Photo-Seminars Assignment Program
Photographic Light ( 3, level one, assignments)
INSERT #1

Assignment #A021

‘An Objects Shape’
Film: B&W or Color
Camera Format: SLR
Handheld light Meter: If Possible

Assignment: Find an object that has a usual shape. Photographic that object, either outdoors using available light or indoors using studio light, so that your final picture clearly reveals the object’s shape. Remember that you must have three elements of lighting for this exercise:

1.     A strong highlight
2.     Med tones
3.     A shadow area

Expected Results: If you have used the above three elements of light correctly, you should have an image that clearly reveals the shape of your object.

Assignment #A022

‘Hard & Soft Light’
Film: B&W or Color
Camera Format: SLR
Handheld light Meter: If Possible

Assignment: If possible use the same object as you used in Assignment #1. This time photographic the subject in two kinds of light: Hard and Soft. Remember that both these elements of light have a very distinctly look. Hard light is sharp with light ratios from 1:8 or higher. Soft light is diffused light with low light ratios of 1:2 or lower. Here again is the light ratio chart:

Expected Results: Study both final images. The image with ‘hard’ light should be bold, sharp and reveling, while the ‘soft’ light image should be softer with less reveling form and shape. These two types of light and the middle types in-between are the basis for reveling form, color and shape in all your photographic images. 

Assignment #A023

‘Learning to see light’
Film: None
Camera Format: None
Handheld light Meter: No

Assignment: Find pictures in magazine ads and editorials that use low and high light ratios. Cut these pictures out and start your own ‘Comp’ or ‘Idea’ book. Over the coming months, keep adding pictures to your book.

Expected Results: By being aware of light ratios and how they are used you are on your way of visualizing like a photographer.

SUBMITTING YOUR RESULTS
If you would like to submit your images for comments and critique please do so using the following procedure: 1. Scan your images 2. Convert them to the .jpeg format 3. Size them at no larger then 5" X 7" at 72 dpi. 4. Send them as attachments to Brian@photo-seminars.com 5. Include an email message with the assignment number and/or information about the images. The cost for critiquing each image is US$10.00.