Week 4: Camera Use: Self Direct Task Composition Recap

Portrait Distractions

Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbKCtJY6sRg#t=367


Question: Are there any distractions in the background, foreground or edges of the frame and does it need to be moved to create a more effective image? 

Spyros Heniadis Video above. Successfully Using the Brenizer Method

Why Using The Brenizer Method Doesn' t Automatically Make a Great Portrait

Inbox

x

Spyros Heniadis spyros@selfhelpphotographer.com via aweber.com	Mar 25 (5 days ago)
to me

Hello Photographers!

How was your weekend? Did you get out there to take some damn photos? I've been feeling LOADS better, and my I'm bouncing back from my surgery pretty darn quickly!

This week we're doing a Critique of the Week and I look at a portrait submitted by Dor Reznik. Dor used the Brenizer method to shoot his portrait, and in the video I talk about what works and doesn't work with Dor's photo.

Using a new technique is a great way to expand your skill and knowledge, but even when using a new technique or shooting method, you still want to keep in mind your composition and what your subject is. Dor did a GREAT job with using the Brenizer method, but lost a little bit in the composition.

Click here to see my thoughts on Dor's photo and learn what the Brenizer method is...

Then get out there and take some damn photos! :)

Spyros

The framing in this video explains to me how positioning and colour can distract from the image. 

 F3.2 1/400 ISO200 EF70-200mm@160mm ORIGINAL

Cropping the photo with negative space to the right. Rule of thirds applied. 

Photo framed and positioned with less distraction. Polyfest 20 March 2015

 F3.5 1/400 ISO200 EF70-200mm@70mm ORIGINAL CROPPED

Polyfest 20 March 2015

Reference: http://www.amusingplanet.com/2015/01/chinese-zoo-locks-visitors-in-cages.html

The composition of the photo below is amusing but very effective with the position of the lions and the truck. No negative space, cropping a bit tight at the bottom of the photo. 

When taking a photo, I've started to notice the whole composition of the photo. Using the rule of thirds keeping the feet, legs etc in the area photographed. This does not always work but practice, practice more practice. 

Ralph Roberts

Shared publicly  -  2:52 AM

Chinese Zoo Locks Visitors in Cages, Lets Animals Roam Free ... "The Lehe Ledu Wildlife Zoo in Chongqing city, China, is giving people a chance to experience what it feels like to come face to face predators, instead of just viewing them in cages from a safe distance. Here visitors are locked up in a cage inside the back of a truck as it makes its way through the park, while the animals freely roam around, often coming close to the cage. To draw attention of the beasts, huge chunks of raw meat are tied to the bars to lure them as close as possible. The tours which were launched last month have already become a big hit among the tourists, with tickets sold out for the next three months.

“We wanted to give our visitors the thrill of being stalked and attacked by the big cats but with, of course, none of the risks,” said zoo spokeswoman Chan Liang. “The guests are warned to keep their fingers and hands inside the cage at all times because a hungry tiger wouldn't know the difference between them and breakfast.” ..."

MORE: http://www.amusingplanet.com/2015/01/chinese-zoo-locks-visitors-in-cages.html

Read more (14 lines)

this