Natural Lighting: Anna

For this assignment we were to take a photo of a classmate using a natural light source to produce different lighting effects. In this photo, side lighting is shown. This technique is subtle due to the fact that I used the burn tool of Photoshop to lighten the left side of Anna's face. I also used the dodge tool of the right side of her face because the facial definition of her cheek bone was lost. I used the sponge tool to enhance her eye color. I used the quick selection tool to select her bandana and change the shade of green with the hue/saturation adjustment on Photoshop. Lastly, I used the quick selection tool again to select the brick wall in the background to bring out more detail and color in the brick.

I am satisfied with how this photo turned out because I feel Anna is the focal point in the frame. I also love how the brick wall in the background appears more vivid because I enhanced its color and in turn its texture with the quick selection tool. It was frustrating learning how to use the dodge tool because I found that the areas I swept over turned to an unnatural gray. If I could change something in this photo I would position the camera differently so that the sign in the background is not in the frame.

Studio Lighting: Shannon

For this assignment we were to take a portrait of a classmate using artificial light and various positions of the light source. This particular portrait is showing three-fourths lighting because roughly one-fourth of Shannon's face is dark. I adjusted this photo with the burn tool on Photoshop to lighten her right cheek and eye, in addition to her right jaw line. I also used the sponge tool to saturate her eyes, which makes them more vivid and captivating. To accentuate Shannon's red hair I used the sponge tool as well.

In my eyes, this picture is relatively strong. I was able to even out the light on Shannon's face well. The left side of her face is not overwhelmingly bright, so the facial definitions of her cheek and eye are visible. The right side of her face is shadowed, but is enhanced by Photoshop's burn tool so as to highlight her cheek and eye so they are not lost in the dark areas. Another adjustment that went well was the saturation enhancement of her hair and eyes. I feel Shannon's red hair is a defining feature, which is why I decided to highlight it by enhancing its color. One thing that was frustrating for me throughout the assignment was using a tripod. I never got it to work to my benefit, but I do feel this was one of the photos that turned out nicely without it.