This Week in the Digital Photography School Forums (17-23 May ‘09)

Weekly Assignment

Canon 1000D | 1/8s | f/6.3 | ISO 200

This week we finished the Ghetto Lighting Assignment. Using different light sources really can make a difference in photography and using non-conventional lighting can provide your photos with some excellent results. Our winner this week was SNOOPY’s lovely and artistic pear shot. It really had almost a still life painting quality about it. This shot was lit with a small headlamp. Our first runner up was briliad’s incredibly creepy and realistic looking chainsaw wielding Resident Evil figurine that was lit by a flashlight on a coffee table. And last but not least was a first time entry from mlclay. The light provided by the computer screen was simply perfect for the subject matter. Congrats to all our winners and best of luck to everyone next week!

If last week’s assignment wasn’t difficult enough for you, this week’s assignment is Ghetto Lighting + Reflector. So now that you’ve experimented with direct ghetto lighting, this week you need to find a way to reflect it on your subject. Just a quick reminder of the assignment rules. First, your photo has to have been taken between 13 – 27 May 2009. Second, your post must include the words “Assignment: Ghetto Lighting + Reflector” and the date the picture was taken. Finally, your EXIF should be intact and it would be useful if you explained what your lighting setup was.

Hot Threads

• Portability or Functionality – What Do You Prefer?: One forum member asked a question that winds up on a lot of people’s minds. If you’re going to buy a P&S camera to carry everywhere, do you go with a small camera or one that has more features but is bulkier? Come share your preferences over in the forum.
• What Do I Keep Doing Wrong With My Florals?: Macros look deceptively simple, but when you try them, they are one of the more difficult subjects. One forum member asked how it is that you get the centre of the photo super clear rather than it being blurry. If you’re struggling with macros come join in the thread and see what you can learn, and if you’re an expert, come share your experience.
• Planet Apple Tutorial: Sometimes there are some threads that are just too amazing to not feature in this weekend writeup. This is one of them. mmatasic shows us how he turned an apple into planet… or a planet into an apple. Either way, it’s well worth reading about!
• Photography and Your Dominant Eye: Is it important to use your dominant eye when you’re composing through the viewfinder? Or is it just something that you do because it is your dominant eye? Are there any disadvantages (or advantages) to shooting with the other eye?
• What Would You Do?: Another week means it’s time for another chance for forum members to show how they would edit another forum member’s photo. It doesn’t matter what your level of skill is, but if you’re interested in post-processing come join in the fun!