Encounters, Experiences and Meetings
1st strand - Collision
Exploding
- moment of explosion Impact - car crash - glass smashing e.g. two milk bottle colliding together Contact - diving into water Of people - boxing, moment of punch Of liquids - droplets of water - contasting coloured liquids merging together - e.g. when milk is poured into tea |
ExamplesRobert Capa - Death of a Loyalist soldier
E Harold Edgerton - Milkdrop Charles Hoff - Ezzard Charles and Rocky Maricano Stephen Dalton - A Leopard Frog |
Contact - Liquid and Solids
FORM: Dropping a prit stick glue into water in order to experiment with the idea of encountering two states; solid and liquid.
PROCESS: Created by using the continuous shooting mode and a quick shutter speed, in order to capture the moment of impact. Because the shutter speed was very quick, I had to consider the lack of light absorbed by the camera. Altered this issue through editing and sharpened the tones in order for the photos to be more defined. Photos have been cropped in order to concentrate on the main concept of the photographs; the moment of impact and to show the intricate detail of that impact.
CONTEXT: Inspired by Stephen Dalton's 'A Leopard Frog', my intentions were to capture the moment as the solid (prit stick) made contact with the liquid (water). Relates to the theme as it is the impact of two states encountering one another.
EVALUATE: What I liked most about these images was the way in which I captured the natural ripples and drops that were created when the prit stick was dropped in the water. I think it is a very interesting concept as this isn't something that the eye can't capture or notice too easily so having a still image of it is exciting. However, with saying that my interpretation of this strand in some ways had no concept because in everyday life you wouldn't drop a prit stick into a jug of water so therefore for me, these set of photographs are an experiment to the strand and would not be used as a final outcome to the theme.
PROCESS: Created by using the continuous shooting mode and a quick shutter speed, in order to capture the moment of impact. Because the shutter speed was very quick, I had to consider the lack of light absorbed by the camera. Altered this issue through editing and sharpened the tones in order for the photos to be more defined. Photos have been cropped in order to concentrate on the main concept of the photographs; the moment of impact and to show the intricate detail of that impact.
CONTEXT: Inspired by Stephen Dalton's 'A Leopard Frog', my intentions were to capture the moment as the solid (prit stick) made contact with the liquid (water). Relates to the theme as it is the impact of two states encountering one another.
EVALUATE: What I liked most about these images was the way in which I captured the natural ripples and drops that were created when the prit stick was dropped in the water. I think it is a very interesting concept as this isn't something that the eye can't capture or notice too easily so having a still image of it is exciting. However, with saying that my interpretation of this strand in some ways had no concept because in everyday life you wouldn't drop a prit stick into a jug of water so therefore for me, these set of photographs are an experiment to the strand and would not be used as a final outcome to the theme.
Contact - Liquid and Dye
FORM: Pouring pink food colouring into water in order to experiment with the idea of encountering to different coloured liquid substances.
PROCESS: Captured by using the continuous shooting mode and a quick shutter speed in order to capture the moment of impact. Pouring was slow so did not alter the shutter speed - normal amount of light absorbed. Photos were cropped to focus in on the intrical detail at the moment of impact and edited to contrast the colours which highlights the impact.
CONTEXT: Inspired by E Harold Edgerton's 'Milkdrop', my intentions were to show the moment of when the food colouring impacts with the water and interesting, intricale pattern it makes. I was able to show this more effectively through the use of a bright coloured food dye. I believe these relate to the theme as it is the impact when two coloured liquids with different consistancies encounter one another.
EVALUATE: What I liked most about these photos was the bright colours and the detail and pattern of the food colouring as it was poured into the water. However, I would not choose these photos as a final piece because I think they lack an interesting concept and don't fully explore the possibilities within the theme.
PROCESS: Captured by using the continuous shooting mode and a quick shutter speed in order to capture the moment of impact. Pouring was slow so did not alter the shutter speed - normal amount of light absorbed. Photos were cropped to focus in on the intrical detail at the moment of impact and edited to contrast the colours which highlights the impact.
CONTEXT: Inspired by E Harold Edgerton's 'Milkdrop', my intentions were to show the moment of when the food colouring impacts with the water and interesting, intricale pattern it makes. I was able to show this more effectively through the use of a bright coloured food dye. I believe these relate to the theme as it is the impact when two coloured liquids with different consistancies encounter one another.
EVALUATE: What I liked most about these photos was the bright colours and the detail and pattern of the food colouring as it was poured into the water. However, I would not choose these photos as a final piece because I think they lack an interesting concept and don't fully explore the possibilities within the theme.
2nd strand - Suspension
'Jump' - Philippe Halsman Inspired
Response
FORM: In a studio with a model jumping and different objects being simultaneously thrown onto the set in order to capture the scene all suspended in mid-air - photos obtain a comic aspect.
PROCESS: I began with just a jump, then I continued to add different objects by throwing them into the frame. Used the sports setting on my camera in order to capture the fast moving objects. Had to use a count down in order for all the objects and the model to all be in mid-air when the photo is taken. Edited the photos into black and white.
CONTEXT: Inspired by Philippe Halsman's 'Dali Atomicus', where he explore the idea of suspension by depicting three cats flying, a bucket of thrown water, and Salavdor Dali in mid-air. My intentions were similar; I wanted to suspend a model and all kinds of objects in the mid-air and capture that moment. I decided shoot the action in four stages in order to show the process up to my final photo and also because I believe it hightens the comedic value as the comparison with just a model suspended and a model plus all these objects flying about adds humour.
EVALUATE: I found these photos difficult to take for the following reasons; technically, I had the challenge of making sure that the photos were not blurred because of all the fast moving objects, for example, one of the photos I found that the model was blurred but the feather bower was in focus. Another challenge I had was the small space I had in which to take the photos, therefore I had to crop several of the photos in order to not have the wall behind the white canvas in the image. With a bigger space and more of a variety of objects, specifically ones that will be captured well on camera i.e. liquids, glitter, bright material ect. I believe this concept could be well developed. Apart from these challenges, the humourous aspect of the photos was what I liked the most.
PROCESS: I began with just a jump, then I continued to add different objects by throwing them into the frame. Used the sports setting on my camera in order to capture the fast moving objects. Had to use a count down in order for all the objects and the model to all be in mid-air when the photo is taken. Edited the photos into black and white.
CONTEXT: Inspired by Philippe Halsman's 'Dali Atomicus', where he explore the idea of suspension by depicting three cats flying, a bucket of thrown water, and Salavdor Dali in mid-air. My intentions were similar; I wanted to suspend a model and all kinds of objects in the mid-air and capture that moment. I decided shoot the action in four stages in order to show the process up to my final photo and also because I believe it hightens the comedic value as the comparison with just a model suspended and a model plus all these objects flying about adds humour.
EVALUATE: I found these photos difficult to take for the following reasons; technically, I had the challenge of making sure that the photos were not blurred because of all the fast moving objects, for example, one of the photos I found that the model was blurred but the feather bower was in focus. Another challenge I had was the small space I had in which to take the photos, therefore I had to crop several of the photos in order to not have the wall behind the white canvas in the image. With a bigger space and more of a variety of objects, specifically ones that will be captured well on camera i.e. liquids, glitter, bright material ect. I believe this concept could be well developed. Apart from these challenges, the humourous aspect of the photos was what I liked the most.
3rd strand - Meeting - Film Noir
Film noir is a cinematic term used primarily to describe stylish Hollywood crime dramas, particularly those that emphasize cynical attitudes and sexual motivations. Hollywood's classic film noir periods is generally regarded as extending from the early 1940s to the late 1950s. Film noir of this era is associated with a low-key black and white visual style that has roots in German Expressionist cinematography. Many of the prototypical stories and much of the attitude of class noir derive form the hardboiled school of crime fiction that emerges in the United States during the Depression.
|
ExamplesJohn Alton - 'The Big Combo'
Bogart and Bacall in 'The Big Sleep' 'The Big Heat' 'The Set-Up' 'Night and the City' |
Film Noir Response - 'Guilty'
FORM: Set of photographys with aspects of 'Old Hollywood Glamour' that represent the story of a woman meeting a man who she seduces in order to get her own back and kil him. She then is found guilty for the crime.
PROCESS: Using a projector and cut out strips of paper created the illusion of slats (something common in Film Noir). Bright studio lighting was placed on one side of the set to create shadows and silhouettes which enhanced the mysterious, chilling atmosphere and the bright lights made it look as if the couple was 'caught of camera' enhancing the secretive atmosphere from most Film Noir cinematography. By covering the projector with black lace material subtly hinted that the women was caught. The photos were then edited into black and white to encapture the true essence of Film Noir and I increased the exposure in order to create a brighter light. Lastsly, the make-up and costume highlighted the element of 'Old Hollywood Glamour'.
CONTEXT: Inspired by 'Film Noir', my intentions were to encapture the idea of cinematography - the creation of motion picture images - a prominent concept in film noir. I also wanted to these photos to ooze a mysterious, sexy, eerie yet thrilling atmosphere.
EVALUATE: I really enjoyed taking these photos, nearly as much as I like them, because I found having a story to tell made the photos more interesting and was definatly easier for the models to understand my concept. At first I had various challenges with positioning in order to get the right amount of light for the camera and the right shadows at the perfect position. However, once I got into the shoot it came much more naturally for me. The bright lighting makes these set of photographys eye-catching and I believe stand them out to be a strong, modern interpretation of 'Film Noir' and most importantly of the theme; the meeting of two people.
PROCESS: Using a projector and cut out strips of paper created the illusion of slats (something common in Film Noir). Bright studio lighting was placed on one side of the set to create shadows and silhouettes which enhanced the mysterious, chilling atmosphere and the bright lights made it look as if the couple was 'caught of camera' enhancing the secretive atmosphere from most Film Noir cinematography. By covering the projector with black lace material subtly hinted that the women was caught. The photos were then edited into black and white to encapture the true essence of Film Noir and I increased the exposure in order to create a brighter light. Lastsly, the make-up and costume highlighted the element of 'Old Hollywood Glamour'.
CONTEXT: Inspired by 'Film Noir', my intentions were to encapture the idea of cinematography - the creation of motion picture images - a prominent concept in film noir. I also wanted to these photos to ooze a mysterious, sexy, eerie yet thrilling atmosphere.
EVALUATE: I really enjoyed taking these photos, nearly as much as I like them, because I found having a story to tell made the photos more interesting and was definatly easier for the models to understand my concept. At first I had various challenges with positioning in order to get the right amount of light for the camera and the right shadows at the perfect position. However, once I got into the shoot it came much more naturally for me. The bright lighting makes these set of photographys eye-catching and I believe stand them out to be a strong, modern interpretation of 'Film Noir' and most importantly of the theme; the meeting of two people.
4th strand - Out of Context
Inspirations
David Lachapelle"Photographer known for combining a hyper-realistic aesthetic with social messages" - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_LaChapelle
Lachapelle's use of bright, vivid colours, abstract settings and crude, outrageous poses was the inspiration behind my 'Poolside' photo shoot. I wanted these photos to exert a sexy, glamorous, grungy vibe which I thought could be achieved through the models outrageous facial expressions and body language similar to the models in Lachapelle's work contrasting against the dirty, gritty setting. I specifically used this concept through costume, for example, the bright red shoes are very eye-catching in the photos and emphasise the contrast for instance, against the crumbling walls. Furthermore, I also interpreted Lachapelle's extensive use of intense flash to make the photos vibrant and once mounted, almost pop out from the wall. My developed outcome to this strand is what I believe holds a strong concept of David Lachapelle. |
Examples |
Martin Parr"At first glance, his photographs seem exaggerated or even grotesque. The motifs he choices are strange, the colours are garish and the perspectives are unusual. Parr's term for the overwhelming power of published images is 'propaganda'. He counters this propaganda with his own chosen weapons; criticism, seduction and humour."
http://www.martinparr.com/index1.html After reading this quote about Martin Parr's work, inspired me in several ways for my 'Poolside' shoot. First of all, the environments that are common throughout his photographs are beaches or swimming pools during the summer season. A sense of comedy is also present throughout his photographs in the way that his photos represent a very British summer; ones were people get over excited by one ray of sunlight. I brought this idea through to my photos by having a glamorous model in what appears to be a dull day by a grotty pool. He is also seen to be seductive in some of his photos which was also mirrored into my work through the models sensuality. Furthermore, similar to Lachapelle's work, Parr uses a bright flash in most of his photos which I mirrored into my work in order to create a vivid, bright set of photographs and to emphasise the contrast. |
|
Fashion PhotographyGuy Bourdin - A French fashion photographer. Bourdin was the first photographer to create a complex narrative, then snatch a moment - sensual, provocative, shocking, exotic, surrealistic, sometimes sinister - and simply associate it with a fashion item.
I feel and would hope my photos would be categorised as fashion photography, so using inspiration from Bourdin's work helped me to maintain a narrative and a strong concept whilst still having aspects of fashion photographer, for instance, being able to have a model and a range of posing. Mario Testino - A Peruvian fashion photographer. His work had been featured across the glove in magazines such as Vogue, Vanity Fair and V and he has crafted and contributed to the imagery of leading of fashion houses such as Burberry, Gucci, Versace, Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, Salvatore Ferragamo, Estee Launder, Hugo Boss, Miu Miu and Micheal Kors among many others. One photo of Testino's that caught my eye was one he shot for V Magazine of Kate Moss looking strong and vibrant striding through a background of cut trees and messy leaves. I liked the contrast between these two elements which triggered the similar idea I had for my 'Poolside' strand. |
|
Poolside
FORM: A beautiful, sexy, glamorous girl in summer beach wear placed in a dirty, grimy, grungy old swimming pool and the comparison of these two atmospheres when they encounter each other.
PROCESS: Used a rundown, abondoned swimming pool and directed my model to be sexy and elegant. Took a range of photos from different angles and different places within the set that looked most effective to achieve my intentions but still relate to the theme. Edited the photos in order for the crumbling walls to be more defined and sharpened and the photos to be brighter resembling a bright summers day. Also by enhancing the colours in the photo brought for example, the red shoes against the cruddy walls to life, emphasising the sleazy, rugged atmosphere shown through these two contrasts.
CONTEXT: My intentions for this strand was to show the sleazy, gritty atmosphere that was created when a glamorous, beautiful model encounters a dirty, grimy environment. i especially wanted to take full advantage of this setting and use it in many different ways with levels, different angles and alternative positions for my model. Furthermore I wanted these photos to reflect an example of fashion photography
EVALUATE: I am especially excited by the outcome to this strand. I love the gritty, rawness that came when these two elements encountered one another and the concept I had for these photos. I liked using an abstract, abandoned setting as when compared to the beautiful, sexy model creates an eye-catching set of photographs.
PROCESS: Used a rundown, abondoned swimming pool and directed my model to be sexy and elegant. Took a range of photos from different angles and different places within the set that looked most effective to achieve my intentions but still relate to the theme. Edited the photos in order for the crumbling walls to be more defined and sharpened and the photos to be brighter resembling a bright summers day. Also by enhancing the colours in the photo brought for example, the red shoes against the cruddy walls to life, emphasising the sleazy, rugged atmosphere shown through these two contrasts.
CONTEXT: My intentions for this strand was to show the sleazy, gritty atmosphere that was created when a glamorous, beautiful model encounters a dirty, grimy environment. i especially wanted to take full advantage of this setting and use it in many different ways with levels, different angles and alternative positions for my model. Furthermore I wanted these photos to reflect an example of fashion photography
EVALUATE: I am especially excited by the outcome to this strand. I love the gritty, rawness that came when these two elements encountered one another and the concept I had for these photos. I liked using an abstract, abandoned setting as when compared to the beautiful, sexy model creates an eye-catching set of photographs.
Presentation
As one of my final outcomes, I wanted to choose the two strongest photos and spray mount them onto foam board at A1 size in order for them to really stand out and be eye-catching when mounted on a wall. The two photos I chose are:
Development - Poolside
Developed Poolside
Having re-located the pool location but with one extra model and extra props I produced my developed version of 'Poolside'. I used the same process and similar editing techniques to create more vibrancy and more of a contrast between the two extremes presented. I thought the extra props and model created more of a scene for the shoot; two girls enjoying a day at the pool and I liked using the actual pool because of its particularly dirt water.
However, I feel that my developed outcome lost part of the grungy, raw feel that I got from my first experiment and didn't fulfill the concept that I wanted to portray. I do feel though that the developed set still have a lot of potential and are a strong portrayal of the theme.
However, I feel that my developed outcome lost part of the grungy, raw feel that I got from my first experiment and didn't fulfill the concept that I wanted to portray. I do feel though that the developed set still have a lot of potential and are a strong portrayal of the theme.
Presentation
I feel these images would work well as a smaller set because of their bright imagery. I would choose a selection of six and present in a photo cube. I created the cube out of cardboard and tape and mounted the photos on to black foam board before sticking them on to different sides of the cube. I thought this was an interesting, original way of mounting them and strengthened these photos as a set but kept to the concept of them being a narrative. These would be the six I would choose:
5th strand - Experience
I wanted to explore the concept of live performance being a nerve-racking, exciting experience especially when in front of an audience. In order to capture this I went to an open mic night in London. Here's my edited outcome.
FORM: A set of photographs portraying the experience of live performance in front of an audience.
PROCESS: I went to a open mic night in London and took photos of some of the acts performing live on stage. I forced the flash off so that I could capture the real atmosphere of this experience, under the stage lights. I tried to alter my poisitioning so that I could get a varied set of photographs and more importantly so that they would have more variety and be less dull. I also experimented with using depth of field on the first two shots to see how it enhanced the atmosphere. I then edited these photographs; some black and white, an antique look or a slight tint just to vary the look and experiment with the photographs.
CONTEXT: My intentions were to capture the excitement and the most realistic response to live performance in order to grasp the atmosphere of this experience.
EVALUATE: Seeing as the performances were live, I had to be quick when taking the photos and not disturb the performance. Also I had the challenge of making sure the photo's did not come out blurry from the movement of the musicians playing their instruments which I faced by altering the shutter speed so that it was quick enough to not blur but not so that it prevented light absorption and made the photos too dark. I really enjoyed taking these photos, as live music is something I really enjoy watching and I also really like the outcome as I feel it was a very realistic to my concept. I also really like the edited versions as the colouring gives the photos an antique, edgy aspect.
PROCESS: I went to a open mic night in London and took photos of some of the acts performing live on stage. I forced the flash off so that I could capture the real atmosphere of this experience, under the stage lights. I tried to alter my poisitioning so that I could get a varied set of photographs and more importantly so that they would have more variety and be less dull. I also experimented with using depth of field on the first two shots to see how it enhanced the atmosphere. I then edited these photographs; some black and white, an antique look or a slight tint just to vary the look and experiment with the photographs.
CONTEXT: My intentions were to capture the excitement and the most realistic response to live performance in order to grasp the atmosphere of this experience.
EVALUATE: Seeing as the performances were live, I had to be quick when taking the photos and not disturb the performance. Also I had the challenge of making sure the photo's did not come out blurry from the movement of the musicians playing their instruments which I faced by altering the shutter speed so that it was quick enough to not blur but not so that it prevented light absorption and made the photos too dark. I really enjoyed taking these photos, as live music is something I really enjoy watching and I also really like the outcome as I feel it was a very realistic to my concept. I also really like the edited versions as the colouring gives the photos an antique, edgy aspect.