Req 4 — Pick Two Creative Experiments
4.
Do TWO of the following, then share your work with your counselor.
You must choose exactly two options from this requirement. Each one asks you to keep the subject mostly the same while changing one photography variable on purpose. That is what makes this requirement such good practice: you get to see how a single decision changes the final image.
Your Options
- Req 4a — Change Your Angle: Photograph the same subject from two different viewpoints and learn how camera position changes mood, emphasis, and storytelling.
- Req 4b — Change the Light: Compare natural light and artificial light to see how each changes color, shadow, and texture.
- Req 4c — Change the Focus: Shoot one subject with two different depth-of-field choices so you can compare background blur and subject isolation.
- Req 4d — Change the Composition: Use two compositional techniques to prove that framing decisions affect how the viewer reads a picture.
How to Choose
Choosing Your Two
Think about what you can set up easily
- Time available: Req 4a and Req 4d can often be done quickly with almost any subject. Req 4b may take more setup if you need both indoor and outdoor light.
- Equipment: Req 4c is easier if your camera lets you control aperture or portrait mode. Req 4b may work better if you have access to a lamp, flash, or bright window light.
- What you will gain: Req 4a builds awareness of perspective. Req 4b teaches light quality. Req 4c teaches focus control. Req 4d teaches visual design.
- Best subject types: A person, backpack, plant, bicycle, or troop item works well because it can stay still while you experiment.
When you show your pictures to your counselor, be ready to explain not just what changed, but why the new version feels different.