Lydia was generous enough to offer herself as the subject for the exercise. Andrew and I placed her near a window, and to be totally honest, not a lot of other thought went into the lighting.

 

 

 

 

 

If I had my time again, I would probably elevate the tripod, just ever so slightly. It’s situated at probably too much of a low-angle for liking. As for the way in which the shot is composed, I don’t see any issues in the context of what we were doing for the exercise. If this were a ‘proper’ documentary interview, then yes, I would probably make the background less of a distraction.

If you watch the whole of the footage, you would realise how often Lydia is moving her head from side to side. In terms of keeping a tightly composed frame, this presents itself as a concern, moreso for lighting than anything else as it eliminates the consistency of the choice.

I think the black and white shot is more sympathetic than the one with colour. I don’t know why and I’m trying to figure it out. Perhaps the contrasts are sharper? But then again, I’m not sure why that makes a subject more sympathetic. Perhaps this is something to explore further.

      

As for the other groups, I selected my favourite coloured image and my favourite black and white one. And I must admit, I don’t respond to them in their opposite form. The coloured image of Michael is nicely framed and key lit. The black and white image (my favourite) of Kerry is really quite spectacular. I love the different temperatures and shades, though it could perhaps be framed a bit nicer!