Need some inspiration?

I find inspiration in most things but I have so many ideas buzzing around my head I sometimes don't know where to begin with them and a little direction never goes amiss!

 I had this delightful little number bought for me recently by one of my constant sources of inspiration, my other half! This book is excellent! It has lots of different ideas that anyone can have a go at and I would recommend it to everyone to have a look through, if you are 'photo crafty' minded.

I'm going to try and do one thing a month out of this book and then blog about it. Why not get yourself (or someone else to!) this book and do the same!

High and Low Key Images

So, what is a high key image and what is a low key image? In short and just to confuse you (!), high key images are low contrast and low key images are high contrast, simples, right?! Well, contrast is a huge factor in both, but in very different ways. Let's start with high key first.

High key images are images that will contain very bright lighting that blow out most shadows. The subject of high key photos will tend to be of a positive mood or of nature and flowers, for example. You could try thinking of it as 'highlighting' a beautiful subject. High key images are also used a lot for advertising, with products on white backgrounds, because our minds believe these will be of higher quality.

High key images are images that really push the highlights of a photograph and contain little contrast. They are usually of a softer subject matter and have a 'happy' feel to them. But beware of over exposing you image! 

Now for low key images. Again they make use of contrast but in a completely different way. Low key images offer a moodier, dramatic angle to your image. Obviously these images will be dark and there should only be one or two highlights to show off the subject. Low key images are easier shot inside, compared with high key images and should not be confused with under exposing an image.

The key to these both sorts of images is referring to, and getting to know your in-camera metering. It will average out the lighting in the whole scene and will therefore tell you to over expose a low key image and under expose a high key. If you are pushed for time, you need to work out if the in-camera meter is being fooled and adjust the exposure by one or two stops either side. But ideally, to make sure you get the correct exposure for what you require in your shot, it is always best to bracket your images.

Don't forget the Exhibition!

Just a gentle reminder that my night for the exhibition is fast approaching! 

'Windows' Exhibition 

Friday 1st February 2013

7pm

The Roisin Dubh (Kingsbury)

Click here for more information! Spread the word!

More Street Photography

This is the last set of images (I think!) from my Street Art workshop in East London. I did take A LOT of photos that day and there are only a handful left from the final cut but I really enjoyed doing this mini project. Not only did I go and see some of my (fairly) local surroundings but it's definitely given me a lot of food for thought for future projects. Hope you enjoy the last in this set!

 

This one above is probably one of my favourites out of this set. I know it doesn't actually contain any street art but I love anything to do with reflections. And I like how I have only got their faces in the shot through the reflection in the puddle. Just me maybe but I like it!

And I really like this one too because even now when I look at it, the art on the wall is just kind of jumping out from the wall. Brilliant art work in my opinion. I just took the photo!

Street Photography

On Saturday I took part in a photography workshop with the British Photography School. It gave me a chance to check out some really cool locations in East London and give me even more inspiration (like I need more ideas floating around in my head!). I took over 200 photos in 2 hours so bear with me while I edit them! Here are a few to get me started. Despite the terrible weather, I still managed to get some really good images and the weather didn't win in dampening my spirit! As always, feedback is very, very welcome!

This is definitely my favourite from the shoot

Work for Sale

All work displayed on my blog is for sale, there are also some limited edition mini prints from the last exhibition, 'Endings'. If you are interested in the work you have seen, or, would like to enquire about commissioning me to do some particular work for you, please do not hesitate to contact me at feistyfotos@hotmail.co.uk