The purpose of this assignment is to practice the art of seeing.
Take ten photos - no more, no less; no file deletion, no selective editing. Each release of the shutter counts as one image towards your collection. Compose full frame. Each one should differ significantly from the others.
Image 1: Porch Overhang. October 23, 2020, Brookline, MA. 1/1000s f5.6 ISO 400 Lens: EF-S18-55 f/3.5-5.6 IS (EFL 32mm). Photo by Marie von Kampen
Image 2: Roommate's laundry, radiator, & bucket. October 23, 2020, Brookline, MA. 1/320s f5.6 ISO 400 Lens: EF-S18-55 f/3.5-5.6 IS (EFL 32mm). Photo by Marie von Kampen
Image 3: Under the porch. October 23, 2020, Brookline, MA. 1/30s f5.6 ISO 400 Lens: EF-S18-55 f/3.5-5.6 IS (EFL 32mm). Photo by Marie von Kampen
Image 4: Back of the mechanic's shop. October 23, 2020, Brookline, MA. 1/200s f5.6 ISO 400 Lens: EF-S18-55 f/3.5-5.6 IS (EFL 32mm). Photo by Marie von Kampen
Image 5: Leaf on the stairs. October 23, 2020, Brookline, MA. 1/15s f5.6 ISO 400 Lens: EF-S18-55 f/3.5-5.6 IS (EFL 32mm). Photo by Marie von Kampen
Image 6: Corner of the neighbor's garage. October 23, 2020, Brookline, MA. 1/60s f5.6 ISO 400 Lens: EF-S18-55 f/3.5-5.6 IS (EFL 32mm). Photo by Marie von Kampen
Image 7: Looking down the stairs. October 23, 2020, Brookline, MA. 1/50s f5.6 ISO 400 Lens: EF-S18-55 f/3.5-5.6 IS (EFL 32mm). Photo by Marie von Kampen
Image 8: Top of the stairs. October 23, 2020, Brookline, MA. 1/50s f5.6 ISO 400 Lens: EF-S18-55 f/3.5-5.6 IS (EFL 32mm). Photo by Marie von Kampen
Image 9: Weeds next to the side porch. October 23, 2020, Brookline, MA. 1/125s f5.6 ISO 400 Lens: EF-S18-55 f/3.5-5.6 IS (EFL 32mm). Photo by Marie von Kampen
Image 10: Fern and recycling. October 23, 2020, Brookline, MA. 1/125s f5.6 ISO 400 Lens: EF-S18-55 f/3.5-5.6 IS (EFL 32mm). Photo by Marie von Kampen
REFLECTION
I found this assignment challenging for a few reasons. Eggleston geared us up to look at the commonplace, the additional constraint of not moving pushed my comfort level, as I naturally move to change angles or site lines. I was tempted to find a more “interesting” location, but I felt that would make the assignment “easier.” Having to remain stationary was more difficult than I thought because I instinctively adjusted for taking a photo, so I ended up marking with tape the circumference around my right foot to help keep myself honest. I slightly regret my choice to take pictures at the top of the stairs because I put myself in some not ideal balance situations as I maneuvered around the pivot point. Note to self: Ideally, I would have had a second person to spot me from tumbling down the stairs. Using the viewfinder helped to find the shot, but I found it sometimes challenging to recreate it. I am still working to understand that aspect of the crop sensor. Additionally, in other assignments, I check my exposure, shoot, and adjust the second or third shot exposure. This assignment forced me to take more time to think about the exposure, what would affect it, plus consider my focal point on the first and only shot. Finally, I initially thought that ten photos would be simple to capture, but I found it challenging not to be drawn to the same repeating images. I find my camera maneuvering was more awkward in vertical shooting, and I will need to practice that. I can honestly say I don’t feel like I have any “keepers” in these photos, and I find it challenging to pick my favorite image.
