Final Pieces 1

Overall Evaluation

Throughout this project I have investigated the different formal elements of line, colour, pattern, depth, texture, reflection, form, tone, shape and movement. For each formal element I created a definition post, image bank and a work diary. Also I made a mind map containing all the formal elements and examples of how I could explore and experiment in shooting each topic.  By creating image banks, definition posts, work diaries and mind maps it allowed me to improve my work. This is because at first I struggled with coming up with ideas when shooting as i thought the formal elements were too simple and basic. However, gradually I have gained a deeper understanding on how to explore the topics and realised they are much deeper then what it first seems.

To add to what I have learnt about photography I studied many photographers. Initially I created a research log where i briefly researched 20 photographers. I then chose 5 photographers which i went into further depth in evaluating and analysing their work, stating what I like about them and how they inspire me. Within this research I evaluated 4 pieces of their work and also evaluated their style as a whole and included and overall summary.This was very helpful in getting ideas and inspiration towards how explore the formal elements. Towards the end of the project I had to create 5 connecting essays where I demonstrated connections between mine and an photograph which i gathered from the internet. In these essays I evaluated both photos individually and then connected them in relation to the formal elements. I also described some differences with the two pieces.

In this project I had to experiment with several print techniques to create variety in my work and allow me to experiment with different ways to edit and alter my photography. These techniques include repetition, curves, black and white, duo-tone, selective colour, soft focus and photo joiner. Also I created 10 computer experiments which allowed me to explore the photoshop software and also make 8 physical experiments which I had to experiment with my photographs physically. (e.g. drawing on them or cutting them up).

To gather a further understanding of photography I developed my work further by focussing on and analysing the work of Robert Mapplethorpe, who's work was very intriguing. The 

framing and compositions of his work were expertly used and this was very influential in 

allowing me to improve my work, specifically in the studio and portraiture shoots. By 

studying his work it made me take other dimensions into account when taking photos to 

create a desired effect/theme (e.g. facial expressions and body language).  I added to and

improved  my work from previous topics which I previously did towards the beginning of the course. I did this by going on two walks which allowed me to take photographs in a different environment than just the college campus and explore my newly improved found 

techniques. I also experimented with techniques outside of the college where I visited various locations in attempt to improve my style. An example if this is when I took the photograph of the light beams from over the top of a motorway.

Overall all of the experimentation, development, research and evaluations has contributed 

to improving my knowledge and understanding on photography. Allowing me to form an 

understanding of all the formal elements and the ways to frame my work and use different 

compositions. Also I have attempted to introduce other artists style into my own. To 

conclude I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience with the course so far and feel that I 

have improved significantly.  

Final photography

Completion Evaluation

Connecting Essay

My Photograph

This is my photography attempting to replicate the work of Robert Mapplethorpe which relates heavily to the formal elements of tone and form enhanced by the black and white effect which I added in whilst editing. To replicate his work I placed a male figures face in the centre of the frame wearing black clothes. I also used a black background and low key lighting positioned as close as I could get it to be directly inform of the subject. This shadows the background and highlights the face of the subject. The low key lighting and black and white effect cooperate well together in producing many shades/tones to show the form of the figure.

Internet Photograph

 

This is a piece of work from the photography of Robert Mapplethorpe who I have studied in depth and tried to replicate his work like the attempt above. The formal elements  of form, tone and colour are shown through this piece. Here Mapplethrope uses a variety of techniques to highlight the subjects face, such as using low key lighting and a black background. The black and white effect is also used to enhance this effect and it also allows the piece to display many different shades and tones which shows the form of the subject. 

These two photographs are very similar in many ways. They both engage and interact with the viewers due the fact that the subjects are looking directly into the camera, making it look like they are looking straight at the audience. Also the facial expressions used by both figures are very similar with very minimal emotion which adds a sense of mystery and curiosity. The background and lighting used in both images are almost identical. very low key lighting is used placed in front of the subject which highlights the face and shadows everything else. To add to the effect of highlighting the face a black background is also used to enhance the effect. The compositions are also similar as they are both from a front on position filling the centre of the frame with only the face of the subject displayed. To conclude a black a white effect is used in both piece to allow the photographs to be more tonal and shadow the rest of the frame more successfully.

Connecting Essay

My Photograph

This photograph of my own consists of the elements of colour and tone but it mainly focusses on the formal element of reflection. The reflection is clearly shown in the water but is slightly distorted as the water is rippled. It replicates the landscape above it which vibrant colours of blues and greens and also similar shapes. Tone is visible most effectively in the foreground when different shades of blues in the water are used. Fading from dark blue to a lighter blue in the direction of the reflection.

Internet Photograph

This photograph which I found on the internet also creates a similar effect to my own piece. It displays the formal element of reflection shown in the water which is once again slightly rippled. Shape is also visible in this piece in the foreground with the leaves floating on the surface of the water. The dark colour of the water enhances the shape of the leaves as they are of light brown/oranges and greens.This has a similar effect of a silhouette.

These two images have strong connections and are similar in various ways. Firstly, they both show reflection through the same source. They display a slightly distorted reflection of the same objects (forest landscape) through slightly rippled water, creating the distorted effect. They both consist of similar colours of different shades of greens and blues but the internet image also contains some orange/red colours in the trees. Also both of the photographs show shape, however this is demonstrated in different ways. My photographs shows shape through the reflection and the internet image displays it through the reflection but also through a silhouette effect in the foreground. This is caused by using a dark colour (water) and a light coloured object over it (leaves) therefore enhancing and defining the shapes of the leaves. These two pieces of photography also contain some differences associated with the composition of the image. The layout of the photographs oppose each other as my photograph is landscape and the other is portrait. The camera levels also differ due to the internet image being captured from a lower camera angle and level which is closer to the water.

Connecting Essay

My Photography

In this photograph which I have taken, the formal elements of line, colour, depth, contrast and movement are displayed. The main elements visible are line and colour. Both of these elements are shown through the streaks of light which are very significant in the photograph.  The streaks of lights convey lines which are in colours of red and white. The colour is also enhanced in the image due the dark background. It can also be considered that this implies contrast as the colours of black and white oppose each other. The lights also show depth as in the foreground  the lights are spaced apart and as they get further away they gather closer together and get thinner. Movement is also displayed in this photograph through the streaks of light which are make by slowing the shutter speed and therefore a longer exposure.

Internet Photography

In this photograph I found from the internet the formal elements of colour, reflection and shape are shown. Colour is shown through the use of the black and white effect, excluding the London eye in the centre of the image, which acts as a focal point due to its placement and bright colour. This bright colour also forms are bright reflection on the surface of the water. Shape are also shown through the London eye, displaying the shape of a circle. Movement also features in this image by slowing the shutter speed which forms one continuous line in a circular motion. Finally, pattern is shown through the lights on the buildings in the skyline.

These two images can be connected in several ways. They both show colourful lines which are created by using the same technique of slowing down the shutter speed to capture streaks of light, therefore implying movement. They also both have been taken during the same of day which enhances the colours in the photo. However, despite these photographs being very similar they also have some differences. The colours visible in the photographs differ. Also shape is formed in the internet picture whereas in my own image it doesn't.

Pre-Completion Evaluation

As this project gradually draws to a close I feel that I have made an effective response to the majority of the topics. Initially, at the beginning I struggled to create successful photographs for several reasons. Firstly my framework was not effective and on some occasions I wasted considerable amounts of the frame. However, due to studying and replicating the work of Robert Mapplethorpe I have improved my framing ability and use up the correct amounts of the frame. My positioning has also improved accordingly by analysing the work of Mapplethorpe. Also I have had the opportunity to enforce the black and white effect onto my work successfully which I have always aspired to do. I have enjoyed portraiture the most out of all the topics as it allows my to customise and personalise my work however I wish. I was able to alter the colours of backgrounds, the strength/positioning of the lighting, introduce props and acquire facial expressions to the subject to create atmospheres and emotions surrounding the piece of work.

Additionally, I also enjoyed going on the walks to gather images. It was given the opportunity to work in a different environment other than the college campus. I explored different aspects of nature and was able to capture which can contribute to the previous topic.

When I Initially started to take photographs associated with back of head portraiture I struggled in my compositions and blending the background. As I continued to attempt to improve my work I was able to blur the background significantly. Also by buying my own camera I was able to practise several techniques which I can employ and improve my previous work. An example of this is where I took photographs relating to movement and lines from a bridge over the top of a motorway at night. But experimenting with my camera I was able to discover how to increase my camera's exposure levels and decrease the shutter speed. As the vehicles pass by I was able to capture streaks of red and white lines which look extremely effect. I then edited these photographs in photoshop to darken the background and enhance the colour of the lights. I also created a computer experiment from these by altering the colour balance level to a light shade of blue (teal). Personally these photographs were my favourite and I believe they form a very effective response to the topics.

Over the next two weeks I would like to improve the initial topics at the beginning of the course which I studied,and then enforce the better skills which I now have. This will therefore allow me to improve my project as a whole and experiment with my new adapted ideas and techniques. Therefore resulting in my work being more consistent and successful.

List Of The Formal Elements

Line
Colour
Pattern
Depth
Texture
Form
Tone
Shape

Work Diary - Location Contrast 2

In this seconds location shoot for contrast I specifically set out to take photographs which relate to the theme of light/dark. When thinking about how to portray this I decided to use shadows as the weather on the day was useful. As shown in the two pictures below I have used the shadows on objects effectively in order to portray the theme of light/dark. I have placed the line of the shadow near the centre of the frame in attempt to attract the audiences attention to this point and thus, illustrating the theme. The colours of these images are also appealing as they seem distinct and bright, made by altering the colour balance and hue/saturation levels in photoshop.   

To improve my work in contrast in relation to the theme of light/dark I believe that I should be more precise in my positioning of the shadow line. I should attempt the place the line directly in the centre of the piece and also ensure that I make the actual line itself either horizontal or vertical. Also, to make further improvements I could focus on other themes in further depth and create photographs as successful as these two. 

Mapplethorpe Video Notes

Robert Mapplethorpe
Born - 1946
Died of Aids - 1989 (42 years old)
Prat Institute in art
Met Pattie Smith there
Known for portraiture - Mainly Black & White
Also did private portraiture shoots
Controversially he documented Manhattan's gay community (1960's - 1970's)
Is his work pornography or art?
He was catholic
Mother knew he was gay but his father didn't
Also photographed flowers
Worked in pre-digital age
Mystery in his work
Very Controversial
Didn't initially set out to shock the audience
Work in museums - New York & London
Content could be considered as controversial
Ask to do commissions for rich people
Work sends out messages / signals
Captures people
Tonal
Grew up in a suburban Catholic area in America
Art school training at 16 years old
Moved to Brooklyn
Helped Pattie with her work
First portraits of Pattie
Arranged things like a Catholic
Wasn't a religious person
Sense of humour in his work
Gallery charges $15,000
Most of the work he endures is in deciding what photographs to use
Refines images relatively easily because if something is slightly off or out of place, he won't use it
Famous as a controversial artist
Aggressive sexuality
Violence
Understood what audience wanted to see
Exploring the lifestyle which he was involved in

Studio Form 2 - Work Diary

This was my second attempt in photography studio form and I believe that the outcome is much more positive. This time I took the results from last time and decided to focus more on the shadows formed on the face of the subject. This allowed me to produce more successful photographs which can relate strongly to form.

I deem these two images as very successful in demonstrating form through the highlight and shadow areas on the face of a model. I was able to create these highlights and shadows by altering the light positioning and the model's position (which direction the face). By changing the curves and levels of the photographs I have enhanced the highlight and shadow areas; this allowed me to make form more visible.

To improve these photos I think that I could enforce a black and white effect on them which can result in a very tonal photograph where many different shades/tones will be displayed. Also the highlights and shadows would oppose each other more as the shadows will be very dark (black) and the highlights will be much lighter (light greys/white). Also to further the effect created I could focus on close ups on different aspects of the face from different perspectives.

Studio Form 1 - Work Diary

 In this lesson it was one of my first time photographing in the studio and at first I found it quite hard to think of ideas to photograph in relation to form. I then decided to try and look further into shadows and see what to take pictures of. However this was both successful and unsuccessful. I manage to take only a few effective pictures of a persons face focussing on the shadows made. But also I experimented with shadows made on the background which I don't deem as effective.

In the photograph I managed to capture the shadows relatively successfully which can relate to form well. However, personally I don't like the framework of the photograph and I think I should zoom in on the subject face to enhance the form effect as the shadows would be more visible.

I don't like the outcome of this photograph and I feel that the intentions are incorrect as I believe that I should of focussed on the shadows made on the actual object itself. I generally feel that if I was given the opportunity to photograph studio form again I wouldn't set out with the same intentions.

If I was able to re-shoot studio form I would focus much more on the shadows on a models face to show form. I could alter the shadows made by changing the camera angles and the light strength/positioning. This will allow me to enhance the shadows made and therefore relate further to form.

Walk 2 - Work Diary

In this lesson we, as a class, went on another walk to duplicate what we did in walk one but find better results. However, this time we were advised to concentrate more on back of head portraiture and different autumn colours. There were some issues associated with the weather as the vibrant colours that were visible in my previous work wasn't available. However, it produced a rather eerie effect on the this piece below. This photograph can also create atmospheres of loneliness. 

Another topic we were advised to look at on this walk was journey and try and create a visual story from it. I feel that this piece isn't particularly effective due to the camera angle. The intention of it was good as the text on the road implies the journey of the bus. However, I was not able to get a successful camera angle due to health and safety restrictions. But I was able to gather other photographs that relate to journey successfully and are displayed on my straight images.

To progress with my work I should make sure that I use the correct camera angles which produce the most effective view.

Maplethorpe Studio - Work Diary

In this studio shoot we were able to take photographs inspired by Robert Mapplethorpe and had to replicate several effects made from his approach. This was definitely useful in improving my framework. I used the studio lights to create shadow and highlight areas on the subject's face and used backgrounds which enhanced this effect. However, due to a technical fault in the studio I was not able to take as many photographs as I would of like d but I am very happy with the outcomes of the photographs which I had.

In this photograph I attempted to create a similar mysterious effect which Robert Mapplethorpe creates in much of his work. I did this by covering up the subjects face, only allowing his eyes and top of his ear to be visible by making him wear at hat and jacket. I also used a black and white effect which Mapplethorpe uses in order to replicate his work.

In this photograph I tried to replicate one of the photographs of Mapplethorpe's which I have in my image bank where a dark background and low key lighting is used, making only the face visible. However, it could be considered that this photograph isn't very successful as there may not be enough light presence. This photograph wasn't chosen on my contact sheet so I haven't had the chance to edit it but I would like to in the future just to see the possible outcome  in editing the photograph.

If I would able to re-shoot this topic I would take more photos as I wasn't able to gather many in this shoot. Also I would experiment with props associated with violence which Mapplethorpe would of used. Therefore creating similar effects and features relating to violence.

Work Diary - Maplethorpe location

This was my first shoot in relation to the work of Robert Mapplethorpe. Mapplethorpe always uses the black and white effect in his work and very often acquires expressions to the subject's faces to convey particular emotions. Also violence tends to theme in his work a considerable amount due to the introduction of props related to this theme. This shoot was a challenge because the majority of Mapplethorpe's work is based in a studio with a plain background. This was hard to replicate on a location shoot because it was difficult in finding a plain background to work on. So as a result on this we had to focus more on the framework itself and the positioning of the figure.

I feel that this photograph is relatively successful due to the framework of the piece where minimal areas of the frame can be considered as wasted. I have used a black and white effect to replicate the work of Mapplethorpe. However, I wouldn't use a background like this in the future because this doesn't contribute to the effect I was intending.

I am disappointed with the outcome of this photograph because it doesn't really hold any resemblance to the work of Robert Mapplethorpe. Yes, there is no frame wasted but the camera angle doesn't do justice. It doesn't relate to any camera work that Mapplethorpe has used in the past. To improve this piece I would need to use a different camera angle, a plain background, apply and expression to the subjects face and edit the photograph with a black and white effect.

Next time in a Mapplethorpe shoot I would use plainer backgrounds which would allow my work to replicate his work much more successfully. Also I would always edit my photographs into the similar black and white effect as Mapplethorpe where dark areas are very dark and the faces of the subjects are very light. I would then acquire different expressions to the subject's face which can create aspects of mystery which can relate to the work of Mapplethorpe.

Work Diary - Location Contrast

To help me when taking pictures of contrast on location I kept thinking about the mindmap I made and attempted to enforce or find some themes I had on the mindmap when shooting in an outside environment. For instance, I took pictures of things new/old, man made/natural, big/small etc. The photograph below is one of my favourites as I feel the this theme of contrasting emotions. Here I used the background of a brick wall and placed two members of my group side by side where only half of their faces are visible. One person is smiling whereas the other is straight faces expressed minimal emotion. This therefore shows contrast within emotions,expressions of people.

However, I feel that this photograph isn't as effective as previously intended. Initially, I attempted to illustrate the contrast of the size of two square objects. The effect which I intended hasn't been created successfully. The camera angles does display this effectively where I should of habited a more head on approach at the same level of object. A positive which I can take from this piece is that the background allows the objects to stand out allowing the effect to be more visible.

Progression

In order to improve my work I feel that I should pick a couple of themes from my mindmap and set out to capture photographs which heavily relate to them. Also I should evaluate the best possible camera angle and positioning in order the gain the maximum effect which portrays the theme most successfully. I would look for contrast between light, which can be clearly demonstrated through shadows on objects.

Work Diary - Multiple imagery

For the topic of multiple imagery we had look at a variety ways of presenting photographs. Initially I thought that we were creating something very similar to what we have done before in photojoiners. However, I realised that it was more of an organised collage approach as we had to use identical borders between the photographs rather than an abstract looking reconstruction in photojoiner. It gave me the opportunity to take pictures of the same object (my feet) on a variety of different surfaces/places. Or I could take pictures of the same object but from different angles which was more similar to a photojoiner.

In this piece of multiple imagery I decided to take a range of photographs of the same object but from different angles. Here I took images of a bush focussing on the berries from a variety of angles, positions and zooms. Therefore showing off several different aspects of the bush. By taking pictures from a variety of positions I was able to capture areas of the bush with different lighting, either light or darker areas showing shadows better.

In this piece of work relating to multiple imagery I took the other approach of taking photographs of the same object and from the same angle, positioning, zoom but on a range of varying surfaces. I took photographs of my feet looking down on them from a birds-eye view and altered the chosen area in which I took the photograph. I took pictures on grass, different coloured pavement, leaves, bricks, bark and a bench. I like this effect as to me it gives a sense of a journey.

Progression:

If I was able shoot this topic again and create another photojoiner I would like to experiment with taking a range of pictures of the same object but in various places in order to imply the sense of a journey. Also I would like to make a photojoiner of one person pulling a variety of facial expressions or even a variety of people pulling the same facial expression.

Studio Contrast 2 - Work Diary

As this was the second shoot for contrast in the studio I went into the shoot with a couple of thought through ideas which I wanted to experiment with, looking opposing themes. I gathered more developed ideas by looking at my mind map of various different ways in which i could explore the topic of contrast. I found it quite difficult to come up with ideas which were suitable to shoot in the studio as we were quite limited to the human body.

One theme I wished to look at was open and shut. When thinking on how to convey this in the studio I came up with an idea of the expression of one eye open and one eye closed. By making the frame being filled by the subjects eyes and nose enhances the attention to the eyes of the subject as they are in the centre of the frame. Therefore displaying this effect to its full potential. Also there is a slight contrast in the light in the photograph. The area where the eye s open is very light and therefore shows the eye in full detail. And the area where the other eye is closed is dark and shadowed, both of these areas also portray a contrast in the ability of sight.

In this photograph I tried to exemplify contrast with the opposing hair colours of the two figures. I feel that the fact that both figures have the coloured top is quite effecting and amplifies the contrast in hair colour. However, I still believe that if the person on the right had a lighter colour top, her hair would be display and show the contrast in colour much more clearly.

Progression:

To improve my work in relation to studio contrast I feel that I should  continue to carry on examining my mind map and attempting to create pieces that relate to specific themes. I still would like to try and capture a picture which contrasts age (e.g. the wrinkles on an old person's and young person's hand). I could also plan to bring some props in to help experiment with other themes on my mind map, relating to themes such as full/empty, light/dark and old/young.