Composition Chronicles

Studio Lighting Class: FINAL PROJECT — The Tragedy of...

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 19:27:00 -0500

Alice in Wonderland

Ariel

Belle

Cinderella

Jasmine

Megara

Pocahontas

Sleeping Beauty

Tinkerbell

Snow White

Studio Lighting Class: FINAL PROJECT — The Tragedy of Reality

What to say. This was an overwhelming roller-coaster of emotion. I went from being set on one theme to changing it last-minute. I did as many as four photo shoots in a day and at one point ended up in the E.R. But I think it all goes to say something. Because even though I was stressed out of my MIND, the whole time I was having fun.

I loved this. I loved this theme and I loved that I was able to pull it together and complete it. I loved it so much that one day, when I make it big, I’m going to use a bigger budget to really embody what I was going for. Until then, I’ll explain:

The concept was taking Disney’s animated princesses (and popular animated females like Tinkerbell and Alice) and exposing them to reality. Here in the real world child stars like the infamous Lindsey Lohan start doing drugs and end up in jail. Not always the case, but very possible. Even expected.

So in these ten frames, I took those timeless females we all once loved and looked up to and tainted them. Because who knows? What if they grew up like we all did? In this era? And were constantly peer-pressured by a bunch of kids their own age?

This whole project was awesome. I got to stretch my imagination and buy a bunch of really weird props. Again, it’s all extremely low-budget, but who cares. I’m a broke college journalist, what do you expect?

Shout-out to my amazing friends and coworkers for modeling for me and putting up with all my odd requests.

Feel free to browse through these and tell me what you think! Thanks!

Side-note (for my models’ sakes): None of the substances photographed are what they seemed. No, my friend is not actually doing a huge line of cocaine. The “alcohol” is water. And the “weed” was basil.

Studio Lighting Class: Assignment 11 — Stylized fashion This...

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 18:56:00 -0500

Studio Lighting Class: Assignment 11 — Stylized fashion

This assignment was inspired by our guest speaker Jeremiah Stanley. The guy’s a talented local photographer, and having him and Rob in the same room was so cool. They’re both full of inspiration and passion, and I think Jeremiah’s talk & Rob’s follow-up really kicked our class into second gear.

This shoot was something I was pretty proud of. Looking back there’s always room for improvement, but at the time, I was very happy with what I got. Again, my lights were acting up. The assignment called for two but wouldn’t you know it — only one of my lights was functioning.

So I improvised. We found this cool little alley with statement gates and stain-glass lamps. I used the lamps as my backlight and set up a flash in front and to the side of the alley.

This was a fun shoot. Once again, I got more experience directing my model. I made her do so many weird poses she was sore by the end of it.

And for the record, I never thought I’d be into fashion photography. But the more I do it the more I like it.

Studio Lighting Class: Assignment 10 — Studio fashion For this...

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 18:43:12 -0500

Studio Lighting Class: Assignment 10 — Studio fashion

For this assignment, students that took the class in the past modeled for us. We got to choose the outfits they wore and had free rein to direct them as far as posing goes.

Because I’m Rachel Crosby, my lights were acting up. The powers were adjusting on their own and a couple times none of them fired.

Technical problems are the worst.

But twenty minutes later everything seemed routine. I wasn’t a big fan of my end product, but I do like the motion of the necklace and her hair. I also got more experience directing people which is really essential as a photographer.

Studio Lighting Class: Assignment 9 — Environmental...

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 03:34:50 -0500

Studio Lighting Class: Assignment 9 — Environmental portrait

This photo is of my friend Isa. She’s a pre-vet student at UF, and if anyone doubts she’ll make it into vet school, they’re crazy. This girl has spent countless hours volunteering at UF’s Small Animal Hospital, so when it came to shooting someone in their environment, she was my first choice.

First off, the room was small. And it was in the zoological medicine unit, so there were lots of weird animals in there. Like a crow and an angry iguana. But luckily we had the photo subject above — a tortoise by the name of Mimosa.

A dog broke the tortoise’s shell, so Isa was actually working with another veterinarian to wrap its wounds when I shot this.

I’d like to think environmental portraits aren’t hard. If you think about it the location is set, so all you have to do as a photographer is capture it. But they are hard. There’s something about catching someone, in their environment, naturally. It’s intimate and it’s difficult.

Another issue with this shoot was my second light. We were supposed to use two lights for this shot, but mine decided it didn’t want to work. That happens to me a lot.

So I improvised and I used the light the vets use to examine animals as another light source. I manipulated it to shine on the turtle and worked from there.

Considering the foot traffic in the tiny exam room and the technical difficulties, I was pretty happy about how this shoot turned out.

Studio Lighting Class: Assignment 8 — Food Everyone’s...

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 16:34:34 -0500

Studio Lighting Class: Assignment 8 — Food

Everyone’s favorite subject: FOOD.

We set up shop in our classroom and made a big buffet — studio lighting style. Each station had a food item, a light kit or two and a photographer snapping away.

It was pretty cool. We got to mingle with classmates, take photos and EAT.

Because I work part-time at a sushi restaurant, one of my awesome sushi chefs helped me out on this assignment. He made a Red Dragon roll for me, which I split with my classmates (though normally, photographed food isn’t entirely edible).

This shoot was definitely fun, but it was also good to get the food photography experience. It’s a big part of magazines, plus there’s many opportunities for food photography among local restaurants.

Studio Lighting Class: Assignment 7 — Sportrait For this...

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 16:27:00 -0500

Studio Lighting Class: Assignment 7 — Sportrait

For this assignment we were asked to photograph athlete portraits. I did basketball because that’s the sport my model, Mitch, plays. I figured it’d be an easy location to manipulate too. I mean how hard can it be to shoot on a court right?

Wrong. The shots I was getting were very similar and I was running out of ideas. I also didn’t have a step ladder, so to get this shot I had to back my SUV up onto the court, climb on top of it and shoot through the hoop.

I definitely got some weird looks, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

Studio Lighting Class: Assignment 6 — Flashlight painting,...

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 16:16:10 -0500

Studio Lighting Class: Assignment 6 — Flashlight painting, extended

Like I said, the whole class hated this assignment, so the whole class was given the option to reshoot it. Granted, some people did awesome and didn’t have to. But I took the opportunity to try it again.

This was taken at the same location, on top of a parking garage, but a little earlier in the afternoon. I caught the hot, saturated colors the sun gave off before it slipped under the horizon and I painted my model’s face with a flashlight.

It’s definitely really bright on my model’s face, so I know there’s room for improvement. This reshoot gave me a little more hope when it comes to flashlight painting though. It’s not as terrible as it seems.

Studio Lighting Class: Assignment 5 — Flashlight painting I...

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 15:50:00 -0500

Studio Lighting Class: Assignment 5 — Flashlight painting

I think I speak for myself and my entire class when I say flashlight painting is a BITCH. Before I rant though, I learned a lot.

With flashlight painting, the lighting is entirely your control. Your frame is your canvas. Admittedly, it was pretty cool that I could literally paint the light where I wanted it to go.

But then there’s exposure. It’s long, and as you’re lighting your subject, any little movement he or she makes can make a great picture blurry and unrecognizable. That’s where the frustration sets in.

Still, I came out with this shot. I thought it was pretty cool considering how stressful this shoot was. Let me know what you think!

Studio Lighting Class: Assignment 4 — One light, advanced For...

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 15:39:00 -0500

Studio Lighting Class: Assignment 4 — One light, advanced

For this assignment, we turned in 36 frames. But instead of 36 different photos, we turned in three groups of 12. Each group had photos that were normally exposed, one stop under and then two stops under. We broke this assignment across two weeks, so I had two different subjects.

Definitely learned a lot over the course of those two weeks. First off, if you’re ever shooting in a dark location, bring a flashlight to focus. I overlooked that simple step and ended up having to start a fire. (A controlled one, guys).

After these shots though I definitely felt more comfortable with my external flash. And no real problems with bugs this time!

Studio Lighting Class: Assignment 3 — One light MY FIRST...

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:50:00 -0500

Studio Lighting Class: Assignment 3 — One light

MY FIRST TIME USING A LIGHT KIT/EXTERNAL FLASH

Holy hell it was stressful. I didn’t know what anything did, I didn’t really know what the settings meant and I barely put the thing together. Then I ran out of batteries. I cried a couple times too.

Being a photographer is ridiculously hard work guys. Luckily I pulled it together. I was pretty pleased with this shot, especially for my first time. And honestly at the end of the day I was just glad I got a useable photo.

Also, I had another run-in with bugs. MOSQUITOES. So many of them. Wasn’t having much luck.

Studio Lighting Class: Assignment 2 — Reflective...

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:38:27 -0500

Studio Lighting Class: Assignment 2 — Reflective light

This photo was taken at a farm near where I live. I was lucky to get such a great location, and my model happens to be my really good friend & roommate.

This photo was taken late afternoon, when the sun was high enough up to be seen over the trees but low enough down so it would be behind her and create a nice line of reflection.

I used a car sun shade (I’m a broke college photog, what can I say) to bounce the light onto her face and upper body. Holding a sun shade and taking a photo is hard, so thankfully my assistant Marcella was there to help me out.

P.S. My model was a trooper. Farms have a lot of ants.

This was the first of many photos I took in my studio lighting...

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:32:00 -0500

This was the first of many photos I took in my studio lighting class here at UF with Gainesville Sun photo editor Rob Witzel. Our assignment was natural light.

We had a discussion about timing, because with natural light shots timing is key. This photo was taken just before dusk, a time I’ve learned to call “Golden Hour.” The warm, rich sunlight lighting up my model, Sophie, was possible because the sun is so low to the horizon. Rays are being diffused instead of shining directly down.

The big lesson here was don’t take photos around noon unless you want harsh light and dark, shadowy raccoon eyes. Look for open shade or wait until the end of the day.

Also, this photo was taken at Paynes Prairie here in Gainesville, Fla. There are many banana spiders there. I don’t like spiders. It was a very scary shoot.

The class assignment: weather. I took this photo over Spring...

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 19:32:00 -0400

The class assignment: weather.

I took this photo over Spring Break. Though I go to the University of Florida, my break was spent back home in Las Vegas, Nevada. And though Vegas is notoriously a desert, Mt. Charleston — a mountain 30 minutes outside of the valley — is not.

Even during the first week of March, snow still blanketed the ground and sprinkled the trees. While with my family, I came across a group of people sledding.

With a telephoto lens, I was able to capture several great moments. Though I have some of kids crashing and parents bailing, my favorite shot of the day was the above couple and their mid-air moment of laughter and embrace. It just makes you smile.

Pro-tip, though: When shooting in icy locations, wear shoes with a little traction. My soaking-wet-and-slippery canvas shoes were the joke of the day.
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For more tips on weather photography, see: http://voices.yahoo.com/nature-cameras-weather-photography-tips-375286.html

Arnold Francisco, 23, of Tallahassee, participates in open play...

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 01:56:00 -0400

Arnold Francisco, 23, of Tallahassee, participates in open play of the Canadian Tuxedo Invitational Bike Polo Tournament.

_________

My editor texted me at around 5:30 p.m. last Saturday asking if I wanted to shoot a bike polo tournament. My response: What is bike polo?

Showing up at the enclosed floor hockey court at Kanapaha Park, I got my first glimpse. It’s just as it sounds: polo. Except without horses: with bikes.

At first glance, it looks funny. But after really watching, the sport deserves respect. These guys were balancing, maneuvering, braking and actually playing polo at the same time. There were a few crashes and conflicts, but overall it was chill yet constant action.

The shot above was taken just before sunset during a period photographers call the “Golden Hour.” The sunlight often provides a golden glow, and in the above picture, a reflection shadow on the court, complete with his wheel’s spokes.

A different, more action-focused photo went to print, but I like this one because it’s just plain interesting to look at.

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If you’re interested in reading the article about the tournament and seeing my photo that accompanies it, see http://www.alligator.org/news/local/article_7c51b6d8-81f7-11e1-a995-0019bb2963f4.html

A photo story if I ever had one: taking pictures at an...

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 01:34:00 -0400

A photo story if I ever had one: taking pictures at an apiary.

It seems almost romantic. Beekeepers are notoriously friendly, and my subject, Mark Dykes, fit the bill. It was all wonderful. Except for the fact that there were bees.

So many bees.

The shoot was spontaneous, so I showed up in shorts and flip-flip flops. The protective gear they had to offer me was a jacket and a face mask. The entire bottom half of my body was exposed.

Gulp.

I went in. Mark waved his hand at me to come closer. I thought, “Does he not see how many bees there are?” But he was barehanded. In a t-shirt. I had to suck it up.

I hid behind my camera. Using my viewfinder as my eyes, I approached the buzzing hive and snapped away. A few times bees landed on my fingers. They tickled, but didn’t sting. Mark smiled reassuringly.

Unscathed, I got the shots I needed. This shoot was really special to me because I faced a fear of mine. I gained a huge amount of respect for bees, beekeepers and journalism. It was one of the first times I was out of my comfort zone yet in control of the situation, and the reward was worth the risk.

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If you’re interested in reading my article on bee populations rising, accompanied by the photo that went to print, see http://www.alligator.org/news/campus/article_47eb0244-7fb5-11e1-ae8c-001a4bcf887a.html

Hope Olexa, 20, prays at the St. Augustine Church Wednesday...

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 04:21:00 -0400

Hope Olexa, 20, prays at the St. Augustine Church Wednesday afternoon.

___

This picture wasn’t taken for a publication or a planned class project. I walked into my photo lab and was told that we were doing a quick shoot — you get a random concept, and have 2 hours to shoot, edit and print the photos.

The guidelines? Do with it what you will.

The concept I got was “union.”

Ideas ran through my head: A student’s union with UF and their school spirit, a family on a school tour, a couple, a parent and their child, an animal and its human. But first and foremost, I thought, get off campus.

Everyone shoots on campus. I had my bike so I braved the rest of Gainesville. It didn’t take me long for inspiration though.

Right as I pulled up on Fletcher Drive, I saw the St. Augustine Church. I’m not exactly religious, but I know people who are. Any one of them would tell you one of their most important relationships, if not their most important, is their relationship with God.

Union. Perfect.

I walk into the big church. The high-ceilinged corridor creaks with every step I take. I spot a girl about my age kneeling, praying. I wait for her to notice me so that I don’t interrupt. I explain my purpose — to show her relationship with her God — and she grants me permission to shoot her during this intimate moment.

I back away and try to stay unobtrusive. Click.

Someone looks over their shoulder at me, glaring.

My shutter is really loud. Too loud. It echoes down the hall. In my head, I curse the acoustics here. I hold my breath. I give an apologetic look. I continue.

Click. Click! CLICK!

I feel like I’m being rude and annoying. I feel awkward and terrible. But Hope keeps praying and it makes me feel more comfortable. She looks over and gives me a nod that reads, “It’s okay. You’re embarrassing yourself but I’m nice and it’s okay.”

I continue.

After an admittedly embarrassing 30 frames or so, I perfect and select my shot. The pews repeat into the background, as does the stain glass. Her eyes lead upward, thoughtfully.

It’s an unspoken yet unquestionably permeating union. I smile.

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If you would like information on leading looks, like the one Hope has here, or a few other useful tips, see here: http://www.digital-photography-school.com/leading-your-viewers-through-your-photos

As a journalist, coming home to find your neighboring dorm hall...

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:45:00 -0500

As a journalist, coming home to find your neighboring dorm hall surrounded by cop cars and crime scene tape isn’t scary – it’s exciting.

My first thought: Who’s covering the story?

I looked around.

No writers. No photographers.

So I called my photo editor. The writer was on his way.

“Do you have your camera on you?” he asked.

I did.

“Get a pictures of what you can,” he said. “I’m on my way to campus now.”

I looked at the scene. It’d been 2 hours since the 911 call. I missed the stretcher. I missed the ambulance. I missed all the initial, intense action.

I had crime scene tape and a cop standing in front of the entrance of the hall to work with.

I walked around the entire scene until I found the best angle. From there, I kneeled. I set my aperture so the crime scene tape appeared blurred in the foreground, and the officer appeared sharp in the background. Just enough of the building showed so that the scene was identifiable.

I took a few shots. The crime scene tape twisted and turned in the wind, making it hard to get a recognizable shot that didn’t block the officer’s face. I waited. I got it.

I sent those pictures along with a few miscellaneous shots to the office just in case. My editor took pictures later as well. I figured his would be used.

The following day, the photo above was featured on the front page of The Independent Florida Alligator. MY photo.

It always feels good to have a byline. It feels better when you alone made it possible.

The lesson? Don’t be afraid to ask. And never run from a story.
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The photo accompanies a story that can be found here: http://www.alligator.org/news/campus/article_2cfd338a-5869-11e1-be70-001871e3ce6c.html. The first floor of North Hall at the Univeristy of Florida was closed Wednesday, Feb. 15 for about 6 hours after a student attempted suicide.

The assignment: shooting silhouettes. It seemed simple enough....

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:42:00 -0500

The assignment: shooting silhouettes.

It seemed simple enough. Happen upon a center of interest, situate yourself and wait for them to cross in front of a great source of sunlight. Do that and you’re golden. The colors of the background will pop and the silhouette of your subject will stand out in juxtaposition. It seems really simple on paper. All you need is sunlight.

The problem? It was cloudy. All day long.

By 4:10 p.m. I was desperate. I didn’t have much sunlight left, and I was on the way home from class. It was now or never. I walked slower than normal. I turned and looked sharply left and right, over and over. Searching for something. Anything.

Then I saw it: The entrance to the stadium. Runners casually crossing in front of the lit up field, shaded by the stadium seats above them. I stood still for a second in shock, reveling in my stroke of luck. Then I went in for the shot.

I took a few pictures from the south end zone, but I wasn’t feeling it. The stadium seats in front of the subjects blended with their silhouettes and jumbled the juxtaposition.

I kept walking, searching for a new angle.

Then I saw it: The entrance to the first student section gate.

It worked as a natural frame, hugging the scene in the Swamp and providing perfect backlighting for a silhouette. I waited.

Just then, the woman above popped up from the stadium steps and into my viewfinder. Her face was lit up – not the effect I was looking for. I waited a little longer.

She took a few steps towards me. In a matter of three seconds, her face and body’s features disappeared with lack of light: a perfect silhouette.

Snap. Snap. Snap.

I looked at my LCD screen. Satisfaction. The natural frame, her off-center positioning, how perfectly outlined every part of her body was – even down to her shoelaces.

Sometimes you just get lucky.
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Awareness of light is easily one of the most important things in photography, and can make the difference between a good photo and an amazing one. For more info on awareness of light, see here: http://bit.ly/GAc79K