8/7/2016 - Week 1
ITP
Leanne Faye (0327020)

Exercise 1: Presentation of 10 of your best-liked pictures

Lecture: 

Today's lecture started out well as we were briefed by Mr. Vinod about our module - Introduction to Photography. He explained about the objective and learning outcomes of the course. We were asked to create a blogger for our e-portfolio journal and we were also assigned to our first exercise/assignment. By choosing our 10 best-liked pictures and explain why we like them.

From this first lecture, I understood that I have to be more vocal and expressive about my opinions and feelings. I also need to familiarize with how to manage a blogger account.

• record your audio-video presentation and upload it to YouTube.
• write your eportfolio as per example. Embed the audio-video of the YouTube presentation link in the eportfolio.  Upload the 10 best liked images along with the descriptions unto the eportfolio. Upload the Screen-shots of the MS Word file unto the eportfolio (See example of how to write your eporfolio: http://yourbrief.wordpress.com/2013/08/26/example-post-for-the-introduction-to-photography-eportfolio/ )
• Print hardcopy (Word file) of the 10 selected pictures with the description following the instructions (margin, font, etc.) given in class and place it in your hardcopy (portfolio) folder.

Specific Instructions for Exercise 1: 

In this exercise students will explain the reasons they like the chosen pictures, what they found interesting when taking/choosing or after taking/choosing the picture. Students’ have to choose pictures that are not their own as well but must credit and explain the circumstances of the picture. Student will present 5 pictures of their own and 5 pictures of 5 different photographers. By this process students exercise their ability to discern and reflect on what makes a good picture theoretically.

1. Content (3%):

Marking Criteria: The presentation must showcase a variety of pictures: personal(5 self shot), landscape, portrait, still life, etc. AND from 5 different international photographers. All pictures must be credited and explained.

2. Clarity of presentation (2%):

Marking Criteria: The student must be clear and concise in their delivery and explanation of their pictures. Evidence of understanding can be deduced by their analysis and evaluation, and in the confidence of their delivery.

Learning Goal: Students will be able to discern and reflect on what makes a good image theoretically.

Self Shots: 
                                      1) 

This is a picture I took during my getaway at Australia. It is taken at Smiths Beach on Phillip Island in Victoria, Australia. I find this picture very calming because the colours of the sky & ocean compliments the colour of the sand. The view of the endless horizon is just breath-taking. This is taken with a phone camera.

                           2)  

This picture is also taken in Australia at Eureka Skydeck Tower in Victoria. I took this picture at the 88th floor of the tower, which is 975 ft. above sea level, overlooking Yarra River. I love the cool colours in this picture together with the bright city lights of Melbourne. This is taken with a phone camera.

                                    3)

This is a picture I took of my sister while strolling at a park in Melbourne. I am fond of this picture as this picture gives a very autumn feel because of the fallen dried leaves and tall trees paved along the sidewalk of the park. This picture is taken with a phone camera.

                                           4)

This picture is taken in Bangkok, Thailand. It is a section of the Grand Palace which is home to the royal families of Thailand. I took a picture of this section because I find this building visually aesthetic. I am amazed by how intricate the design of the palace walls are and how well-maintained the place is. This is taken with a phone camera.

                        5)

This is also taken at the Grand Palace, Bangkok. This is at another section of the palace. I love the complex structure of this building along with its detail paintings on the wall. I also like the high contrast of the building against the light blue sky. This is taken with a phone camera. 

Other Photographers:

                          1)

This is taken by a New Zealander photographer Trey Ratcliff in New York, titled 'Inception Reflection New York'. It shows a reflection of buildings on a skyscraper which look as if there are murals of buildings painted on the skyscraper. I love how the reflection looks on the skyscraper and it makes me feel tiny compared to these towering skyscrapers.

                            2)

Taken by a Chinese photographer Quentin Shih, based in Beijing, China. The title of this picture is 'A Chinese Woman, with Lady Dior handbag'. This picture is a project with Christian Dior contributed to the House of Dior. I love how this picture looks very mysterious because of the light shone only on the woman. It emphasises on the dress and the bag because of the complimentary colours. 

                                    3)

This is taken by Line Klein, a photographer based in Copenhagen, Denmark. She took a series of pictures of different ceramic vases and this picture is my favourite because of the colours. The title of the series is 'Broste SS14'. Although the arrangement of the vases are not in order, the pictures still has a sense of unity. I love that the vases are in various shapes and sizes. The picture is heavier on the left side because there are more elements than the other side.

                                       4)

This picture is taken by an Australian fashion/travel photographer Della Bass, based in New York. It is a portrait of an American model Taylor Hill for an editorial. Her makeup and tresses are done by makeup artist Isabella Schimid. I like this portrait of her because it looks very fresh and it focuses a lot on her features. 

                                    5)

This is taken by an American photographer Kathleen Dolmatch. She is a photographer for National Geographics since 2015. This picture is titled 'The Great Divide'. It is taken in New York. On the left, it is the Central Park and on the right, it is tall buildings and skyscrapers of New York City. These two sections are divided by a long stretch of road. I love how it shows two total different use of land in the same city side by side. While one side of the city is so hectic and restless, the other is so calm and peaceful.

Screenshots: 

My Presentation on Youtube: 

Feedback: 

Mr. Vinod said the descriptions and credits are all given in the pictures I chose as required in the criteria. When writing a post, I must remember to number all pictures and also state the title. Mr. Vinod also commented on my reflection writing, he said it could be longer and we could also state additional information, pictures, sources or notes (aside from what we are required to do) can be placed below. It is best to study and understand the definition of the 3 sections in the reflection writting before writting. It is also important to credit sources from where we get our information from. We must also read the materials on Times provided by the lecturer beforehand so that we come prepared and also roughly know what to expect for the next lecture.  

Reflection: 

Experience

Having to keep up with everything being said in the first lecture was overwhelming yet exciting. I have no experience in managing a blog so I had to figure it out by referring to examples of an e portfolio which has taught me many basic things in starting a blog.

Observation

I realized that this module is not an easy one and it is going to take a lot of determination and hard work. I noticed that I have a lot of space for improvement in editing a video and expressing my thoughts in classes.

It was slightly harder for me to find the 5 pictures from other photographers than finding photographs taken by myself. 

Findings

I learned that photography is not all about taking good pictures but understanding the story behind the picture. After learning the stories behind the pictures, I find the pictures much more meaningful and has a greater value. 

To conclude, I have learned a lot from this exercise by exploring many photographs from different sources and I would love to learn more in upcoming classes on how to take pictures more professionally.