Assignment 3 Tutor Report

Overall Comments
It might be as well to have a look at the brief for the final assignment as you might find that the summer period supplies the greatest opportunities for its completion and forward planning is never wasted!

Feedback on assignment
This certainly has the look and feel of similar articles in many of the county magazines I have seen.  This may be taken as a positive or negative criticism or (this is the correct choice) both.  If you are looking to maximise your local commercial potential then there is a good argument that looking like all the others is the way to go, just remember the photo-journalists’ adage “f8 and be there”. 
However, if an editor has submissions from two hopefuls, why would they choose yours? (I am not really speaking directly to your submission but in general)  You need to have something that stands out, that is your signature that the editor will remember and commission  signature that the editor will remember and commission you rather than anyone else.

So I would like to have seen you push the boundaries a bit.  You should, perhaps, try to make it unique to Lyme Regis, to your particular town crier, and make it appeal to those from outside as well as those from Lyme itself.

Your images are well composed in general, correctly exposed and focused and so on so you have the basic skills, you have done the research on town criers in general and done a good interview with your chosen subject, what we need to see is your personal take on the whole thing.  (I confess that I feel that a lot of editors on local magazines and so on aren’t interested in anything original but then I am just an old cynic!)

I really do feel that you should be shooting in raw.  As you are using Lightroom, any adjustments that need to be made to large numbers of your images to adjust for your particular camera, for example to deal with slight de-saturation of the colour, adding capture sharpening, lens correction, etc etc. can be set up as a preset and applied to all at once as can exporting to your preferred j[eg settings or to a required setting for a particular client.  But you still have all the original image to work with at another time and for another project.  Why have a camera that shoots umpteen megapixels only to have half of them thrown away and why rely on someone else’s idea of how an image should look?
Just a couple of general thoughts.  All lenses work at their optimum sharpness etc at about middle apertures; this usually means around f8.  Digital lenses are particularly poor at the extremes and most consumer lenses really do loose sharpness when used at maximum aperture or at f16 and smaller.  However, except with full frame sensors, depth of field is always large so it is difficult to use differential focus effects to isolate the main subject and at f8 depth of field is pretty enormous even when using a longish focal length.  So either one has to accept this, in your images, at least the final ones, you have accepted this and included the background, crowds etc. as a major part of the subject, or compromise on sharpness and use the widest aperture available and as long a focal length as is feasible when differential focus is a needed technique.

Another thing is avoidance of noise in areas of even tone/colour and particular in low light levels.  Not that noise is a problem in any of your images here.  It is worth remembering that changing the ISO is just like turning the volume up on a radio, the music gets louder but so does any hiss and crackle.  So the advice is to use the native ISO of the sensor (usually the lowest setting but not always) and only raise the ISO when it is impossible to do otherwise.  What prompted me to mention this was seeing that you had used 400ISO for an outside shot where you could as easily used a wider aperture and a slower shutter speed with a lower ISO.

A final point is about the use of wide angle at close quarters.  If you look at your shot Preparing you can see that the photos on the wall form a bit of an arc and the hands are rather out of proportion.  Neither of these things are particularly distracting in this particular shot, but, be aware of this effect in future where it might spoil the shot.  It’s all about training your eye.

I think that you should put thumbnails as contact sheets in your assessment submission.  The learning log is perhaps the best place for them with comments on your choices.  It will help to give the assessors the same sort of idea of the way you work and the sort of reasoning for your choices as your submissions to me do.

Learning Logs/Critical essays
Now you are back in harness as it were, I would like to see even more in your blog about books you are reading/consulting, magazine and/or internet sites you have visited and read, exhibitions (real and virtual) and so on in relation to your own work.  Discussing things that are more or less connected to your photography practice is a vital part of a good learning log/blog.

Suggested reading/viewing
You will have quite enough reading to do in the preparation of your essay.  If you are having trouble finding suitable articles to help e-mail me.

You may have already received links to these documents but in case here they are again:
Harvard referencing - http://oca-student.com/node/69870

Pointers for the next assignment
Most of the information you need on writing a Critical review is in the module document but if you have any questions just e-mail me.  You can e-mail this assignment to me as a word document if you wish.

Assignment 3 completed

It's in the post to my tutor, fingers crossed it passes without too many criticisms.
On to Project 4

Assignment 3

For this assignment you will take photographs to support an editorial feature.  The topic of the feature will be negotiated between you and your tutor.  The aim of this commission is to provide you with a realistic framework for you to experience working on a photographic assignment with tight deadlines, in-house style requirements and with precise technical specifications for the production and delivery of digital files.  This assignment should give you a feel of the pressure and the responsibility of working on a topic chosen by someone else very much a real life scenario in editorial environments

Your negotiation with your tutor should result in a photographic brief, which will specify the following:

·       The topic of the feature you will be working on

·       The in-house style, both in terms of aesthetics and conceptual approach

·       The technical specification of the digital files to submit

·       The delivery method for the digital files

·       The deadline for the completion of the work

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The brief

 

As my area of expertise when it comes to photography, is portraiture I thought about whom I could approach to put together a portfolio of pictures.  I had already used the mayor, local fossil hunter, collector, harbour master and various other ‘characters’ from Lyme Regis.  I wanted someone who had an interesting life and was well known in the town.

The topic of the feature you will be working on

The Town Crier had recently resigned and had been replaced by a new man and I thought this would give me a good opportunity to approach him with the incentive of a portfolio of photographs for him to use if he needed some publicity.  Alan Vian (pronounced Vee’an) agreed quite readily to allow me to work with him as he carried out his duties around the town.

The in-house style, both in terms of aesthetics and conceptual approach

My images needed to show the Town Crier when he represented the Mayor and Town Clerk to the local and general public. I had the idea to show him both organizing before an event and in his various roles.

Technical specification of the digital files to submit

I’ve worked in RAW and JPEG before and find my camera (a Nikon D5200 DSLR) is not quick enough in downloading both types of images to the memory card when I have used the multi-shot function and saving images as both. This makes further pictures impossible to shoot until it has finished and as it has a limited number of shots each time I press the shutter, I have to extremely selective as to when I press the button.  When I work in JPEG Fine it eliminates this problem and I can shoot and be ready for the next shot almost immediately.

When submitting items for publication it’s usual to submit images in either .eps or .pdf formats so that they can’t be changed by anyone other than the author.

With this work I have tried a new method of working (after discussions with my tutor) to carry out the corrections using the smart object feature in Photoshop.  I did find this restricted the amount of features that I could access.  I have adapted so that I use those features I need, for example Levels first, and then converted the images to smart objects and carry on with other functions still available.

Delivery method for the digital files

When working for local or national publications, unless images are required for urgent publication and sent by email which restricts their quality, pictures are supplied on CD or memory stick with a contact sheet included to show what is on the disc.  I will have previously assessed these images for suitability and only the most relevant and correctly exposed should be submitted.

Deadline for the completion of the work

Deadline for this work was originally mid-April. I was able to renegotiate a new deadline for submission as the series of articles on local characters in Lyme was put on hold due to other publication issues and the new deadline was extended to mid-July 2013.

 

Thinking about layout:

In ‘real life’ the final layout of your images is something that you would not necessarily have any control over.  Drawing on the knowledge that you gained from the exercises leading to the assignment take images, take images that fall within the following groups:

·       Opening images – take both vertical images that can be used on the cover and horizontal images that can be printed as a double spread at the beginning of the article

·       Main body of images – these provide the core of the visual storytelling

·       Closing images - provide a visual ending and propose a resolution to the main storyline.

Thinking in terms of layout when working on assignment ensure that the photo editor will have all the necessary visual components to illustrate the feature

 Having worked with the local paper on other local character photo shoots, I had a reasonable idea of what type of pictures they would require.  I discussed the type of work that a Town Crier does with the Lyme town crier, Alan, and thought through what would make the best, strongest images of him.   I recorded an interview with him to get some background information to enable me to show his strengths.

I decided to use an A3 layout in landscape which would be 16.56” x 11.7” or 42 x 29.7 cms.  I laid out non-printing guide lines to give me consistency throughout the pages.  This gave me a one-inch white border around the edges and a gutter of 2 inches in the middle. 

As an opening image I felt it would good to represent the Town Crier’s standing in the town with a landscape picture of Alan leading a parade down the main street (Broad Street).  It could be difficult to get some good pictures as there are always many people lining a fairly narrow street.  Luckily the traffic is halted as the parade makes its way down and around on to the sea front. 

When it came to the image on the first page, I decided against the picture above as I felt that it left Alan out of the main area and he wasn’t the first person you focused on.  The image I finally used had him directly on a third.  Then I blurred the remainder of the image and sharpened him to bring him into greater prominence.

Pages 1/2 Layout

 

Above you can see how the Town Crier was leading the parade and was dominant in the picture.  I sharpened his figure after I used the Quick Mask to select him.  Then I used Select/Inverse to select the rest of the image and used the Blur filter to a radius of 3.5 pixels to push the rest of the parade into the background.

I recently acquired a book called “Pictures on a Page” which was first printed in 1978 but is still highly relevant today.  See my blog – Exhibitions and Reviews at http://ocapdpreviewsjenhollands.blogspot.co.uk/ for my review on this book.  It has various sections including how to crop pictures so that the significant area is the main focus.  It has made me look at my pictures again and I cropped this first image with those thoughts in mind.

I planned to show how Alan worked for the good of the town in the middle section of the article when he mingled with the local and general public.  The Town Crier is often asked to ‘open’ events or just be a presence at an event to give it suitable gravitas and whilst there weren’t many events at Easter, there should be sufficient to fulfill this mid section of the article.  After my discussion with Alan, when he explained the significance of the regalia, I could make a point of photographing the various items of livery which were significant to the role, i.e., the silver badge of office and the tricorne hat with a feather.

Pages 3/4 Layout

These images give an insight into how Alan transforms himself into town crier mode and also includes a simple explanation about the history of the livery.

Pages 5/6 Layout

In the closing section I felt I could use more of my images with him mingling with the general public as much of his duties are based around being seen and ‘heard’.

Alan is a great ambassador for the town and it was a privilege to be able to work with him so freely.

Choose fonts carefully

Choose the fonts carefully and explain, in your learning log, the reasons for each choice of font

Over the years I have worked on various in-house publications and attended training courses in the layout of newsletters and pamphlets.  The general rules were to have a strong sans-serif headline/sub-heading to make them stand out and use a serif font for the main body text as this enabled the reader’s eye to read along the lines more easily.

Depending upon whether you use an Apple Mac or a PC seems to denote which fonts a designer tends to favour.  A designer using a PC will tend to use Arial as the sans-serif heading font and Times New Roman for the serif body text.  A designer who works on Apple Mac would tend to use the Helvetica sans-serif font for headings and Georgia serif font for body text.

As I use an Apple iMac I’ve used Helvetica for headings and Georgia for body text.  It’s important to KIS (keep it simple) and not to use too many different fonts or styles in a publication as this causes confusion to the reader and they might well cease reading what could be an important article or message.

Captioning:

For this assignment you are asked to write captions for your images and ensure that all the information about the images should be embedded in the metadata.  As a bare minimum you should aim to fill in the creator, headline and description fields of the IPTC metadata.

25 June:  At this point I don’t have Lightroom 5 but have downloaded a trial copy.  This needs the updated version OS Mountain Lion so I have to buy that first and install it before I can continue.

30 June:  I have now downloaded the latest version Mac operating system and can now use the trial software of Lightroom 5.  Unfortunately there are no YouTube videos available yet to work through how to use it so I have to watch videos on version 4.

Writing Captions

I’ve tried to keep to the 5 W’s when writing captions for the images I’ve used and find it helps immensely.  They are as below:

Who - If there is a person and he or she is prominent

What - Usually the alternative to who, but also can be what the person is doing - a simple, accurate description

Where - What’s the location and what details about the location are important for the viewer to know?

When - Is time important for the image, the actual date, season?  It may not be, but if it’s part of the story, write it in.

Why - Is there a reason behind the event unfolding or the subject being there?  This ‘W’ is the one that is usually least obvious from just looking at the image.

There are two other areas to consider and they are:

Don’t overload with detail - There’s a finite limit to what most viewers want to absorb about an image.  It is a photograph first and foremost, and doesn’t need to be over-burdened with words.

Don’t spell out what’s obvious - The issue here is redundance, keep to the point and use words succinctly. 

 

Conclusion:

I enjoyed working with Alan when I was building my portfolio as he was a most generous man and gave of his time freely.  He is always extremely busy but made himself available to give me the background to his role as town crier and still greets me when I meet him at various functions.

This has been a stimulating assignment both photographically and design wise, as I’ve had to move into areas that I haven’t used before.  I’ve always kept away from Adobe Lightroom in the past as I felt that I didn’t need such a high-tech, professional programme to manipulate my images but, having been to a demonstration recently with the RPS South Western DIG group, I can see how it could enable a photographer to manipulate large numbers of images quickly.

I have also had to explore more areas in Photoshop but am not sure that I will continue to convert my images to smart objects as this seems to limit the amount of filters, etc, that can you used. 

Each of these level 2 assignments have taken me out of my comfort zone and made me explore new areas which can only be a good thing.  I think we get too complacent and stick with what we know and fail to see potential in something new.

Exercises for Project 3 completed

It seems to have taken forever to complete this section and I see from my previous post that I last posted here in March.  I'm make a supreme effort to complete this assignment before I go away in July.  I have put aside all other outside interests except essentials and plan to concentrate on the assignment.

Cart before the horse

I know I should have written this list before I went out taking pictures but I wanted to see what kind of pictures I could take so when Alan Vian agreed to be the subject I thought I had better strike whilst the iron was hot.  I've now had a chance to think through what I need for the publication and have come up with the following list:

Storyboard

I've also put together a storyboard for the images I will need and scanned the (badly) hand drawn sketches for a basic idea of what I'm looking for.

Very rough sketches I know (drawing is not one of my strong points), but it gives me some ideas to ponder on.

I can also think through the layouts of each page from the pictures that I've picked out top use.I think I'm working towards 3 double pages, or A3 layouts, as suggested in the brief.

All pictures taken

I've taken all the pictures I think that I require for this assignment.  Now all I need to do is put them together in a logical sequence.   I must thank Alan, the town crier, who couldn't have been more co-operative with his time and suggestions.  A lovely man who gives all his time to so many people.


I even had an interview with him that I recorded on my iPhone.  Then I couldn't work out how to copy it to my assignment folder.  I tried the help menu, tried clicking and dragging but it wouldn't copy to the desktop, then I did the very simple action - clicked on it and copied, then clicked on the desktop and pasted and it worked, AND it plays.  I need to transcribe it now to give a written answer format.  

I tried to upload the recording but there was a problem so will try again later.

Starting pictures of Town Crier

I've spoken to Alan and explained that I will be following his role of town crier rather than incorporating all his interests and employment.

I showed Alan's Easter Sunday timetable and feel it would be best to concentrate on one area, that of town crier and focus on the many areas he covers.

Tomorrow's diary includes arranging the hall prior to judging Easter bonnets. Next comes the judging and finally Alan will lead the Easter Parade through the town.

I've also agreed to visit his home with a view to taking some pictures of his preparation for his role.

Hope the weather gets a bit warmer.

New Assignment, new beginnings

I've made contact with Alan, my subject, and his diary for Easter Sunday absolutely astounds me.  I would like to have a chat with him before I start to photograph him but time and his agenda might be against me so I might well have to jump in with both feet and start taking pictures and save the talk until later.

His Easter Sunday timetable reads as follows:

06.30 Sunrise Service in Langmoor Gardens
07.15 Breakfast at the Baptist Church
10.30 Morning Service at the Baptist Church (I am leading part of the service)
13.00 Preparation of church for Easter Bonnet Parade
14.00 MC (as Town Crier) for judging of bonnets in Baptist Church
15.00 Lead the Easter Bonnet Parade to the sea front
16.00 Clearing up
17.00 Lunch!
18.00 Evening Service at church
20.00 Exhausted!

So you can see it will be a day to don my running shoes just to keep up with him!

Picture of Town Crier Alan Vian

Here's a picture of Alan Vian (pronounced Veean) courtesy of the website www.candlesonthecobb.co.uk

Alan is a very colourful character and is often seen around Lyme Regis in his many different guises.  As I said he is now the Town Crier, he also is chairman of the Lyme Regis Carnival Committee, treasurer to the Baptist Church and works with secondary school children in another local town called Beaminster.  They say if you want something done, ask a busy man.

Assignment 3: A photographic commission

Pointers for the next assignment from my tutor

Have a look at the brief for the next assignment straight away.  Try to come up with a suggestion at a reasonably early stage and get it to me so that I can propose a story for you to cover in plenty of time.

Next Assignment Due: Early April

I have had some ideas for the next assignment but am waiting to discuss the involvement of my subject before putting his name and job role forward.

I've been in touch with my subject, Alan Vian, see copy email below:

To see Alan when he was appointed Town Crier of Lyme Regis see the website below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-dV4XNq9mY for interested parties to see my subject.