Picture 1

Self Portrait

• Distance of 4.2 feet from camera  

• ND filter (0)

• SS 48

• F-Stops 5.6

• Focal distance 65mm

• The filter used was Tiffen Dfx Diffusion (Soft/FX 1)

For my self-portrait I wanted to demonstrate who I was as a cinematographer, and also show off a little bit of my personality. I have been a photographer in the military for eight years now, and in school they taught me how to do my job in the most regimented way, with little room for creativity. That being said, I feel that this image represents my subtle drive to achieve the spotlight and burst out of my comfort zone. As a result, I went with a HFX Diffusion Filter (Soft/FX 1) which gave me a softer look, and further emphasized the pressure that surrounds me when I do my job.

Picture 2

Halo Figures

• Distance of 4.1 feet from camera  

• ND filter (0)

• SS 125

• F-Stops 4.5

• Focal distance 40mm

• The filter used was Tiffen Dfx Diffusion (Gold Diffusion 10)

For this picture I used one of my many Halo figurines as the subject, and utilized a deep depth of field. In addition, I wanted to bring out as much detail as possible, and really emphasize the dust and texture. That being said, I used a diffusion filter, and made the image “pop” slightly. The end result was an image that showed off the incredible texture and designs of the figure, and created an intriguing sense of depth. In addition, the filter emphasized the dusty look by applying a level of graininess to the image, and you can even spot the spider web hanging from the figures chin in the second image.

Picture 3

Warm and Cold Portrait

• Distance of 8 feet from camera 

• ND filter (1/4)

• SS 60

• F-Stops 6.3

• Focal distance 125mm

• The filter used was Tiffen Dfx Diffusion (Gold Diffusion FX)

For this picture I used my brother as the subject and had him stand outside during “magic hour.” I placed him against the backdrop of my back porch because I wanted to show the juxtaposition between the warm and cool lighting. However, I decided to go with an Gold Diffusion filter to emphasize the warmth of the image, and really highlight the ring lighting effect that I had created. In addition, I placed him in the direct center of the frame because he was looking at the camera, and the background was symmetrical.

Picture 4

Sink with running water

• Distance of 3 feet from camera 

• ND filter (0)

• SS 10

• F-Stops 11

• Focal distance 30mm

• The filter used was Tiffen Dfx Three Strip (Three Strip 6)

For this picture I used my upstairs sink as a subject because of the unique textures and worn look. In other words, I felt that the toothpaste stains and worn-looking metal texture was unique enough to make for an interesting photograph. In addition, I wanted to utilize the light from the nearby window and overhead lights to create a warm and slightly saturated look. The Three Strip filter gave it enough light diffusion and color balance to achieve the warm look that I wanted to create. In addition, the running water created movement and the colors of the filter added to unique look of the image. Similarly, the filter made the colors “pop” and further emphasized the worn look of the faucet.