Don't be bashful! If you want comments, give comments. You don't need to be an expert photographer to express your opinion about the work of others. You don't need to go into great depth. A simple remark about cropping, composition, color, subject matter, etc. can be of just as much help to a budding photographer as an in-depth critique.
Use a fabric backdrop as a design element in your portrait. Choose a favorite patterned shirt or dress, bring it to the fabric store and find a fabric that echoes or contrasts the pattern in your outfit. One or two yards of fabric should be enough for a portrait background. Don’t be afraid to try something unusual, go with what feels right to you and experiment.
To complete this assignment I used one of my favorite black and white psychedelic-patterned shirts on my subject, Gianina, to complement the black and white polka dotted fabric I found at the fabric store. We played around with props and a fan to enhance the look. Taken at ISO 400, f/5.6, 1/100 sec. with a Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS lens.
Remember to visit www.pwsbooks.com after you complete this assignment and share your favorite photo! It’s a community of enthusiastic photographers and a great place to view what other readers have created. You can also post comments, read encouraging suggestions, and get feedback.