Exercise 13. Vertical and horizontal frames

This exercise requires me to take 20 images in the vertical format in a compact location, return and take the same images again in the horizontal format, after having closely looked at the results of the images taken in the vertical format.  It is said to be more usual to take a photograph in the horizontal format, but looking through the images I have taken, many are taken in the vertical format.  I choose to take in this way when the subject is vertical or when the subject is taller than it is wide.  It lends itself to images of a single subject, focusing the viewers attention on the subject with no distractions on the periphery. 


I confess to taking each photograph, in the vertical and horizontal perspective one after the other, for me it is difficult to process and return to subject, due to my location. 
Consciously, I use whichever format is appropriate for the subject matter I am photographing, and am quite comfortable in making the most of the vertical format, although when using my camera attached to a tripod, it is sometimes the most uncomfortable position to be in can take me longer to set up.  Digital SLRs are made to used horizontally and not vertically.

Christ Church, Lancaster Gate, Paddington, London.  Gothic church built to the designs of F & H 

Francis 1854 - 55.  

Closed in 1977, and the body of the church demolished in 1978.  The tower and the tall spire were incorporated into Spire House, built on this site in 1983.  Spire house is now two and three stories high and consist of apartments. 

The spire is 205 ft in height, and is grade 2 listed.  

Fig 1     f/8.0    

Fig 2

I was very restricted in where I could position myself to take photograph of  Christ Church, it was surrounded by an iron railing fence and the grounds are full of shrubbery and trees. For Fig 2, I was kneeling on the path and pointing my lens upwards towards the top of the spire.  In hindsight I perhaps should have tried t get a shot including the railings.  

River Bank of the Adour, South west France.

Aire-sur-l'Adour

Fig 3    f/5.6 

Fig 4 

Wooden Cart,  on the village square in Lascazeres, Southern France. 

Fig 5    f/5.6

Fig 6 

'Townhouses' on the dramatic rocky outcrop of mountain range of Eastern Hajar.. overlooking the Arabian Gulf.

Feel that there is a slight blur within the houses, that may be due to the fact that it was a breezy day and we were being bounced around in the open seas.

I did ensure that the V.R switch was on but did not really help.

Fig 7     f/13.0

Fig 8 

Mooring at Marina Bandar Al Rowdha.  Old Muscat

Fig 9    f/8.0

Fig 10

These two images made me realise that I need to restrict the light coming into my camera, the shutter speed on these were 1/400 and1/500sec, My ISO was low at 125, therefore had I closed down my aperture I possibly would have achieved a less glaring image.

 Qasr Al-Alam Palace.  Ceremonial Palace and office of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos of Oman.  Built in 1972, the facade is of Blue and Gold.  Alam Palace is surrounded by the Mirani and Jilali forts built in the 16th century by the Portuguese, and the palace stands at the head of a natural deep water harbour.

Fig 11    f/8.0

Fig 12

Buddha 

Fig 13    f/2.8

Fig 14

Oman Sail, new programme of sailing tuition, now being rolled out throughout Oman. Each school child, whether local or expat, will be offered sailing tuition to a high standard. This program provides an opportunity for school children to attend sailing sessions, and teaches a wide range of skills, including competitiveness and life skills.

Fig 15     f/5.6

Fig 16

 Silver Jubilee Park Sohar entrance

Fig 17    f/ 5.3

Fig 18
By changing from the vertical to the horizontal on this subject, the perspective changed, a much wider view, with interesting visual points, the round globes and posts they are supported on, the arch and the Omani family coming for their picnic.  Instantly the lady saw me after this was taken she covered her face.  

Metal bridge spanning the lake in Jubilee Park.  

Triangular, woven metal mesh, creates 4 strong sails

Fig 19    f/16.0

Fig 20

Omani Mandoos, or wedding dowry chest

Hand Made from wood and embellished with brass studs 

                                                    Fig 21     f/4.5

Fig 22

I altered my position to take this image, as in  fig 21, there is a corner of a wall which I could not  get out of frame in vertical.  I also wanted to include the smaller green wooden box and think this is more satisfactory.  There are many diagonal and rounds in this image.  

Omani Home and garden with date palm

Fig 23    f/4.0

Fig 24

Waterfall at top of Aflaj system, traditionally the main source of irrigation water in Oman.  Relying on water stored underground.

Fig 25    f/22.0

Fig 26

I chose to use shutter priority on this waterfall as I thought it would be good practice for me, slowing down the motion of the water, I  used a shutter speed of 1/3 sec and 1/5 sec to achieve these results. It was breezy too and the grasses also blurred, which I think adds to the final images.

Floral close up, in my garden.

Fig 27    f/3.0

Fig 28

                                                                            My  husbands, favourite new toy. 

Fig 29    f/2.8

Fig 30

Appalling working conditions for this embroidery machinist in Mattrah Souq, his work was beautiful and he asked me to enter into his space and take his photo, I have since returned and given him copies of these two photographs, which he says he will send to his family back home.

Fig 31      f/4.5

Fig 32

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi.  One of the most imposing buildings in Abu Dhabi.  It has 82 domes and 4 minarets which stand over 107 metres high.  Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and this mosque is seen as globally unifying, with the bringing together of features, materials, skills and supplies from every corner of the globe.

Fig 33     f/10

Fig 34

More fun and yet another toy, on the Arabian Sea

Fig 35     f/4.5

Fig 36

Hand Cart pulled by donkey, used by the older generation of Omani.  

 Seen on daily basis here in Sohar 

Fig 37    f9.0

Fig 38

Balance  tried to be a little creative here, not sure it worked, although it is well balanced, leading the eye from the bottom right through to top left, tried to think about placement and rule of thirds when I arranged these, took several attempts.

Fig 39     f/3.0

Fig 40 

What I have learned from this exercise

So much time and effort has gone into doing this exercise, I cannot believe how slow and just what length of time it takes to put the images into this learning blog.  I am only able to upload maximum 4 photographs at one time, it has probably been the best part of 6 hours getting this far....

I have tried to include images that are not only depicting Oman, or the Middle East, and have only really managed 7(14) in total.  Bit difficult when I live here.  

For this exercise I purchased a new tripod, much sturdier with a wonderful swivel head, this gave me the opportunity of taking close ups of the Pansies, Harley and eggs, using the new lens 60mm f/2.8.

I can see from the results above that when the orientation of the frame is changed, the perspective of the horizontal image changes, some times dramatically. 

It is more difficult for me to read the settings on the camera when held in the vertical position, less easy to use and handle. 

Knowing whether to use horizontal or vertical format when composing the image, has several factors to be taken into consideration, height, width, environment and what I need to portray in the final scene.

I use my camera quite naturally in the vertical position,and realise the difference and effect on perspective that is achieved when turning the camera about. 

When I look back on this images above I can clearly see that I have to take more consideration into my camera settings, I must use an aperture that allows in less light, and then adjust my shutter speed accordingly.  Particularly when taking images outside in such glaring light.