Journal no. 3

had to present my portrait assignment for photography class today.
i was sad since yesterday because i asked the tutor for some last minute advice and she said i stuffed it up.
but knowing that, it helped to mentally prepare me for the chewing during today's feedback after the presentation.
seeing everyone's work also helped me to realise that what i did wrong and how i should have it.
i should have researched photographic work and prepared the shots to incorporate some interesting elements to create small points of tension. should have also sketched out ideas instead of trying to photograph them ad hoc. and compositionally, my photographs were rubbish..

portrait one was of my friend with his car.
things that were wrong -
 - distracting shapes in the background poking out of subject's head
 - impersonal environment that doesn't give much information on the subject

portrait two was of my other friend in the studio.
things that were wrong -
 - eyes out of focus
 - didn't research lighting techniques
 - red watch was too prominent, looks like a watch advert

the studio portrait could be simple - just a person against a white background looking directly at the camera. but the points of interest, like unbalanced bangs, openness toward the camera, composition  and quirky tee shirt, came together to make an engaging portrait.

and the environmental portrait can be of people chilling out in their living room, not noticing the camera, while using 2 lights to flood the room and subjects with light. the composition of the picture is more important because the elements in the environment fight for attention with the subject.