Observational Photography
Observational Photography focuses on capturing candid, unposed moments, emphasizing the essence of reality and storytelling. It involves observing surroundings with keen attention to detail, documenting natural interactions, emotions, and everyday life as they unfold. This style prioritizes authenticity over staged compositions, often revealing the beauty in the mundane. Observational photographers rely on patience, sharp instincts, and an ability to anticipate moments. Common subjects include street scenes, people, wildlife, and cultural events. By blending artistry with spontaneity, observational photography offers a raw, unfiltered perspective of the world, encouraging viewers to connect with the captured moments on a deeper emotional level.
Design Brief
The final project requires capturing five distinct portrait images, each demonstrating a classical lighting technique
A Portrait Series
From Shadows to Pixels: The Evolution of Photography
The first camera obscura was created in the eleventh century, however the fundamentals of photography date back to the fifth century BCE. Until Joseph Nicéphore Niépce used a handheld camera obscura to expose a bitumen-coated pewter plate to light in the late 1830s, the camera obscura could only project images. This produced the first documented image that did not fade fast. From there, photography developed swiftly, and in the middle of the 1800s, the daguerreotype—a precursor to contemporary film—was invented. Emulsion plates, which were less costly and had a quicker exposure period, took the role of the daguerreotype.
Smaller cameras were made possible with the invention of dry plates in the 1870s. George Eastman made photography available to the general public in the 1880s by inventing a flexible roll film and a self-contained box camera that could store 100 film exposures. By the 1930s, candid photos of everyday life were being taken using tiny 35mm cameras. Using 35mm cameras, World battle II photojournalists brought the realities of battle home by documenting the conflict and its aftermath. The first SLR-style cameras with interchangeable lenses were released in the 1950s. Compact cameras with decision-making capabilities for image control were launched by the late 1970s.
The Journey of the Camera
The camera obscura, the earliest camera, dates back to the 5th century B.C.E1. It wasn’t until the 11th century that an Iraqi scientist developed a camera obscura that projected images onto another surface1. However, these images were upside down and couldn’t be recorded2. In the 17th century, the camera obscura became portable and basic lenses were added2.
The first permanent images were created in the late 1830s with the use of a portable camera obscura3. The mid to late 1800s saw the development of the daguerreotype, a forerunner to modern film, as well as emulsion plates, and wet plates34. Wet plates used an emulsion process called the Collodion process5. During this period, bellows were added to cameras to help with focusing5. Dry plates, which could be stored, were developed in the 1870s, which led to smaller, hand-held cameras, and cameras with mechanical shutters6.
In the 1880s, George Eastman created a self-contained box camera that used flexible roll film, making cameras more affordable7. 35mm film, which became widely used in the late 1940s, increased the accessibility of photography8. SLR cameras that allowed for interchangeable lenses and accessories were introduced in the 1950s9. Automatic “point and shoot” cameras were introduced in the late 1970s and early 1980s10. The first digital cameras emerged in the 1980s and 1990s11. By 1991, Kodak had produced the first professional-grade digital camera11.
The Art of Light
Butterfly Lighting creates a flattering, soft look with a prominent shadow beneath the nose, resembling a butterfly. This lighting is achieved by positioning the light source above and in front of the subject, often used in beauty and glamour photography.
Rembrandt Lighting is characterized by a triangle of light on the subject's cheek opposite the light source. This is created by positioning the light at a 45-degree angle above and to the side of the subject, producing a dramatic yet balanced effect, often used in portrait photography to convey depth and mood.
Split Lighting divides the face into two halves, with one side lit and the other in shadow. This technique creates a bold, high-contrast look and is commonly used for dramatic portraits or when emphasizing strong facial features.
Broad Lighting illuminates the side of the face turned toward the camera, making the subject appear broader. It is typically used for subjects with narrower faces to create a more balanced appearance.
Short Lighting illuminates the side of the face turned away from the camera, creating a slimming effect and adding depth to the subject's features. It's often used for portraits where subtlety and dimension are desired.
The Foundations of Composition
Composition in photography refers to the arrangement and organization of elements within the frame to produce a harmonious and visually interesting image. Several compositional techniques guide the viewer’s eye and help tell a compelling story.
The Rule of Thirds divides the image into nine equal sections using two horizontal and two vertical lines. By positioning key elements along these lines or their intersections, balance is achieved and the viewer’s attention is naturally drawn across the frame.
Leading Lines utilize lines—either natural or artificial—to guide the viewer’s gaze toward the subject, creating depth and enhancing perspective.
Framing makes use of surrounding elements like doorways, windows, or branches to enclose the subject, adding depth and context to the image.
Symmetry and Patterns focus on repeating shapes and lines to create visual harmony. Symmetry often suggests calmness, while asymmetry introduces dynamic tension.
Negative Space involves leaving empty space around the subject, allowing it to stand out and creating emphasis.
Fill the Frame means getting close to the subject or cropping tightly, eliminating distractions and focusing attention solely on the subject.
These compositional techniques are essential tools for creating compelling and engaging photographs that capture attention and convey emotion.