The purpose of this task was to first achieve correct exposure in camera then demonstrate how adjusting Aperture and Shutter-speed will alter the images' exposure value.
We were asked to pair-off and take 6 separate photographs of our photo-buddy, in my case Joel. First, take a correct exposure, then adjust only the Aperture by one stop above (+1) and then below (-1) correct exposure (0) to see the affect. Then take another correct exposure and adjust only the Shutter-speed by one stop above (+1) and then below (-1) correct exposure (0) to see basically the same affect.
The following collection of photographs help to give you an understanding of what i have just tried to describe..
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Adjusting Aperture.
The first photograph was captured at the camera's exposure meter of (0) or correct exposure according to the camera's ability to read lighting conditions thanks to its inbuilt light meter. The background in this photograph was a predominant mid-tone, which made things easier for the camera to find it's neutral light reading of 18% Grey or 128R, 128G, 128B for all you with further knowledge of digital cameras.
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| Information - ISO 400, f/5.6, 1/160 |
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| Information - ISO 400, f/8, 1/160 (exposure of -1) |
The final photograph is a result of setting the Aperture to f/4 or now (+1) which is a slightly larger diameter than the original f5.6. It has noticabley allowed a great deal more light in and subsequently "over exposed" the subject and background.
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| Information - ISO 400, f/4, 1/160 (exposure of +1) |
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Adjusting Shutter-speed.
The next two photographs are examples of how adjusting only the camera's shutter-speed can also allow you to adjust the exposure "up" or "down".
The first photograph was captured at the camera's exposure meter of (0) or correct exposure according to the camera's ability to read lighting conditions thanks to its inbuilt light meter.
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| ISO 400, f/5.6, 1/160 (correct exposure 0) |
In the second photograph, the shutter-speed was adjusted, nothing else, from 1/160 of a second to a slightly longer time of 1/100 or (-1) considering the ISO and aperture remained unchanged, all that has happened here is light was allowed to enter for more time than the previous setting - the effect is an over-exposed image.
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| Information - ISO 400, f/5.6, 1/100 (exposure of +1) |
In the third photograph, the shutter-speed was again the only adjustment. From the original 1/160 of a second to a faster time of 1/500 of a second or (-1) - the effect is now an under-exposed image, yet still quite a nice shot of Joel.
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| Information - ISO 400, f/5.6, 1/500 (exposure of -1) |
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Observing & understanding light.
The next set of images are examples of understand directional light and how it falls, wraps and reflects off a subject. This is very important because it can help you flatter the subject by strengthening/highlight things like shape, detail, texture and colour.
The first photograph demonstrates the subject (Joel) being back-lit. The camera has exposed for the background as that is the dominant source of light. The result however has added some nice highlights to the subject. There is nice rim-lighting around Joel where the light from behind is picking up all the fine hairs. I also do like how the light manages to wrap around the more prominent areas of his face to give subtly highlights. Nice!
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| Information - ISO 400, f/4, 1/640. |
The second photograph demonstrates the subject (Joel) being front-lit. The camera has now exposed for the subject as Joel is reflecting a more dominant source of light than the background. The result is "flat" lighting across the subject. It almost makes the subject look like a cut-out added to a background.
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| Information - ISO 400, f/4, 1/160. |
The third photograph demonstrates the subject (Joel) with split-lighting. The result is a little more interesting thanks to the left side of Joel's face (as you look at it) being brighter than the right. This introduces more highlights and shadows on the subject to indicate shape.
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| Information - ISO 400, f/4, 1/125. |
The fourth and final photograph demonstrates the subject (Joel) being lit on more of a 45 degree angle - similar to the style know as "rembrandt lighting". The result is no adds character to the subject by boosting the shape, tone and texture of where light and shadow meet. All in all a very flattering light for Joel to help bring out his chiseled features and separate him from the pigeon-poo background. The f/4 aperture also boosts separation through increasing depth of field.
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| Information - ISO 400, f/4, 1/160. |
To sum-up this exercise, a photograph can be such a simple task, however a true photographer can add so much more impact by observing, understanding and then working with light to compose the photograph in camera.
A simple, yet rewarding class exercise, i hope everyone else got something from it and cheer Joel for allowing me to use your nice Nikon camera and sweet-as lens.
D.
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