First Semester Photo Portfolio

In this photography class I feel that I have learned a lot of things. Of everything I have learned about camera and photography the rules of good picture taking are the most valuable in my opinion. As I have been taking picture these last three weeks I have tried to apply these rules and perfect them to the best of my ability. I also have been trying to try out different techniques for example in my first set of pictures I took them all at my work place. i work at a retirement home for millionaire's downtown Norfolk,VA which sits right behind the historical Fort Norfolk military base. I wanted to take Dr.Hart's advice about "making" pictures to represent the world through my eyes. So with that being said it obviously important for me to take some pictures as my job because I'm there between 25-40 hrs per week. Below this introduction paragraph are a few examples of some rules I have tried to implement for the last three weeks.

( In this photo I use the rule of lines, the rule of thirds with the stop signs, the rule of layers.)

( In this photo I used the rule of third with the sky, the rule of S curve with the fence. )

(In this photo I used the rule of leading lines)

After learning about the rule of diagonal lines I was amazed at how much they could add to a photograph. Many of my favorite photographs use the rule of diagonal lines. As shown below one of the very first pictures I took in class used this rule . Lines typically are supposed to lead to the subject in the photo. We call these "leading lines" these lines are thought to be something that makes a photo more interesting. In the example to the left the subject is most likely the teacher at the front of the class. Also adding to this photo is the reflection of the outside elements.

Another rule that I have been trying to develop is the rule of layers. This rule definitely adds to a photograph because it gives the picture depth and makes it more interesting. I prefer to take pictures that include this rule and I would say that it is apart of my style. As shown below this paragraph. The layers is what makes this photo interesting . The sky adds a element of romance. My goal was to make this ordinary two person table by the window, something I come into contact with on a daily basis , and make it look like something that could be in an advertisement.

Something else that I have been trying to develop has been the rule of framing. Framing a subject could be a huge help in making a photograph more interesting . For example, in the photo below you can see the subject (the outside) is framed by a the large windows . This photo is also made more interesting by the diagonal lines from the lines. The fact that it is in black and white definitely adds to it as well because it makes the light coming in through the windows more dramatic.

In conclusion, I have learned a lot from the first half of this semester. The rules that make photographs interesting is by far the most practical of the knowledge I have acquired in this class. I honestly feel that I have been able to improve my photography skills in a short amount of time. Before this class I had no idea about these small techniques that can have such a huge impact in the quality of the pictures I take. In addition to these things the existence of Flickr is also something I was unaware of prior to taking this course. Overall I am happy with my progress as a photographer and I am looking forward to learning more in the second half of this class.

Week #3 Assignment: Black & White

This picture uses the rule of framing. I used the outline of the window and curtain to frame the view of outside. I particularly like this photo because it was a rainy day outside, as you can see from the windo pane. I had planned to get some sunrise photos that morning but to my dismay I awoke to these conditions. I remembered reading in the textbook that good photographys can be taken in adverse weather as long as you are willing to change subjects and be flexible. So that is what I attempted to do with this weeks photos. And on a personal note Im happy I will have some photos of my apartment because I do have some sentiamental attachment to it because it is my very first appartment .

Also, Dr. Hart there happens to be a moving car in the background of this picture, and I remember what that you said we get extra points for moving vechiles ;-) (wink*wink*)




In this photo I used the rule of framing again as well as the rule of diagonal lines. It was amazing to me that this picture looked so much better in black and white. There is also an element of layers in this photo with the bambo plant on a table infront of the large window and then finally the outdoors.

In this still life style photograph I tried to use the whole frame. The rule of diagonal lines applies to the background and it also uses the rule of layers. I think the fact that you can see the view from the blinds being open. The bambo plant is the true subject in my opinion which is complimented by the incent holder with the smoke coming out of it .

Week #2 Pictures

I like this picture because the sky is a contrast to the dry earth.

In this picture I use the leading lines in the ground to lead to the beautiful sky.

In this picture I zoomed in on NO TRESPASSING sign my back yard. I like it because it looks really pretty with all the leaves covering it. This photo uses Text to make it more interesting.

This is m y favorite of the week. I used the text in the sign to make it more interesting. The angle is what makes this shot. The sky and dry earth in the background provides a contrast and makes it look really abstract.

Photography Practice Excersise #1 02/08/2011

#1. In this first photo I use THE RULE OF FRAMING.

The shadow creates a frame for the bottom of the photograph and underneath the stadium provides the upper frame. The photo appear to have leading lines from the shadow that lead to the beautiful blue sky.

#2. In this photograph I am using the RULE OF LINES AND THE RULE OF THIRDS.

The blechers in the foreground have leading lines to the blechers in the background which take up about a third of the photograph. This photo also has about three layers making it interesting.

#3. This photo uses THE RULE OF SIMPLICITY.

The trashcan is in the foreground which is lead to from the sidewalk. At the bottom of the picture you can see my shadow at the bottom. It also so has some layers in the picture.

#4. THE RULE OF LINES

In this photo you can see diagonal lines as well as leading lines to the green and yellow flag. This photo is framed by the side rails and blechers.