Saturday 31 August 2013

UP-CLOSE

I have a special liking for close-up type of shots and my regular subjects (read, my friends) can attest to this. Though, it has not always been the case. To me, there was nothing exceptional about any particular type of shot whether full/long shot, medium shot, or a close-up shot. All were just but different ways of perceiving particular subjects. This was until I got a clear understanding of their various functions. I also came to appreciate the fact that none of these shots should ever be used without an apparent reason.  Long shots put focus on a subject’s surrounding while medium shots give the subjects true perspective as well as disclose their body language. A close-up on the other hand is arguably the most powerful type of shot; it shows all the up-close or intimate details. It tells the identity of the subject and also helps reveal the subject's emotion through their expression. There are different variations of a close-up; standard close-up is from elbows up, tight close-up from breast up and extreme close-up can focus on say, eyes only. A close-up can be achieved using a wide angle or normal lens at a relatively closer distance to the subject. From far one can achieve it with telephoto lens.        
My friend Momo in a state of tranquility



 
               Camera - CANON EOS 550D
               Focal Length - 37 mm
               Shutter Speed - 1/30 sec

               Aperture - f/4.6 
               ISO/Film - 3200
               Category - Portrait 
               Uploaded - August 31st 2013  
               Taken - November 1st 2011
               Location - Talkback Studios, Nairobi
               Copyright - Stephen Mukhongi/Talkback Studios

Tuesday 27 August 2013

SELF BELIEF

In life natural talent and technical ability alone is barely enough, and can only take us so far. Ambition, hard work, and most importantly self belief, prove the difference. Achieving our life goals such as completing a college degree, securing that elusive job, successfully running a start-up, or concluding a passion project require lots and lots of inspiration. Most time unfortunately we end up solely relaying on others (family or friends) belief in us to achieve our goals. All this is good, but it is imperative for inspiration to always begin with the self; we should be our own cheer leaders, and that’s hard. For instance, when other people entrust you with their precious memories believe me, self doubt can be real. This is a situation every photographer face in their line of work but whose remedy can be found within. According to Penny Streeter, the biggest driver has got to be us. We are always looking for others to motivate us, but at the end of the day in whatever it is we do, we’ve got to be able to motive ourselves.  

Marita wears her mortarboard with pride after graduating.





Camera - CANON EOS 550D
Focal Length - 20mm  
Shutter Speed - 1/25 sec
Aperture - f/3.5
ISO/Film - 3200 
Category - Graduation
Uploaded - August 27th 2013 
Taken - June 30th 2012
Location - Talkback Studios, Nairobi  
Copyright - Stephen Mukhongi/Talkback Studios