ARTH101 Discussion Topic 8: Here a Photo, There a Photo, Everywhere a Photo

[Virgilia]

Visual information is the key in making social networking so popular. From digital cameras to mobile phones, taking pictures has become an everyday experience for most of us.

• How often do you take pictures?
• What device do you usually use to take them?
• How much attention do you devote to composition, lighting or arrangement in your pictures?
• How do you use the images?
• How do you think you can improve your photos?

.
Digital cameras have revolutionized photography - but not always for the better. I have a Pentax Optio A10 and originally found myself taking endless photographs which, apart from a few, were singularly boring. T here were photos of family, friends, travel, bushwalks, building interiors, building exteriors, children, special occasions, trees, gardens and artwork. Composition, lighting and arrangement were rarely factors in these photographs - sadly. However some ruthless culling made a huge difference, and I can enjoy reminiscing about a time, place or event without having to wade through endless poorly presented pictures.

Some of the images have been photoshopped and used in Christmas or birthday cards; others are simply filed in years and are regularly visited as ‘historic’’ reminders. I now find that although 'spontaneous’photographs can work well, some of the best shots are when take time to focus on composition in particular.

[fulmineus30]

I enjoy using Pic’s Art application to edit my photo’s that I’m finding more interesting. Another reason I’m doing this, is the fact that although I love paintings , it’s hard for me to achieve the result I imagine by using brushes or charcoals and pastels. In contradiction , I do a better job with clay sculpture, as I find it easier to express myself.
However, here are some photos I would like to share

[dan_fournier]

Things have certainly evolved since I was in high school developing photos in the dark room from 35 mm film. I currently use a Canon EOS digital camera which entails a lot more learning about technical details on top of the traditional photography techniques required to take good photos.

I mostly take photos when I travel; since I live in China the sites and subjects are endless and I take them for documenting and immortalizing moments of my short span on this earth. I like to think that, even though we live in this digital age where people’s attention spans are quite short and limited, once I am no longer amongst the living I can leave some powerful images for my descendents and others who wish to gain from admiring them. For this, I’ve made it a purpose to learn more about composition and other photography techniques and concepts.

National Geographic has a good primer on the subject (Guide to Photography - Photography Basics) which outlines some key concepts to follow when taking pictures. We cannot underestimate the power of these basic concepts – such as Lighting, Color, Composition, Focal Point, the Rule of Thirds, and Leading Lines – have on this particular art medium. In addition, the magical means by which one can include a sense of story telling in a photograph is not to be forsaken. And as I learn more about these and other concepts, I try to integrate them as much as possible when I take photographs.

Today’s social media sphere (and the world in general) is oversaturated with visual and other stimuli, making it difficult for you or your work to get noticed. I think nowadays with the advent of smartphone and digital cameras most people tend to take too many photos (including those selfies!). The drawback of this is that we substitute quality for quantity. Personally, I’d rather take many images but after reviewing them, only keep the ones that are technically the best and that can tell a story. I am starting to write a book about my 10 years living as a foreigner in China. I will only be able to include a select amount of photographs in my book; so I will need to carefully choose those that are technically radiant, have intrigue, and can tell a story.

I think the best way to improve the art of photography is to learn more about the craft and also look at other people’s photos. National Geographic’s Your Shot is a great place to start, as it can help train your eye so to speak.

• Dan Fournier, 2016-01-25

[fulmineus30]

I think the best way to improve the art of photography is to learn more about the craft and also look at other people’s photos. National Geographic’s Your Shot is a great place to start,

Thanks for the info! I’m also a fan of Geography

[rosie]

I take photographs every couple of weeks setting aside time for that purpose. I use a 35mm film camera. I think all the elements that apply to any artistic picture apply to photographs. I use the images in shows and exhibits. I am hoping to improve by studying this course.

[jess_marie]

I typically take pictures a few times a week and with my smartphone. When editing pictures, I’ll adjust the brightness or contrast. I’ll also adjust the warmth or saturation. Additionally, if there is something in the picture I want to focus on, I will slightly blur out the background. I’ll use these images on social media platforms. I can improve these photos by using a better camera and also getting better at editing.

[bm_stjohn7]

I have been fortunate in my life that members of my family have kept “old-fashioned” cameras around and in pretty good shape so I have been exposed to cameras that have come and gone in time. I remember when I was a child I would play with a camera my grandparents had that allowed you to take a picture then printed the image immediately after. The image then had to be shaken to activate the chemicals in order to see the image. Although I was never really any good with this camera, it was amazing to my childish mind that I could capture something in an image forever. I also remember as I got older having the disposable cameras and having to wait for what seemed like forever for the film to be developed. Only then would you be able to see if any of the pictures you took were actually usable or duds.

More recently, however, I have had the opportunity to witness the revolution of and the progress of cameras on cell phones. Those in my generation thought cell phones were the most amazing thing that was ever invented and the addition of the camera made it even better. The cell phone went with us wherever we went so the camera was always there as well. It made memorable moments last a lifetime and made selfies the up and coming trend.

Although I was never into selfies, I never thought myself photogenic, I did like to take pictures particularly of nature. When I am out in nature, I fill up my phone’s space taking images of nature because it is so beautiful and the way the light, or lack thereof, so for me lighting and composition are important. I do take pictures often and because of my cell phone is always on me I do have access to a camera even though it isn’t professional or by any means a quality camera but it does take fairly clear, amateur photos that I enjoy. I have used my images on my walls in my house, framed them, and designed rooms around the pieces and have had family do the same.

With practice and taking the time to actually read about how to take more professional images, my images could greatly be improved but until that time, I am quite satisfied with them so far. Like I always say, there is always something to learn and room for improvement.

[boing001]

How normally do you see a film?

I watch films about once consistently aside from would emphatically watch more if there were even more high

quality films available.

Do you see films in a theater or on other propelled media?

Both. It genuinely depends upon the film. Exactly when a noteworthy film, for instance, Titanic or The Great Gatsby turns out, I like to watch it on the big screen in order to have an increasingly submerged audit understanding. For most various motion pictures, I need to watch them on my from a relationship with my compluter. Toward the day’s end, I need to either download or stream an automated movie to watch. The essential piece of room is that I can postpone it when I like and “rewind” to watch a scene more than once in case I didn’t fittingly hear or get it. Additionally, I may have the alternative to keep a “printed duplicate” of the film to watch it again later on if it was a particularly not too bad one.

What kind of motion pictures do you like; human interest stories, action films, slants, dream or vivacity?

I most like the Drama, Horror, Suspense, and Historical Fiction sorts yet furthermore much of the time appreciate the occasional Documentary style of film.

What are your thoughts in video structure’s business to draw in and instruct?

I think the major occupation is to pass on the watcher into another, dark, world through the eyes and perspectives of the film’s characters similarly as through its time and spot settings. People should be redirected from the normality of life. In addition, what best way over to get doused in another reality where the unexpected is typical? Through a film we can get some answers concerning ourselves. As our insights and sentiments may be put on an energizing ride when watching a film our own one of a kind viewpoints and feelings can become tended to and even changed, especially if the motion picture worked eminently. That is the power of film. Not under any condition like other visual gems

What is your favored film? Why?

This is such an irksome request to reply in light of the fact that there are such immense quantities of. Also, my decision seems to change as I become increasingly settled and have gotten acquainted with the world. The one, in any case, that seems to remain with me is Monk Redemption. I think the rule reason being that: regardless of the way that we live in an abominable world, over the long haul, value will win some way or another. Additionally, the film’s characters are stunningly captivating. The film exhorts us that for the duration of regular day to day existence, we ought to be even cleverer than the fraudsters and swindlers that mean us hurt. Our psyches and will are our most prevailing weapons. The film gives everyone believe that they likewise can win in this coldblooded world

[boing001]

good comprehensive ideas

[boing001]

this is flavourable description

[tabata_craft]

I normally take picture with my phone. I use them to portray special occasion or family members. Sometimes I also take picture of a beautiful sky or landscape. Social media changed the way a picture look by enabling people to add comments, emoji, or other things to your original picture.

[rakansaulisbury]

I take pictures all the time, sometimes a a flower, a tree, or a boat.pictures are like a digital diary to me.i always use my cellphone .I pay attention and devote to composition, when it is a special event such a birthday (my bday), or a special family gathering.in addition,I pay attention and devote to lighting by using the effects in my cellphone making the pictures “black and white” OT “vibrant”, sometimes “cinema- 3D glasses “.I don’t devote much attention to arrangement of my pictures because usually I’m using my cellphone.My cellphone organizes the pictures I take by date, resulting to why the pictures I take are like. Digital diary.A reason why pictures are like a digital diary to me is that I use them by showing them not publicly such as (Instagram) or (Facebook), but I only show them too special people in my life such as my family or best friends.I can improve my pictures by buying a professional digital camera, and knowing how to use it.

[sincere5ruelan]

I am not an avid user of the camera. I used my cellphone to take pictures for personal reasons and if when it is needed for me to capture some important events that I need to preserve. Sometimes, I take a picture of what I think and caught my attention and intend to use it as my reference for drawing.

[sincere5ruelan]

impressive thoughts…

[jhuh75]

How often do you take pictures?

• I take pictures almost everyday.
  What device do you usually use to take them?
• I use both my smartphone and my DSLR camera.
  How much attention do you devote to composition, lighting or arrangement in your pictures?
• I give as much attention to all of them. In every photo I take I make sure all of these checked.
  How do you use the images?
• I keep them for my personal use and I share it with others.
  How do you think you can improve your photos?
• Constantly practice and take more pictures.

[xersaylor20]

• How often do you take pictures?
  Just on important events and or for my job.
• What device do you usually use to take them?
  I usually take pictures using my phone. If a digital camera is available, I also use it.
• How much attention do you devote to composition, lighting or arrangement in your pictures?
  I am not a professional, but I have the idea of the basics. I tend to perform via theory.
• How do you use the images?
  For memories, reports or for just the fun of it.
• How do you think you can improve your photos?
  By attending seminars, editing the photo.

[cefoun01]

I take pictures sometimes I use mug phone i could improve the lighting in mu pictures though

[lhwan330]

• How often do you take pictures?
  I often take picture after smart phone is invented.

• What device do you usually use to take them?
  Smart phone. But when I was in a trip or some special events, I will use digital camera.

• How much attention do you devote to composition, lighting or arrangement in your pictures?
  Not much, just to aware is the main character inside the photo, and also the background I would like to take a photo with.

• How do you use the images?
  I will save in my computer and put some of them in a digital photo frame in my home. Sometimes I do go to print shop to print some of the photos out for memorial.

• How do you think you can improve your photos?
  May be in the color and the angle I catch.

[gammathereaper]

I take pictures almost every day or every other day, I used to believe photography was not an art form as the image was already there but later I took a photography course and learnt how the experienced photographer can turn any ordinary scene into an aesthetical masterpiece; at that time I only took photos at parties or special events. Now I take more pictures when travelling or going to parks or interesting locations.

When I take my current pictures I either use my smartphone or my digital camera depending on which would be best for the type of image I’m taking; for example taking close-ups, of my drawings, reference images for drawing or painting, food photos or interesting close-up shots. Panoramic or landscape shots are better on my camera. I also use some images for collages, slideshows or backgrounds & bases for digital drawings; sometimes I even use photo manipulation to create surrealist scenes. So photography is useful to me as I have so many reasons to know how to take good images.

I use a lot more professional techniques in my photos now than ever before. When setting up for a photo I make sure I have good, natural, lighting, a clean or arranged background, harmonious colours, and a dynamic angle. Both my camera and my phone have a grid layout, selection of camera modes and colour options whilst taking the picture , afterwards, I upload my images to the computer and edit them, if it’s not just a reference photo, I can use up to four different programs to change the image, I adjust the hue, chroma, lighting, sharpness, crop, saturation, exposure, transparency and sometimes edit the backgrounds. Being very adept to computer use, graphics, and image editing, I can make even a bad picture look decent.

I think improving my photos, for me, would be more about improving the actual image-taking process than the editing afterwards as I seem to have mastered that; I think my food photos would improve dramatically if I learnt to master indoor lighting and angles. I also think as landscape-photos are my favourite, a better digital camera with proper lenses (rather than the small portable one I currently use) might also help.

[gen60]

I take pictures several times a week. A lot of work and detail go into taking a perfect picture. I usually use my mobile device to take pictures because it’s always with me. I reply so much on my mobile device that I no longer have both a camera and a phone as I don’t feel that I need both. I try to get the best lighting and angles but I am in no way an expert. Sometimes I take several pictures and only keep the best one.

I usually keep the pictures on my phone to look back on or I post them to my social media account. My pictures serve as a chronological account of my progress in different areas of my life. I love to look back and see how my children have grown. I think that knowing more about angles, lighting and being able to use a variety of apps to make adjustments to my pictures would be very helpful.