NATURAL LIGHT

OBJECTIVES

This assignment has two primary objectives: light quantity and quality.  

1. Learn to get the right amount of exposure in outdoor daylight settings.  

2. Learn through experimentation to recognize and select some of the effects of natural lighting situations.  

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LOADING THE CAMERA

Failure to properly load the camera results in totally blank transparent negatives with only frame numbers showing along the edge.  

Follow these steps (unless you have a motor drive):  

1. Check your film speed and set the camera's ASA.  

2. Install the film being sure to attach it to the take-up spool and repeatedly operate the advancing lever (squeezing shutter button as needed) until both top and bottom sprockets are engaged in the film sprocket holes.  

3. Close the camera back.  

4. IMPORTANT. Turn the crank as the arrow indicates until the film is snug, but do not force it.  

5. While watching the crank, advance the film 2 times (squeezing shutter button as needed). If the crank turns, the film is properly moving. If the crank does not turn, open the camera and reattach the film leader and try again. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until it works correctly.  

6. After each picture, observe the rewind crank as you advance the film. If turns while you advance the film all is well.  

7. At the end of the film, don't force it. The film can break off if forced.  

8. If you can keep advancing it forever, cry now. The film was never connected in first place or it broke. Don't rewind or open the camera, but open it in the totally dark film loading room to see if the film can be salvaged (feel free to ask for help). Do not touch the fragile shutter or mirror in your camera.  

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WHAT TO DO

Lighting is important for exposure. When you use creative lighting with your subject, you can create certain moods or emphasis. In this assignment you are going to pay attention to lighting and the effects it has on your subject. Lighting can create a mood or feeling, contrast and emphasis can be created with dramatic lighting, and texture can be enhanced with lighting. 

Your subject is open to anything : portraits, objects, places, things. Your subject must show the effects of using Natural Light. It must create a mood, emphasis, contrast or dramatic effect. 

You can not photograph at night, in school or indoors. 

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THINGS TO DO AS YOU ARE TAKING THE PICTURES

Look at your notes for creating a good composition. Keep these tips in mind.

· Vertical/horizontal
· Different point of view
· Rule of thirds
· Content/subject
· Get close
· Fill the frame
· Avoid distracting backgrounds
· Leading lines
· Shapes
· Contrast
· Emphasis
· Balance
· Sharpness

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PROCESS FILM AND CONTACT PRINT THE NEGS

See appropriate instructions and in-class demonstrations. After processing examine the negatives for exposure and contrast range. Note any irregularities and be sure to find out the reason for them. Create a contact sheet with your negatives. It is easier to make compositional choices from positive than from negatives. It is better to make exposure choices from the negatives themselves. 

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PRINTING

Save every test strip and ruined piece of paper used while printing this assignment. We will discuss this during critique. We can often think of ways to cut waste and your cost. A certain amount of waste will always happen. It is not counted against you in the grade, but you pay for the paper.  

____ 1. Print at least 5 prints (5x7 inches) to show three comparisons.  

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FEEDBACK

During critique you will be able to discuss the results with the instructor and students in class. Bring all prints, wasted paper, negatives, contacts, shooting record and printing records. Your 8 x 10 enlarged print should be posted for the class to review. 

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