This week's task was to create 5 portraits using photography and lighting techniques. I really enjoyed this activity and love how the images turned out!

Technique: These images were taken on a Cannon PowerShot camera. The ISO was set to 200 to create a crisp image. Also, the aperture was set lower than usual so that the background slightly blurred.

Process: The images were taken in the afternoon light, at around 5pm at QUT Kevlin Grove. Different angles were experimented with to capture the most amount of natural light. Once I was happy with the low angle of the first image, I took a few pictures until I got the final one. The close up image of my eye was a quick experimentation, using the zoom feature of the camera. I was laughing while my friend took the image and it turned out really interesting! I love how you can tell I was laughing from the wrinkles around my eye. The images were then edited on Adobe Photoshop and VSCO for some colour correction. I chose to make the close up image black and white to further enhance my facial features and create more depth. 

Reflection: As awkward as it was to pose for the camera, I am happy with how the images turned out. I like how all of the colours complement each other in the first image, creating a warm palette. I also love how the sunlight hits my hair and the trees in the background. The second image however, is my favourite. It is mysterious and moody, but warm and friendly at the same time.

Technique: These images were taken on my smartphone - an Oppo R11. I used the camera's 'expert' setting and changed the ISO to 100. The subject was positioned so that the natural light came from behind her. The camera was angled to look up at the subject in an attempt to capture more greenery in the background and make her appear more dominant. 

Process: The images were taken in the afternoon light, at around 3pm. Different angles were experimented with to capture more greenery and natural light. Once I was happy with the low angle, I took a few pictures until I got these two. The images were then edited on Adobe Photoshop and VSCO to colour correct and add the black and white filter. 

Reflection: These images were taken of my younger sister, Liv, while out for lunch. I am happy with how they turned out, however, you can tell the quality is lower than my other images taken on the Cannon PowerShot. I wanted to experiment with using both a phone camera and DSLR to see the differences. This image showed me the DSLR is much clearer. However, I love the colours in the first picture and the way the sunlight hits Liv's arm (on the right). In terms of the second picture, I think the black and white filter adds more depth and emotion to the image, especially on her eyes. This makes it more intriguing to view. Overall, I like how both images capture Liv's personality perfectly - sweet but sassy all at once. 

Technique: These images were taken on a Cannon PowerShot camera. The ISO was set to 200 to create a crisp image. Also, the aperture was set lower than usual so that the background slightly blurred.

Process: This image set was the most difficult to capture since my pet cat, Shadow, would not stay still. It was taken in the morning light, at around 10am in the living room. I took lots of photos of him walking, sitting, lying down ect. Finally, he lay down and then sat up in a position where the sunlight came from behind him and I was able to get these shots. The images were then edited on Photoshop to enhance the brightness, contrast and colours. 

Reflection: I love how these images turned out! Shadow is a very moody cat who loves to sleep all day and searches the house for a sunny spot. So, I think these two images capture his personality perfectly! I also really like the subtle colours and soft lighting. The images are crisp, clear and smooth, capturing details successfully - especially his facial hair and whiskers.  

Technique: This picture was taken on a Cannon DSLR camera using the Automatic settings.

Process: This image was taken at about 2pm on a cloudy day. The camera was positioned so that the subject was in the first third of the image and the prayer flags spread across the other 2 thirds. Also, the subtle sunlight was shining towards him. The image was edited on Photoshop for some slight colour adjustments. 

Reflection: This image was taken in April on a trekking trip through Nepal. I took this image along a trekking path when this porter, Ram, was taking a rest. He (like everyone we met there) was so friendly and welcoming! He let me take this photo of him because I told him it looked very picturesque with the flags and rugged terrain in the background! I love this picture because it reminds me of all the great people we met along the way.