Final Assignment for DPP103

The last assignment for this SIT paper (DPP103). This one I have enjoyed the most as it was just me taking images. However, time pressures have meant I had to take images that were not my best at times. - There has been good learning.

01 – 1 Landscape – Dunedin Southern Coast

Decisions to achieve the desired result: I took 11 varied shots to find the right composition. As the tide was moving, fast and I had to avoid immersion. To get this image I was up before the sun to get to the location. I had seen this area before – prior research. I used the foreground rocks and their lines to lead the viewer towards the horizon and the big rock. It works in portrait orientation. To create the movement I used an ND 16 filter, Tripod, mirror lock and 2 sec timer. The trick was setting the camera off to time with where I required the water. I also waited for the low autumn light to shine across the rocks to give it a warmer and refined feel to the structure of the rocks. Choice of lens was 16-35mm. 16mm enabled the image to capture a wider field of view and balance the foreground rocks with the big rock.

Processing: RAW – Extension of shadows/Highlights. Lens and Chromatic adjustment made. Convert to Smart Object then Use of curves to build contrast, adjustment of hue/saturation to give slight emphasis of warmer colour, slightly straighten of the horizon, sharpening on the final image.

Image Settings: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, f/22, 2sec, 16mm, ISO-100

02 – 2 Landscape – Nichols Falls

Decisions to achieve the desired result: 20-minute walk and we were at the local falls. To create the water movement I used an ND 16 filter, Tripod, mirror lock and 2 sec timer. Portrait worked to lead the viewer’s eye from the foreground water to the waterfall. The debris was a worry, as this could be distracting. However, I do not think it is now. It provides a nice break from waterfall to the foreground water. Choice of lens 16-35mm gave me options to capture a wide field of view. Adjustment to 26mm was about right. f/11 is a sweet spot for the 16-35mm, and this worked fine for depth of field.

Processing: RAW – Extension of shadows/Highlights. Lens and Chromatic adjustment made. Convert to Smart Object then Use of curves to build contrast, adjustment of hue/saturation to bring out greens, sharpening on the final image.

Image Settings: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, f/11, 13sec, 26mm, ISO-100

03 – 1 Portrait – Mother/Daughter 1

Decisions to achieve the desired result: Capturing these people in a relaxed and natural look took quite a few images to work towards the right shot – to be expected. I adjusted my angle of view to ensure I was at their level. I used one separate fill-in flash at 1/64 from the floor and one studio light with a diffuser umbrella to spread even light from the left side looking down toward the subjects. Natural light in the room highlighted the mother’s hair from behind nicely. The focus was on the mother eyes. Given the low shutter speed (1/160sec) concentration on hold the camera steady and capturing the moment without movement was crucial. Choice of the lens – 85mm is a choice lens for portraits lending itself to potential flattering result. This lens does not focus that fast so allowing for this is important.
Processing: Processing: RAW – Extension of shadows/Highlights. Lens and Chromatic adjustment made. Convert to Smart Object then Use of curves to build contrast, adjustment of hue/saturation to bring colours slightly, white balance adjusted for correct skin tones, sharpening of eyes, gentle sharpening on final image so as not to make the skin harsh.
 Image Settings: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, f/1.2, 160sec, 85mm, ISO-100, Studio flash lights with an umbrella to diffuse light, Speedlight (1/128) on foot to eliminate shadows in the face.

04 – 2 Portrait Mother/Daughter 2

Decisions to achieve the desired result: I remember – a photo session is never finished until they have completely gone! – I did more images in the garage. As getting ready to pack and leave, I took this image just before they left. The background is non-distracting, and I caught the moment looking back at the right time. Settings were a faster shutter speed (1/250sec) as I knew it was going to be quick – to reduce movement. Shutter priority set. No flash. Therefore, the ISO was set high to allow enough light to get through the lens.

Processing: Processing: RAW – Extension of shadows/Highlights. Lens and Chromatic adjustment made. Convert to Smart Object then Use of curves to build contrast, adjustment of hue/saturation to bring colours slightly, white balance adjusted for correct skin tones, sharpening of eyes, gentle sharpening on the final image so as not to make the skin harsh.

Image Settings: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, f/2, 1/250sec, 85mm, ISO-800

05 – 1 Architecture - Te Pā Tauira

Decisions to achieve the desired result:  I chose a Dutch angle to accentuate the windows and colours. Also, the reflection of the trees in the right-hand window gave some interest. This window helps to connect with the other window areas on the building. The downpipe gives a natural divide from the window louvres and the window on the left. Use of 200mm enabled me to concentrate on a feature of the building and low my angle of view. Shutter speed allowed me to hand hold the shot.

Processing: RAW – Extension of shadows/Highlights. Lens and Chromatic adjustment made. Convert to Smart Object then Use of curves to build contrast, adjustment of hue/saturation to bring out oranges, sharpening on the final image.

Image Settings: Canon EOS 5D Mark III, f/11, 1/80sec, 200mm, ISO-800

06 – 2 Architecture – Forsyth Bar Stadium

Decisions to achieve the desired result: The late afternoon sun was gleaming onto the west side of the building, so I framed the windows. The colours drew me to this image. I used the natural angle with a long lens (200mm) to emphasise the windows. Although I shot at an angle, the straight lines of the windows offset the image.

Processing: RAW – Extension of shadows/Highlights. Lens and Chromatic adjustment made. Convert to Smart Object then Use of curves to build contrast, adjustment of hue/saturation to bring out blues, slight vignette added to give the middle windows more focus, sharpening on the final image.

Image Settings: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, f/5.6, 1/250sec, 200mm, ISO-100

07 – 1 Street Photo – Street Singer

Decisions to achieve the desired result: I spent some time to get close to the performers and chatted to get to know them. They felt comfortable me shooting, so I clicked. Using High Continuous shooting to capture the action, freeze movement and have the background out of focus. I used a low angle to look up and emphasise the performer. The use of a Dutch angle gives a quirky angle. Also, there are other people in the background to help tell more story that the location is at a market.

Processing: Processing: RAW – Extension of shadows/Highlights. Lens and Chromatic adjustment made. Convert to Smart Object then Use of curves to build contrast, adjustment of hue/saturation to bring colours on the clothing; I used ACR to dull the surrounding colours, so the subject is emphasised white balance adjusted for correct skin tones, sharpening on the final image. (no flash used).

Image Settings: Canon EOS 5D Mark III, f/4, 1/400sec, 35mm, ISO-160

08 – 2 Street Photo – Guitar Man

Decisions to achieve the desired result: Same approach as 07 images. Using High Continuous shooting to capture the action, freeze movement and have the background out of focus. I used a low angle to look up and emphasise the performer. The use of a Dutch angle gives a quirky angle. The image was shot into the sun with no flash, the position was tricky to have the sun just poking over the fingerboard/neck of the guitar. The fast shutter speed could have been slowed down in hindsight to get movement in the strumming hand. Moreover, maybe a wider frame to capture the market more.

Processing: Processing: RAW – Extension of shadows/Highlights. Lens and Chromatic adjustment made. Convert to Smart Object then convert to greyscale, Use of curves to build contrast, sharpening on the final image. (no flash used).

Image Settings: Canon EOS 5D Mark III, f/8, 1/1000sec, 35mm, ISO-160

Photohop Assignment - Theme Concept – The relationships between outdoor people and construction interventions.

Thank goodness to finish this. Here are the images I have put together - (In a bit of a rush) and the blurb to go with it. - Much much more to learn!

Theme Concept – The relationships between outdoor people and construction interventions.

The theme highlights the relationship between people adventuring in the outdoors and the encroaching and dependency of human-made structures that either feed, create or are now a major part of the outdoor environment.

01 Urban Tramping: This image depicts the concept of what we term as wilderness, the transition between urban lives and how this is blended and blurred. The outdoors can be everywhere, even in an urban environment. I wanted the tampers heading somewhere with blue sky above, yet surrounded with people made structures that enclosed them and forced them in one particular direction. 3 Images used (one twice), masking. Some clean-up of the background town image.

02 Climate Climb: Snow feeds the rivers and oceans and humans build ski resorts that affect the water systems. Yet we still enjoy climbing there and often use ski fields for access.

03 Washing our nylon and plastic clothes creeps forever into our food system.

04 Tunnel Kayaker: What flows toward the oceans? We are caught in our own outdoor worlds not thinking about the effects on the river and ocean ways.

05 Hydro Kayaker: Rivers we paddle are often controlled by hydro that create electricity we use. What’s the best of two evils?

 06 Urban Kayaking: This how kayaking may be viewed through the eyes of some. Three images to show this girl may see things with a background of a human-made water mass. Tech: Select and masking, Resizing, warping.

07 Beach Trash: Walking towards the ocean. Combined with fashion. The fashion industry is heavily criticised for its waste products and this is combined with beercan plastic rings that many animals are dying of. Tech: Select and masking, Resizing, warping, shadows.

08 Earthwise? Are we truly Earthwise or is it marketing? All the outdoor activities we do has an effect on the environment. The challenge for every human on earth is to ask themselves how to contribute to making this world a place that is regenerative? So we are not caught up in our own selves and true realisation is that we are intricately connected to everything we do on our small planet.

Technical Approach: Using magazines to give me inspiration, Source images from Internet except these were low resolution and small, Source images from two magazines I subscribe to – Digital Camera and Practical Photography, Photoshop select and masking, resizing, warping, shadows, Blur, Hue/colour increase.

Images are copyright to Andy Thompson

Pixabay https://pixabay.com/en/photos/?image_type=photo

Tararua Range: A pack full of camera gear - no room for food or clothes!

Excited about a holiday two-week winter traverse in July, we had to get out with heavy packs, dogs and trottle up to the Organ pipes this morning. We need to this way more as we both realise we have 'ok' fitness but not enough for the trip. A big question for me is what camera gear to take. Lugging big DSLR does not seem feasible for this trip.

Plus my foot is still giving me grief so I am a bit concerned about this. 12 days of hard travelling in demanding terrain - I need to get it performing better. However, we have the time to prep and we will!

Patch did rather well, considering he is 16 yrs old and has stage 4 heart and kidney failure. Just a dry cough presently.  This is probably the big factor that will stop us in our tracks going - all depending on his health.

I am swayed toward the GX85 and range of lenses I have as artillery. It's a great travel camera and I have shot all travel image overseas with this. I have 5 lenses with the heaviest being the 100-400mm. However, I am lucky to have a 100-300mm light lens so that will be probably a pick to take. This camera also makes a great street photography camera. Especially with a micro four-thirds process that allows me extra reach in the lens. What you trade off for low light capability you gain by size, weight and versatility. It's just a matter of knowing the tool well and its limitations.

Although we only went to the Organ pipes cause we have other stuff on it has been a wonderful morning to whip up. The Organ Pipes are a unique geological feature for Otago. Otago peninsula was formed entirely by volcanic activity and the tall polygonal columns featured on this walk are remnants of this past. As molten lava cooled slowly beneath the hardened crust, it contracted and formed geometrical cracks which propagated downwards as the mass cooled. Basalt columns form in solidifying lava flows or intrusive dykes or sills. They develop at right angles to the cooling surfaces at the margins of the lava flow or magma. The solidifying rock shrinks and pulls apart forming an irregular network of cracks (“contraction joints”). Once each layer of new rock cools to about 750 degrees C, it can’t hold together against the shrinkage stresses. The entire layer suddenly splits apart so that the crack tips advance through to the hot lava below. Each stepwise lengthening of the cracks leaves a small ridge of stone (a “stria”) across the face of the column, showing where the crack tip stopped. The distance apart and alignment of these striae indicate the speed and direction of cooling.

Reference Source: https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC39JRR_blackhead-basalt-columns-dunedin-otago

The dogs don't really find the downward trip on these stairs easy. So both Jo and I ferry the male dogs down - Although they are not impressed they are pretty ecstatic at the bottom. Molly, on the other hand, seems to have no problems negotiating the stairs. Its a shame they won't join us on this trip.

Hungry for breakfast we near the end of a short but great start to our training for the journey. Jeepers I am going to have to get used to lack of food and still moving forward for this trip. Better amp it up the next month eh! The cold will be a big issue for Jo - she gets cold very easily. Better get her warm game on, and better garments?

Ha - my pack is full of camera gear in this image. And no GX85! So next trip I will take that as well. It's quite obsessive and eccentric to be carrying all camera gear and not much else. The weight of my pack is 21.5kg. I might have to discard this lot for the trip. But none the less I am prepared with the kit to take photos on the training runs if required. Just takes a bit to get it out. If you have any suggestions for camera gear for this trip please let me know in the comments section. Would love to hear your ideas.

Tararua Range: North - South Winter Traverse - Preparation

Flights are booked, Maps have arrived today and we are now in the exciting planning phase. Suddenly it feels real!  We estimate 10 days all going well - 12 days if we get a bit stuck! It's exciting to go back as I spent most of my youth in here so I know the terrain well. However, that is a danger trap as I am sure much has changed.

Its fun looking back through the photos and I am amazed at the logbook I kept with precise times and detail - quite useful.

Time to get serious about training and logistics. What a holiday: heavy packs, 12 days of food, short daylight hours, extremely cold and unknown winter conditions. :)

Preparation in front of a fire seems to easy!

Week 12 Photography Assignment - Monochrome

This weeks assignment was to get a monochrome image to submit. Given it was ANZAC day it seemed reasonable to try for something then. I was going to attend the dawn parade but decided against due to just being tired. I was torn with guilt as I had convinced myself I should go. Plus my Dad would go to these regularly and I felt I should go.

After a long dog walk and lovely breakfast with Jo, I raced down to the Port Chalmers service for 10am. It was the best move. Not only was it a wonderful ceremony, I caught up with Russell Lundy. It only takes that one connection and a chat. It was great to reconnect with a great guy and I appreciated the time chatting.

The bugle, 'The Last Post' always sends shivers through my veins.

My best angle of the bugle person was to get higher and look down toward him. With a long lens, I kept my shutter speed fast and let the camera do the work. It was mid-morning light which played well for the image. I used back button focus to recompose the image and not lose focus of the bugle. The f/stop is wide enough so I did not get detail or distractions in the background. Processing was conversion to monochrome, contrast and sharpening.

Canon EOS 80D, f/6.3, 1/640sec, 552mm, ISO-400

For more ANZAC images, you can view these at;

https://www.andythompsonphotographynz.co.nz/Image-Folders-and-Galleries/Events/ANZAC-Port-Chalmers-2018/

I stayed long after the service taking in the significant impact of the occasion. I was the last there and as the sun gleamed down and I stared at the wreaths and plaque, tears started to swell up. I missed my Dad. Nothing can ever bring them back, however, their memories and love sit deep within me. I often wish I could have taken time to get to know them better. Being young you seem so self-centred - I wish I could have gotten over myself but that's done. Importantly I am over myself now, I miss them dearly, am grateful for everything they helped me out with and continue to learn from my parents and many other people I am privileged to work or meet with.

Thanks, Dad.

Week 11 Photography Assignment - Architecture

I cant say I did myself any favours as I left this to the last minute.

I do like the shot though. This image draws Toitū Museum with its the old Dunedin railway station reflecting itself in the glass. The modern roof points directly to the old station creating a juxtaposed image between old and new. I made this a monochrome as facing into the light, yet it was flat. It adds to the drama and simplifies the image.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, f/11, 1/30sec, 14mm, ISO-100

Week 9/10 Photography Assignment - Landscape

These last two weeks have involved getting a landscape image. It sounds simple. However its not that easy as you may think. It takes planning, research, quick decisions making and an element of good fortune to be on your side.

These last two weeks I have been in three amazing places so this has allowed me to consider my options. It takes a while to warm up to the idea. Once you're in the swing then I start seeing great landscapes everywhere.

My first few images I struggled as I had little time and was busy teaching. I was lucky to be at Ti Point, North Auckland teaching climbing. So was quick to snap what I could. The below image uses the Pohutukawa as a frame, into the sun creating a sunburst and the climber as a subject. The image works. However, the sun is quite dominating so would look better if it was not so powerful.

Coastal Pohutukawas

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, f/20, 1/50sec, 16mm, ISO-100

 This image was taken Whangapoua Bay, Great Barrier Island, NZ. First time there I was struggling to find the right composition. I tried using the water as my features to lead the eye. It does not it to a certain level, yet it is not a strong image. I do like the colours though.

Great Barrier Island NZ with a Great sunrise to match!

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, f/11, 1/20sec, 16mm, ISO-10

 I was fortunate to spend time with some amazing staff at Great Barrier OPC. Time was more affluent and so I managed to steal time and positions to take images. We crossed Awana River and stopped there. Wow, what a cool place. I so wanted to jump. However getting images was a neat treat too. And I actually could do my job well as I observed the actions of another staff member.

Awana River

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, f/2.8, 1/500sec, 24mm, ISO-500

Fun to focus in on the waterfall. This required a tripod, open lock mirror, timer. What I was silly to forget was my polarizer filter to take the glare off the water.

Awana River

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, f/18, 1.6sec, 35mm, ISO-100

I was stuck on the Island due to no flying. You would not imagine it by the weather! I was up at 0600 and started to walk down, uncertain if I would be able to snap a nice image. Gemma eventually picked me up and we went to the same beach. This time I had thought about better compositions so managed to create this image. Am far more pleased as there are stronger leading lines and the sun worked well.

Whangapoua Bay, Great Barrier Island, NZ. Another Great Barrier Island, NZ sunrise.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, f/18, 1/30sec, 16mm, ISO-100

 Back from Great Barrier Island finally I had a short 9 hours, repacked and headed for the Catlins for jo and I wedding mini-moon. That morning to catch the low tide we headed to Curio Bay. It was amazing to explore this little gem. Timing is everything and the tide was on its way in hence why we were there at 0700. Plant fossils are found throughout the Catlins but are more frequent in the south and west. This reflects the location of land in Gondwanaland times. Curio Bay is the location most well known for seeing the trunks of ancient trees as well as thin seams of coal and associated leaf impressions. Plant fossils are also common in the places where younger rocks are exposed. This is because the land with trees on it was slowly extending out into the sea over time. The youngest rocks (mid Jurassic) of the Catlins are to be found at Otara and in the Waikawa, Chaslands, Tahakopa and Catlins River valleys.

This image was quite the rush as an incoming wave was encroaching and I struggled to change lens. However, I am very pleased with the result.

Catlins - Petrified Forest

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, f/18, 1/30sec, 16mm, ISO-100

It`s a two-hour walk into the Waipohatu Stream. Well worth it and amazing bush to travel through. The native birdlife seems to be thriving, and bush looks healthy. It took me 7 shots to get this composition right.

 Waipohatu Stream, Catlins, NZ

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, f/11, 15sec, 23mm, ISO-100

Up the next day at 0515 hrs we were ready to go in fifteen minutes. Nugget point is so funny to visit as I had nine other people around me trying to get an image. I still have not got this place right - not quite what I was after yet. The sun is blown out, but the composition is better.

Nugget Point, Catlins NZ.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, f/18, 1/40sec, 16mm, ISO-100

Back to the Petrified forest area and around the corner. I used a wide-angle 16mm to emphasise the water draining away and allow a wider perspective to lead the eye down the channel of water toward the horizon. The trip pod was propped on rocks as the sand was soft and gave way with movement. Camera settings required the mirror lock and 2 sec timer used to minimise movement. The timing of tides was essential. To be here at the correct time, I was up at 6 am to get to the location at the correct time. Positioning was key to get close to the water to create a dramatic composition, then time the 2sec so that the water was draining away. This was tricky as the tide was coming in fast, so there were a few evacuation movements to keep my feet dry. (Gumboots were in the car). To allow a longer exposure, I used an ND 16 filter.

I liked this one the most and have submitted it for assessment.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, f/18, 1.3sec, 16mm, ISO-100

Week 8 Photography Assignment Contre-Jour and Chiaroscuro

Contre-Jour Photography

Contre-jour (French for "against daylight") is a photographic technique in which the camera is pointing directly toward a source of light. Contre-jour produces backlighting of the subject. ... Fill light may be used to illuminate the side of the subject facing toward the camera.

Jo – Contre jour Photography

Tricky shot as I had a long lens and was doing a shoot for a performance. I saw this possible image and Jo was backlit. I lowered the shutter speed, kept ISO high and took a risk. Using breathing to steady myself allowed to get a relatively sharp image with the backlight laminating Jo's hair and head.

Processing in ACR I have reduced noise, increased the saturation to bring out colours and kept her face fairly hidden to emphasise the outline. There is not enough information in the shadows to bring any out anyway.

Jo – Contre jour Photography

Canon EOS 5D Mark III, f/2.8, 1/160sec, 200mm, ISO-2000

Chiaroscuro Photography

Chiaroscuro (English: /kiˌɑːrəˈskjʊəroʊ/; Italian: [ˌkjaroˈskuːro] (light-dark)) is an artistic technique, developed during the Renaissance, that uses strong tonal contrasts between light and dark to model three-dimensional forms, often to dramatic effect.

Patch - Chiaroscuro

I could not get my lighting right, and I am still not that happy with this image! It does meet some requirements of Chiaroscuro photography. However, there is such diffuse light between the shadows and key light. I chose a 135mm prime as this lens produces beautiful crisp images. It is awesome for animals. Plus it made me move to get the composition. Processing in ACR was involved, and so I think the more you have to process the more you are trying to make a poor image a good image. There is a point when you cant. Not happy with this image I did the next image.

Patch - Chiaroscuro

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, f/2.5, 1/400ec, 135mm, ISO-800

Jo - Chiaroscuro

I struggled with this image to get the right light so set up a makeshift studio in my garage. I used studio lights to illuminate one side of Jo. I think it has been successful in creating a Chiaroscuro photography. However, Jo is half smiling which may distract from a more moody shot. There was also to much ambient light in the garage so next image will be when it is darker to see if I can produce a more dramatic.

I used an 85mm as this is a great lens for portraiture and is kind to my human subjects. The 135mm is too harsh.

Jo - Chiaroscuro

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, f/1.4, 1/640ec, 85mm, ISO-160

Jo 2 - Chiaroscuro

Still not quite the image I was after. However, I waited till it was dark and just used a studio light and flash to create this image. Much fun was had to flick the hair. Somehow I would have liked to have illuminated the eyes. The facial expressions are funny, but I did get Jo to look at the camera. A fast shutter speed on high sync flash worked here. In hindsight, I would use a f/2.8 - 3.5 as that would give me better clarity on her face.

Jo 2 - Chiaroscuro - Attitude

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, f/1.4, 1/2000ec, 85mm, ISO-400

Shinrin-yoku

Shinrin-yoku 

This afternoon we went for a wander with the dogs into the local bush. This is sooo good for the soul. In Japan it is called shinrin-yoku (Forest Bathing). Here is a link if you want to read more - https://qz.com/804…/health-benefits-japanese-forest-bathing/

Stopping to photograph, especially on a calm day, has many benefits. You start to see and not glance. Instead of looking at your footing you look around. You start to hear more. Native birds start to come by and the songs are stunning.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III, f/6.3, 1/2sec, 100mm, IO-100

I love the comparisons of old and new life. It does remind me how short I have on this planet. The circle of life from being born to fading and dying away. Its a stark reminder of how fragile our lives are and that we must not take them for granted. These leaves are Mahoe and as they slowly decay the bones ie veins of the leaf are the last to be composted back into the earth.

 Canon EOS 5D Mark III, f/2.8, 1/13sec, 100mm, IO-100

The crossing of paths between dying and healthy growth. Here I discovered a naturally fallen Mahoe leaf had fallen onto these beautiful lush ferns.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III, f/3.2, 1/125sec, 100mm, IO-800

Our lives are precious and loving the people you know best is important. Don't take them for granted and always make an effort to listen and spend time. It is a beautiful life we have and a gift.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III, f/4, 1/40sec, 100mm, IO-800

The Mahoe tree. Melicytus ramiflorus 

The Maori made his fire by friction, and used te hika ahi, the fire plough, to get his fire.two pieces of wood which had been thoroughly dried were used. One , the kauahi, or lower stick, a piece of Mahoe (Melicytus ramiflorus), was generally 14 to 18 inches long, 2 or 3 inches wide, and 1 to 2 inches thick. This was very soft wood, and the stick could be used on both sides. Pate (Schifflera digitata) was sometimes used as a kauahi, but Mahoe was much preferred.the other piece of wood used was te hika, the rubbing stick, made from Kaikomako, (Pennantia corymbosa), a very hard compact and durable wood. The stick was scraped down with tuhua (obsidian) or shell, to a rounded point or end.

Te Hika also means “generating stick”, and a man and woman would both take part in generating fire, as both took part in the generation of children. The kauahi or lower stick was kept in position by the woman, while the man worked on the hika, or the generating stick. A small log is placed on the ground, with the lower stick against it. The lower end of the kauahi is held firmly in position by the woman, who stands with her feet on it, and the man kneels at the other end, which is raised up 5 or 6 inches from the ground. He holds te hika firmly, with his thumbs underneath, and his fingers placed flat on the outer part, with his right hand passing over his left. He begins rubbing the lower stick until a groove is formed about 5 inches long. The rubbing is slow at first, then a little quicker, with heavier pressure, until a hollow, a1/4 to1/2 inch deep, is formed, and a minute heap of dust begins to collect at the lower end of the groove. When plenty of dust has been made, the man uses te hika again, working it back and forwards more vigorously and with greater pressure, and the hollow gets hotter. He knows by the smell when the fire will come. The hollow gets darker, and from the heap of dust comes a little smoke, then a little bright spec in the middle.” A kua ka tea hi” the fire has come to life.

Makareti Maggie Papakura: The old time Maori  1938

Andy Thompson

Week 6 Photograph Assignment

This weeks challenge was to get a monochrome image. For this shot, I had to return after the first photo session with Grace. She was super helpful. The first session I did not use a flash and afterwards was not happy with my results. This shot, however, I am happy with! I like the composition with the angled metal Grace is holding and the angle of Graces head offsets this well.

There is a silky silver smoothness to the skin tone. Yet the flash I used gives some contrast and depth to her face. The eyes are crisp and directly focused through the lens and she has a relaxed look about her. I have burnt the outer edge round her head to ensure the bright parts are not distracting. Her hand is slightly out of focus, yet face and eyes are sharp.

Monochrome Portrait Grace Ella

Canon EOS 5D Mark III
f/3.2, 1/1000sec, 85mm, ISO-500

Portrait. Processing in Adobe RAW

Week 5 Photographic Assignment Part 2

Woke up and decided I would change these images to monochrome and greys and I like them way more than in colour. It simplifies the image and gives a much smoother tone on the skin.

Week 5 Photographic Assignment

This weeks task was to get a portrait of someone I did not know well. Key was to capture their personality and authentic look of them. This is a funny task as when I think I have it, as a photographer I start to doubt if I have. You start to not trust yourself. Then you have to say - well actually I did get it!

Portrait 1: Casey

Canon EOS 5D Mark III

f/3.5, 1/400sec, 35mm, ISO-800

I was first privileged to photograph Casey at work in a kitchen. Wow, he flys around the kitchen fast and I really had to be quick to keep up, sometimes getting an image and often missing the right place and angle. Casey is a very happy, relaxed person and smiles often. It was my first shoot in the kitchen so was getting to know the environment. I used a range of three lenses. However, this was my f/2.8, 16-35mm. I would have prefered the 35mm prime but its what I had. I like this image for the lighting, angle telling the story of what he does and it has Casey looking very natural. Out of about 90 shots, I chose this as the winner.

The following shot shows what a crop can do and how this image is improved. It gives more emphasis and focus on Casey.

Portrait 2: Rob Heath

Canon EOS 5D Mark III

f/3.5, 1/200sec, 85mm, ISO-800

My 2nd shot was with Rob Heath who is the head chef. Man what a cruisy guy and very competent food specialist. Rob has a wonderful salty beard and that seasoned look about him. He was very willing as a model and the challenge was to capture him at his best and natural. His focus on managing fire and cooking was a skill many would run from. Using my 85mm I struggled to get the right angle and distance. In hindsight I would have used a wider angle, however, I am happy with this result.

Portrait 3 Rob Heath

Canon EOS 5D Mark III

f/3.5, 1/200sec, 85mm, ISO-800

This shot to me is Rob! He is solidly strong, yet calm and quiet and thoughtful. A slight smile allows that kindness that Rob possesses, yet still has that old salt hardness of years of experience. The foreground allows the story to be told.

Portrait 4 Molly Ellis

Canon EOS 5D Mark III

f/2.8, 1/200sec, 85mm, ISO-500

I have been lucky to meet Molly at the villager I work at. She is a wonderful, bubbly and very photogenic person with a fantastic personality. What a treat to photograph someone like Molly. Here I tried to change the angle and work with different looks. This shot I used a fill-in flash bouncing the light off the opposite wall to even the light on her face.

 Portrait 5 Molly Ellis

Canon EOS 5D Mark III

f/1.8, 1/160sec, 85mm, ISO-500

This is my favourite of Molly. It has a slight level of cheekiness! The background compliments her light complexion and bright and happy smile. I could argue the eyes are a bit dark and a fill-in flash could have brought that out. This would have taken away some shadows on her face. Either way, I love the image. 

Well, I have to submit one of these for my assignment. Not really sure which one as I love them all for different reasons. Mostly I have loved doing the images and meeting these amazing people.

Andy