Zooming

Zooming is a technique that can create truly amazing results if done correctly. It can take a fair amount of practice to nail the art of 'Zooming' but the unique quality of these types of images is worth the patience. Below are two images of my very first time trying this out, I would like to try this out again as I feel with more practice using a variety of subjects, I could achieve more eye catching results. These images are a reasonable example but they are a tad bland, still they do have some awesome motion blur. I would like to try this out using a tree and somewhere really colourful to create an image that is just bursting out with colour; patterns would be an interesting subject for this technique also.

To create this affect it is best to use a lens that can be manually focused and is quick to turn. A fixed lens won't work as the basis of this technique lies within the movement of the lens while the shutter is open, therefore you will need a zoom lens for this to work properly. A slow shutter speed of 1-4seconds is needed to capture the abstract visual affect and an ISO setting of 100-200 would work best with an aperture of F22. The key is to focus on your subject, release the shut and zoom out just before the shutter closes again; because a slow shutter speed is needed a tripod is an essential piece of equipment here. You can use a shutter release or self timer on the camera if you wish. These images didn't work very well; the first image of one of my film cameras was shot from floor level in order to steady the camera and to get a close up view of the subject. If I took this image again, I would place the camera (subject) higher up, perhaps on a table, I would then be able to mount my camera on a tripod and get the same composition but a much better 'zooming' effect. The second image was shot whilst I was in London, unfortunately I didn't have my tripod with me, I tried it out anyway just to see what results i could get whilst hand holding my camera. Next time I will take my tripod with me.

This technique is a good example for showing the relationship between ISO, shutter speed and aperture. Needing a wider aperture of F22 means the subject and background are in focus but less light is getting into the camera, the lower ISO and slow shutter speed counteracts the wider aperture.

Studio

These images were produced in a very simple home environment using one main light - a soft box, shot against a white background (a living room wall!) and with my model sat comfortably crossed legged on a cushion; this is a natural position to anyone meditating. My main light was positioned at a 45 degree angle to the right (my right) of my model. My aim was to create a series of images that were soft and natural; overall conveying an essence of peace and solitude. I chose to shoot in black & white as I feel it delivers emotive qualities, creating depth and feeling. The theme that these images represent is 'Meditation' - a state of pure quiet, balance and tranquility. I was also able to capture the key lighting effect seen within 'Rembrant' lighting.

I was very happy with the final outcome of these photographs, to add to my own satisfaction I received a fair amount of positive feedback from these images and my model adored them.

" Namaste "

Painting with light at home

For the following images I have used the technique 'Painting with light' One of which I really enjoyed experimenting with. I used a dark space (small hallway with the door closed to make sure no light could get in) I used my daughter Charlotte-rose as my model, she quite enjoyed be my little helper! I mounted my camera on a tripod, setting my camera to manual, I set my ISO to 100, shutter speed to 20 seconds and my aperture to F22. I framed and set my focus point manual with the light switched on. Once I had got the shot set up I switched the light off and used a torch to light my subject, 20 seconds is generally a good starting point for the shutter speed with this technique, it allows enough time to move the torch around during the exposure. If you are using a larger torch (giving more output) you can get away with less time and if you are using a smaller touch with less output you would need to increase the exposure time. Most cameras will allow for a maximum of 30 seconds.

I also tried this technique at night time in my living room. I placed a variety of 'Peguine Classic' postcards on top of a small table. Using the same technique I achieved some good results. As well as these images I also shot an image of a stack of my favourite books; I controlled the light by only moving the torch up and down in the middle of my framed shot, I did this because I wanted to add more darkness to the edge, just lighting up the book titles as that was main focus; I wanted the viewers eyes to be drawn to the books. Another shot I tried was to arrange a still life set up with a coffee theme using a coffee mug, a percolator and a jar of coffee beans; I think this worked effectively and the subject is well lit.

Overall I am happy with my final images, especially as it was my first attempt at 'light painting'. I would definitely use this technique in the future, it is such an interesting, creative and fun way to experiment; I also feel that this technique aids in the learning process regards shooting in low light conditions and controlling light itself, to achieve the results you want.

Delicate Decay

I have always been fascinated by the small details around me, from the natural colours formed in the sky to the textures of the earth beneath my feet. I particularly like images that portray truth and reality; things as they are to the natural eye. These images were provoked by this underlying perception. I wanted to shoot a variety of images that were truthful; as they were in their natural state of life. This selection of images were taken just outside of a property that i used to live in. I noticed lot of small areas of decay that had been mixed in with half melting snow due to the downpour we had endured previously that day. I was in awe of all the little details surrounding me, from the way the rain hit the puddles and created small bubbles in it's aftermath, the gritty dirt that ran alongside the top of the bins, to the trail of footsteps that were firmly imprinted in the snow by the builders that had been working that day. I decided to grab my camera and head out there and see what images i could capture. I chose to use my 50mm prime lens as i wanted to get close to the decay and portray it all in it's delicacy. I shot all of these images on manual mode using a very shallow depth of field throughout, my aim was to create close up images and have the background out of focus, so to perfectly off set the most relevant parts of the subject - the 'Delicate Decay'. 

All of the following images were shot using my Canon 5D and a canon 50mm 1.8 Prime lens.