Positive thinking

Amazing how it just takes one productive day of photography to lift the spirits! I spent Saturday in Glasgow and feel I have shots to cover quite a few of the exercises for the 'People interacting with place' project. My friend Anne and I explored Buchanan Street, GOMA, Trongate 103 and Central Station. I decided to use my small Canon Powershot camera to be less conspicuous, which proved very successful. A small camera and a friend you can pretend to photograph certainly makes public photography easier. When considering these assignments, I agree with Duncan Astbury about the importance of being aware of your legal rights with regard to public photography but I also feel strongly that as long as a photographer stays within the law, they should not be made to feel like a terrorist or criminal for simply wanting to take pictures in a public space.

I recently visited the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and other places on my list to visit over the next few weeks are Glasgow School of Art, WASPS artists studios, the Scottish Parliament, Botanic Gardens, Science Centre, Whitelees Wind Farm. Some of these locations are potentials for Assignment 3, Buildings in use.

Easter holidays fast approach and I intend to get my head down to catch up with coursework. I am looking forward a week on the Isle of Harris, which should provide a strong photographic contrast to the city.

Fisheye fun

I found my Lomo fisheye camera and decided to develop the film which I took at the Ayr flower show and of my neices. The results were fun and have given me some ideas for the Buildings & Spaces project. I love the skewed perspectives and think using a fisheye may yield interesting and unusual shots, especially in the city.

 

 

 

So, consequently, I have treated myself to an inexpensive digital lens - Opteka .35x HD² Super Wide Angle Panoramic Macro Fisheye - (good reviews on Amazon) and figure if the results are not that great then I haven't spent a fortune! Just waiting patiently now for it to arrive. . .

Ex 1: Portrait, scale and setting reshoot

Revisiting this exericise again there are still issues but I think the results are much better. The pictures were taken mid morning and unusually for Glasgow in February, the sun was splitting the heavens, causing very strong shadows and harsh lighting. Crucial detail is lost, especially in the eyes, which is a real disadvantage for portraiture.

 

F9, ISO 200, 28mm

 

 F5.6, ISO 200, 34mm

I like this composition but not the shadow on his arm, or the fact that you can't see his eyes under the hat. 

 

F9, ISO 200, 30mm

I think this full figure shot is the most successful. I love the curves and angles of the bridge along with the city backdrop. The analogous colours reflect modern architecture and although the picture is busy, by placing David on the third, I think he commands attention. Unfortunately, the shadow on his legs ruins what would otherwise have been a satisfactory image.

 

 

 F11, ISO 200, 52mm