In workshop task four, we explored two key camera settings: shutter speed and ISO.

Shutter speed is the length of time the camera is exposed to the light, the speed at which the camera closes. Once we had learnt about the various levels, we went outside to take photos, experimenting with both fast and slow shutter speeds.

I enjoyed using the different shutter speed levels to create various effects. I particularly enjoyed taking the photograph of Sapphire mid-jump. For this shot, I used a fast shutter speed. This ensured minimal blur, and I was pleased with the result as it froze the action in the photograph.

I also took some shots with Sapphire standing still in front of moving vehicles. I used a slow shutter speed for these photographs, which created an interesting effect- a nice contrast between the motion of the cars, and the stillness of Sapphire.

In addition to the workshop, there was also an extra-credit task in which we experimented with the ISO levels on the camera. ISO is the camera’s sensitivity to light.

It was interesting to see how the various ISO levels changed the amount of light in the lens and thus changed the exposure of the photographs.

Overall, I enjoyed this workshop as it expanded my knowledge of how to use the various settings on the camera to achieve different effects.

In week four, our workshop was focused on shutter speed. Shutter speed is the speed at which the shutter of the camera closes. A faster shutter speed means that the lens is open for a shorter amount of time, and thus less light enters the lens- creating a shorter exposure.

Whereas, a slower shutter speed gives the photographer a longer exposure, meaning that more light enters the lens.

For our task we went outside and experimented with both fast and slow shutter speeds.

1/1600 5.0

I liked the effect the wind movement created in this particular shot. Although Sapphire wasn’t moving, the wind was strong. I chose to use a fast shutter speed meaning that the photo was clearer.

1/1600 4.5

For this shot, I took a photo of Sapphire mid-jump. I used a fast shutter speed in order to achieve minimal blur, meaning that the photo was clearer. A fast shutter speed achieves an effect that freezes action, and is often used to photograph moving objects-such as birds.

Shutter speed- 1/40 F.13

For this photograph, I used a slower shutter speed which meant that the image was brighter.

1/40 11

For the portraits of Sapphire, stood in front of moving vehicles, I used a slow shutter speed. I asked Sapphire to stay still. The busy road behind Sapphire provided a background with lots of movement which created an interesting, motion-blur effect.

Slow shutter speeds are often used to help illuminate darker scenes.

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I used the same busy background for this shot with Rai. But this time, the participant was moving. This created an interesting effect.

ISO Task- Extra Credit

Shooting Outdoors:

As part of the extra credit task, we were instructed to set our cameras to manual mode, set the aperture to a middle F stop and put the shutter speed to 160.

I then experimented with different ISO levels.

ISO is the camera’s sensitivity to light, it is a setting which determines whether the photograph will be brighter or darker.

1/125

1/125

1/125

For the three photographs shown above, I used a low ISO setting. A low ISO meant that the camera had less sensitivity to light.

1/320

For the shot above, I used a higher ISO setting. The high ISO value meant that the camera had a higher sensitivity to light.

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For workshop task 3, we were instructed to go into Leeds and take three portrait photos with a single model, changing the F-stop value each time. 

I began with the lowest F-stop F5.6, then increased it to the middle mark F16 and then the last photograph was taken using F32. Once I returned to the classroom, I was able to download the photographs onto the computer and compare the shots.

In the first image, the F-stop was set to the lowest setting, and this meant that the background was blurrier because less of the image was in focus. Whereas, in the last image, the F-stop was on the highest setting which meant that less light was let into the lens, but more of the image was in focus.

I really enjoyed taking the portrait photos, and learning about the different camera settings, as before the session I wasn’t aware of the various modes. I think to improve the shots, a better background could have been chosen because the barrier in front of the Valentines fair made it difficult to clearly define between the shots.

Once inside university, I was then able to take some extra photos of the objects I had brought in. I think this was my favourite part of the task because I enjoyed being able to arrange the still objects to achieve the shots I wanted. 

I found the session very insightful, and I have continued to practise using the various settings at home since.

Depth of field is an important concept in the world of photography. It refers to the zone within a photo which appears sharp and in focus.

In Monday’s session we began to learn how to use a camera, as there are various elements to consider for achieving different shots.

F5.6

I used the ‘AV’ button, meaning aperture value. Aperture refers to the opening of the lens, through which the light travels.

I started by using the lowest AV/ f-stop, which meant there was a deep field and more light was let into the camera. Using the F5.6 meant that less of the image was in focus, and the background was blurrier.

F16

I then increased the f-stop to the middle value of F16.

For my final shot in Millennium Square, I increased the AV setting to the highest available f-stop value which was F32. This meant that much less light was let in but more of the image was in focus.

F32

Extra Bits:

F5.6

For this shot, I used the lowest f-value. This meant that the background was blurrier, but the items in photo were really sharp.

For workshop task 2, we were asked to create a research post featuring 3 related images, in order to start thinking about ideas for the final project. 

Initially, I thought about doing my project about grief. After seeing a piece by The Washington Post titled ‘The loss of a loved one’, accompanied by a series of powerful photos, I felt this could be a really compelling piece. However, after speaking to the person I intended to have as my focus for the project, it was decided that taking photos wouldn’t be appropriate at this present time. This was always a possibility due to the sensitivity of the topic.

Therefore, I had to have another brainstorm. I decided to change my research post and find photos from London’s LGBTQ+ scene instead. I initially thought about focusing on one of London’s famous LGBTQ streets- Compton Street. However, after some research, I discovered that February is LGBTQ History Month.

Thus, rather than focusing on just one street, I decided that perhaps photos from across London may be more interesting. I added colourful, saturated photographs to my post, as well as black and white, as I haven’t yet decided which format I’d like to have for my project, as of yet. The key to the history is people and therefore having photos of people was a key focus.

For week one of photojournalism we were instructed to go into Leeds to find a story,  accompanied by a selection of photos.

Initially, I planned to speak to a busker performing on the street. However, as it was early morning I wasn’t able to find one. After venturing out into the city, I saw a digital screen on Briggate advertising the latest Cadbury Creme Egg campaign.

As Easter is fast approaching, I felt this would be both a current and exciting story to engage readers. I took a landscape photograph of the campaign sign, and then I went on a hunt to find interviewees.

I decided to interview passerby, Neo Slatz, to gather his thoughts on the new campaign. He wasn’t initially aware of the egg hunt, so I gave a brief explanation of what the hunt was. Following this, Slatz gave his thoughts on the topic- stating that he wouldn’t be taking part. 

I then returned to class to research the campaign further. During my research, I found a quote from the Cadbury Creme Egg brand manager which I thought would be valuable to add to my article.

Overall, I enjoyed the first session as finding a story quickly was both exciting and rewarding. I also enjoyed taking relevant photographs to help to tell the story further.

However, in order to improve next time I need to take a variety of shots to allow more flexibility with the choice of photos I can choose from for my article.

Latest Cadbury campaign rolled out across the UK

Following its spectacular success in 2022, confectionery giant- Mondelēz International- has announced the return of the Cadbury’s Creme Egg ‘How Do You Not Eat Yours?’ campaign.

A nationwide search is currently underway amongst shoppers all across the UK- on the hunt for the special half-milk chocolate, half-white chocolate eggs. 

The competition will be ongoing for several months, with a small number of winning eggs randomly dotted across the UK between 26 December, 2022 and 9 June, 2023.

The brand manager for Cadbury Creme Egg, Lyndsey Homer said: “We were absolutely blown away by the response to our campaign last year.”

Those lucky enough to find one of the special eggs could win up to £5000 as part of the ultimate Easter challenge. 

Leeds resident, Neo Slatz said: “I think the chance of winning is too small for me to take part. But, I do think these campaigns keep people loyal to Cadburys, as opposed to other big brands such as Galaxy.” 

Cadbury fans have been warned to resist eating their special egg if one is found to ensure they can claim the cash prize, as a photo of the shopper with their uneaten winning egg may be required.