Emma Henderson: Theme 2 - Park & Garden

Preparation and planning

I had planned in advance where the shoot would take place for theme 2 and decided on the park and my mum's garden because it is local to where I live. Also, I had taken shots in my mum's garden previously so already got a feel of what may look good in the background of the images and I thought that the trees and the canal would make a nice backdrop for the park shots. I have also been inspired from photographers I have researched to take shots at the park as it makes the images more relaxed and natural rather than feeling 'set'.

Even though the weather was quite mild and sunny it was cold at times so had to style my model according to these elements. I wanted the model to appear natural in the styling like she was just taking a stroll in the park. I also did the make-up for the model which I wanted to keep light and simple.

Equipment used

For this shoot I borrowed a camera from college and a standard tripod. I used a Canon EOS 1000D Digital camera and used it in a manual setting so that I had complete control of the outcome of the shot.

Health & Safety

Even though it was quite a sunny day it was still quite cold so I had to make sure my model was comfortable and warm enough. As it was in an open public place I had to take care of the equipment used so that it wasn't stolen and just the general care of the equipment with it being outdoors was important.

Log of images

Below are some of the images taken on the day of the shoot and I have separated the ones from the garden and the park and have discussed the images individually. I have also advised of the settings used on the camera.

The Garden -

ISO - 400, f/20, Shutter speed - 1/20

This image was taken when the model was unaware which gave it a natural feel. I like the overall composition and the angle of the model.

ISO - 400, f/20, Shutter speed - 1/20

ISO - 400, f/20, Shutter speed - 1/30

Here I wanted to take the same composition as before but in portrait. I feel this works much better than in landscape and it adds more height to the image, before there was alot of wasted space in the photograph.

ISO - 400, f/20, Shutter speed - 1/30

This image was taken from a much higher view point. I wanted to compare and contrast to the ones taken at eye level.

ISO - 400, f/20, Shutter speed - 1/30

I wanted to use props in this shoot so decided to use a chair and I took the image from a lower viewpoint but still at an angle to add dimension to the image.

ISO - 400, f/16, Shutter speed - 1/30

There was too much light in this image which has reflected from the models face making her appear really white and you can't really pick up on her features as well.

ISO - 400, f/22, Shutter speed - 1/30

This is a similar angle and camera viewpoint as the images before but I wanted to take it closer up to pick out the textures of the models clothes. I like the way the light highlights the models face just enough to draw your attention in.

ISO - 400, f/22, Shutter speed - 1/25

ISO - 400, f/22, Shutter speed - 1/20

With these last two images I just wanted to experiment with the f-stops and shutter speed to gain more knowledge and experience.

The Park -