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Focused
For this photograph, I only used my phone (Oppo Reno 8), a small diffused spotlight, and a tripod.
I chose to shoot in a dim environment, only having the spotlight be my source of light. This made me set my ISO to 1600, a balance that I found to both still provide me with ample light and minimize the digital noise. In addition, my shutter speed had to be slower to compensate for the low light environment. I also opted for a monochrome color scheme to further highlight the play with light and darkness, and notice the textures within the photograph further.
While this was a "simple" photograph, the process for this was definitely a challenge. I had to find the right angle for the spotlight through various objects or spaces where I could set my spotlight down. I had to basically sprint back sitting to quickly pose after tapping my phone to capture. Posing for this photograph and basically this assignment was difficult given that I worked alone, not having someone tell me if my angles are aligned. Despite this, I was still able to employ the rule of thirds as seen in the corner of my eyes, aligning with the grid lines.
I tried experimenting shooting in the dark and this reinforced my patience and curiosity to further enhance my creativity. This assignment made me appreciate mastering the fundamental lessons in composing a photograph even further. While this may be one of my last entries for this blog, this still provided a lasting impression in my creative process.
Headshot
Headshot
An Onlooker’s Moment
In this candid portrait, I tried to capture a moment of mine, a pause filled with reflection, looking over the view beyond.
I only used my phone (Oppo Reno 8) and a tripod for this.
Sitting by a window, I let the natural light take its course. I set the ISO to 100 so every nuance of this light is preserved with crisp clarity. Provided with this abundance of light, I lowered my shutter speed to 1/25s to have the perfect balance of light and darkness in my photograph. I also opted for a warmer white balance, trying to capture the warm embrace that the sunset was making me feel.
In this photograph, it was difficult to capture the right composition as I worked alone, trying to position myself slightly off-center, utilizing the rule of thirds to not only draw attention to my contemplative gaze but also to allow the outside world to tell its own story. The window frame acts as a separator divider that separates my space from the vibrant but distant life outdoors. This deliberate composition reflects my view as an onlooker. I am someone who quietly absorbs any scene before stepping into it. I added my guitar as this composition best reflected how my process when i create and play music. I usually look around, usually outside, to gather inspiration or to take in whatever's happening around me to integrate to my music or how I might feel when I play a song.
A striking feature that you may notice of this composition is the ample negative space beside me. This was also a deliberate choice. I wanted to make it feel as if it’s silently inviting me, the subject, to do something - an action. However, I often find myself naturally hold back, allowing this space to remain unfilled during moments of observation. This describes my unconscious approach in things. Stepping back and simply observe before committing to any action, however at times realizing that I just need to go.
Every aspect of the technical setup was a conscious choice to support the story I wanted to tell. In order to have a crisper image, I used a low ISO - capturing serene moment. The slower shutter speed introduces a softness that speaks of fleeting moments. Then the warm white balance fills the frame with an inviting, almost nostalgic glow. Adding it all up creates a visual narrative that tells a story and invites its audience in a quiet space to observe and live.
Candid
Candid
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