Istanbul - Police celebration

I've made a rough edit which I hope helps convey the message of the day. I didn't have any preconceptions of the procession. It was quite simply happening as we arrived. I'm going to add a caption to each of these, expressing why I included them in the presentation. Hopefully I can reflect upon this and gain a better skill at editing.

These Police/Cadets stood around in the square holding up the flag. Above a Helicopter transmitted live images: my reason for usage I felt it conveyed the interest and excitement

This helped express the colour and size of the banner/flag being carried

The start of the procession of the long banner through the main street. Police on board handed out Red and White Carnations to the public. Inclusion as it was part of the event.

A important feature again as use of a banner to describe the procession

Trying to convey the scale of the event

This was included as the main body of people walking were male, so I felt it necessary to include some of the women.

One of the side streets blocked off by Police - however in good nature. The one holding the flowers then passed on one of them to me. I wanted to include this as it showed the human element to the Police

This has been flipped so as to correct the flag: Included as part of the semiology

Water was offered free to passers by; the man third back in the Red cap captured my eye in during this.

Another higher angle to express the scale of the event

The release of 'ticker tape' which celebrated the completion of the procession

This was a golden moment as I turned this lady caught my eye. 

Pure concentration and desire to get the music right at the event

I thought this little boy was a great chance. It shows a real public spirit and how he is dressed in all the Police gear

Again another closer portrait of the boy. I think this like the older lady image adds a human, more real element to the event, and shows people enjoyed the proceedings 

This man is (name to add) was from my later understanding a former governor of Eastern Turkey. The area was very difficult and complex to manage. He is now the Governor of Istanbul. It was very difficult to take his photograph as I came across heavy security and other (Press) photographers. Ironically enough I saw him later walking with his security - but didn't approach him to take his photography - only now understanding his importance. Perhaps with a better local knowledge I would have come to this conclusion. 

Again this man is an actor who plays a Police chief on national television. I included this as the framing worked really well. I was also able to get very close to capture it. I look for this type of composition as it gives great flexibility for text to be overlaid in the out-of-focus areas.

Part of the display Police showed the various areas. I couldn't resist this photography... only if my own dog could be this obedient!

And the final image which acts as a punctuation mark to the essay.

Video from Jewellery shoot

Jewellery shoot - Ashley Hilton

After completing a different shoot here are the results. Again another stylist Ashley Hilton asked if I could photographer her concept. I was willing to help as I enjoyed the experience. This time it was for a 'futuristic  jewellery brand. The light effect was from a 'video projector' - issues that I had was the angle and avoiding shadows. Although it was always going to happen if they did - I would make a feature of it. I was really pleased with the results. In the end I had to raised the projector some ten feet off the floor and angle it down for the complete coverage. I'm thinking of using this effect again for something - what I'm not sure yet.

Originally I shot at 400 ISO but changed to 3200 to allow for a better shutter speed. Many of these were shot using a tripod but the lighter ones hand held. The tripod shots approx. 1/40 and the handheld 1/100

Mod shoot - Lois Saxton

The night before leaving for Istanbul a photo shoot  had been arranged for Lois Saxton. She is currently studying Styling at UCLan. The original brief was for location, although I was unable to assist due to work commitments. I had already a location in mind, although this perhaps will be used for something else.

A location shoot went ahead, although it was more of a ad-hock shoot taken by a University photographer. The results looked alright, however Lois's tutor asked that she had some studio shots taken. So I was back on board and my brief was set. I had for a guide the light and style of Zara website:

screen grab from Zara 

It was difficult at first as for my own feelings the lighting was amateur - in respect to uneven light on the faces, and shadows running up the background. Also composition was off centre and uncomfortable. However upon further research this is a current trend, something that is in high street advertising. The other aspect for consideration was that a feel of aging was required. I'd already been shown images from the other shoot, and I was asked if I could duplicate the colours. It wasn't too difficult as all that was needed was de-saturation. I've added several images below.

In retrospect and having more time I think I would have 'killed' the other background light, and shot just with one Soft box. It also wasn't weighted for a the size, so I had little direction. On the whole the Lois was pleased with the results and they fitted in with the other images - from a different photographer.

Lifft - update.

I recieved an email from Louise regarding the imagery shot for her product last year (link) and finally the photography that has been produced is in production.

This is from Boot's website:

Also her website:
http://www.lifftslings.com/
will be updated tomorrow using the new images.

Istanbul - Reflection of the 12 hour shoot.

I'm now back in the UK. I have been for a few days, but with other commitments I've only now just sat down to look at my work. Overall I'm pleased with the results. I had a sneak look on the flight home, but couldn't quite asses the sharpness of images.

I experienced some technical difficulties on my extended shoot. I have always used my camera set to 200 ISO. Aperture priority at f2.8 - I like the effect of dropping off the background focus, although this of course means the foreground goes as well... more so at a longer focal length. I was aware of this issue as I reviewed shots, and more so worried about my cameras focusing system.

I've included two images below. It's very frustrating as I had high expectations of these. The focus was either not right or more so at a later junction the shutter speed resulting in camera shake.

I might be able to still use this if reproduced at a smaller size - however I have sharpened over 100%

I took a few of this guy and it's a real shame as I loved his pose

I was able to resolve my issues by then changing the camera to 'Auto' ISO and setting a range of no less than 1/100 of a second, and no higher than 3200 ISO. That was the camera would chose the lowest ISO and retain quality. I made this judgement based on experience using Adobes Lightroom 3 and it's impressive noise reduction. (previously experienced in editing ballet studio shoot - link)

Although I lost these two images I was able to get many more. I addressed my issues whilst shooting. I had to also consider technical factors relating to styles of shooting. These are apparent and will be evident in the final edit of 12 hours.

I had to change from A - Apt. priority to P - Program so that the Auto ISO would allow enough depth of field for candid from hip. I also had to change the lens back to wide for those images. Then reset the setting for A for my portraits.

Considerations for future:

I need to wake and get going earlier. I think I only had 10-15 mins at the start in the first hour (starting later than planned)

Fatigue - thankfully the weather was good, and I was able to stop and rest. At times I would sit for a good 5 mins. It was necessary as my photography was suffering. However when the thoughts of failing came to my mind, sure enough an amazing photo 'op came about.

Istanbul - day four 12 hour shoot

It's now 00:21 (today) at 07:30 I'll get up and shower, eat some breakfast then start my days shooting. I have decided I need to build on my weeks practice. I need more images, and more attention to the days time. I've decided to shoot until 8PM and must at least have five good images each hour. I then want to edit these down to just one. Hopefully then for the 5th of April I'll have 12 images to reflect the days shoot. It seems like a lot of effort for just so few photographs, but I'll need to eat and get money changed - small things.