Week 4 Photographic Assignment

The plan this week was to capture  4 images.

• The rule of thirds, with the subject on the intersection of the rule-of-thirds lines negative space in the other three quadrants. 
• Perspective lines going into the distance. 
• Repeated shapes. 
• A canted frame.

All images have been only processed in ACR

The rule of thirds, with the subject on the intersection of the rule-of-thirds lines negative space in the other three quadrants. 

Canon EOS 5D Mark III

f/2.8, 1/160sec, 200mm, ISO-160

I chose this one as I thought this best met the criteria. Using a strong 200mm f/2.8 telephoto I knew it would compress the perspective and give me the best chance to produce Bokeh or at least blur out the background. I was concerned about the image taking up too much of the quadrant, however after working a few images think I have come close to what is required. It required me to get low, lying on the grass to get the angle correct. Quite relaxing once your there and sometimes I am happy to relax and just breath in the energy being so near the earth and plants.

Perspective lines going into the distance. 

Canon EOS 5D Mark III

f/11, 1/100sec, 16mm, ISO-400

When I started this project I ended up with three final images to choose from. I seemed to struggle to compose an image with perspective lines going into the distance because I could see them everywhere. However, I could not seem to compose something that was pleasing. The amazing part of the journey creating an image, especially when you are looking for a particular image is, images can pop up surprisingly without any planning. This particular one was just that! I was looking across and down in my visions. What attracted me to this image was the light, then this developed in composing. But all through this process, I was not focused on creating perspective lines. When I reviewed my work it struck me that this was the strongest image to select.

Repeated Patterns 

Canon EOS 5D Mark III

f/20, 1/160sec, 24mm, ISO-640

There are so many repeated patterns around us it is overwhelming to try to compose an image that works. Kep elements I used for this image were; creating a sunburst, positions of the vertical lines and linking from where the sun reflects the shadow of the holes across the opposing wall. From symmetrical repeated holes to slanted repeated holes. I also used a tilt/shift lens that enabled me to change my angles. Key also to this image is using a small f-stop and angle to create the starburst.

Canted (Dutch Tilt/Angle) Frame. 

Canon EOS 5D Mark III

f/13, 2sec, 17mm, ISO-100

This image took me a while to compose in my head and find the right place to create it. Often with my trials, I remembered you still need the four key aspects of any image; Clearly defined subject & background, a point of view, sense of balance and level of simplicity. Creating this image also required to wait for the right person to cross my frame, and as I had the timer set to two seconds, mirror lock, I had to time the image to get the subject in the right place. I like this image because also it depicts a female walking through the alley which provides a level of vulnerability. (Nicley it was well lit and relatively safe, I am pleased to say). This image worked better to convert to monochrome grey tones to simplify and allow the ey to use the leading lines to be taken to the subject and then cast past this to take in where the subject has come from.

Andy Thompson

Playing around with new techniques.  Haha not sure about this as it is not my style - but fun to do

To do this I did a quick process in Camera Raw, Converted to B&W, then brought some slight colour back. Then created a background layer and after select and masking the subject, I then played with curves, filters and sharpened the image.

The background reminds me of my brain sometimes? So much swirling in it on possibilities for life

Week 3 Photographic Assignment

Architecture shot in low light: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, f/11, 1/sec, 14mm, ISO-100. I set this shot up within the building I manage. I focused on where I was standing and waited for people to come by. I had to work this shot to get the right effect and right amount of people. I used a remote to be able to shoot at the time I required. Post processing in Camera Raw involved conversion to greyscale, sharpening and vignetting. I cropped the image to exclude space that was distracting to the image. Andy T

Landscape: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, f/18, 1/13sec, 19mm, ISO-100. To get this image I got up at 0445, drove to the east side of the Otago Peninsula and hiked up to the summit of Hereweka. Using the rule of thirds I composed the image (camera on a tripod), camera settings required mirror lock and 2sec timer. I also took off the Neck strap as there was some wind to avoid any camera shake. I chose the 16-35mm lens as the blades on this lens allows for great starbursts. I used the full frame camera body as this is much better in low light/noise reduction. To create good star bursts timing is also important. Post processing was completed in Camera Raw - clarity, some contrast and increasing vibrancy slightly. - Andy T

Portrait: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, f/3.5, 1/50sec, 123mm, ISO-100. I decided on a self-portrait as this seemed more challenging. I had to work the shot several times until I was happy with the outcome. Focus on the eye was critical with a shallow depth of field. Also, the colour of clothing made a difference as my first few shots I had the wrong t-shirt on. I used a remote to take the shot. To get a genuine smile I had to think of either two things - my wife - she makes me smile and or helping people at my work. Post processing in Camera Raw consisted of sharpening the eyes, reducing sharpness to soften the skin, correcting for white balance, sharping and whitening the teeth (remind me to brush better! – Andy T

Week 2 Photographic Assignment

I have started a photography course with SIT, Distance learning. I decided it will help me improve and I am wanting constructive feedback on my photography. So each week I will post up my assignments. I would love to hear your perspectives so please comment.

Week 2 Assignment:

The four images potentially are my worst work! Due to work pressures, not getting the information in an appropriate time I have been rushed or not planned for any of these images. All image processing has used only camera RAW

Portrait: I used an 85mm. Got to their eye level and works a few shots to get her to relax and capture this image - (probably my pick out of these four) I like the natural smile and moment I caught this image of her. I was in a rush and tired and limited gear with me, so natural light and a tree served as the environment. Metadata will show I was able to use good shutter speed to freeze any movement 1/5000sec, and which also meant I could lower my depth of field to f/3.2. I did push the ISO to 500. However, with a full frame, I was happy to allow that in this quick shoot. Processing involved Post processing involved adjusting highlights/shadows, sharpening the eyes and decreasing the clarity to give the skin a soft tone. I also adjusted the white balance for skin tone (used the white of the eye for this)

Architecture: I have tried an image to bring in perspective. I am not that completely happy with it. However, I think it does draw the viewers eye to the end of the hallway in the image. I used a 14mm, had little time to set the shot up. Exposure time was 5 sec, ISO-100 and f/16 to create a good depth of field. I locked the mirror up and used the camera timer. The histogram was great with the start of the image. However, after processing this has shifted having created a vignette to help give a tunnel effect and circular toning in camera raw. I also boosted the contrast to raising the starkness of the carpet and changed to Grey tones. I could do better by spending time lining up the hall better to ensure they were perfect for the 14mm.

Astro: My Gosh, what a terrible image! Sorry! Once I finally got the assignment task I had one night to go out and get a star shot. I was exhausted from the day so dragged my sorry but out and took this horrible image. It was windy, and the clouds were creeping over. I tried to get the stars sharp but could have done better. The composition has no planning and is rubbish! I dropped opened up the f-stop to 3.5, Upped the ISO to 1600, without any calculation for focal length guessed at 10sec. I used a 16mm to get a wide view. The masts are blurry cause it was windy. This image is rather an embarrassment. At least I got some stars and part of the milky way. Post processing involved adjusting highlights/shadows, increasing clarity, increasing exposure to gain more stars and colour and using a gradient to give the sky more mood.

Landscape: Average and rushed again. I had to give up a boot camp for this one. The idea was to create a starburst by using f/18 and a 16-35 with the right blades. Kinda got that! I was intending to use leading lines from the prop, starburst and rail lines to the star. This image I guess has potential, but then I heap of noise when viewed at 100%. Held at 1/80sec with such a wide angle and practising steady breathing I tried to allow for a sharp image. Even though the ISO is 100, there are many dark areas where my noise has come up. Arguably I have shot this image too dark. There is high clipping to the left of the histogram – hence the noise, and on the right of the histogram, I have lost tonnes of information. My exposure is all wrong!

Overall this is experience has been great! And the worst week for me to be creating 4 images of this nature. I hope to get more top of the game in the coming weeks once my course documents can be opened.

Andy Thompson

A Perfect Day

What would a 'Perfect Day Look to me?

As I try to make it across a slippery beam overlooking the deep ocean, Jo cracks up laughing at me.  This was my 6th attempt, but cycling shoes with cleats made it so tricky!

I wake early, Jo is in my arms and we are snuggled. Dawn is approaching and I hear the start of the dawn chorus. It is brilliant and I feel loved. I am with someone who is dedicated to our relationship, has my best interest at heart and compliments what we want in life. Jo is someone who listens and understands me so well. In fact, she is the only person in the world that can truly do that and accepts me for who I am. When we are together we soar wild, yet never let go or sight of the importance of our relationship.  We get up and take the dogs for a walk. The sun is streaming in the house that is clean and simplified. We have built the balcony, have a seat and table in the garden, developed the new garden. We have a new shed so all the bikes are away but ready to go. The walk is invigorating and on the way, I whip a few stunning photos that were a surprise to both of us. When we get back we do a workout. Weights and climbing wall and we are both going strong.

After a most delicious breakfast, we discuss the day's events. We discuss some blue sky thinking in regards to our e freedom businesses, note that our variety of work for both tertiary and private is healthy, share some learning and new innovations, consider our next holiday and adventure, then get into some work for the day. After a solid session attending to clients and work, we take a break for lunch together. Considering we both have different businesses that draw in exceptional income, we can afford the time to have lunch and do a small adventure for the afternoon.

We head to the beach on our Tandem bike, loving the company and chatting about stuff, ideas and what we want to do next. Planning our next travel adventure! We spend a few hours hand in hand walking the beach and bike back home. On the way, we stop for a coffee and ice cream. Fun times. Back home we do a couple more hours work with client's and then make dinner.

In the evening we cook dinner together, chatting and enjoying reciting the day. We have had some great feedback from clients and enjoy supplying a great service. We are making a difference that is positive to others and the planet! The evening is blissful. There is a stunning sunset and colours are amazing. We reside to bed early and cuddle. The way we started the day.


One of my many perfect days!

Andy Thompson

Andy Thompson Photography NZ Ltd

This post is dedicated to Jo Martindale.  She is a rock in my life!

This blog post is in response to Natalie’s 10 Day Freedom Plan Blog Challenge Day 3

'Why', River Paddling and Photography

As part of my 10-day blog challenge, it is to write about my 'Why".  What gets my juices flowing and gets me out of bed every day.  One example is when I am in a boat, paddling.... I have complete freedom!  It is like stepping out of the straight jacket of life, demands, pressures and starting a dance that only me, my boat and the river experience.  Hard to put in words... but really the significant change in me is astounding!  I have been paddling since I was 14 years old in some form or fashion.  I started out in the ocean and tasted a river (literally) in my early 20s.  Paddling seems to come easily to me.

Today, 37 years later I went paddling with this guy - Stefan Austin

What a great trip!  Of course, I paddle regularly and the river was 42 cumecs, a brilliant flow.  Grade 3, technical rapids and a stunning day.  It was also important to do it before our programme started to check out the river and get into the flow.  So categorised as 'staff training' and 'bonding' was the trip's purpose.

Why do I do my job?  What turns my propellor and gets me up in the morning?  It is the excitement of opportunities like getting on a river and combining technical skills, confident minds, drawing on experience and judgment to make snap decisions in a dynamic environment, while working with the physics and dynamics of the river.  Part of the fun and adventure is often getting there.  Admittedly we did get lost as there has been so much change with the foresty.

While on the river, I took my TG 4 Olympus to snap some shots.  This pocket rocket has turned out to be a great buy, however, today somehow it switched to just taking JPEGs.  What a lemon!  One of the reasons I bought it was so I could shoot RAW.  Also, it has better machinery.  Also what I have found is it does not have TV priority.  Not being able to set your shutter speed is quite restrictive and some of my shots today suffered due to this.  However, If you get the setting right you can get some great shots.  This camera is still a gem and a better pocket rocket than previous ones I have owned.  I still need to adjust to its limitations.  It was great on my Indian expedition.

So if I answer the 'Why' question.  It's moments like these, sharing great experiences with great people like Stefan on adventures that keep me inspired.  And when I come to teach and am in that position of responsibility to look after others, I fire up!  I am able to share my excitement for being in amazing places like this.  And I can apply my photographic skills to capture memories to share and inspire others to take care of our world and get out and adventure.

Keep adventuring

This blog post is dedicated to Alan Hofman (aka Sarge)  Sarge is battling cancer and has dedicated extensive years to helping the kayaking infrastructure and inspiring other paddlers to love kayaking.  Kia Kaha Sarge!

Andy Thompson
Andy Thompson Photography NZ Ltd

This blog post is in response to Natalie’s 10 Day Freedom Plan Blog Challenge Day 2

India and a 10 day blog challenge: Photographing the Extremes of Humanity, Culture and Chaos!

I have decided to take a 10 day Freedom Plan blog challenge run by Natalie Sisson.  The challenges are to identify 2-3 biggest challenges I face stopping me from living a life of freedom.

After returning from leading a World Challenge expedition in Southern India and Rajasthan, being back in Aotearoa, New Zealand is a blessing.  And once again I have gained a new perspective on where my life is presently at.

Back in NZ I drink water and clean my teeth from a tap,  I stand in a que without three others trying push over me. drove a car and at the intersection, I am the only one in line (the other opposite car was on the other side of the white line, and no one tooted their horn).  I stand outside and deeply breathe the cleanest air you can imagine. I stand and look up in the quiet part of the night and lose count of the endless stars I can see.   However, don't let that put you off travelling and visiting other parts of the world.  It was worth every second!

I work as an outdoor facilitator, instructor and guide, and more so am passionate about photography. I have just started my own company Andy Thompson Photography NZ Ltd, and am now looking at ways to earn income from photography, my love of interacting with people and outdoor leadership skills. I love to blend these professions.

The job in India was to lead an expedition with 18 people.  To me, this is nothing short of 'exciting'.  Especially when your task is to guide people in a foreign country you have never been, don`t speak the local language, and 16 of your clients are 16/17 year old with two unknown adults.  What an edgy and brilliant prospect!

Initially, I thought I would have little chance for photography, however, as it turns out I had plenty.  I just had to divide my brain up into safety work, leading/facilitating and taking opportunities to snap the camera. India is a smorgasbord of potential images.  I would go back in a 'flash' to catch more.

Our first destination was Southern India, Kerala, Fort Cochin.  This is the land of the spice and fishing industry.  Kerala boasts one of the highest literacy rates and has more females than males as a population.  It feels easy and calm to be around.  There is a smaller division between cast systems however differences between poverty and the rich are still evident.  Link to map of Kerala.

Fishing boats and large nets were a wonderful ground to get my head into shooting.  However, with a group of 18 people and fresh into the country, I had not quite got into the groove.  It would have been better to shoot at sunset and repositioned myself many times over.  And getting to know some local people would help the shoot for real candid images.

Alleppey is one of the many destinations we stayed.  This is a beach area many people visit for holidays.  Swimming in the ocean is a warm welcome to the heat of the day. At Alleppey, accommodation near the beach is easy to find.  I highly recommend Wind n Waves.  The owner Harri, was outstanding for his help and service.  It's a clean and wonderfully relaxed place to stay. Here I slowly tuned with India and the idea of photographing, while still leading my expedition well.

There is a new cafe on the beach front, their pancakes and coffee are yummy.  The guy who started it is often found sleeping on the veranda in the morning.  I caught him out one morning while in search of breakfast. It was quite funny.  After he woke, he just stood up, shook his large mop of hair, took my order and trotted downstairs to cook it - no problems!

I would get up early (before my students did) which is always a great time to be up and wander along the beach.  It was not uncommon to see fishermen returning from their morning catch.  During the day they would tend to their nets, play cards and consider their next trip to harvest fish to sell.  Check out my 'The Deal' image.

Late into the evening, they would cast their boats on the beach to welcome a warm breeze for the night as the sun set.  You can see more images on Kerala at
http://www.andythompsonphotographynz.co.nz/Image-Folders-and-Galleries/International/Kerala-India/

What is holding me back from living a life that allows me to develop my photography?  What are my biggest challenges? Well, I think I am living an amazing life!  I have many freedoms in my work already and am grateful for the colleagues and employment I have.  They are great people!  What I have not yet cornered is a way to develop my photographic aspect of my business.  I need to get a focus on this (excuse the pun) and start to earn an income from my skills in photography.  I would love to combine this with teaching and bring messages to others that will inspire people to change habits and make a difference to look after our planet.

So back to my challenge?  I love my present job however, would like to branch my skills and experience outwards.  I need to develop business opportunities to earn active and residual revenue.  My biggest challenge is keeping clear about my goals and developing a business strategy on how am I going to do this?  I welcome any comments for ideas and advice so I can learn from you.

Andy Thompson
Andy Thompson Photography NZ

This blog post is in response to Natalie’s 10 Day Freedom Plan Blog Challenge Day 1