Computer Experiments

Printing Techniques

Soft Focus

Curves

Duo-tone

Black and White

Repetition

Selective Colour

Straight Images - Tone

Straight images - Reflection

Image Bank - Tone

Image Bank

These photos all represent the formal element of tone very well. They are all composed in black and white which emphasises all the different shades in the image. Black and white photos are very tonal as highlight areas and shadows are enhanced. 

The tones of this piece are very successful in showing the form of the water. The shadow and highlight areas are placed next to each other in lines to illustrates the ripples in the water.

Photographer Research

Michael Kenna

I decided to study the profile of Michael Kenna due to the fact that all of his work is in black and white and I would like to introduce this style into my own work. Also his work isn't repetitive as it includes a variety of different aspects of the world whether it me urban or rural. Michael Kenna's work in a whole, relates to all of the formal elements and this can introduce me to different ways to approach at specific topic in reference to the formal elements.
Michael Kenna is an English photographer best known for his black & white landscapes.
Kenna attended Upholland College in Lancashire, the Banbury School of Art in Oxfordshire, and the London College of Printing. Kenna's photography focuses on unusual landscapes with ethereal light achieved by photographing at dawn or at night with exposures of up to 10 hours. Since about 1986 he has mainly used Hasselblad medium format and Holga cameras and this accounts for the square format of most of his photographs. His work has been shown in galleries and museum exhibitions in Asia, Australia, Europe and the United States.

I particularly admire this piece of Michael Kenna's work for several reasons. Firstly I believe the strategy of blurring out the background to enhance the foreground is very effective and can be used very effectively in the topic depth. Also this piece relates to more than one formal element. It shows depth due to the blurring and also many circles of light are formed within the blurring, therefore also relating to shape. It could also be considered hat this image could also refer to tone as it contains many shades of black and grey which are enhanced by the black and white effect making it a rather tonal piece.

I believe this piece is also very effective in showing depth. It displays this formal element by including a small object in the distance which seems to be mountains; mountains are stereotypically huge so the inclusion of them demonstrate how far away they must be, resulting in depth. Another formal element used in this piece is line which is represented by the bare branches on the tree. Due to the detail of the tree this is the focal point of the image and draws the viewers attention to it. 



Once again, in this picture I really like the use of the black and white effect as it also enhances the formal element of tone in the image. This work also demonstrates depth and reflection. The reflection is visible in the water but it is a bit distorted, implying that the water is crippled. The depth is once again illustrated by the aspect of objects getting smaller as they get further away, however depth is also shown due to the presence of mist which implies the increasing distance.



Finally this piece is also one of my favourite pieces of Kenna's work. This is obviously because I really enjoy the outcomes of the black and white effect. Also this piece contains many of the formal elements including depth, line, reflection, tone and shape. The depth is shown very effective from this camera angle under the bridge and I could take this angle into account when attempting to show depth. The reflection is shown in the water which runs along the whole skyline. Lines and shapes are displayed in the skyline itself illustrating all the buildings and the bridge. This piece is also very tonal as it includes highlight areas from the lights on the skyline but it also shows shadows which are shown underneath the bridge and also on the bridges reflection.

How he has influenced me

To conclude Michael Kenna is very influential to me for many reasons. His use of the black and white effect is very successful in showing a variety of tones and enhancing the shapes of lights in the image. The lights in his work are very light and stand out as they contrast with the rest of his compositions. Also I would also like to attempt to create depth in my work in the same way Kenna does by blurring out the background to enhance the detail in the foreground. I will experiment with my shoots by varying the time of day when I take photographs, I would particularly like to shoot at night and capture scenes with bright lights such as a skyline.

Update

Below are two examples of my own work which have been heavily influenced by the work of Michael Kenna. Firstly, I have taken both these pictures at night where car lights are visible and a bigger contrast with light can be made. I have also introduced the same technique of blurring out the background by focussing on the foreground. This then causes the lights in the frame to be enlarged into circles of light. When editing these photographs I transformed them into black and white which allowed the lights to stand out significantly and contrast with the rest of the compositions. By doing this, these pieces of work demonstrate several of the micro elements, including contrast, shape, depth and colour.

Overall, I still feel that Michael Kenna's work is very successful. Specifically to the fact that his work is usually taken during dark hours which display bright lights which convey shapes and colours brilliantly. By analysing his work into further depth my opinion on his work remains the same in regards to the fact that all of his work includes many of the micro elements.



Mario Testino

Another artist I have chosen to go into detail with research is Mario Testino. This is because I like lots of his work and I think that the outcomes of his work relating to colour is very effective. In order to create these effects he uses costumes and backgrounds.
Mario Testino is one of the world’s most influential photographers. Born in Lima, Peru, he moved to London in 1976 where he made his home and where he began his career. His vision has made him a much sought-after creative partner in the fashion and beauty industries today. His work has been featured across the globe in magazines from Vogue to Vanity Fair and he has contributed to the success of many leading fashion and beauty houses through advertising campaigns, from Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci and Michael Kors to Chanel and Lancôme.
As a portrait photographer Mario Testino works with the actors, beauties and worldwide celebrities of the moment, as well as receiving royal commissions from HRH The Prince of Wales, TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, HRH Prince Harry, Diana Princess of Wales, and Her Majesty Queen Rania al Abdullah of Jordan.

This photograph can relate to colour and shape through the use of makeup, costumes and props. The variety of shapes on the costumes form patterns which can be considered to also add detail. Bold, vibrant colours of red, pink and purple are used in the costumes and makeup. These complimenting colours create a specific colour scheme which is also effective.



This image shows off Mario Testino's technique of including bright bold colours in his work which relate to the formal element of colour extremely well. The model is wearing a pink hooded coat which compliments the orange background. The model has white hair which contrasts with the rest of the image, this results in the viewers attention being attracted to the face of the model

This image can relate to pattern and line as well as colour. The lines on the hat which the model is wearing forms a detailed pattern. Also the contrast in colours make the coloured tassels stand out. A dull grey background is used to enhance the colours on the model. I Could take this approach into account when taking portrait shoots as I believe it is very effective.

This piece by Mario Testino relates greatly to colour through his use of makeup on the model. He has used vibrant and bold colours along with a bright background which grabs the viewers attention. The use of make up can also be very effective when relating to topics such as line, shape and pattern.

How he influences me

Mario Testino's work has inspired me to experiment with a variety of things. From studying his work I wish to attempt to carry out portrait shoots and include props, costumes and make up which could improve my work vastly and relate to a range of topics. His work results in me wanting to experiment with colour associated with portraiture, specifically with make-up, costumes and backgrounds.

Update

The image below clearly displays the influence of Mario Testino's work on my own. Firstly i Have used a close up of just the models face which is similar to the work of Testino. Also, colour is the main element of my photograph. I managed to make the red tape in the picture to stand out by deselecting it in photoshop and reducing the saturation levels of the skin of the subject. Therefore exaggerating the colour of the tape making it look more bold and vibrant, making it stand out. By using a dark background I then once again enhanced the colour of the tape, contributing the the main feature of the photograph. Alike Testino I have covered up the models face but in a different way to him, I have used the technique of wrapping tape round the model's face, covering one eye, most of his nose and his mouth. 

To conclude, by looking into Testino's work in further depth I have identified that his style could contribute to my work in relation to the formal element of colour. He expresses colour through his vibrant choice of make-up, costumes and props. Also it can allow me to improve my work in the topic of portraiture as his work focusses heavily on this topic 

Pete Turner

A pioneer of colour photography, Pete Turner’s career began during the infancy of colour photography, at a time when colour was used almost exclusively for commercial purposes. Unlike many contemporaries, Turner embraced colour, seizing opportunities that allowed him to master the process and to create the imagery he felt compelled to make. Unconcerned with the labels of “art” or “commercial,” he has deftly created a life’s work that blurs these boundaries.

Turner achieves his vision by combining the technical tools of photography with a perceptive eye for compositional colour. Learning to manipulate hue and saturation early in his career, Turner created photographs that looked unlike anything previously seen, such as Giraffe. Over the years, he has continued to push the medium of photography by employing an impeccable sense of timing and a long-running fascination with geometry and surrealism.

This photo is one of my favourite pieces of Pete Turner's work. It relates to colour by the obvious colour scheme in the image where the colour spectrum is shown. Also because of the close up view you can see the smooth and rough surfaces of the chalk. The formal element of lines could also be considered to feature; they are effective in showing the different pieces of chalk through the use of vertical lines. Dark tones are also used to show the shadows from the chalk next to another. The light source can also be shown here are on each piece of chalk the tones are lighter of the right side.

The formal elements of colour and shape feature in this photograph. The black background highlights the bright colours around the bubble forming a definite outline and allowing a spherical shape to be visible. Lighter colours are used to show the highlight areas on the bubble and darker colours are used to show the shadow areas. The differences in colour can also be considered to enhance the shapes within the bubble, the shapes are also curved which imply the form of the bubble. The bubble seems to be in the foreground due to the enhanced detail, this opposes the horizontal lines at the bottom of the composition as they seem to be blurred.

This piece by Pete turner is another one of my favourites due to the close up view allowing the texture of the cigarettes to be seen. By also having this type of close up shot the form of the objects can be seen through shadows. The dark colour scheme is very effective in illustrating the dirty atmosphere of the cigarettes. Therefore portraying the cigarettes in a negative light. Colour is also very effective in showing that the cigarettes have been used, the dark, black and brown areas allow the viewers to recognise the burnt parts of the cigarette. The lighter coloured ashes are placed in the middle of the composition further this impression.

This piece also contains several formal elements but he has also formed relationships between them. Movement is displayed through the blurred image, implying the person on the motorcycle is moving. Also the shape of the man and motorbike is altered as it appears to be double, and therefore implying movement. Colour is once again used, the dark background emphasises the blurred figure as the figure is made up of some light colours. Lines could also be taken into account in relation to the blurred lines. The black background enhances the colour of the subjects in the foreground. 

How he has influenced me

By studying the work on Pete Turner I have come to the consumption that I would like to take into account the relationships between the formal elements within my pictures to allow a certain element to me enhanced and highlighted. Also I could attempt to include several elements in one piece from new approaches which I have learnt. Colour is a main feature in Turner's work and on some occasions his work looks abstract due to the range of different bold bright and vibrant colours which are included and enhanced when editing.

Update

The image below is a piece of my photography which has been influenced by the work of Turner. The photograph exhibits an abstract element due to the range of colours included. To create this effect I selected the skin of the subject and altered the curve levels and colour balance levels to produce this effect. Therefore gaining bold vibrant colours which have a similar effect to Turner's work. To highlight these areas I made the rest of the image black and white, looking colourless and dull and therefore allowing the skin of model to stand out effectively.

The outcome of studying his work has resulted in my views on his work has depreciated due to the recognition that the majority of his work only focusses on colour and therefore has a lesser variety in comparison to the other photographers that I have studied. His work style is particularly narrow and doesn't include a range of formal elements. However, I believe that his thorough use of colour can contribute to my style and has allowed me to experiment with techniques which I wouldn't normally tamper with.

Annie Leibovitz
Annie Leibovitz, considered one of America's best portrait photographers, developed her trademark use of bold colours and poses while at Rolling Stone.Photographer Annie Leibovitz was born October 2, 1949, in Waterbury, Connecticut. In 1970 she took a job at Rolling Stone magazine. In 1983 she began working for the entertainment magazine Vanity Fair. During the late 1980s, Leibovitz started to work on a number of high-profile advertising campaigns. From the 1990s to the present, she has been publishing and exhibiting her work. While with Rolling Stone, Leibovitz developed her trademark technique, which involved the use of bold primary colours and surprising poses.

In this photograph Annie has used very low key lighting in order to create shadows on the left side of the subjects face. The photo is also composed in a landscape style which allows the figure to fill up most of the composition. The subject is also making an interesting pose where he is placing his arms on his right knee which is bent. The shadows in this piece are very effective in showing the form and shape of the subject's arms. Also a sepia effect has been applied to the photo which provides a retro approach.

This image is laid out in a portrait, high key lighting is used on the face of the subject to allow it look softer.  However, there are still some shadows on the left side on the body which implies the light source is from the right side of the composition. A dark background, is used, similar to the clothes, to allow the face to stand out. Annie does this in order to illustrate femininity. There are still some shadows around the jaw and neck of the face which are helpful in showing the shape of the face.

In this photograph a dark background is used once again but it is a dark blue which supplies a sense of colour to the image. The dark background also allows her to stand out. The form and shape of the figure's body is enhanced through the darker toned, more shadowed areas. This enhances and reinforces her body parts which show of her femininity. The colour scheme of the piece is rather elegant and regal. The face of the figure appears feminine and soft duet the soft lighting. 

Annie's work focusses on portraits with a very busy set in a variety of poses, costumes, locations and with unusual props. A lot of her work includes recognisable figures which make her very prestigious. However, away from the busy sets she also has created very effective pieces which are noticeably simplistic. By using a plain normally dark background the figure is allowed to stand out. Also she uses several effects such as black and white and selective colour in her work which differ from her usual bold colour choices. Annie Leibovitz also has a variety of approaches to portraits.

How she influences me

I am specifically inspired by her more simplistic approaches which are composed with a plain background and figure. Also I feel that the close ups which focus on the face are very effective and I aspire to create pieces with similar layout and composition. I would also take into consideration the poses and facial expression I include. The low key soft lighting which she uses is also effective as it forms more shadows, which is an important factor to her work.

Updated

The photographs below are ones which I have taken. They demonstrate the clear influence of Annie Leibovitz. This is due to the plain dark backgrounds which i have used to make the subject stand out. Both of the images are close ups, only displaying the figure of the subject from the shoulders upward. Also I have considered the poses the subject makes which are similar to Annie's. They both intrigue the audience and make them curious to the reason behind their appearance. The second image makes direct eye contact with the camera which intensifies the atmosphere created. Also, alike Annie's work, when editing the photographs I ensured that I reduced the saturation levels to allow the image to look relatively dull and dingy. I also used the black and white effect on the other image which enhance the shadows and highlights in the picture, contributing to the dull effect.

Despite the fact that Annie's work specifically demonstrates portraiture, she also includes the majority of the formal elements within her work. Therefore she possesses great variety within one specific style. Her portraiture is flawless as she has perfected her framing and composition. I also like the dull effect which she enforces on to her images by altering with the background colour, costume, lighting ect. ; making them look less bright and vibrant.

Edward Weston

Edward Henry Weston was a 20th-century American photographer. He has been called "one of the most innovative and influential American photographers…"and "one of the masters of 20th century photography. Weston opened his own portrait studio in Tropico, California. This would be his base of operation for the next two decades. Weston became successful working in soft-focus, pictorial style; winning many salons and professional awards. 

I decided to research Edward's work in further due to being interested portraiture and he create many portraits which could help me when making my own. Also I love the fact that the vast majority of his work is in black and white and can demonstrate form, tone, contrast etc. His work can also contain deeper mysterious meanings which can be created through the use of poses, expressions, camera angles and positions. Edward Weston also photographed objects such as vegetables in relation to their similarities with the human body in appearance.  

This is one of my favourite photographs taken by Weston because of the camera angles slightly looking up at the subject and the fact that the subject isn't making any expression creates a very tense image. It is a very tonal piece which is enhanced through the black and white effect and can relate to the formal elements of form and reflection. The reflection is shown in the glasses that the figure is wearing.

I also like this photograph due to the shadows created on the subject through the positioning of the light. The left side of the subjects face is highlighted whereas the right side is shadowed. This therefore shows the form of the subject and illustrates the shape and structure of the face.This time the figure is looking directly into the camera which can form stronger connections with the audience.

I feel that this piece is also very effective due to the use of expression. The expression of the man having is eyes closed with his fingers resting on his temple implies themes of stress and tension. Once again the black and white effect is used and creates a very tonal piece of work. Once again the different tones show the form of the subject and also there is a reflection of light on the glasses. The plain background used also enhances the attention to the man in the centre of the frame.

This photograph intrigues me rather significantly as it is a photograph of a non human object. However, the shape of the object displays similarities with the human body and looks seemingly illusive. This illusion is enhanced through the black and white effect as it amplifies the highlight and shadow areas and therefore define the shape/form of the object more successfully. The texture also looks rather smooth due to the soft lighting. 

How he has influenced me

Edwards Weston has inspired me to experiment in the expressions I use on the models and think into further depth on the emotions that they convey. This can allow me to create more photographs which express a specific emotion and theme. I will attempt to habit his use of the black and white effect into my work to make more tonal pieces and to also add further definition to the objects which I am photographing whether it be a person or not.

Update

The two images below both show progression due to researching the work of Weston. Through evaluating his work I decided to use the black and white effect which creates a tonal piece. The first picture below is specifically tonal due to my use of low key lighting placed to the right side of the model, creating shadows on the right side of the subjects face. Also I have used a dark background which features a lot in the work of Weston, allowing the model to stand out. An aspect of both of these photographs which relate to his work is that they both make eye contact with the camera which can create a very tense atmosphere. Similarly to the first and third photograph of Weston's above, my second image includes the formal element of reflection on the glass areas of the gas mask.