Assignment 3 - Focal length, Sensor latitude and Others!

For Asssignment 3, we were instructed to submit photos from 3 categories (Perspective, Zoom and Close up) with regards to focal length, 2 categories (High-key and Low-key) with regards to sensor latitude and a photo which depicts the theme "Symbolic of the Sun".

This particular assignment gave us students a lot more room for self-expression and I really enjoyed the shooting process for this assignment.

1) Perspective

"Endless"

Technical specifications:

Aperture (f/10), Shutter speed (1/250), ISO 200, 18-70mm (22mm)

Self critique: 7/10

This was taken at Haji Lane, where the alleys seem to lead to "nowhere" in a long straight line. The composition is quite symmetrical, with the straight asphalt road running down the middle. I thought the shadows falling on the road were quite nice. Perhaps the shadows can be enhanced by some photo-shopping to enhance the look.

"Awaiting congregation"

Technical specifications:

Aperture (f/4.5), Shutter speed (1/200), ISO 200, 18-70mm (18mm)

Self critique: 7.5/10

This picture was taken inside at a Church at the city area. I thought the uneven shadows caused by the light coming in from the side doors of the church was quite interesting. The stained glass on the right also helps to narrate that the setting and place in which the picture was taken. The row of neatly-arranged chairs also give a "perspective" to this picture.

2) Zoom

"Breakdance"

Technical specifications:

Aperture (f/16), Shutter speed (2s), ISO 400, 70-300mm (155mm)

Self critique: 6/10

This picture was taken at the Esplanade underpass. I was trying to capture the movement of the dancer but I guess the effect didn't turn out too well. I wanted to capture a "freeze frame" as well, but the lack of lighting prevented me from doing so haha...

3) Close-up

"Which move next?"

Technical specifications:

Aperture (f/4.8), Shutter speed (1/60), ISO 640, 70-300mm (180mm)

Self critique: 7.5/10

This shot was taken at a corner in Chinatown, where many groups of senior citizens sit down and have a game of Chinese chess with one another. I stood around to observe the people there for quite some time while holding on to my camera, trying to make sure that they were comfortable with a photographer hanging around them.

"What do I do?"

Technical specifications:

Aperture (f/4.8), Shutter speed (1/60), ISO 640, 70-300mm (165mm)

Self critique: 8/10

The same subject was captured in this picture, but the positioning of his hand against his forehead and the smile provides a better composition and gives the picture a lighter, more candid mood.

"Bloodless war"

Technical specifications:

Aperture (f/5.0), Shutter speed (1/100), ISO 640, 70-300mm (210mm)

Self critique: 9/10

Overall, I was really quite satisfied with this shot. The seemingly elegant posture of the hands also helps to "narrate" the picture.

"Lighting up"

Technical specifications:

Aperture (f/4.8), Shutter speed (1/100), ISO 640, 70-300mm (190mm)

Self critique: 8/10

This shot would have been even better if I had managed to capture the lighter and the first puff of smoke haha......

"Pondering"

Technical specifications:

Aperture (f/4.8), Shutter speed (1/50), ISO 640, 70-300mm (180mm)

Self critique: 8.5/10

Somehow, I like to shoot portrait shots of senior citizens because their facial features are more pronounced and really help to create a certain nostalgic "feel" about the picture.

4) High-key shots

"Angel"

Technical specifications:

Aperture (f/4.5), Shutter speed (1/40), ISO 400, 18-70mm (65mm)

Self critique: 7.5/10

"Gateway"

Technical specifications:

Aperture (f/5.0), Shutter speed (1/60), ISO 400, 18-70mm (18mm)

Self critique: 8/10

This picture was taken at the Armenian Church, and the shadows casted on the columns and contours of the Church still managed to provide a rather clear outline of the building structure, despite the picture being overexposed on purpose.

5) Low-key shots

This series of low-key shots were taken at a video exhibit at the Singapore Biennale 2008. The exhibit was placed in one of the rooms at City Hall.

"Proximity"

Technical specifications:

Aperture (f/4.5), Shutter speed (1/40), ISO 640, 18-70mm (65mm)

Self critique: 7.5/10

"Reach"

Technical specifications:

Aperture (f/4.5), Shutter speed (1/40), ISO 640, 18-70mm (46mm)

Self critique: 7/10

"Alone in the dark"

Technical specifications:

Aperture (f/4.5), Shutter speed (1/40), ISO 640, 18-70mm (62mm)

Self critique: 8/10

6) Symbolic of the Sun

"Dome"

Technical specifications:

Aperture (f/8.0), Shutter speed (1/125), ISO 400, 18-70mm (27mm)

Self critique: 7.5/10

This is more of a iconic representation of the Sun. It was taken at the entrance of the Singapore History Museum and this picture captures the inside of the dome roof. The round shape captured is meant to be a comparison to the shape of the Sun.

Actually I think this picture resembles the wheel located in the Indian national flag haha...

"Join me!"

Technical specifications:

Aperture (f/5.6), Shutter speed (1/250), ISO 400, 70-300mm (300mm)

Self critique: 8/10

Now, this series of pictures are more symbolic in their representation of the Sun. Think of the Sun and you think of radiance, vibrance and energy. These attributes are actually quite similar to what the Sun possesses, so I decided to head down to the water fountain at Bugis Junction to capture the children who play with the fountain.

"Ouch"

Technical specifications:

Aperture (f/4.5), Shutter speed (1/200), ISO 200, 70-300mm (130mm)

Self critique: 7.5/10

"Hands up!"

Technical specifications:

Aperture (f/5.6), Shutter speed (1/400), ISO 400, 70-300mm (300mm)

Self critique: 7/10