After focusing on architecture in my component one project in my first year, I decided that in my second year, I would like to do something different.
From the list of topics we were given for the three week project, I chose to look at Miniatures, Abstract and Portraiture. I chose these because they all seemed very different from what I had done before.
Abstract:
RESEARCH:
Justin Green – Abstract Photography: Abstract photography can be defined as “Non-objective, experimental photography” meaning that a lot of it is based on shape, form and colour, focusing on patterns and texture. A lot of it doesn’t feature much realism so it is quite hard to distinguish what has actually been photographed.
I did some research into Abstract photographers, and I came across Justin Green. Justin Green states that his photography “focuses on the urban and abstract goings on within the cities that we dwell. The fine detail, symmetry, decay, texture and patterns that are created can sometimes go amiss and unnoticed”. I really like the way he produces his work, as I like being able to view photos that show things you miss day to day. I think this could be an interesting topic to choose for this project as I can visit new cities, and find things other people don’t find, as I will be looking out for small details, not the usual tourist landmarks and sights.. Here are a few of my favourites of Justin’s work.
PLAN: For my abstract shoot, I am planning to take photographs of strange looking objects at home. A lot of abstract photography is done out and about in towns and cities, but abstract is everywhere.
I plan to capture pictures of everyday objects in abstract angles to create cool looking images. I will go quite close up to the images to show of the minor details and patterns within these objects which we miss day to day. Going close up on these objects will hopefully make the person viewing the image feel as if they can't recognise what it is they are looking at, making them think hard to find it's identity.
I am planning to take photos of lampshades, guitars, taps, fans and objects made up of various patterns.
I couldn't get contact sheets to work, so here is a gallery of the abstract shoot I did:
EVALUATION: I am quite pleased with how my abstract shoot came out. The images are quite good quality, and I have captured these objects in a variety of interesting angles to make them come across as abstract. Some of the images show the viewer what the object is, but some are harder to recognise than others.
I do not think I will be doing abstract for my project as I think I could quite quickly run out of ideas on what to photograph.
Miniatures:
RESEARCH:
David Gilliver – Miniature Photography:
David Gilliver graduated from the Fine Art Photography course at the Glasgow School of Art in 2001.
He specialises in long exposure photography/light trails, and macro photography/miniature (as seen in his ‘little people’ project).
David works closely with some quite well known brands such as Sony and Entertainment Weekly.
In his ‘little people’ project, he creates realistic looking situations using real life objects, and 2cm tall figures of people. I find this project absolutely fascinating as you get to view things from the perspective on an object.
I think this could be a fun topic to choose as you have to think really hard about how you could photograph the figures to make the unrealistic situation, seem real.
Here are some of my favourites of David's work:
I couldn't get contact sheets to work, so here is a gallery of the miniature shoot I did with lego figures:
EVALUATION: I am not overly pleased with my miniature shoot. The photos are of good quality but I feel that I lacked ideas as to what scenarios to put the figures in. It is also a very delicate task setting up the figures to stand up, and to have to create scenarios for them too is also very delicate.
As much as I loved David Gilliver's images, I feel as though I could not create ones up to his standard. I think I would also struggle with ideas to think up the scenarios to put the figures in, as it takes time to think and set them up, and I feel to produce 15+ shoots could be a challenge with the timescale we have been given. I also found it difficult to think up ideas and scenarios for the Lego [people shoot, so I think doing it as my actual project would prove to be very challenging and stressful.
Portraiture:
RESEARCH:
Mark Seliger - Portraiture: Mark Seliger was born in 1959 in Amarillo, Texas USA.
He first found a passion for photography when his brother promised to give him his Diana camera if he got a base hit in little league. He got it!
He loved spending time in the darkroom, experimenting with printing and developing. Mark went on to study the History of Documentary Photography at Texas Sate University, and in 1984 he moved to New York City.
In New York, he began working for the Rolling Stone magazine, in which he has shot over 125 of their front covers.
I think that portraiture photography would be a good project to do as I can take photos of my subjects both in a studio and out and about. When I am out and about, I can approach strangers, engage in conversation and ask to take their photos. I think this could be an interesting way of getting new and interesting people to feature in my photos, and it allows me to make conversation with people I wouldn’t normally approach.
Here are some of my favourites of Mark's work
Below are my three favourite images from the shoot, and here is why I like them:
1. in image 1, the two girls are both looking directly into the camera. The settings I have used have made the colours and tones look natural, bright and good quality. I really like this image as it looks fairly professional, and it shows their close friendship.
2. I also really like the second image. The girl is sat on the swing looking into the distance and her hair is flowing. This gives it a very natural feel, as if I just captured the moment, and not got her to pose.
2. The third image is similar to the second one, but she is standing on the swing in this one. This is another 'captured the moment' photograph as it looks very natural as she is not looking towards the camera, it was as if I wasn't there. I like images like this as it shows the subjects in their real form, not posing like a lot of portraiture photographs do.
WHAT I HAVE DECIDED TO DO.... PORTRAITURE!
Henley Shoot Drawings and Photos:
In my three drawings, I drew the market place in Henley, the pathway where the moorings are in Henley, and by the monument by the river in Henley. I visited these locations and tried to take as good a picture in these locations, with people in, as possible. I think the market place image is quite disappointing as it is overcrowded and just doesn't look very professional. However, I am pleased with the photos near the moorings and by the monument. I like how in the moorings image you have the three grown men walking by the river eating ice creams. This came across to me as being quite a childlike thing to do, possibly showing they like to act young. In the photo by the monument, There is a lady sat alone on a bench, wearing a bright yellow jacket. This makes you think that she is quite an outgoing person wearing bright colours, but she is alone. Maybe wanting someone to sit with her?
Overall I am quite pleased with this shoot as I captured a couple of interesting shots of people in the short time I had to complete it.