Who knew homework could be so much fun?!?

[wlotus]

Our lesson this week is about in-camera image manipulation. We talked about the things you can do with depth of field, exposure, burning, lighting, and other things to change an image before you ever get to the developing process. Our assignment is to leave our cameras stationary on our tripods and use some of those tricks to make images. I was most fascinated with burning (covering the lens during the exposure, so one portion of the frame is darker than the rest). For this one I used bulb mode, crossed a pen over the lens one way for 6 seconds, then crossed it over the lens the other way for 12 seconds.

The second image was made by fogging the legs. It gives the same scene a surreal look.

The fun I have had in this course for the past three weeks is worth the cost of the course...and we have six more weeks of classes to go!

Comments

[untied.livejournal.com]

if you have a uv filter, vaseline can also be used to imitate soft focus. just create a thin, even field across the lens, and clean after with a cleaning cloth/solvent

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

That is a cool tip. I doubt I would have the guts to try it, though, as the mere thought of bringing petroleum jelly anywhere near my camera or accessories is causing the shakes. :-)

[untied.livejournal.com]

understood. just bear in mind that your uv lens is cheap and easy to replace, so if you do something wrong, you're only ten bucks away from a quick fix. it's kinda fun to play around with. leaving the center clear will create an effect similar to what i imagine the marriage of those two images would create.
you can also use it to do those snazzy 1980's, double exposure, two pose, faded edge portraits.

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

I've done that in PhotoStudio, but how would you do that with a digital camera and a UV lens?

[untied.livejournal.com]

which part? for the double exposure (if that's what you're asking about) it's pretty easy once you understand your light readings, which you recently said you were working with. essentially you find the shot/scene you like, take your light reading, then stop down to HALF the light you're metering. take your first photo. making sure the camera hasn't moved (with a tripod and cable release- it should be easier with digital cause you don't have to touch it to advance film) change what you want, and take the second photo. the light exposure will be correct, and the people/objects that appeared in only one exposure will appear almost ghostlike.
if you're doing it in a studio setting, the black dropcloth makes things a million times easier because that area of the film stays clean and you can transpose the other image there pretty easily.
i believe the rebel has an actual setting to help you double expose if you wanna play around with it during your in-camera assignments.

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

I thought you meant I could use the UV filter to somehow take both images at the same time. :-) Though I suppose you could, with a flash and a 2-second exposure. I have the original Rebel (300D), and as far as I know, it doesn't have a double exposure setting.

[sixfiftytwo.livejournal.com]

GORGEOUS!!!

I need to learn this stuff; your photos are so amazing...

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

As creative as you are, a course or two would set your art flying, lady!

[queen-in-autumn.livejournal.com]

These are great!
You are so talented -- and the skills you're learning only add to the quality of your work.