Assignment number 2.1...

 So this last week's assignment's been all about portrait and still life photography.  So, you think you can take a nice photo of someone, or something... try do an assignment with natural lighting, reflector boards (I used gold cardboard & a sheet of white polystyrene) and diffusers (tracing paper/net curtaining).  And find a compliant subject.  Hahahaha... not so simple!!  Fortunately, with a little bribery, Jake's a pretty good model and assistant.  This assignment cost me one fish and R20.00.  And I got pretty much what I needed.  Yes, he does get bored and frustrated and I irritate him beyond words, but it's all about the prize.  I am THRILLED with the way my pictures have turned out!!  Tomorrow night they will be pulled apart and criticised/complimented by my lecturer, but for today, I am beyond happy...

These first two pictures were completely with natural light.  I took them in my dad and mom's living room.  Unlike my house, theirs is full of light and between the window to Jake's right and the one behind him, I think there's enough light/shadow to give them a bit of mood.  It's all about the eyes and getting a little catch light in them, so they sparkle...

 The next lot of pictures were taken in my parent's main bedroom.  I put my tracing paper up on the window to soften the harsh afternoon sunshine a bit.  That helps eliminate some of the shadows...

 I am very biased, but my boy has beautiful eyes...

 Here's one without the diffuser, see how harsh those shadows are.  And Jake's eyes have gone from bright blue to greenish.  Oh my goodness though, how cute is that little chest and those biceps...

 While this isn't necessarily my favourite picture of Jake, it's using all the techniques we were taught for this assignment.  Jake looks tired and grumpy.  So, the diffuser (tracing paper) has been used to  soften those hard shadows, a reflector has been put up to add light onto the shadowed part of Jake's face and my gold board was used to give it some warmth.  I like the way the light shines in his eyes and off the hairs on the back of his head too...

 My next model was Michael.  He's always game for the limelight.  I took these pictures at Marius' house.  The weather was not great for pictures, but I managed to get a few nice ones.  The first two are him warming up...

 Heehehee - looks like his dad here...

 I really loved these pictures I got of him resting on the couch...

 And I've had a really tough time choosing which one is my favourite.  Love this one, but the fire is possibly a bit distracting...

 I love the light on this one, so a definite possibility... 

 And I really think this one might just be my favourite...

Last up was Cameron.  He doesn't really like the lime light and would prefer me NOT to take his photo at all.  Ever.  But the R20.00 was just too tempting and I think he was maybe a little jealous to see the pictures on my camera of Jake and Michael and none of him.  Unfortunately, I didn't do such a great job with his photos and I'll have to pay him another R20.00 to re-do them...  Love this one, but not enough light in his right eye and also a little blurred...

 This is a little better, but now I've cut his chin off...

 I cannot begin to tell you how bummed I am about cutting off his chin in just about every photo I have of him.  He's got the cutest dimples, just like his daddy...

  And this picture makes me laugh every time I see it.  Love it when he gives me eyebrows, it's too funny...

So, what do you think??  I am only supposed to take 2 photos to class tomorrow - which 2?  Drop me an anonymous comment if you prefer.  Do you hate them, or love them?  Help...please?

Sue XXX