Project 12, Month 10, Shapes & Forms

Shape is a 2-dimensional element while Form is viewed as a 3-dimensional object.

A shape is a space outlined by elements such as lines, color, and value.  It may be an actual solid object (such as a traffic sign) or may be more of a perceived shape (such as a group of people arranged in a circle).

"In the two dimensional world, there are three simple geometric shapes. [ circle, rectangle, and triangle]. ... Shape is to form as a square is to a cube.  In the three dimensional world, the basic geometric forms are cube, sphere, pyramid, cylinder and cones."  (Aamir Shahzed )

"Forms are defined by their lines, shapes, and volume ... Photographing form can be capturing an overall contour of a three-dimensional object - say, a flower - or composing an image from an unusual perspective and capturing its shape in an abstract way." (Juergen Roth)


Things to consider:

• Everything has a shape of some kind.  It may be one simple geometric shape or it may be a combination of the basic shapes.  It may be an actual solid object or an implied/abstract shape or form.
• Repeated shapes make a pattern. 
• A silhouette is a shape whether it's of a person, a cat, a tree, or a street sign.  
• Camera angle/position is important. An element viewed from the side will usually have a different shape and form than when viewed from the front.
• Use of light and shadow is very important when photographing a form. Side light usually works best to add shadows and depth.

Suggested Readings and Examples:

1. Discovering Form in Photography by Juergen Roth at Apogee Photo
2. Use of Structures in Photo Composition by Kim Rormark at Digital Photography Tips Online; very short article 
3. Advanced Composition: Using Geometry by Christina N. Dickson at Digital Photography School; well illustrated article
4. Use a triangle as a composition technique by Jim Harmer at Improve Photography; tip # 9
5. Photography Composition: The Golden Triangle Rule by Mira Crisp at Crisp Photoworks; well illustrated article
6. Shape and Form in Composition by Aamir Shahzed at Picture Social; illustrated short article
7. Capturing Shapes and Patterns in Outdoor Photos by Layne Kennedy at Photoguide; 90 second YouTube video
8. Emphasize Shape and Form in Macro Photography by Thomas Clark at Dummies.com Macro & Close-up Photography; a short illustrated article
9. Form, Shape and Space by Charlotte Jirousek at Cornell University from the Art, Design, and Visual Thinking course;
10. Shape and Form, Reflections, and Combining Multiple Elements by Andy Long at First Light; 5 paragraphs on Shape and Form
11. Elements of Design Shape & Form 1 by CanadaDadProduction; a 1:49 minute YouTube video
12. Image composition, stable, instable, diagonal, powerful and spiral composition at artmediaphotography.com; more illustrations than words; uses art to show compositional elements - look for square, triangle, circle, and spiral.  (Tip: read down in columns instead of across)

Project 52, Week 40, End of Summer

Autumn has begun in the Northern hemisphere.  The trees are turning color and school has started again. 

We have completed 3/4 of this year's projects so let's take a break from learning a new compositional tool and employ what we've already studied this month by composing photos of fall patterns, repetition, rhythm, and textures. 

Examples:

• Sweaters and coats can offer a good source for texture.
• A bike rack at a local school can create a pattern - with or without bikes. Look for one that creates a rhythm.
• A row of yellow school buses
• A stack of books, or pencils, or lunch boxes
• Geese flying south or water fowl filling a pond
• A row of home canned tomatoes or grape jelly
• A harvested corn field
• A basket of apples
• A carpet of crunchy golden leaves on your front yard
• An ivy covered wall at your alma mater

Things to consider:

• If you're in the forest - Get close for texture, step back for patterns.  Then try the reverse.
• Experiment with horizontal and vertical shots of the same subjects.
• Step out of the box and locate some out-of-the-ordinary scenes of patterns or textures.  Don't just do the usual trees and leaves.  (If you go on a search for unique back-to-school photos, do be respectful of the children.)

Suggested Readings and Photographic Examples:

1. A Photographic Journey Through Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere by Peter West Carey at phototuts+; illustrated article
2. A Detailed Guide to Photographing Fall Foliage by Christopher O'Donnell at the PhotoArgus; a well illustrated longer article; look for photos of patterns and texture

Sale at creativeLive on John Greengo Classes today

As usual, this is a little late but today (September 25, 2012) creativeLive is presenting a free four hour "in-depth step-by-step tour of the Canon Rebel T4i (known in Europe as the Cannon EOS 650D) with photographer John Greengo.  This is "a hands-on introduction to [the] camera's operations, detailed instructions on how all the menus work, and instruction on how to shoot great photos with this specific camera model"   (In December, he will hold a class on the Olympus OM-D EM-5.)  The live class runs from 9 AM - 1 PM (PDT), but there should be re-watch opportunities through the afternoon and evening.   [The class can be watched live from 12 - 4 EDT; for other time zones check out this Time Zones Converter.]

Through today, all of John's course videos are on sale, including the 2012 Fundamentals of Digital Photography.  The Fast Start camera courses are $30 (regularly $50) and the 5 day Fundamentals course is $100 (regularly $150).

John is an excellent instructor. I know because I have viewed and purchased two of his courses.  He "teaches photography with a unique blend of illustrations, animations and photographs". 

Project 52, Week 39, Texture

Texture refers to the surface of an object. It adds dimension and depth to a flat photograph.

Things to consider:

• There are three reasons to use texture in photography: Detail (the texture is the focal point), Drama (actively supports the focal point), and Information (gives information about an element). 
• Perfect textures can be boring. Look for little (or big) imperfections, as well as variety in shadows,colors, tones, lines, etc.
• Don't forget to move - up, down, left, right and all around. A slight change in lighting or camera position can make a significant difference in how well texture is rendered in a photograph.

Suggested readings and photographic examples:

1. How to Photograph Textures by Nasim Mansurovs at Mansurovs Photography; 10 tips with illustrations
2. Photographic Composition: Texture as a Design Element at Valerie Hayken Photography & Design; shows a good example of how lighting can effect the way texture is seen in a photograph
3. Texture Photography Essentials and Tips by Ron Bigelow at Picture Correct; short illustrated article on the 3 reasons to use texture in photography
4. How to Photograph Texture (Lighting for Texture) by Robert Grant from LightMyShot.com
5. How to Apply Textures to Your Photographs by James Brandon at Digital Photography School; tutorial on using Photoshop

Wikipedia Photography Contest

I'm always the last to hear gossip or news so this is a little (actually, a lot!) late, but I'm passing it along to you because you may find the lists of historical places interesting for future reference. 

Wiki Loves Monuments 2012 is an international photography contest taking place this month (September 2012.)  As echoed in the title the subject of the contest photographs is national monuments and cultural heritage.  There are 18 participating countries - check Wikipedia for more information on your country's specification and prizes.

In the United States, the subject of your photographs must be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Even if you don't have time to enter the contest, the state lists may be invaluable for vacations and other photography opportunities.

The Photoshop Guys Guitar Benefit Raffle

Scott Kelby is an author, blogger, instructor, and photographer.  Did you know he also plays a mean guitar?

"The Photoshop Guys are raffling off a Signature Schecter Diamond Series guitar signed by all of the Photoshop Guys; Scott Kelby, Matt Kloskowski, Corey Barker, RC Concepcion and Pete Collins!" 

100% of the proceeds benefit the Springs of Hope Kenya orphanage.

Click here or on guitar for more information: Photoshop Guys Guitar Benefit Raffle, the tickets are $25 each and the raffle ends Friday, 09/21/2012.

Another NYIP student's blog

I know a lot of visitors to this blog are looking for information on NYIP so here:

I discovered another NYIP student's blog, My NYIP Experience, by Matt Fulkes.  Mr. Fulkes describes the blog as "Tracking my progress through the Professional Photography program".   He doesn't describe the course in much detail, but he has included assignment photos and his instructor's critiques for the first two lessons.  (Based on my experience and research, the most difficult part of the NYIP  course is actually taking the photographs and submitting them.)

The other blogs I found only had 1 or two posts about NYIP. Most stopped posting at all after that. As I've noted before, I don't know if they stop because they are busy studying, busy creating stunning photographs, or just got tired of writing and/or photography.
Another student, Cat D, led a discussion about NYIP at 365Project.

Aaron Stott has a 2 part article about his NYIP experiences on his blog. 

Other blogs I found only had 1 or two posts about NYIP. Most stopped posting at all after that. As I've noted before, I don't know if they stop because they are busy studying, busy creating stunning photographs, or just got tired of writing and/or photography.

Addendum 10/17/2012: Miranda, a new visitor to this blog, has started posting her own experiences with NYIP on her blog Life's Greatest Blessings.  The first post is New York Institute of Photography - Making the Decision.

Project 52, Week 38, Rhythm and Repetition

This week we look at rhythm and repetition.  Repetition occurs when the same element (object, color, shape, or form) appears in the scene more than once. An element that repeats more than twice creates a pattern.  Strong, regularly repeating patterns set up a rhythmic movement that carries the eye through the scene like a waltz.

Things to consider:

• Reflections are an example of repetition.
• Rhythm can create ambiance.  For example, a row of pews in a cathedral create a mood of harmony and unity.  However, a row of stark, fog-shrouded trees can generate suspense.   
• Not all patterns are rhythmic. Rhythm implies movement.

Suggested Readings and Photographic Examples:

1. The Art of Nature by Brenda Tharp at Apogee Photo; Rhythm is first section,  2 paragraphs and photos
2. Composition: Rhythm and Repetition by Robert A. Cantor at ; 1 photo
3. Design in Art: Repetition, Pattern, and Rhythm Tutorial by Lucy Lamp at Sophia; very informative article about repetition, pattern, and rhythm in art (not just photography)
4. Repetition & Variation by aphotobylevi, 3 min YouTube video with photos and music.
5. How to Create Repetition in Photography by Robert Grant from LearnMyShot.com; a 4 min YouTube video tutorial

Project 52, Week 37, Break in Pattern

This week is a lot like last week's topic except we're looking for a break in the pattern that adds a little interest, maybe a little tension.  A pattern break can be a slat missing from a wood fence, a pear in a basket of apples, a baseball player in the middle of a football team, a red marble in a bag of blue ones, a lone fan in the middle of an empty bleachers' section.

Things to Consider:

• See last week's posts.
• Look up, down, left, right, and all around to get the best composition. 
• Don't forget the other compositional guidelines like rule of thirds and balance.

Examples:

1. Break the Pattern by Tom Bol at ProPhotoCoalition, 1 short page with 1 photo
2. Using Repetition and Patterns in Photography by Darren Rouse at Digital Photography School; see section on Breaking Patterns with 1 photo
3. 33 Inspirational Images that Feature Patterns and Repetition by Darren Rouse at Digital Photography School; just photos - look for the ones with breaks in the pattern.  Note that more than one scene has a pattern within a pattern which causes a break in the outer pattern, but is not as obvious as having a red marble in a jar of blue ones.

Project 52, Week 36, Patterns

This week we're composing with patterns.  Patterns are repeating elements (lines, colors, shapes, objects) in a scene.  Patterns are all around us: a row of telephone poles, flags, school buses - windows in an office building, roof shingles, tract houses - people standing in line, sitting in the bleachers, racing in a marathon - leaves on a tree, petals on a flower, scales on a snake - cows in a field, sheep on the hillside, horses leaving the post at the Kentucky Derby - stripes on a zebra, on your boss's suit pants, of a corn field - a stack of chocolate chip cookies, a basket of apples, a dozen eggs in a carton - a pile of river rocks, bubbles in a bath, rain drops beading on your newly waxed car.  Get the picture?  It's not just wall paper patterns we're talking about here.

Things to consider:

1. Recognizing unusual or abstract patterns takes a creative eye.
2. Filling the frame with a pattern can make a bold statement. Or it can be boring. 
3. If the pattern isn't the main focal point, remember it should enhance, not distract.
4. There are 5 types of patterns: Regular, Random, Alternating, Flowing, and Progressive

Suggested Readings and Examples:

1. A 10 Step Guide to Understanding and Utilising Pattern by Simon Bray at phototuts+
2. How to Use Pattern in Photography Composition at 1st Photographer; very short, but informative, illustrated article
3. Elements of Composition - Pattern by Aamir Shahzad at PictureSocial; 11 photographic examples
4. Nature's Pattern Photography by Acquil Akhtar at Noupe; 35 photographic examples
5. Patterns at Fodor's Focus on Travel, short illustrated article

Project 12, Month 9, Pattern and Textures

Our topic this month is Patterns and Textures which includes rhythm and repetition. 

• Patterns are repeated elements such as shapes, colors, objects, etc,  even rays of light.  They can provide structure and harmony to a composition.  Interrupted patterns can provoke tension in the viewer.
• Texture refers to the surface of an object.  Is it smooth, rough, nubby, prickly (etc)?  Texture can make the viewer want to tough the photograph.
• Rhythm is the regular repetition of an element that encourages a directional movement of the viewer's eye, like a waltz through the photo.. 
• Repetition is the appearance of an object more than once.  Repetition can refer to the same object appearing several times such as a row of trees or theater seats, or bubbles in a bath. Repetition can also be different objects that mimic the same shape, color, or texture (etc).  For example, a composition containing a tree, a lamp post, and a tall, skinny man.

Things to consider:

• Look for patterns and textures everywhere.  Sometime it takes a trained eyed to recognize a pattern.
• A pattern can make an interesting background or frame for the focal point of your composition, but make sure it enhances, not distracts or overwhelms.
• When the pattern or texture is the focal point, fill the frame with the pattern or texture to make the most impact.
• Perfect patterns and textures can be boring.  Look for little (or big) imperfections, as well as variety in shadows,colors, tones, lines, etc. 
• One "expert" in the following articles recommends that when creating a composition with patterns the photographer should maintain a long depth of field, keeping everything in focus.  Another says that a narrow depth of field will often hide irrelevant elements in the scene, emphasizing the patterns.  I say - use your own judgement.  Tell your own story.
• Texture can add depth and dimension to a photo. 
• Don't forget to move - up, down, left, right and all around.  A slight change in lighting or camera position can make a significant difference in how well texture is rendered in a photograph. 
• Remember the rule of odds.  An odd number of objects is usually more interesting than an even number.  However, like other compositional rules, this one can be broken.  For example, reflections are a type of repetition and there are usually only two of those..

Suggested Reading and Examples:

1. A 10 Step Guide To Understanding and Utilizing Pattern by Simon Bray at phototuts+; illustrated article, about 1 paragraph and photo per step.
2. Zim Zuckerman on Composition: Patterns at MAC-On-Campus; well illustrated short article
3. Patterns and Textures at Fodor's Focus on Travel Photography; illustrated short article
4. Using Repetition and Patterns in Photography by Darren Rouse at Digital Photography School; illustrated short article
5. Emphasize Patterns in Composition by Kristine Hojilla at Photopoly
6. Repetition in Composition by Scott Simmons at Learn Outdoor Photography; very short article with 2 photos.
7. Pattern and Texture from NAVY training manual at photoinf; article covers other topics so look for very short sections on Pattern and Texture on page.
8. Composition - Repetition and Pattern at Crooked Lane Photography; illustrated short article;
9. Hena Tayeb: Brilliant, Rhythmic Photography; 3 photos
10. How to Photograph Textures by Nasim Manurov at Mansurovs Photography; 10 steps with large pictures