Unit 57: Photography and Photographic Practice

Selection of final images & review (P4, M4, D4)

Image No:

Theme or focus of image & reasons for choiceThe theme throughout these images is Salford Quays. A place in Salford, Manchester which is now known to be the new home of BBC and ITV. I have chosen to base my landscape photographs on Salford Quays, as the buildings and scenery are very attractive and appealing. These photographs help advertise Salford quays and its beauty. I chose to take each photograph with a different shot, such as different buildings. I focused on fitting as much in the frame as possible and tried to make my camera angles and shots up to a good, professional standard. These photographs show the audience the different areas and activity’s there are at Salford Quays such as the Lowry Outlet shopping centre and also the Lowry Theatre. I found Salford Quays to be rather scenic, and the buildings had vibrant eye catching colours before I edited my photos which were a positive sign. Techniques usedOn the first photograph I used a blur effect. I blurred the whole background except from the three tents and sign. I chose to do this as I wanted my audience to see only the dominant image, as that to me was important in the photograph. On other photos I removed the original sky and made my own using either the paint brush of an image from google. This was rather easy when I got the hang of it, as all I needed to do is erase with the rubber tool the whole background. With other photos I adjusted the contrast, brightness and vibrancy. This was so colours in the image stood out more and looked for defined. Adjusting these tools helped bring more life to the photographs on a whole. I also used the clone tool quiet often to remove any irrelevant obstructions in the photos. Such as branches from trees, people and barriers. Strengths & suggested improvementsOn a whole I have used a lot of techniques to make my photographs look as best as they possibly can. I have explored Photoshop looking for suitable editing techniques for my photographs and found many of them. However I think some of the photographs professionalism isn’t up to the highest standard it could be. I feel if I was too shoot at Salford Quays again, I would walk to other areas and take photos of more buildings. Although I received very positive feedback from peers on the survey I

created, there is still room for improvement. Editing detailsAs I collected the results from the survey I conducted with-holding five simple, quick questions. I found a variety of opinions based on the photographs I took and how I edited them. I asked if the photographs on a whole were up to a professional standard, eight people said yes, three people said no and six people said some are. I completely agree with the results of this question. I agree some aren’t as professional as others, and could do with better editing and camera angles. However I think most of the photographs I took and I edited, looked professional and attractive when the final image was presented. I was happy with the professional standards of my photo shoot. I used different editing techniques to achieve the look of professionalism in my photographs, such as removing obstructions with the clone stamp. Blending the obstruction into the background so it is no longer seen. I have also used the colour balance tool to adjust the colours on my photographs which made them look more attractive. I also used the blur tool to focus the audience on a certain part of the image. Finally I used the contrast and brightness tool to make sure my photograph had the correct balance of each. Capture LogSetting Shutter Speed ISO ApertureManual f/9 200 3.9