As far as basic lighting is concerned, I've learned that the broader the light source, the softer it is on the object or subject in the photo, especially in portraits. It reduces lines and shadows.

The farther a light is from it's source, the less it projects onto the subject of the photograph.

Shadows can help to create volume and three-dimensionality in a photo, especially in portraits.

I chose this photo for the word reflection because of the girl's shadow mirrored in the water from the rain. I really liked how the ripples in the water make her reflection blurred, and I like the colors of the plants and leaves along the sidewalk next to her.

I chose this photo because I like the point of view, the lighting on her face and the glint on her earring. I think it makes it really interesting and unique.

Portraits Intro

1. I am photographing my friend Kelsey at school and my sister Danielle at home. I chose these two because I am close with both of them and I am comfortable directing them for the photos. I am going to try to capture the beauty in all of their features.
2. I learned that the shoulders are the main point of focus in a portrait, because the head is sitting on them; changing the angle or perspective of the photo can make a huge difference as to how the image looks; environmental portraits give points of interest to otherwise boring shots; choosing a location is important in keeping the subject the main focus of the image; and I learned that having the subject face away from the camera adds uniqueness and interest, rather than the cliche of facing the lens.

I like this photo because of the candidness of the shot and the genuine emotion on her face. It makes the picture look much less posed and planned. Having the blurred shape of someone's face on the right side also makes it look like the picture wasn't meant to be taken.

I think this photo is unique because it shows the emotions of the woman and what seems to be a genuine smile on her face. I think that the overall image is very pretty and respectful of her ethnicity and cultural identity, which makes it a very well-taken portrait.

I like this image because it looks relaxed and natural rather than posed as she leans against a car and faces away. The view behind her is very beautiful and makes me wonder what she is looking at, which makes the shot far more interesting.

I chose this picture because the lines of the railing lead out of the photo and give an interesting effect to it. I like the colors as well and the shadow on the concrete.

This photo represents the Rule of Balance because of the tree and building taking up the space of the image without leaving gaps. I also chose this because I liked the element of fall in the colors of the trees and the sun's rays.