This winter I took a photography class to better understand the capabilities of my camera. I really enjoyed the class, and learned a little bit more about camera settings and good composition than I knew going into the class. I think what the class did most for me was to send me into some new learning trajectories.
What struck me most about the class was the capability to alter an image in Photoshop. Providing you have an interesting subject, a good composition, have not blown out the exposure and have an image in focus, there is really no limit to the changes you can impose on an image in post processing. It was a bit disheartening to have the veil of reality lifted.
Sunday the class met at the Detroit Zoo for a field trip. The assignment was to take our two best photos, apply the photo editing techniques learned in class, and send them into Prem for critique in the final class. Prem is a really gifted photographer, with mad Photoshop skills. Very technical, he was a GM engineer that had enough of the rat race, and turned his interest in photography into a very successful business.
Here are the two photos I submitted for critique. For the most part he was kind to me; I have a lot to learn.
Background layer with heavy contrast applied to the water.
Simple crop and adjustments to sharpness, saturation and contrast. This one was the crowd pleaser for the night. With a subject like a polar bear, how can you miss? I couldn't believe how many people submitted photos of bushes, and roof lines, and abstract photos of a frozen marble water fountain. We were at the zoo for Christs sake.
The class was a very positive growth opportunity for me, and has exposed me to a couple key areas to focus on. In addition to a fresh stack of photography books taller than I possibly have time to read, I will be looking to hook up with a local photography club to continue my learning. Next big photo op, Ireland, and I'm doing everything I can to be ready.
No comments:
Post a Comment