Ok, so I'm taking this college class called "Visual Perception" which is a prerequisite toward other photography classes. It's just a basic art class shown through photographs.
HOWEVER, we are no allowed to edit...at all, not even crop! At least in minimal editing, you're allowed to sharpen! We also can't use any in-camera features (so much for my selective desat!) and only the basic manual setting. While I think it will be a good learning experience for me, I would like to learn a few tricks to "enhance" my photos :)
That being said, what tricks, tips, and secrets do you have for me? Such as: how to vignette, what I should use for a 'scratched glass' effect, very tight focus without a lens (maybe vasaline on saran wrap covering lens?), how to change the hues in b/w setting (colored celaphane?). I feel like I'm in the stone age here, at least Ansel Adams was allowed to edit with light!
For effects done outside the camera (as in minimal or less edit) I feel the person you should talk to is GraphicFunk...amazing stuff for studio and non-photoshop effects, and he is very helpful!! Good luck!
Indeed, invest in some matte black paper, black felt and black velvet (non-crushed). Another idea is a pinhole camera lens...
to incorrectly set white balance, use custom white balance with some peices of paper. Get a set of colored origami paper and remember to use MF to fill the frame. Although this is in-camera settings and may not be allowed.
In a pinch, a lens cap can work for covering the lens... remember to think 4-dimensionally, time is just as important as area covered.
If your camera is capable of shots > 1 second, take inspiration from the recent painting with light challenge. Get hold of an external flash which you can use independently of the camera and experiment with combining it with motion blur. Then wow the person in charge with fancy effects!
...pay close attention to your horizon and make sure that it is level since you won't be able to straighten and crop it later. For me, an unlevel horizon is one of the top killers of a good photo.
If you have the function that diplays a grid in your viewfinder you should use it.
Instead of vasoline, you can make a decent (and permanent) softfocus filter using clear nail polish on an old UV filter. KEH usually sells a grab bag of 10 or so of these filters for $cheap.
You've already got the eye, just apply it to the shot in camera, instead of in PS. Use a tripod, and really set the shot up, instead of snapping and fixing later. Learn how to use the basic features of your camera...beyond aperture, shutter speed and ISO, learn white balance settings, sharpness, and anything else that is adjustable before the shot is taken. You can accomplish a lot, without relying on special effects or expensive filters. Beyond the class, learning those things will serve you well in all of your photography.
You've already got the eye, just apply it to the shot in camera, instead of in PS. Use a tripod, and really set the shot up, instead of snapping and fixing later. Learn how to use the basic features of your camera...beyond aperture, shutter speed and ISO, learn white balance settings, sharpness, and anything else that is adjustable before the shot is taken. You can accomplish a lot, without relying on special effects or expensive filters. Beyond the class, learning those things will serve you well in all of your photography.
And always look over your shoulder to see what's in the other direction!
...to incorrectly set white balance, use custom white balance with some peices of paper. Get a set of colored origami paper and remember to use MF to fill the frame. ...
I've done this with paint sample cards from lowes and walmart (since they are free) and always loved the results.
My current camera doesn't do well setting the WB off of strange colors (really bites when doing IR) and doesn't allow me to save them...I want my C3000 back :(
You say this is a basic Art class shown through photographs. Is the class about photography or about finding examples of art and documenting it? If its the latter don't worry too much. Some random tips, worklights if you don't have or can't afford and off camera flash, cardboard covered with aluminum foil if you don't have or can't afford a reflector. Try working on shooting from odd perspectives and takes lots of shots varying your settings with regard to f/stop and shutter and see what you come up with. Good luck :)
Just had a thought. The selective Desat mode in the S2 IS really needs you to be very strict with your lighting and composition with a view to color. Perhaps shooting like this will strengthen your hand with regard to skills and make it easier to do these things later...
besides, you can always edit with PS and post here :)
I think this is a great opportunity for you to work on your composition. experimenting with different techniques such as line and balance you may find you can get very powerful photographs without any extra tricks. :)
That being said, what tricks, tips, and secrets do you have for me? Such as: how to vignette, what I should use for a 'scratched glass' effect, very tight focus without a lens (maybe vasaline on saran wrap covering lens?), how to change the hues in b/w setting (colored celaphane?). I feel like I'm in the stone age here, at least Ansel Adams was allowed to edit with light!
Any help is appreciated :)
Thanks
My advice is simple. It seems that someone has finally created a learning curriculum that will at least attempt to teach you how to compose a photograph in the camera AND learn how to choose interesting subjects, perspectives, and learn other general basic rules of good photography. Don't worry about looking for a way around the rules to give yourself an edge. Try to follow the program as outlined and you will be very glad you did in the end.
That being said, what tricks, tips, and secrets do you have for me? Such as: how to vignette, what I should use for a 'scratched glass' effect, very tight focus without a lens (maybe vasaline on saran wrap covering lens?), how to change the hues in b/w setting (colored celaphane?). I feel like I'm in the stone age here, at least Ansel Adams was allowed to edit with light!
Any help is appreciated :)
Thanks
My advice is simple. It seems that someone has finally created a learning curriculum that will at least attempt to teach you how to compose a photograph in the camera AND learn how to choose interesting subjects, perspectives, and learn other general basic rules of good photography. Don't worry about looking for a way around the rules to give yourself an edge. Try to follow the program as outlined and you will be very glad you did in the end.
My advice is simple. It seems that someone has finally created a learning curriculum that will at least attempt to teach you how to compose a photograph in the camera AND learn how to choose interesting subjects, perspectives, and learn other general basic rules of good photography. Don't worry about looking for a way around the rules to give yourself an edge. Try to follow the program as outlined and you will be very glad you did in the end.
I strongly concur.
When you get to a level of photography in your scholastic endeavor, then you should go to the next level of tricks and tips.
I know a couple, but get back to me after you have done some basic crap at school.
