Justin Kercher Photography

Again liked the simplicity of these pictures. The colour and shapes almost make the pictures abstract.

More Nature Photography research

Now back at College and gathering together some more research into the Nature theme. Was looking around the internet last night and came across these two photographers. Really liked the work for its simplicity and lack of clutter.

Recently bought Guy edwards book "100 tips for shooting good nature photos" and he says the main focal point should always be uncluttered and well defined.


He also noted the time of day as being vital in the making of a shot. Early morning and late evening (not very grey November days) are recommended as adding interest.

The first is Chris Herring. Once again the subject in each case is simple, it is the view point, angle of light, composition and shades which makes the interest. Particularly impressed with the acorns. Simple but very effective. The shades, colours and shadows  really make the shot. As does the composition and the tonal range.

The view point of the first picture and light make the shot and it reads well from left to right.

The second is Steve Street. Again the focus is simple and straightforward. The interest in the picture is made by the lighting, shadows and tonal range.

Colour features heavily in all the shots and naturally that leads to great contrast in the range.

John Devises photography

Quote from John "I have been obsessed with wildlife and the natural world for as long as I can remember. Over the years I have accumulated a wealth of knowledge that has enabled me to understand my subjects sufficiently well to be privileged to enter their world. I get such a thrill, when through patience, or perhaps a little edible bribery, a normally timid species accepts me sufficiently to enable a close approach and to allow me and my camera to capture something of their essence. Every picture on this website has a story behind it, and my aim is to hopefully share with others, something of the beauty and wonder of the natural world that I have been honored to witness and photograph during my years as a wildlife photographer."

 These pics are simple but effective. The use of colour and shapes makes the pic and the and focal point is very specific. I like the shadows and contrast the light produces.
Composition is clean with little to distract the eye from the main subject.

Guy Edwards Photography

Guy Edwardes is a professional landscape, travel and wildlife photographer based in South West England. He is able to provide a wide variety of images for publishers and advertisers around the world with a need for high quality creative and atmospheric photography. He markets a continually updated file of over 150,000 images in his own picture library. Images that cannot be sourced directly can often be obtained from the agencies that represent him. He is always happy to discuss commissioned work and can supply text to accompany images, as well as complete articles. He also runs regular photographic workshops and lectures on photographic technique.

Really liked these pictures as they create good images with high colour content and and very focused features. Seems a lot of post production has been undertaken to blur the surround and centralise the focus

Assignment 208 – Task 1a - Statement of Intent

PRINCIPLES OF LOCATION PHOTOGRAPHY

STATEMENT OF INTENT

THEME 2

Candidates Name:  A. S Rundle                                                 Theme: Nature and Wildlife

Title of the theme: The living breathing world

1. Intentions/purpose of the photography to be undertaken

My intention with this section of the course is to gain a better understanding of the techniques and use of location in taking better pictures of nature and wildlife.

It is a fairly simple task to take an average picture of the world outside and living creatures but to take a good photo requires a combination of several different factors. Light, composition, background, depth of field, colour to name but a few. My aim is to identify the factors effecting the choice of each to create great pictures.  

2. Reasons for selection of the theme (including inspiration from the work of others)

We all live in the “breathing world”. And we share that world with other living creatures – be they plants or animals. Having spent most of my life in rural settings, either at home or for periods living abroad, I have always observed the living world and hence have an interest in producing quality photos.

For inspiration I have undertaken some research and have found the following web sites particularly interesting and packed with really stunning images. Hopefully by the end of this session I can be some way towards capturing similar images.

http://www.theuklandscape.com/Workshops.htm

http://www.ophrysphotography.co.uk/pages/bio.htm

http://www.wildsight.co.uk/pfolios/pfolios.html

3. The photo Imaging equipment and medium that will be used.

For my shoot I will use my own equipment viz:-

Canon 400 d Digital SLR camera

Canon 18-55mm lens

Canon 75-300mm zoom lens

Tamron 10-24mm Wide Angle Lens

Jessops 360AFDC flash

Camlink Tripod

Various batteries and memory cards

4. Techniques that will be used and how they will help convey the visual message

I will attempt to use the various lenses that I have to create different images and emulate the style of shots taken by the photographers I have noted on the web sites above.

 These, hopefully, will range from wide aperture, minimal field in detail shots to small aperture long field with shots for greater perspective. The subject will very much govern the choice of lens and setting.

I will also use the tripod to capture images in low light and darkness to enable me to allow the light, either natural or artificial, to enhance or highlight the particular aesthetic qualities of the scene.

I will not rule out the option of black and white shots but feel they are best suited to particular styles of situations where mood is all important.

The intention at the end is to produce images that convey the beauty of the breathing world.

5. How light quality can be used to convey the visual message

Light is fundamentally important in any image.

Even the dullest subject can look attractive in good light but conversely the most attractive subject can look drab in bad light. (unless that is the wish !)

It seems to me that most images of quality have either clear or partly cloudy skies and very few – other than in black and white – images are taken with our typical October/ November grey skies.

The time of day, clarity of the sky and height of the sun are all principles to consider in detail when taking shots.

 The cameras ISO setting will help, but getting the light right in the first place should be the aim.

I will attempt most light settings but feel that the time if year may well lead to late evening/artificial shots will be most appropriate.

6. Safety considerations

Be mindful of your safety and the safety of others !!!  Has to be the message.

 Always a good idea to visit the area to shoot and “plan” well to avoid any hazards or problems.

 Points to consider:-

Location. Any dangers to yourself ? Traffic ? Steps ? Falling?

Location. Are you a danger to others ? Obstruction ?

Equipment. Too heavy to handle ? Precarious to stabilise ?

Communication. Keep in touch with relatives ?