Assignment 6

This week's assignment required us to execute a photograph that exemplified nine basic photograph types. I was excited and intimidated; I wanted desperately to take photographs that represented not only the requirements but hopefully started to show my style.  I have learned the hard way that this process takes much more time than I originally thought. The week presented a number of challenges, namely: the bleak weather.  The weather forecast was not accurate at all and I found myself having to rearrange my schedule continuously to catch good weather and light. Another emerging challenge is my inability to focus well. (I am hoping to come across some tips on how to focus more successfully.) 
I experimented with soft lights on both of the flower photographs.  The orchid photograph was difficult because of reflections in the windows, I had to chase down the culprits. The photograph of the rose improved when I put a muted soft sidelight on the bloom. Friday night, I went outside and attempted to shoot the accumulated snow on a lamppost, I had noticed the image earlier when I was walking my dogs. It was after midnight and my fingers got really, really cold. I tried to capture other images that had been magically created by the snowstorm, but in the end......the cold chased me indoors. I went out Saturday morning but quickly found the snow created a lot of issues in terms of brightness and reflections. I went back out in the afternoon, most of the snow had disappeared.  I ended up using some of my favorite photographs that I have taken since the class began.  Ultimately, I couldn't find a worthy candidate for the Leading Lines photograph and went out late Sunday afternoon to capture the last image. 
Learning this craft has been challenging and very humbling. I sometimes marvel at all I have learned in such a short period of time and look forward to improving. When we first began, I remember thinking, " I don't think I will ever get in the habit of having a camera with me at all times." Now I have a little set up in my car and I catch myself looking for photographic opportunities everywhere now.