Embedded Files
GENERAL ASSESSMENT
To be honest, I sort of went into autopilot reading through classmates' assignments and had no idea how many of them I read through, but if I had to take an estimate, I guess I checked around 20 of them out. I looked through a whole lot of excellent photographs during the time, and there were some really good photographers in the class. You can see that some of them already live by photography. But I also noticed some more casual photos. I do see the vision on most of them, and I myself am not the most skilled when it comes to photography. But I know that there is always room for improvement, and that is why we are learning this class.
With that said, all of those pictures had a story behind them. The story behind the actual picture is just as valuable as the piece itself. A technically perfect shot may lack impact without meaning, while even a flawed image can be powerful if it tells a compelling story, which is why I’m glad assignment 1 required a little bit of text that goes along with the picture.
5 SIGNIFICANT PICTURES
PHOTO BY LOVELY ANN
This image does a very good job of bringing the figurine into a larger world. Filming in black and white and giving it a dramatic effect helps bring out the texture of the tree bark and leaves even further. I also like how the blur of the foreground leaves puts the subject into perspective, it makes the figurine seem as if it has been discovered in a hidden forest. Overall composition is good, with the figurine placed so that it takes center stage.
One notable aspect is that the lighting and contrast go together well. There is depth in the shadows, and the figurine is highly contrasted with the background. The facial expression of the figurine also works to create mood in the picture, it's cryptic, with a sense of something being known about it. The rough texture of the leaves and tree also adds to that atmosphere, so it feels like the character is here and not just planted here.
If I were to do anything differently, I might try having a little different of a focus. The blurred subject foreground is attractive, but I think a more defined focus on the figurine face could make it stand out even stronger. Perhaps having a little bit of softer lighting would also create a more dreamlike appearance. Having said that, I absolutely love how this photograph veers into storytelling, making it more engaging than a mere product shot.
PHOTO BY MICAH GRACIA
This photograph has a truly warm and nostalgic atmosphere to it. The golden lighting and subtle muted color combination complement each other perfectly to establish a retro setting, which serves the photographer's purpose. Applying the Toy Camera Effect gives it a distinctive finish, a soft, almost-film-like one. Although some blurriness is present, it serves the mood instead of detracting from the image.
Compositionally, the effort at the rule of thirds is apparent, with the nearest booth serving as the focal point. The depth of field in the photo, produced by the lines of the receding booths and suspended lights, makes it interesting to look at. The leading lines naturally lead the eye to the back, giving the area a lived-in and cozy look. The slightly off-center framing also contributes to a relaxed, spontaneous look, making it less structured and more intimate.
If anything needed to be tweaked, I'd recommend a bit of sharpening to help delineate the textures, particularly in the woodwork. But I can see why the photographer wouldn't want to tamper much with it. The image already conveys the moment effectively. The warmth, the lighting, and the soft, quiet mood all conspire to create a significant and well-framed photo.
PHOTO BY EROLL CLEMENTE
This image contains such a powerful mood to it, and I like that the lighting highlights the statue from the black of night. Having the church tower and cross set off into the distance works to accentuate the symbolism of the photo and make it both religious and intimate. Having the light on the statue contrast against the black background creates a near shadowy effect that creates the illusion the statue is emerging out of the black.
In terms of composition, the statue is centrally positioned, and the church in the distance provides depth without overwhelming the subject. The manner in which the light falls on the statue, particularly on the hands and face, aligns attention with its expression and features. The duotone coloration of beige and black serves well in the creation of the shot as being ageless and atmospheric.
The biggest issue is the grain, which is reasonably normal in low-light photography. If I were taking this photograph, I would likely try to play with the camera settings, maybe reduce the ISO or hold more still with a longer exposure to reduce noise. However, even with the grain, the photograph remains able to evoke an emotion and feeling of recognition that makes it succeed.
PHOTO BY DEEWYNE CASTRO
This portrait is actually very well done, and the lighting arrangement makes a big difference in how professional and refined it appears. The gentle, even light on her face picks out the features beautifully without casting harsh shadows, and the kicker lights and hair light provide the perfect amount of depth. The red background is striking, and it looks great with her clothing and skin tone, causing the whole composition to feel dynamic and cohesive.
Her stance gives a dynamic feel to the photograph, and these little things like her tattoos and accessories make the photograph intimate and not just a studio shot. Naturalism is neatly balanced by technical proficiency, and therefore the photograph does have a dynamic feel to it and is engaging.
If there’s anything I’d tweak, it would be experimenting with a slight background gradient or texture to avoid the flatness of a solid color. But overall, this is a really strong portrait. It’s clear that a lot of thought went into the lighting and composition, and it paid off with a sharp, well-lit, and visually striking image.
PHOTO BY AARON CRUZ
This image is excellent at conveying the energy and excitement of the protest. The composition is solid, and the "Defend Press Freedom" signs can be easily read against the background, so the message is not lost. The inclusion of a news camera in the foreground provides a good depth factor, reinforcing the notion of press coverage and documentation, which is well in keeping with the event theme.
The lighting and colors are also effective. The combination of the natural and artificial light from the neon signs is a good contrast, and the black shadows provide a sense of urgency to the photo. The expressions on the faces of the protesters provide a lot of emotion to the photo, and it makes the photograph raw and genuine. It is easy to determine that this was a significant moment, and the photo is effective at conveying that sense.
If I were to do anything differently, I would have the foreground object, the camera operator, more defined, just to keep from being too distracted by the action. But otherwise, this is a good shot with good composition, and no wonder that the head photojournalist was so complimentary. It's a story, and that's precisely what a good photojournalism piece is supposed to be.
Page updated
Report abuse