F/5.6, S 1/160, Focal Length 300mm, ISO 400

Bullfinch 

F/8, S1/80, Focal Length 300mm, ISO 400

Goldfinch feeding

Goldfinch in flight

F/8, S1/80, Focal Length 300mm, ISO 400

F/5.6, S1/160, Focal Length 300mm, ISO 400

Bluetit in flight

 

F/5.6, S1/160, Focal Length 300, ISO 200

Bluetit feeding

 

F/5.6, S1/60, Focal Length 70mm, ISO 400

Using a small F stop and a tripod to avoid camera shake.

F/5.6, S1/200, Focal Length 200, ISO 200

Using a tripod and zoom lens I wanted to capture this couple making there way back to the reserve entrance after a day of bird watching and walking at Old Moor.  I like how the fence posts along each side of the footpath draws your attention to the couple.

F/16, S1/125, Focal Length 90mm, ISO100

This image was taken early morning after it had rained all night, I like how the footpath covered with rainwater captures the light from the sun and takes your eyes through the image along the footpath.

F/5.6, S1/500, Focal Length 300, ISO 400

Using a sandbag, full zoom and a small F stop for a shallow depth of field I really like how this image shows the Mallard in the backround out of focus, I also like the contrast in the colours of the two different birds.

F/5.6, S1/200, Focal Length 300, ISO 100

This image was taken mid afternoon on sunny day, I really liked how the sun reflected of the Mallards head highlighting the colours and detail in the feathers.

F/5.6, S1/320, Focal Length 160, ISO 100

Using a fast shutter here I have tried to capture the splash from the duck dipping and feeding in the water, the lighting was really this good this day allowing me to increase ISO to 100 and use a high shutter speed to freeze the movement.

F/4.5, S1/100, Focal Length 20mm, ISO 100

Using a tripod quite low down to the ground Ihave tried to capture the foot path here as it takes you into another section of the reserve.  I wanted to keep the gate in the image but try and draw the eyes into the reserve and alonmg the footpath.

F/22, S1/30, Focal Length 18mm, ISO 400

Taken on a rainy day with not much light I wanted to capture the tracks in the mud whilst following the footpath through the reserve finally drawing youe eyes to the sky in the background.  Using the tripod at an angle and a large F stop for a wide depth of field.

F/8, S1/200, Focal Length 200mm, ISO200

 This image was taken quite late in the afternoon as the sun was setting on an large section of Pampas grass which surrounded one of the smaller ponds.  The whole area was glowing from the sun and looked stunning and with the sun directly in front of me created a silhouette feel to the images. 

 

F/18, S1/100, Focal Length 70mm, ISO 100

Using a tripod and a larger F stop I wanted to capture the whole area of the Pampas Grass which is shown in the image above.  Again with the sun in front of me it has drained most of the colour out of the images making them look almost black and white.

 

Hope you enjoy and I hope the images give you an idea of what Old Moor is all about.