Photo Assignment #1 :: Variations

[@AnthonyRecenello]

Ted, you are giving a college-level course for free. Thank you.

[@armandoandresmeabe8571]

Absolutely agree

[@czyruszamora5309]

I agree to

[@brentschmgbert3578]

Have you studied photography on a college level? Because I can obviously tell you did not.

[@AnthonyRecenello]

@@brentschmgbert3578 thank you for the thoughtful comment Ms. Hisaki!

[@dianeschuller]

This is amazing stuff to get on KZbin. I watched this yesterday and today I went out and got a notebook, rubber cement, took 12 photos, and they're printing out right now. I can hardly wait to begin assessing and making notes. I actually have an idea for doing another variations. With gratitude.

[@majwal7]

What I love about these videos is that it doesn't tell you how to do photography. It gets you to think about photography and helps you find a creative process.

[@RobAshMotoVlogs]

Ok, I'm so up for these assignments. Finally, a channel offering challenges directed at adults! By the way, I'm 49 years old and have only been using my camera for around 6 months, so it's safe to say I'm a complete novice. Please be gentle with me. I got myself a journal, put 14 shots of my cats in it and instantly realised just how much help I need! Bring it on Ted.

[@chrissoclone]

Don't worry, I used my cat for assignment #0 too. It's not a competition... well... unless about who has the loveliest cats of course. :)

[@RobAshMotoVlogs]

Casa de Chrisso Haha!

[@RobAshMotoVlogs]

Leonard Ney A number of photos of one subject was the idea...wasn't it? But I did start to wish I'd picked something a little more stationary. Haha.

[@chrissoclone]

I think it was 20 photos of someone or something you love, no? Not a single photo each of 20 different things you love. It's hard to find more than three for an old grump like me. :)

[@simonrhys-phillips3037]

I've fallen in love with photography in my 40s Rob. Never too late and unlocking creativity in new areas is so rewarding. I agree about Ted's channel - I've learnt loads about great photographers and this artform though it.

[@andreeasoare1079]

Hello, Ted. I have just come across this video and although I’m 4 years too late, I will pick this assignment and start working on it. I have also ordered Mr. De Bono’s book. You are a great inspiration. Thank you.

[@deenagashgarey4102]

As an aspiring photographer, it's amazing to see someone guiding you to polish your skills, thank you Ted!!! Truly!

[@charliehenbury3959]

I needed this motivation as a photographer. You are the best Ted! you put my mind at ease :)

[@charliehenbury3959]

Lucas Saueressig :)

[@cynthewild]

You have no idea how much your channel inspires me. I almost forgot how much I enjoyed learning and giving myself the space and time to broaden my thought process. So thank you for giving me that!

[@davidrothschild8913]

This is great Ted. I must say this is something I've naturally done for a while now. Feels like a natural progression to arrive back somewhere and make a different image.

[@yeheyz]

Sir, I just bought a second hand camera and I can finally join in on this. You inspired me enough to make me go out of my comfort zone and try photography. I am a graphic designer self taught and I am looking forward to go through the assignments and eventually catch up with the rest of the Community.

[@EverettWilson]

I can't tell you how excited I am to have prints in my hands and a class assignment. You're leaving gold mines on KZbin, Ted.

[@ChaoticNDphoto]

I know I'm a little late, but I'm excited to get started!

[@Lizerator]

I'm a little late to the party, but decided to do this assignment while I find the other assignments. I usually go outside and photograph flowers, but I saw all these things in my kitchen and started framing and clicking away and had a blast. I finally settled on a jar of marbles and tried all sorts of things. Thanks so much for this series!

[@AngelOrtega84]

I was kinda down and not sure if I should follow this, but then I thought to myself, f*** it, let's take a couple of pictures with my phone and see where this goes; as I was taking pictures and running out of my usual framing ideas I stated to get more creative with my shots, I think I have a couple of keepers and now I'm exited! :D TL;DR Thank you Ted!

[@HShravzP]

I have read numerous books and articles related to Edward De Bono's 6 thinking hats concept but I understood Ted's explanation way better than all those put together. Thanks Ted. And thanks for making these videos to inspire people. Keep it up

[@mvlad88]

Thank you Ted, I was complaining to my girlfriend that I want to start a photo project but I don't have any ideas, you gave me something to work on. Keep up the good work.

[@susanbradley3174]

Thank for these assignments. I am very goal oriented. Go to blank, take a few photos of blank and move on. I took 50 pics of a statue and found the best photos were not of the front of the statue but of the back and of a reflection of the statue in a window. It really opened my mind to the idea of looking everywhere for the great shot.

[@JesterC88]

I love that this is the first one because I love finding different ways to take photos of the same subject.

[@Jsantos443]

just listening to these videos got my mind starting to get in motion

[@MichaelBacarella]

I'm new to photography - 2 months in - and this seems like a great way to help me improve. I already have a place in mind. Can't wait to get started!

[@BaconsBites]

AND......GO! Almost gave up on this Ted. Was like what is taking so long to get this started. Glad I was impatiently patient. Thanks! Its going to be fun!

[@scottburrow8293]

Thanks Ted. These keep coming up years later. Love it!

[@ZnakaProds]

Some questions - if we, for example, decide to shoot an object, are we allowed to move it or we have to move our angle of view. Also, are we allowed to add other things to it? Sorry, I didn't quite get the '"take a photo 10 different ways" part. Greetings!

[@joseluisrojas220]

I was wondering the exact same thing...

[@IainHC1]

Me too!??

[@mandurahchess]

ZnakaProds have another listen. Ted specifically mentioned different times. For landscapes that means different lighting, different clouds, potentially different content. He did imply different poses for portraits. If I'm going to photograph a local sky scraper, expect I'll point my camera in different directions, use different lenses, stand in different places, choose my times to have people present or not, cars driving one way or another. One image, ten ways to process it would be interesting.

[@alun2007]

Be creative. That's the point. :) Ten different results! Angle, lighting, focal length, depth of field, abstract, macro, etc.

[@RunNGunPhoto]

I'm 4 years late, but I'm just now finally getting around to this assignment. Thanks Ted!

[@tomw0815]

After watching this episode I started my notebook today and after a few minutes I already have 8 possible topics in my book that could be worth shooting a series of 10 images. I'm not sure if I have the time for more than one series but I think I will have a series of 10 in the next 7 days. Didn't think about equipment yet because that's possibly not the most important part here. The idea of taking 5 photos, putting them in the notebook, sleep over it and then take the other photos later sounds good.

[@Michael19585]

Hi Ted, I joined your channel quite some time ago and have benefitted enormously by your in depth knowledge, insights and experience covering a wide range of topics. Rock on!

[@suedewhurst7043]

It is good to get away from camera club competition photography and just take photos for my own use. I have stuck 8 photos in a sketch book and enjoyed writing a self critique about each. I am now going back to southport Pier to try and improve my photos. Many thanks for inspiring me to look at my photography a different way. Southport UK

[@mafilms1810]

finally I've been looking for something like this, giving me that push and giving me projects to do... I LOVE IT

[@GothRush]

This is a great assignment, and gets to what I consider essential to photography. We only really see things when we've looked at them different ways. I did a set of still-lifes of an empty cup. But when I'm outside photographing nature, or taking stil-lifes, or whatever, this is how I always work, if possible. I'd like to also note that Monet didn't just paint the scenes in different times of the year, but also different times of the day, and in cloudy and sunny light. He would work on several canvases, and switch as the light switched - we have it so much easier as photographers.

[@johnaddison2761]

hello I have set my an assignment but its very busy with lots people and lots going on. What I read before is to see beyond the event or place and look deeper. Also don't get overwealmed by the enviorment or people. I am really enjoying video's.

[@HabzTheMovieGuy]

This is exactly what I was looking for. I'm sick to death of video's telling me about the basics... I know light is important and what an aperture is!!! I don't have the time to do a course IRL and I want to teach myself to a certain extent. I'll be doing ALL you're assignments!

[@rockinstrawberries]

I am so in love with your musical background and you using it to explain all of the photography ideas because WOW that's me! I use musical ideas to explain other ideas too!

[@Eredhell]

I'm so happy I found your channel. I'm in such a rut when it comes to photography and art, your channel really helps. Thank you!

[@rezzab]

Variations, very interesting, you use musical variations as part of it, this is fine but they are set in concrete, I play New Orleans style clarinet, so every time I play its always different, its also known as collective improvisation because what we call the front line(trumpet, clarinet and trombone)are all improvising at the same time and we have to listen to each other to hopefully play something of value and it also varies between variation(improvisation) and harmony, photography you use your eyes, jazz you use your ears, hopefully I have not bored you with this, love your videos.

[@BimblesWithACamera]

Interesting how you speak on light on the same subject ... I always tell those in my workshops that it's one of the most important lessons .. Pick something that you have easy access to .. say something close to home, or something on your commute ... Study the light at different times of the day, even (or perhaps especially) on days when you think the light just isn't good for a shot .. (we too often stop ourselves from shooting) .... Take those images and ensure you make notes as you shoot .. then when you have a small body of work on the same subject ... review them and especially read the notes ... a valuable lesson Great first assignment .... Cheers for championing this ....

[@SivertAlmvik]

Talked to someone who studied at a photography school. They did something similar. One day their teacher gave them an assigned called "Egg and A4". In black and white. All you had was a boiled egg and a sheat of white paper in A4 size, and your lights. The teacher wanted at least 8 large prints that was interesting, and they had two days to do it.

[@ezra8776]

so how they did it?

[@MrFed-gh6gw]

Ted thank you for giving us the tip to print our pictures and put them in a notebook, It's been so exciting to go through the 1st assignment and at the same time it was challenging to get to 10 different pictures but I'm glad I did it and I have a physical prove of it:)

[@alyssaregent-composer9713]

This is perfect for me!! I'm so glad I found your channel, I'm new in photography and I'm a music major in college at the moment, I can totally relate to the first assignment! Can't wait to start

[@expatriatechronicles6915]

Another excellent video. I have to say your vids are staggeringly useful and original. It's really like being taught a class by a very knowledgeable teacher.

[@ryanehoward]

I'm excited to do this. I may make a couple of attempts at this. I'll probably do some street, I have a few ideas of things I've been wanting to try, as well as taking pictures of my kid (who's very patient with me).

[@randischmitt364]

After watching your video for the first assignment, I got the answer to my earlier question. Personally, I want to put more thought/planning before shooting. Picking my next subject. Thanks, Ted!

[@TheChopboy96]

Interesting. I was just at The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston where I saw Degas: A New Vision and was insanely impressed with him. I'm excited to try this.

[@KarolisJurevicius]

Pretty good idea for an assignment, that's exactly what I was trying to do as of recent- try to find new ways to look at things, new angles, light, framing, cropping, shutter speed, depth of field etc... Will see what people come up with :) just keep shooting!

[@vickiwinton1372]

This IS the moment I've been waiting for! Thanks!

[@alexanderpaterson7632]

Such a brilliant idea. Thank you for doing this Ted. I can't wait to get started!

[@longrider9551]

Hi Ted, I absolutly loved this video, great subject and not something you see discussed in so many other sites. Please do more like this.

[@jacklydon]

I'm in. I am not a creative person--enough of a creative person. Thanks for suggesting this. I think it will help.

[@euneece15]

Wow, thank you for introducing On Kawara. I have been researching him these past several days and he is amazing.

[@zhanjim6374]

love this, the best channel on youtube

[@Nonduality]

You don't have to force creativity. Nature is creative. You only have to respond to nature. It does help to photograph the same place and scenes over and over again. Intimacy is everything.

[@katieburlap2782]

Nonduality oh ok.

[@Halfpint71]

I was the 1000th thumbs up!!! I am a Golden God!!! Love this idea, Ted. I've recently bought 2 old compact wind-on cameras and going to use them for this.

[@guywithcamera9662]

This is perfect, Ted. Really looking forward to working through these.

[@Mafatgid]

for the this exercise should one use a prime or zoom lens ?

[@m1n7b]

Fun fun fun. I have my 13 photos for the "Introducing Photo Assignments." I only now need to figure out the site to place the photos to (I think I have the TUMBLR account that was mentioned earlier) and how to set it up for people to see the photos and all that goes with that.

[@timseppa]

This is great! I just found this today and definitely gonna do participate and do this.

[@krellus]

I was doing that before. I like photographing every day object in interesting way. Meany times i was returning to one spot to take a little better photo. I love experimenting with lighting and angles :)

[@rnbirvin1]

Excellent assignment idea and explanation of reasoning, and readily doable. Now just a matter of getting the time, uh! yes, do it right now at this desk. Hmmm.

[@ekachikhladze7379]

such an intellectual, thoughtful, engaging , dynamic and clear teaching . Thanks a lot, appreciated. Happy New 2021 year! :)

[@robertsaunders8218]

Just stumbled across your channel. Absolutely fantastic!

[@officiallyrose3103]

I'm starting these a few years late, but better late then never

[@osemtv]

Thanks Ted, this is the focus we need - um especially after todays news- BIG thanks

[@sacarrec32685]

Edward De Bono is the man!

[@MrFed-gh6gw]

Should we keep what's on the frame on about the same proportion, like the example of the church series that Monet did, or should we also play with proportions using different focal lenghths?

[@Amazingnessatasticly]

so happy i found your videos!! so excited for this!!!

[@eduardomoyron6177]

I'm actually watching this in a parking lot.. So accurate!

[@bigfontbrandon]

The shot limit is perfect for 6x7 shooters. ha. I can't wait to get started on this challenge!

[@JonFloFPV]

Brandon Lavergne I have a mamiya rb67 specifically for these assignments!

[@bigfontbrandon]

Jonathan Desmond I have a mamiya 7 right now, going to be perfect for this. I am excited!

[@JonFloFPV]

Brandon Lavergne ma-Ma-Miya!

[@bigfontbrandon]

Jonathan Desmond hahaha, love it!

[@loeckli3015]

The first thing I thought of was also using my Mamiya RZ67 :-) Love that 6x7 format.

[@RandomFilmmaker]

Hi, I'd like to know if it is ok if I use mirroring as one of the variations? Thank you.

[@russellfishes]

Thanks for doing this. I can't wait to get off work so I can get started.

[@RECB]

Is this assignment using one camera and one lens or multiple lens and with future assignments should we continue with the same camera and lens that we use with this assignment?

[@MrDJAlpha]

I have started going out I take at least 20 pics being digital but in the end I don't mind if there is only one good photo there. Not knowing it but this is just what I have started doing. Now to follow the rest of your ideas I may start on my way 😃

[@AnthonyJohnston1]

just wondering what your idea was as far as the amount of images. not sure if i missed it but are we supposed to shoot a total of 15-20 images and use those for our notebook or shoot as many as we want and choose our favorite 15-20?? Also whats your opinion on post processing these photos in LR ? Are you against processing for these photos?

[@JosH-oo2en]

Then where we post the photos ? we create a blog or we post in our google+ or we email to you?

[@benharries8965]

How much editing to the photos should we allow?

[@ABaptistPreacher]

Getting on board. Thanks for doing this Ted.

[@alexyurchenko3569]

can we do post processing?

[@justingoetz9912]

Thank you for your great work! I very much enjoy your vids as I have no photography friends to talk shop with.

[@GingafreakXD]

This assignment sounds fun! Now I gotta decide if I'll I use film or digital camera~

[@diegoscopia]

I feel using film would be better because it makes you stop and think for longer the composition, after all you got a limited amount of shots.

[@ayghazali]

I'm ready! This is exciting!

[@matthewwilliams8381]

Can't wait to get started!!!!! This should be so much fun and useful! :):)

[@edwardmurray6905]

Very nice I like the Monet comparison!

[@bobbob6472]

Do I have to stick with one focal length or can I change lenses?

[@mavfan1]

the assignment is not about the gear. Take one with a cell phone, one with a DSLR, one with a medium format and one with a box camera if you want. Don't worry about the gear.

[@MishaMartin]

i really like your comparisons to music

[@joshrock]

ooo! I think this will be fun, and challenging of course

[@Clueclueless]

I'm currently traveling. I'd like to get more in to photography. I'm in the looks for a compact camera. I'm rather sure I don't need a rx100 V. But I'm thinking of buying the IV. Any other suggestions? I just want the best quality photographs in a compact.

[@burnetcm02]

What is the feeling about post production of photos or should we, for this assignment, work in jpg format?

[@randischmitt364]

Question for 1st Assignment. I picked my subject, and is my style... I have photographed it about 75 times, with maybe a dozen variations. I am guessing I should pick what I think is the best from each variation? I am a bit overly excited about shooting... !

[@beckertastic]

How is editing in post considered? Is the idea to get the new ideas in camera and technique or is the final product where the variation takes place?

[@masaytaka]

Should we post-process the photos or leave them the way they come off the camera?

[@ChristianMilesPhoto]

One simple direction - 10 years worth in new ideas.

[@caterinanasini1320]

yessssss I like this I would also suggest you take a look at the Seascapes series by Iroshi Sugimoto, that is a variation on one theme for sure!

[@toddavis8151]

I remember when i visited Uluru (Ayres Rock) last year i had all these grand photography plans. When i got there i had the issue that all the images which i could get into my head were the images which had already been taken of it. It is very difficult to creatively photograph one of the most photographed locations on earth

[@Nevermanvideo]

I love this. It feel like design illustration homework. but the magic number was 50 no 10. I will give it a try in photography and see what I get.

[@DeVonJson]

This is really awesome! I learned so much!

[@Cyriljayant]

Thanks Ted for your sharing the video !

[@journeywithjeffrey]

Great video! Very informative and high level of information and content!

[@nitaioren]

where do I send the photographs?

[@mafe123ish]

I only have my cellphone camera, but I think I'm going to make this assignment anyways :) whenever I get the money and knowledge to get a good camera I'll do more serious work I guess.

[@dramamine755]

Listen, As long as you learn composition you can still produce good images, so when you get an actual camera it will be that much easier. People really get caught up in gear, yes it makes thing way easier but I think starting with basics is probably the best way to learn. Good luck

[@mafe123ish]

I understand what you are saying, I have taken better pictures with my phone than with a Cannon 500d, maybe it's because I have it with me all the time and it's comfortable to use. However, I would love to get a good film camera, learn all about it, and take my time producing images, thinking about the concept, the setting, the lighting. Ahh, it gets me excited when I think about it, it's almost like a meditative work. Thanks for the advice and the good wishes!

[@HiPhoto63]

The assignment made involuntarily. I work for the hotel in the mountains. I try to carry my camera with me as frequently as possible. The result is "1000 shades of Mt Skrzyczne". A 4 year sequence of frames made in different seasons, different time of day, different snow/mist/rain, different skies and clouds. Same mountain. Something like "Brooklyn Boogie". ;-)

[@EnvironmentalArtist]

How are we going to share our results? Do you have a Flickr group? Regards, Stanislav

[@TheZhere]

I am so excited !!!!!