Workshop Experience Semester B : We are back in to it!
Been very slack but we are back in to our learning experience - Semester B - and we are already up to Week 4. This Semester we are doing the practical stream based around using flash, reflectors, and using filters. The end of term assignment is similar to last Semester with a portfolio being created covering three areas : Inanimate (5 to 6 images), Animate (5 to 6 images), and Personal Expression (7 to 12 images). On the way we need to produce two key assignments, one covering Portraiture and the other covering Landscape. Its all go already ! The second stream in the digital lab is all about stepping it up with Photoshop and printing. It will be interesting for me as I have tried to avoid too much post processing prowess, but already the PS CC lab sessions are getting deep in to the tools and capabilities.
In the main stream classes, we have covered the introduction to our assignments, then we got in to practical sessions using flash, then last week we started moving the flash around and also started using reflectors. Whilst some of this was basic information, as is usual with this learning, there are always so many aspects to learn and remember, and our new teacher Roland really gets the messages across directly and clearly on what we are trying to achieve. Lots of before flash, flash, and flash compensation practise was had.
One thing I have discovered which I need more looking in to is on my Leica Q when flash is attached, that the only way I can compensate flash exposure is thru the menu as opposed to using the flash compensation dial. Dont know whether my flash is faulty (Leica SP40) or that is the way it is with the Q. Need to read the manual again ....
On the dig lab side of things as I mentioned its all about PS CC this semester.
Our workflow is still using LR as the front end, import the photos RAW's in to there, use the basic adjustments of LR along with profiling and lens correction, then edit the RAW in PS CC.
So far we have covered the basics of Clone stamp tool, spot tools, etc as well as Layers, Curves, Tonal adjustments and an intro to Masking. We will get there !!
For the Landscape series and portfolio, I am working on some areas on Melbourne where we grow all our salad leaves and vegetables. Trial shot follows.
More detail about the semesters objectives and journey after next weeks sessions!.