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.