It is important to note that my camera is a Canon EOS 80D which has a APS-C sensor. The ‘crop factor’ of my camera is 1.6x. All lenses are described by their focal length (24mm, 50mm, 100mm etc) in relation to a full frame sensor. Hence using a 50mm on my camera will have the effect of a 80mm on a full frame sensor. This effect is described visually below.
I enjoy most forms of photography, but generally prefer to keep a distance from my subject matter and so often move more towards landscape and wildlife photography. I also like to try to work with movement and emphasise light and its effects.
I shoot mostly with the camera set to aperture priority (Av). I find this the best way to achieve my desired outcomes as depth of field is normally my first priority. Similarly I start with the camera set at ISO100, thus getting highest quality. Clearly on occasion both of these have to be compromised to achieve faster shutter speeds, but I will still mostly do this by widening the aperture on Av, and then increasing ISO if need be.
Photographic influences
I recently went to the Martin Parr ‘Only Human’ exhibition which I thoroughly enjoyed. His work is wonderfully full of mischief, humour and colour. I also liked his often slight blurring to emphasise movement. Most of his work is up close, but I also enjoyed some of his more distant shots:-
. Source: radiotimes.com
Source : blackwells.co.uk
I found Trish Murtha and her poignant documentary photos very powerful indeed. She had a very important social message to convey. I think her use of black and white in her photography helped emphasise her message.
Source: twitter.com
Source: amazon.co.uk
In direct contrast, fashion and style photographer Mark Sanders clearly achieves some very slick, silky smooth shots which work well in their genre. I like this shot below with the blurring of clouds accentuating the shot of the Shard.
Source: standard.co.uk
I like Rut Blees Luxemburg’s urban photography very much. She specialises in longer exposure mainly nighttime photography, which I would like to explore further. Here she skilfully manages to emphasise the pedestrian’s movement with a little blurring whilst getting the lorry’s headlight and streetlights still and max light-rays.
Source: museum crunch.org
Finally, I also toyed with ICM (Intentional Camera Movement). This involves handheld shots with slowish shutter speeds, and deliberately moving the camera to create various effects as seen below.
Source: pxleyes.com
Source: digital-photography-school.com Source: reddit.com
Health and Safety (AC4.1)
Most camera equipment seems to be heavy, sharp edged, often bulky and sensitive, and so needs to be looked after well, both for its own safety and that of others. This is particularly the case when you add a tripod to the mix. In addition to this most camera equipment is quite delicate and must be looked after well. I have often been out photographing on roads, pathways, bridges, in glasshouses, as well as by rivers and lakes etc., all of which potentially create hazards. There have often been people about or even in shot, as well as wildlife. It is important to be considerate of all these factors. One should always endeavour to seek permission from people in shot, be wary and keep a safe distance from wildlife. When shooting it is important to be very aware of your surroundings, not blocking pathways or getting in the way of others. When using a tripod this only adds to the required considerations of others and surroundings, as you potentially become a larger even less mobile obstruction. One is allowed to photograph in most public spaces, but will invariably need permission in private spaces. This includes stations, galleries and obviously office buildings. You should also be careful not to infringe on any copyrights and accredit others’ work. I keep my camera, lenses and filters securely in a dedicated, padded backpack.
UAL Level 2 -Andrew 