Photo1Q1.3: Low & High ISO

f/1.8, 1/125, 3200 | 50mm f/1.8

Throughout this project, I was pretty surprised how naturally adding noise through ISO can be beneficial to an image, so long as it doesn't distract from the image's composition and if it is intentional in adding that extra grit and sharpness to an image. Here, I went for a higher angle of Jordan to get this menacing, grunge-but-not-too-grunge appearance.

The easier category of ISO to capture was obviously the ones with low ISO. In it, it's one doesn't have to worry about camera shake and blur, because the shutter speeds will generally be very fast (if the photos are taken under great lighting). The practice tasks definitely helped me to prepare for this mini assignment, though, I already had prior experience with using the exposure triangle.

f/1.8, 1/160, 3200 | 50mm f/1.8

f/1.8, 1/160, 1600 | 50mm f/1.8

In the above two images, I experimented more with what shadows can do to a face more than attempt to capture a specific mood. Fortunately, they have A1 blank faces so the photos came out decent.

The photo of Kris was taken through pointing a phone camera light to the side of his face. As instructed, the lighting had to come from a smaller source, and required a higher ISO (1600). I could definitely see the grain. In my opinion, despite being a street photographer, I generally try to stay away from the higher ISO levels. Though, after this assignment, I could definitely see how it could be uesed in an artistic way. It adds a bit of detail that makes the overall image appear gritty. In black and white, this grit adds to the whole message of the picture really well.

f/1.8, 1/1000, 100 | 50mm f/1.8

f/1.8, 1/40, 200 | 50mm f/1.8

Using low ISO is a standard for daylight and indoor photos with good lighting. In the photos above and below, I had to slow the shutter speed slightly though, despite having a lamp on.

f/1.8, 1/40, 200 | 50mm f/1.8

ISO is fun to use. I should probably use it more for settings like those depicted in the high ISO photos because of how much grit that grain can add to a photo. I used to add it in post but just looks better when you add it before.

In moving toward the other two factors of the exposure triangle (shutter speed and aperture), I feel confident utilizing ISO in the appropriate situations. I would say that I feel confident using ISO creatively now, as it is pretty common sense how ISO should be used in most lighting situations.

My understanding has definitely been strengthened through the camera control practice tasks and this mini assignment. If anything, my knowledge is reinforced, as everything seems to now make sense after taking photos for a wide variety of situations.

Generally, staying away from ISO is pretty accurate advice. I say generally because there are very few and obvious exceptions that one would make for high ISO. High ISO can be used creatively in black and white photos, gritty and detailed portraits, or any photo that needs a certain emphasis through having more detail. It can also be used in the worst case scenarios, where you simply cannot compromise the other two components of the exposure triangle. It's all about balancing, choosing what you need, and sometimes sacrificing or finding workarounds for things that are lost when it comes to exposure.

---

thank you to Jordan Lum, Rylen Austria, Kris Bautista, Eldon Wong, Ashlei Schofield-Gibbs, for posing and stuff
Original Photos