#NoFilter #52Assignments No. 5

Let the light be your filter, and aim to shoot at sunrise or sunset. This is the goal of #NoFilter #52Assignments for Week 5.

Specifically, in this short and sweet post, you are asked to photograph buildings in natural light, but as I have not been anywhere near interesting buildings at this time of day (for weeks!), I have had to compromise and photograph what I could, at the right time of day. The photograph in the chapter by Instagram photographer @timcornbill is simple but spectacular, check it out.

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What Does The #NoFilter Assignment Ask For?

You are asked not to use any filters at all. You must select ‘Normal’ and avoid the staged or artificial look filters can give your photographs. Your only aid should be the golden hour of light around sunset/sunrise.

Why is this?

The hashtag #nofilter is a statement of intent rebelling against the extravagant use of filters by some Instagrammers. Their search for a unique look and overuse of filters has provoked a backlash with its own hashtag vocabulary using such statements as #nofilterneeded and #nofilter.

Your photograph has to be interesting enough to stand on its own with no editing so it needs to make a statement with light alone. The photograph above is a story photo. What is going on? Are the two cats, Toulouse (tabby) and Thomas playing? Is something more serious happening? The low light casts long shadows and adds texture across the grass casting their figures into shadow.

I have included one non-cat #nofilter shot as I know my readers love reading about anything from New Zealand. After reporting on the Pohutakawa tree and its drifts of red snow, I thought you might like to see a close-up on the flower. The drifts if red I mention in my post come from the slim orange or red flowers.

Not adding a filter means you, the picture taker, have to rely on light and your own judgement to take a picture. As I did not visit an environment with buildings this week I had to rely on my home for inspiration but I hope I showed how effective your light can be, wherever you are.

It’s all about using your imagination and learning to see pictures in special light. Now are you ready to try?

Dash Kitten 52 Assignments Details

• DashPhotos2021 is our #52Assignments photo account on Instagram
• You can keep track of each of the assignments here.
• You can get a copy of the book on Amazon #52Assignments – Instagram Or, your local bookshop can order it for you.