Assignment 1 - Response to Tutor Comments

Generally pleased with the comments from my tutor. The main build for me is that I have concentrated too much on the editing aspect of workflow (probably because this is what interests me the most) but have left out key information about my process for preparing my equipment, shooting, backing up or even whether I shoot in RAW or not. I guess this is because these are now givens for me in my workflow and I did not consider them interesting enough to include in my write up. For my future work I need to ensure I am not taking things like this for granted and I explain myself better.

Here are a few responses to my tutors comments:

Planning:

My preparation for shooting is quite streamlined and organised and is as follows -

• Check battery charge (I always recharge my battery after use so it is ready for the next time I shoot.)

• Format memory card.

• Check camera settings - for example no unusual settings left from last shoot such as exposure compensation, white balance or timer. My standard settings are: Raw capture, automatic focus (usually single server but changed to continuous if faced with moving subject), automatic white balance (can be altered in RAW conversion if necessary), aperture priority mode, ISO chosen as low as possible to enable fast enough shutter speed to hand hold shots (if light is rapidly changing I choose automatic ISO capped at 3200), exposure metering by the cameras multi segment metering mode.

Shooting:

How much I prepare for a shoot entirely depends on how I intend the final image to be used. I have a tendency to over think and have too clear an idea of how I want an image to look. This regimented approach has led to disappointment on many occasions when the shot I have taken does not work in the way I have envisioned. Often I can see how a change of viewpoint or different technical considerations could have improved the image - sometimes I am able to reshoot but often the moment is lost. I am also inclined to search for an unusual angle or viewpoint and discount anything that seems typical - on my last course 'The Art of Photography', my tutor spoke about not discounting what she termed the 'tourist viewpoint' but using this as a basis for exploration. This provided a light bulb moment for me and I now always endeavour to do this - that is not to say I take a machine gun approach and shoot a great deal without consideration, instead I attempt to explore a subject or location fully and experiment more.

As I explained in my write up, I began my planning by brainstorming different approaches I might take to Penshaw monument. What I did not explain however was my approach once I arrived on site. For the reasons mentioned above I tried to keep preconceptions to a minimum and explore the subject as fully as I could. Mainly I took the same route around the monument but each shoot was different because of the lighting conditions and time of day and how they affected how the structure looked which prompted me on the approach to take.

For getting the right exposure I checked the histogram and bracketed shots if necessary. Because I was shooting in RAW format I did not worry too much about this as I knew I could make adjustments in post processing. This is the general approach I usually take, I am looking forward to exploring later parts of the course that focus on getting the image right in camera.

Backing up:

Mention is also made of good practice for backing up images - I store my images on two external hard drives - initially I import onto my computers hard drive and then transfer the files onto my external drive which I keep connected at all times. I also copy the images to my backup drive which I only switch on for this purpose. This is not a very streamlined process and RAID drives are something I have thought about in the past and will research further in the future.

One of my aims for this assignment was to create a coherent body of work and it is reassuring to know that I have succeeded in this. The encouragement has set me thinking of ways I can push this further and be more adventurous with future assignments.

Assignment 1: Tutor's comments

Overall Comments

Thank you for your assignment.

You have submitted 12 colour images of Penshaw monument. The images themselves are generally well constructed and have a strong theme running through them. You have also submitted a comprehensive blog and description of your ideas and images.

Your images and blog indicate that you have a good grasp of the basic ideas behind workflow.

Assessment potential

You may want to get credit for your hard work and achievements with the OCA by formally submitting your work for assessment at the end of the module. More and more people are taking the idea of lifelong learning seriously by submitting their work for assessment but it is entirely up to you. We are just as keen to support you whether you study for pleasure or to gain qualifications. Please consider whether you want to put your work forward for assessment and let me know your decision when you submit Assignment 2. I can then give you feedback on how well your work meets the assessment requirements."

Feedback on assignment Demonstration of technical and Visual Skills, Quality of Outcome, Demonstration of Creativity

Having a good and efficient workflow pattern is an important aspect of digital photography, enabling you to achieve your creative potential.

Once you have established an efficient way of working then it gives you the chance to concentrate more on your concepts and techniques.

Good to see the research you have done on Gary Winogrand. He was a highly influential photographer who has influenced generations of other practitioners and his way of working is well worth consideration. One of the strengths of your submission has been your attention to editing. However there are a few other points worth mentioning.

Planning

It would also be worth mentioning at this stage how you are pre-visualising your images. You have obviously considered what your subject is going to be and at this stage it can help to do a rough sketch of your ideas (this is often more applicable in situations such as some commercial assignments where you are working with an art director).

Other preparation could include cleaning your sensor and lenses, making sure that all batteries are fully charged and making a tick list so that you know that you have all the necessary equipment. It is also at this stage that you might consider trying to pre-empt any problems that might occur.

In addition you should use a card that has been formatted. This erases all previous images on the card (make sure you do back-ups), recreates the file system including new directories and improves the overall performance of the card). Try to avoid deleting single images from your card.

Image capture

Your exposures generally look fine but you do not mention your methods for getting correct exposure readings. I am presuming that you are reading the histogram data on the camera. This is important as it allows you to catch the full range of tones available with no visible edge clipping.

I can see that you are enjoying using Lightroom to edit and work on your images, which is great. Lightroom is used extensively in professional practice along with Capture One Pro and sometimes Adobe Bridge.

It’s good to see that you take time away from your pictures before a final edit, as it can give you the space to see your images again in a fresh light. This is not always possible when working professionally when speed is sometimes more important when turning a job around, but when possible is always worth it. Although you may not have found it useful in this instance, it is worth doing and you will find with time that it can make a difference.

You do not state whether you are shooting in a RAW format (I am presuming that you are). This is important to obtain the maximum amount of information and to increase your post production possibilities in Photoshop and Lightroom.

In your blog you do not mention how you are backing up your images.

This is another important aspect of workflow.

Several professionals that I know back up their images on 3 separate hard drives, one of which is kept at a different location (I have had many students who have lost work after not backing up information).

For further image security it may be worth looking at RAID drives where the information is stored over several drives. These are often used by professionals as it is offers further security.

Your images are well composed with an attention to detail and a keen sense of composition and framing.

The strength of the project is enhanced by the clarity with which you have tackled your subject. The constant presence of the monument within the frame give the work continuity and a conceptual strength which I would encourage you to build on in your subsequent assignments.

 

Learning Logs or Blogs/Critical essays Context

Your blog is detailed, comprehensive and easy to navigate.

Suggested reading/viewing Context

I have attached a sheet detailing professional workflow practice.

You may find the following of some use:

Langford, M ‘Basic Photography’ p. Focal Press 2007