My Best Pieces of Photography Continued

Work Diary - Back Of Head Portraiture Location

In this photography session we had to shoot 'Back Of Head' Portraiture again but this time it was a location shoot; where we moved to different locations to experiment with different backgrounds. I had to focus the camera once again on the back of the head in order to blur the background. When i wanted to to place the head to one side of the frame i had to initially focus the camera on the back of the head and then move it to one side to enable me to keep the camera focused on the head and blur the background.

I feel this piece of work is successful because it is focussed on the back of head and causes the background to be blurred. Also i have positioned the figure in the centre of of the composition and it fills out the frame. However, an aspect of the photograph which could be improved would be the background. The lines in the background aren't straight and don't look very effective.

This picture isn't as successful as the previous because the camera isn't focussed on the back of the head and the whole image is blurry. I like the background of the photograph but it is a shame that the camera isn't focussed on the head.

Progression:

If i was given the opportunity to re-shoot this topic i would ensure that the camera is focussed on the head. Also i would experiment with different backgrounds and observe the different outcomes of the different styled blurred backgrounds. I could also incorporate the silhouette effect in a location shoot where the things in the foreground are dark in contrast with the light, colourful background.

Straight Images - Studio Form Shoot 2

Straight Images - Back Of Head Portraiture

My Best Twenty Pieces Of Photography

Work Diary - Back of Head Portraiture Studio

In this Photography lesson we were asked to shoot 'Back Of Head' Portraiture in the studio. I had to be quite experimental with camera angles and framework. I took shots close up to the back of the head with George who has short hair and i zoomed out when taking photos of Ellie as she has long hair. I also changed the colours of the background to compliment the hair colours.

I believe this is a successful piece of work as i have zoomed out to create a picture where all of the hair can be seen. Also the figure is intentionally placed slightly to the left of the photograph. Colour is also another formal element which is illustrated effectively in the photograph where I used the bright red background which compliments the mustard colour of the objects top; creating a rather warm atmosphere and theme.

In this photograph i attempted to experiment with camera angles. However, by using this camera angle the background is not effective as it is not what i intended. The black wall is visible where the backboard runs out. Also this image isn't focussed on the back of the head and is considered to be blurry.

The picture below is an improvement of the above where i went back and took the same picture from a different angle where the background isn't interfered with. Also this photograph is clearer as it focusses on the back of the head and produces a much more effective result. I used a light background in order to contrast with the figures hair and top, therefore allowing the figure to successfully stand out.

Progression:

If i was able to re-shoot this topic i would experiment more with the positioning of the object in the frame by placing the to the left or right. Also i would attempt to consistently fill the frame more and ensure that the camera is focussed on the back of the head. I wish to introduce props that cover the face of the object, therefore relating to back of heads as no face is shown.

Straight Images - Back of Head Portraiture

Definition Post - Portraiture

Official definition - A portrait is a painting, photograph, sculpture, or other artistic representation of a person, in which the face and its expression is predominant.

How portraiture could be described:
Figure
Likeness
Model
Representation
Presentment
Expression
Message
Profile

My Definition - A photograph of a figure's face which could symbolise a hidden message

Image Bank - Portraiture

The following photographs display, alike most portraiture, their focus on the face. I feel this is a successful topic as you can create your own unique piece by using different poses, lighting, backgrounds, models, costumes etc. This allows a personal response to be made. If the model looks directly into the camera a great effect can be made and also a connection the audience can be made. Also the photograph can be taken of a specific part of the body which could intrigue the audience and force them to question the intentions behind the piece.

Work Diary - Shape

In this photography session we photographed the formal element of shape. This was quite interesting topic because all objects contain shapes and we were able to show off these shapes in different ways. For example a photograph from a straight on camera angle/level may display the shape of a circle. However, if you begin to experiment with different angles (e.g. more side on) the circle can transform in to more of a oval. By taking several pictures from different angles of the same object, the shapes visible can be altered.

I believe this was my best photograph from the shoot due to the variety of shapes within the image; which are visible through the screws and the key hole itself. These shapes are effective through the use of the macro setting which enhances the focus of the camera to objects in a close range. Most of the shapes in the photograph are shown through dark areas in comparison to the sky blue colour of the surface, which therefore enhance and define the shape more effectively.

With this piece I had to face a challenge when taking it because when I uploaded it to the computer I realised that the camera angle which I experimented with wasn't very successful. In my opinion it doesn't live up to its potential to display the shapes of the squares/rectangles. However, after I realised this I went back out to the location and took the picture again from a more straight dead-on camera angle. I was then happy with the outcome as it reached my original intentions.

Progression:

If I was to shoot shape again I would try to take even more photographs of the same images but from different camera angles to allow different shapes to be formed. Also I would attempt to create pieces of work in the style of a silhouette. I can do this by allowing the objects in the foreground to be very dark in comparison to the background which will be much lighter and hold the most detail and colour. Another technique I could try would be to create different shapes through organising/placing items in certain ways.

Straight Images - Shape

Straight Prints - Photojoiner

Studio Form - Straight Images

Mid-Project Evalutaion

Our photography project has been to explore the formal elements and how they can be enhanced. I initially found photography quite difficult as I didn't have much confidence with a camera because this was my first ever experience with a professional camera. However, gradually I have improved and as my confidence increased so has my creativity and ability to spot the formal elements. As I have gained more knowledge about the formal elements it has allowed me to know what exactly what I'm looking for before I even start. I find every formal element interesting as it opens a new perspective to look at everyday objects in ways I wouldn't have done before. By starting the course with gaining an understanding of the formal elements it has allowed me to interpret and communicate with others more efficiently in regards to the work; also allowing me to analyse work more successfully. My favourite formal element has been texture because I have had to use a variety of camera angles to show off the texture of a surface, also I have had to take into consideration the positioning of the light source to give me the best possible outcome. Another part of the course which I have enjoyed so far is learning about the different printing techniques and computer experiments. This is because it allows me to express myself further and alter my original image in attempt to make it look better. I have enjoyed looking at other classmates work because then I am able to get a better understanding of the standard which I need to be performing at and also I can be inspired by others work.

Image Bank - Photo joiner

Work in photojoiner is where many different photographs can be put together in order to create a new piece and to show the whole scene through different points of views, creating quite an abstract effect. I feel that this abstract is effect and quite easily and many pictures from a variety of angles are taken to reconstruct the original object but in a different light.

In this photograph is seems that the pictures have been taken from mostly the same zooms but from different angles to recreate the urban landscape. The building to the left of the composition shows this very effectively as the photos taken from different angles make the building to different to what it does in real life.

Here many pictures of the same building and road have been taken from different angles and zooms and then put together in order to recreate the building. However, the images do not line up due to the different zooms of the pictures and therefore gives it a rather abstract and surreal effect.