First Years Learn the Basics of Portable Flash

Our first year students have this term started to study the basics of lighting with portable flash units. We have discussed how to make use of portable flash and the advantages of taking them off-camera to  dramatically improve their images. But of course using one flash is never enough so we then moved on to how to use multiple units to light their subjects. I then talked them about the dreaded "green" pics we have all taken using flash under fluorescent lights and how we correct for martian green occurrences by incorporating the use of "CC" gels. To confirm understanding of shooting under mixed lighting conditions with flash I gave them an assignment. The assignment called for the use of two portable flashes to illuminate their subject under fluorescent conditions but still maintain the ambience in the scene. I am pleased to offer the following images for your review.

Only One Light

To challenge my second years I have a block in PHT 450 Portraiture that demonstrates the use of one light. Of course there is an assignment the purpose of which is to test their creativity and gain more experience in capturing a portrait using a single light source (flash). They were required to create a series of (4) individual portraits of their subject from the same session. Each of these portraits were to be distinctly different from one another. The results were very interesting. Below are some of the results - enjoy!

Better late than never

My second years have been very patient as I am late in posting their images for the last two assignments from last terms PHT 350 Portraiture calss. They were asked to capture images that fit the "Editorial" and "High Key" themes. In the "Editorial" themed assignment it was left wide open for them to capture an editorial style based image. As discussed in class the "key" to this assignment was to capture a portrait of anyone they chose that illustrates more of the nature and personality of their subject. As a viewer we then get the benefit of a fuller understanding of them. I am pleased to share some of their results.

The "High Key" component of the course was a different test of photographic skills. Once they knew that basics of lighting they were asked to conceptualize, create and execute a portrait that meet the criteria required for high key portraiture. As we all know good high key portraiture tests understanding of the zone system, histogram interpretation and lighting control. Once again I am pleased to share the students results.

Thesis Night was Awesome Night!

Well, all the reviews are in! Thesis night was a huge hit. Our Shaw Theatre was full of amazing guests and our appetites for excellent imagery was fulfilled. Everybody had a great time tonight. There was a buzz all evening about the terrific images the students created.

As a matter of fact, during the intermission I heard a few established photographers already making contact with students for work after graduation. It goes that quality programming leads to quality employment!

I would like to thank all our guests for coming tonight and for showing support for the program and support for our soon-to-be graduates. The connections between industry and our students is a testament to the quality of the programming NAIT offers.

Remember to keep this site on your favourites so you can return next year for another great show. Here are our second year students in the natural habitat. :)

Thesis Night - February 16th at 7 pm

We are about a little over a week away from such an exciting night of excellent photography. Please join us if you can find the time. On February 16th at 7 pm we will be in the Shaw Theatre on the main NAIT campus. See you there.

Thesis Night - February 16, 2012 at 7 pm in the Shaw Theatre

Good evening!

In just under one month our second year students will be putting on a spectacular show exhibiting their awesome talent and their fabulous images. On February 16th at 7 pm in the Shaw Theater on the NAIT campus our students will showcase their thesis projects for the visual enjoyment of the viewing public. There is no charge for this night of awe-inspiring display. Just bring two hands that can clap and an appreciation for the photographic talents of this next generation of elite photographers.

You are more than welcome to bring a friend and share this evening with family and people you would like to introduce to a high art form. Although casual dress is the norm, the images are all done up to the nines. See you at thesis night and prepare to be both amazed and inspired!

Here is a short sample of what you will see in our show!

Low key, middle key or high key - what is key?

So my second years are learning all about "key" when it comes to portraiture. They have been learning what it is and how to manipulate it with shutter speed and light control. Their first "key" assignment is that of "Low-Key" portraiture. This is a favoured area of many photographers when it comes to shooting. It allows us to create mood, drama and tension in our images and we even may consider converting them to "black and white"! Black and white with digital you say? You bet! Have a look and see for yourself.

Natural light really works

Our second students have been busy this term learning the fundamentals of portraiture. Most of the assignments have required that they use portable or studio flash equipment to provide the lighting necessary to create a pleasing portrait that fits with the theme. But sometimes nature over rules. There are many times we know that as professionals we have only natural light to work with. This latest assignment is no exception. The students were asked to create a natural light portrait of a couple. It was left wide open as to subject choice, location and concept. The results as expected varied in concept, execution and final result. Below is a sampling of their interpretation of "Couples Portrait" under natural light conditions. Enjoy!

McBain's Photo Expo

This past Sunday, October 30th, NAIT participated in a Photographic Tradeshow hosted by McBain's camera. The event was very successful and all people, from presenters to exhibitors to the general public seemed to have a great time. This was a gathering of likeminded people who love photography. Some came to listen to speakers, while others came to see cool new gear. Other's came to speak with great schools of photography like NAIT.

A large number of people came by the booth to talk about their passion for photography and their desire to enrol in our programming. We encouraged them to complete their entrance packages and ensure that they have the prerequisites. Here is one guest speaking to the program chair, Randy Zutter, about the tremendous programming that NAIT has to offer.

2nd Year Portable Flash Assignment

Our second years are well on their way in learning portrait lighting basics and how to apply them. With fall almost over they have explored the use of portable flash and how to apply it in an ambient environment. They are beginning to understand how they can control any situation and mold it to fit their own interpretive style with use of shutter speed and aperture. This assignment called for the use of two portable flashes to be used as they saw fit either on-location, outdoors or in the studio. One half of the class (Group A) has handed their assignments in and been marked. Watch for an updated posting with Group B's interpretation.