Sunday, January 10, 2010

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Assignment #4 Landscape


I chose this landscape because I think that it has a good overall composition, as well as balance of colors. The variety of colors, from the blue sky to green grass, brown rock and gray mountain, bring variety and a sense of diversity to the shot. It is interesting because the mountains in the background suggest winter or the cold, but the green grass suggests a warm summer or spring. The mountains reflecting in the water are a cool affect, and they give the photograph some symmetry. If I were to have taken this shot, I think I would have included more of the land on the left hand side. Overall however, I think it has great composition. The horizon as well as the rock follow the thirds rule perfectly. The focus is also crisp, giving detail to the grass in the foreground as well as the clouds and mountains behind.
The area looks like a very nice place for a hike, and if I could be there right now I would go exploring. I think it would be interesting to see what was behind the rock, or off to the left or right of the frame. I have never been here, although I think I would like to go to a place like this. Im not even sure where this is a picture of, although I would guess maybe the alps. If I was in this photo, I would be standing on top of the large rock in the water.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Writing Assignment 3: Movement

Steve Bloom, Siberian Tigers Fighting.
In this photo by Steve Bloom, two siberian tigers are captured mid-brawl. This shot really captures the motion of the two tigers in the air, snow being tossed about, fur and claws flying, and the tail of one tiger whipping across the frame. The photo also has an exceptionally clear focus, the hair is even captured blowing in different directions. The clear resolution provides a look into that instant in time, the tigers are frozen in that very active pose. This shot would definitely not be as interesting if there was no movement, in fact the movement is what makes the piece. The fact that the motion is frozen is what makes it pleasing to look at. The out of focus background helps to draw the eye to the tigers, which fill the frame fully but do not crowd it. The bright oranges of the tigers against the uniformly white surroundings also work to highlight the subjects.
For future movement shots that I may take, I hope to gain a better overall clarity. I have found it is very hard to achieve crisp, clear focus while capturing the motion of a subject. With more clarity, I think the shots could be much more effective in conveying what I want the viewer to understand.