Further to the first exercise, I made a conscious decision to continue using the same subject matter, so I could see the results on focal length, angle of view and focus with a set aperture, consistently throughout the prints, without the distraction of having to try and identify the differences when using varying subject matter.
Also in choosing the same subject, it allows me to continue using the Lego figures for the next exercise.
Setting up.
Once again, not dissimilar from the previous exercise, I set up the Lego figures on a wooden box, with a plain background (a blanket), so the full attention is drawn to the figures and not their surrounds. This was set up in my living room.
Equipment used.
Camera: Canon 500D
Lens: Canon 18 - 55.
Flash: Canon 430EX Mark II.
Settings & Results.
As the task was to shoot the subject from the same place, using the lowest f/stop setting, all of the settings for each photograph are exactly the same, as you will see below, the only difference being the focal point in each shot, which was adjusted manually each time.
Focal length: 32mm
Focal length in 35mm film: 51.2mm
Shutter speed: 1/6
Aperture: f/4.5
Camera setting: Aperture priority
ISO: 400
Metering: Matrix
White balance: Manual (flash setting used)
Flash: Used - 1/3.
IMG 3201e
IMG 3203e
IMG 3206e
Findings.
I am very pleased with how the exercise went and I am happy that it took about 10 shots to achieve the 3 I needed to use as examples. I took more simply because I focused on virtually each figure, then picked the top 3 which showed the different focal points that had the most dramatic effect in providing good examples showing the sharp point and the out of focus surround.
The results are very pleasing as they quite clearly show a very small focal point/shallow depth of field, which is sharp and the remainder of the shot blurring out of focus, drawing the eye in to the point you want it to be drawn to. I personally feel this is a very pleasing attribute to a photograph when you are trying to draw the viewer's attention to a specific area and I have also found this useful in other shots I have taken.
To state which of the three is my favourite and why is somewhat more of a challenge. I can categorically say that image IMG 3201e is my least favourite. I think this is because the sharp point is right at the back of the picture, the eye is not drawn in by the significant out of focus foreground, it really lacks substance to draw in the eye in my opinion.
However, choosing a favourite between image IMG 3203e and image IMG 3206e is much more challenging. Image IMG 3203e is very pleasing, as your eye is drawn very quickly to the centre of the picture, which is in sharp focus and in my opinion I feel the shot feels balanced somewhat, as the foreground and background of the shot has similar amounts out of focus. Image IMG 3206e, however, is extremely pleasing to my eye. I like the fact that your eye is instantly drawn to the foreground, even though this is off centre. I also like that it really puts the front figure in focus and all of the others simply slip easily out of focus, almost creating a domineering lead figure at the front, master of the shot.
It is with this in mind, I would probably choose image IMG 3206e as my favourite.
Conclusion.
I am extremely satisfied with how the exercise went and the findings were once again consistent with what I expected. The task produced some very pleasing images and although it was difficult to choose a favourite, it was very clear for me to see that I look forward to using different focal points when taking shots of a consistent subject, just to see which provides the best result. Although, one of the shots was my least favourite, I would still use this in certain circumstances as it would provide the exact atmosphere required for a particular shoot.
If I was to do anything different, I again perhaps would have given this exercise a go in daylight, eliminating the need for the use of flash, but overall I am happy with how things went.
Prints have been retained in my paper log with accompanying notes.
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