Test Shots - Contact Sheet

ISO- 800  F/3.5  

 ISO- 800 F/3.5

 ISO- 800 F/3.5

 ISO- 6400 F/4

 ISO-  6400 f/4

 ISO-  6400 f/4

 ISO- 6400 f/4

 ISO-6400 f/4

 ISO-6400 f/4

 ISO- 720 f/5

 ISO-  1250 f/5.6

 ISO-  1600 f/5.6

 ISO- 300 f/5.3

 ISO- 1000 f/4.2

 ISO-  1100 f/5

 ISO-  5600 f/4

 ISO-  5000 f/4

 ISO-  2200 f/4

 ISO- 6400 f/5.5

 ISO-  6400 f/4.5

 ISO-  6400 f/4

 ISO-  6400 f/4

 ISO-  6400 f/3.7

 ISO-  6400 f/4

 ISO-  6400 f/3.4

 ISO-  6400 f/5.3

 ISO-  6400 f/4.5

Evaluation

Our genre for our Photography was Film Noir. Film Noir was popular around the 1940's to the early 1950's for its use of nothing but black and white and the lighting used in these films. But not only could you tell if something was Film Noir just from the colour, but also the clothing. Outfits back in 1940's were very similar, the males would often wear long trench coats with fedoras. This sometimes symbolised that they were in a gang, or was extremely wealthy. 
Not only were the outfits almost the same, smoking, drinking and violence was a huge part of Film Noir. In all of the Noir Films there would always be a male dressed in such and most likely smoked/drank alcohol as doing this was the typical 'cool trend' at the time. 
As for the woman, they were mostly dressed to look 'sexy' or 'attractive.' In Noir Films, you'd never see a woman in trousers or shorts as back in that time, the way to determine someone as a woman is if they wore a dress or a skirt. Their hair was also similar, it would be short and curled at the end. They may also wear heavy make up to make them seem more attractive. These woman in Film Noir are known as 'Femme Fatale.'  

I was inspired by many photos and screen shots from late Noir Films. They helped improve my photography as they shown me the type of lighting they used to create certain affects as well as the clothing style, and objects you will be most likely to find in the background. The images also helped me choose a range of angles I could use to improve my images.
Here are some examples of the photos I looked at:

Lighting for Film Noir proved quite difficult. There are many different lighting techniques one could use to give their photo a Film Noir effect, but I decided to just use a torch and natural lighting as the torch was easier to transport rather than a redhead, studio or backing light. In most Noir Films the light is being reflected, but to save time I was unable to do this and just had to work with what I got. Originally, I should of used a redhead light, backing light and then light for the shadows. Due to time this wasn't possible to get all the equipment.

As for my ideas for my photography, it didn't go as planned. Though I still managed to take usable photos I believe that if I was given more time and booked the right equipment out in time, I would be able to create exact replicas of the photos I got inspired from and was planning to recreate from the beginning. However, the photos I took still correspond with Film Noir and can still get the task done. 

There was many considerations I had to take into account when taking and making the final image. While taking the images I had to consider the safety of me, my model(s) and the camera, especially when out of the college grounds. One of the most important things I had to consider was the use of props, clothes and lighting as they are key features in Film Noir. I had to provide my model with the correct attire in order to achieve better photos. Locations were also taken into consideration as I didn't want to take photos in some where modern as it would ruin the Film Noir theme. I wanted to chose locations where you can barely see the background at all, or at least looks urban and old city like. This is to make the images look more as if they were taken in the 1940's-1950's.

When editing my photos,  I had to use Photoshop to change the colour, add additional effects and add the writing. 

Although they do not match my original images, they still make good covers that fit in well with Film Noir.
My tests shots helped me chose a perfect angle that draws in the eye and sells the product. After looking through them it showed me where the best lighting was in the area and how I need to hold the camera. 
Thanks to the test shots, I know more about how to control the ISO and some other modes on the camera to achieve better results with my photos. 

When it came to editing, I firstly have to go to 'Image', 'Adjustments' then 'Black and White' to make my images look like they're taken in the 1940's.  I mostly used the Curved tool on Photoshop to darken shadows and to lighten key features like the face. This tool came in handy for when my shots were either too dark or too bright. 
I used a gradient tool in most corners of my photos to help the black blend in with the photo. When changing the opacity, it created a even tone leading up to the lighter backgrounds. 
I had to use a website called 'DaFont' to get my fonts. I cropped the image and used the wand tool to get rid of the white background on the fonts then re-sized them to how i wanted, using the gradient too l behind the fonts to help them stand out if the background was too dark. 
I also had to take age ratings (ect) off Google to make my covers look genuine and more realistic.

If I was to re do this project, I would take more time taking my photos and gathering the proper lighting I will need to use to complete my photography to the best of my ability. I would also make sure to take more test shots so  I can get as close to my original idea as possible, as well as looking at locations prior to choosing the images. 
I would also make sure that I have the correct equipment and props ahead of time to assure that I get the images looking as close to Film Noir as I possibly can. 

I learned a lot from this assignment. For example, I learned how to change the ISO correctly to match the lighting in the area which I am taking the photos. I also found out what lighting creates what effect.

In my opinion, my final results do not match my proposal at all. This is probably because I did not spend as much time looking for the proper locations as well as not getting the proper props in time. if I was to spend more time finding the right locations and provide myself with the right lighting, I could most likely achieve my proposal. 

Memory Check

Q1. Detail at least four areas of knowledge a freelance photographer must possess.

(for example. Ability to use a computer and edit photographs)

1. Understanding of the genres in photography

2. Be good with using the camera

3. Legal laws/ what they can and cannot take pictures of

4. What lens would suit what type of picture

5. Be able to use photoshop 

6. Work within different areas that may be difficult to take photos in

Q2. What attributes would you say a freelance photographer should possess?

(for example – dependability. The role requires being reliable, responsible, dependable and fulfilling obligations)

1. Flexible - work within different areas  and take different genre of photos

2. Independent -  Goes out and gets a job, doesn't wait for others to help 

3. Social skills - Approachable/easy to talk to 

4. Responsible - Stick to what you said 

Memory Check

 Put the below apertures in order, starting with the one that will produce the shallowest depth of field.

a) F16     b) F1.8     c) F8     d) F4 = F1.8, F4, F8, F16

If the shutter speed is 1/60th of a second and the ISO is doubled from 100 to 200 what will the shutter speed be increased to?

a)1/500th b) 1/240th c) 1/120th d) 1/100th = 1/120th

 You are taking a landscape shot. What aperture value would you use to gain the maximum depth of field?

a) F5.6   b) F2.8     c) F16    d) F22    e) F8 = F22

8 Film Noir Photos

I personally like this image as it is modern yet follows two aspects of film noir, the shadow and the use of bars across the persons face. To recreate this image I will use key lighting with metal bar cut outs to cast the same shadow across my models face. The light would be set up on his right hand side, almost directly facing him to cast the shadow on his left. The ISO is high as the only light there is, is coming from a single source while the rest of the image is almost pitch black.






This photo would be great to recreate as it captures 1940s Film Noir well by using shadows, black and white effects, and outfits typically worn around that era. A high ISO was probably used to capture this photo due to it being dark and an action shot. To recreate this photo, I would need to dress my model up in similar clothes, and by using a red head light, create a shadow of them running. I would also have to take this photo at angle by tilting the camera slightly to create the same effect.

This image was also most likely created with a high ISO as majority of the photo is almost pitch black. The lights can be duplicated by using a spot light torch for both the male and the female. In addition, this photo captures classic Film Noir well as it includes femme fatale and a typically 1940s dressed male, holding a gun. Not only does it connote violence which was common in Noir films, but it also makes use of shadows which again, were a big part of Noir films. This will require two models, though it can easily be taken with inside the college.

This image was taken recently, as modern cameras have a range of shutter speeds, it shows that whoever took this image must have a modern camera, using a slow shutter speed as the person at the bottom is blurred and ghost like. It looks as if there is only natural lighting coming in through windows down the stairs, meaning this image might be hard to recreate as it will require many different lights. I could use a studio light for the stairs on the left hand side and torches for the rest of the lights on the stairs, as for the light at the bottom, that can be natural lighting. I would have to set the shutter speed on slow to get the same blurred image at the bottom. This image can be taken at the college stair case.


I reckon this photo was taken around 1940 due to the way the male is dressed as that style of clothing was typical around that era. The reason the photographer took this image in my opinion is to show how people in that time were mostly alone and cryptic. 
This image is different from today's current photographs as not only is it in black and white with a single streetlight, the male is dressed in typical 1940s clothing. To recreate this photo, I will need to get a male model who has roughly the same clothes as the male in the image. Then with using one key light from above I can create the spot light effect. I can take the background image and the main focus of the image at the same time as the background wont be too hard to find if I take the image at home as homework. I will also need to get a fake cigarette or make one out of paper for the male model to hold. I will have to take the image at eye level to get the full body of the model. After I have taken the image and upload it onto Photoshop, I will use a black and white effect to create the Film Noir style.

I believe this image is taken from a film in the late 1940-1950s, though Im not sure what film. This is because of the way the woman's hair is styled and the males clothing. 
This photo shows tension. The way the male is looking at the woman shows anger and frustration, however, the way the woman looks, her expression is scared/shocked. This image is different compared to photos taken now as the quality of the image is low. To recreate this image I will need two models posing like the people in the shot. I will have to set the key light behind the woman to create the strong light on the side of the mans face. I could use a reflector to bounce the light from the key light onto the front of the woman's face and the mans shoulder to create the same effect as in the image. I do not need to take the background into consideration as the two faces take up majority of the shot. After I have took the image, I will upload it onto Photoshop and add a black and white effect onto the image to make it match the Film Noir theme.



This image is taken from the game Sin City. I reckon this image is quite recent due to the high quality of the photo. To recreate this image I will have to take a different shot of the background to Photoshop as the background. Then, I will have to get a model to pose for the shot. I can create fake wind with a fan to make it look as if she is standing on a cliff of some sort. I can use a key light behind her to lighten up her hair in the wind and then use a smaller light, possibly a torch on the right side of her face to light it up and cast a faint shadow on the left side. The image I will take of the model will have to be indoors due to the lighting equipment being too much to transport.

This image is fairly new judging by its high resolution. The ISO is probably somewhat big for this image as you can barely see past the persons chin. To recreate this image I will need a female model, no matter the appearance. I can then use a torch with some material over it, only letting out a rectangular shape of light across the girls eyes. As the light is directly at her eyes I would not be able to use red head lights due to them being painfully bright. Nothing much else is needed for this photo as it is simple yet effective.  

Memory Check

1. What does the acronym DSLR stand for? Describe the difference between a bridge camera  (like the ones we use in our lesson) and a DSLR

Ans. It stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex.

The lens on a bridge camera can not be removed, it is also smaller in size. 

2. Name for genres of photography where a zoom lens is used.

Ans. Portrait, Wildlife, Action shots/sports and landscape.

3. The key light is the name given to the main source of light we are using during a photo shoot. Name four sources of light you could use to produce this light on future assignments.

Ans. Flash, redhead light, studio light and natural light. 

4. What does the term ‘considered’ mean when referred to your final shots?

Ans. Thought of what is going to be n the background, the pose, angles and  the lighting.

Proposal

For my four images, I have chosen some photography from Google which I will attempt to recreate to turn into a film poster and (or) video game cover.

Here are the four images I will try to recreate.

For this photo, I can take it in college using the back stairs when it's fairly dark or cloudy. I can use a key light to shine it up the second stair case, then reflect it so it shines on the top staircase. A torch can be placed on the third stair case to create the circle light effect. As for the person at the bottom, I can set the shutter on slow then make my model walk past to create a ghostly/blurry effect. Though, I need to take into consideration of the angle and the safety of the camera as, if it isn't securely placed on the tripod, then it could fall and most likely will break. I could possibly use this image for a video game cover.

 I will recreate this image in my own time near a area where I live. I will use one of my friends who are quite tall to match the person in the image as much as possible. However, I will have to provide my model with the right clothes. (e.g. fedora, coat and fake cigarette.)  I can find any wall around my area, when its nighttime or fairly dark, and use a simple torch tied to a stick or pole or some sort and make it hover over my model to create the same spotlight effect. As for the colour, I can easily edit a black and white effect onto the photo using Photoshop. However, I will need to take into consideration about safety. As the area could be risky. The camera could get stolen or I or my model could get injured trying to protect the camera. I could use the final image as a video game cover based in the 1940's.

 This image I will take in my own time at home. I will need a ISO of roughly 400 to create the same light effect. I will use one of my friends whose appearance is roughly the same to the image to model for me. All I will need is a plain backdrop and metal cutouts to create the bar effects across the persons face. I will use a key light with the metal cutout in front of it to create the shadow bar effect from the side, letting some light through to highlight the right side of the persons face. I will use this photograph to create a more modern looking film noir movie cover for the film Hard Candy.

I can take this image in college. Due to the background being almost pitch black, I will have to use the studio room for this image. Using my model, I can create a strip of light across her eyes by using a torch (as any other light like a redhead or a key light would be to bright) and a slip of paper to block out the surrounding light. Hopefully the paper wont be too thick as i still want some light to come through to show slight details on my models face. I will have to take into consideration about my models safety as the light could be too bright and could possibly cause irritation when taking the photo, meaning my models eyes will either squint, or the pupils will be too dilated. I could use this image for a modern drama film cover.