Work Record 4

Plans for shoot:  I plan to complete a studio shoot with models, shooting full body portrait images. I will be using a white background so that when I edit my images and add colourful frames they will appear brighter and more accentuated. I will be using a shutter speed of 1/125 and an aperture of f.13 for all of my shots as I will be using two box lights in the studio. I will also be using a tripod so that my pictures are all clear, straight and each one is the same angle and position. I will be telling my subjects to pose / stand in a way that they feel comfortable as long as their face is facing the camera so that I am able to frame it when editing. 

Research Influence: Alma Haser is an artist who's work inspired the plans and ideas for this shoot. I saw her pieces for Port Magazine which will directly influence the editing behind my images on this shoot. I will  stick to the theme of plain backgrounds in the shoot similar to Hasers work, but will be doing full body portraiture rather than just the top half of the body. I will print two copies of each image and use one as the background whilst cutting a square around the head out before crumpling it and sticking it back in place on top of the first copy.

Contact Sheet:

I achieved what I set out to in this shoot, using up to 11 models, each posing differently. I used a plain white background and two box lights. I will carry out my next shoot in the same way, but might use some different coloured backgrounds or shoot landscape images, paying more attention to upper body rather than full body shots.

Best  Images:

A03: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress

Whilst shooting these images I was mostly paying attention to the individuals body language and position, e.g where and how they are standing as once I had selected my the appropriate aperture and shutter speed, I didn't need to make any adjustments throughout the shoot as it all took place in one studio. 

1/125 - f.13

This shot was successful as the model was situated right in the centre of the image and there wasn't too much negative space in any area of the photo, but there was enough to cut a section out around her face for my editing process. This was a really simple shot, as the model is standing up straight with her arms down by her sides and her face looking at the camera. Also, I like the way the model is dressed and her bright red jacket accentuated the image, which I knew would be emphasised once I added the crumpled layer over the top.

1/125 - f.13

This was another very simple shot with the model positioned similarly to the last image. The model is central in the image and looking very casual and relaxed. Although this model was not wearing bright colours I still appreciated her style and thought that it would give the image some edge, especially with the green colours in her hair. 

1/125 - f.13

One of the things I like about this image is how natural the shot is, although the model is slightly leaning on one leg and not facing the camera he appears genuine, laughing in front of the camera.This gives the image a sense of honesty and truth. He is positioned in the centre of the image with an equal amount of negative space around him, but not too much that I would need to crop it out.

1/125 - f.13

I could have improved the position of the camera in this shot as my model was taller so his head just reaches the cut off point at the top of the shot, but I don't think that this is a major issue as it doesn't disrupt the aesthetic of the image. The models body is facing to the side whilst his face faces the camera which could show that he is relaxed. 

1/125 - f.13

The model is positioned in the third left section of the image leaving more negative space on the right than the left side, although I don't think this has a negative impact on the final image. I also noticed that the bottom of the image reveals part of the flooring but knew that I would crop this out on Photoshop during the editing process. I encouraged the model to appear moody in this image, representing a stereotypical teenage girl with an attitude as it offered some personality to the shot. Not only does her facial expression show this with her raised eyebrows but her body language does too with her head slightly tilted and her hands in her pockets as she leans on one leg with the other slightly in front of her.

Images that require improvement:

Both of these images have similar issues which would need fixing to improve them. First of all the camera is not facing central to the backdrop as I hadn't positioned the tripod correctly, therefore the models aren't central in my images. This also meant that there were parts of the flooring that showed in the bottom of the image that I would rather didn't show, however if I did like these images I could easily crop them in Photoshop. Additionally, the models were not ready in the images and therefore are not conveying their true emotion or personality in the image.

A02: Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops.


I shot all of my Images with a Nikon ??? set up on a tripod. I have noted the F stop and aperture below each image. I shot in manual mode to enable me to adjust the settings as I wanted, with a shutter speed and aperture appropriate for shooting in a studio with box lights. To progress my Images I proceeded to edit and adjust them on Photoshop before physically altering my images.

Whilst editing my images for this shoot, the first thing I did on Photoshop was adjust the brightness and the contrast as the images were all quite dark I made each one quite a lot brighter with the brightness/contrast tool, and without decreasing the contrast this would make some of the subjects look quite red and intense, so I had to make sure I balanced the brightness out with softening the image with a lower contrast.

All of my images needed cropping too, to remove any unwanted negative space in the image. I printed two copies of this image off, leaving one as the background and cutting a square out around the subjects head on the second copy before crumpling it up and sticking it back in the correct position with double sided tape. This way the extra crumpled layer creates a frame for the subjects face.

  I followed the same steps for this image.

I used the brightness/contrast tool to adjust the brightness and contrast for this image as usual but also used the curve tool to make the image slightly brighter as well.

I selected the colour balance tool to give the image a blue tint as my previous two images had both been slightly yellow/brown so I did this to try and avoid that from happening and to make them appear whiter and balance the colours. 

After this I used the magic selection tool to select all of the background, then I used the magic eraser tool to remove it all before using the paint bucket tool to fill it in dark pink/red. I would then print the original copy with a plain background and the edited version with a dark pink/red background, the original, plain coloured copy would be used as the background and the coloured copy would be used as the extra crumpled layer to frame the subjects face once i'd cut out a section of the image with the models head on. This way, the framing would be emphasised through the use of colour.

I followed the same steps for this image in regards to adjusting the brightness and contrast and balancing the colour to avoid the yellow/brown tint, strengthening the blue to make the white more crisp.

After this I converted my image to black and white with similar ideas to my last image, so I printed one copy in the original colour and one in black and white before cutting a square around the subjects face on the black and white copy and crumpling it up before sticking it in the right position on top of the original version.

For this image I adjusted the brightness and contrast as usual.

And cropped the image removing the parts that I didn't want such as the bottom of the backdrop and too much negative space above the models head.

Then I added a blue tint using the colour balance tool to avoid the yellowish/brownish tint in some of my previous images, although I didn't necessarily have to do this as I proceeded to convert the image to black and white.

After editing this image and saving my black and white copy, I used the magic selection tool to select all of the background, then I used the magic eraser tool to remove it all before using the paint bucket tool to fill it in dark pink/red. I would then print the original copy with a plain background and the edited version with a dark purple/violet background, the black and white copy would be used as the background and the coloured copy would be used as the extra crumpled layer to frame the subjects face once i'd cut out a section of the image with the models head on. The framing would also be emphasised in this image through the use of colour.

A01: Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding.

The artist research that I did was very beneficial as it shaped my ideas and plans for my shoot and strengthened my understanding of the elements a photographer looks for when taking portrait studio photos that convey personality and emotion and therefore made it easier for me to instruct my models how i'd like them to present themselves in the shoot and how I would be shooting my images (portrait with plain background in studio). Looking at her projects and images inspired me to not only use her approach of manipulating and physically altering images but try and progress her idea's slightly further by playing with colour. 

A04: Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements.

I believe that I have produced a strong series of images inspired by my research of  Alma Hasers images. Similar to Alma Hasers images I have photographed models in a studio with a plain background, however progressed from these ideas and added other colours whilst editing on Photoshop such as dark pinks and purples. I ultimately aimed to emphasise the framing of the models faces through altering images that once included no framing at all and to convey a personality through my images. I was successful in doing this in in my final series of images through the use of colours and approaches such as crumpling the paper.

The idea of using crumpled paper over the models faces suggests that although these individuals may appear to be pure and honest human beings, that maybe they aren't being their true selves and showing the full picture. Perhaps lying about the kind of people that they are or lifestyles that they live. The crinkles and creases in the paper emphasise this as although you can see the models faces quite clearly, it distorts what they really look like.

This particular image shows real personality as I allowed the model to choose the colour that I used for his image being dark pink. This colour could represent an individual who is quite intense and upfront about their emotions and feelings. Although the contrast between the plain white background and the dark pink shows a real disconnect between the models head and body, suggesting that the character here see's the world in a different way to everyone else, this could be due to a mental illness or just an extremely creative personality, perhaps both.

This image could represent an individual who appears colourful and quirky on the outside, however lacks in personality, shown through the black and white. However it could represent something much deeper than this. The idea that the models head is in black and white while the rest of his body is in colour could portray mental illness such as depression or anxiety for example. As if he feels stuck inside of his head, and although appearing physically healthy, may not be.

This image is probably my favourite as I feel it is the most aesthetically pleasing image. Earlier I mentioned about how the pose of the model here represents a stereotypical teenage girl with an attitude. The final piece emphasises this as I think it could represent naivety. This is because while the rest of the world appears in black and white, the character here see's in purple, essentially she views the world in a naive and inexperienced way due to her young age.

  

Work Record 3

Plans for shoot: I plan to shoot the general public in London, Convent Garden. I will be shooting in the style of street photography focusing on framing people within structures, door frames, buildings, windows etc. I will use the decisive moment in this shoot, capturing people once they are within a frame, whether they are walking past a door way or sitting by a window. I will be shooting during the daytime so that my images are clear.

Research Influence: Ronya Galka is a photographer that I have looked at and used as the primary influence for this shoot. In her work she includes a range of framing devices mostly involving structural and environmental elements as she predominantly shoots street photography based in London. I plan to use her images and ideas about framing devices and shooting people at the decisive moment to shape the way I complete my shoot. Additionally I will use elements such as buildings and structures to frame my subject similar to a lot of Ronya Galkas work. Additionally John Baldessari is my secondary research influence for this shoot as I will be incorporating his style of editing to my images once my shoot is complete. This will include converting my images to black and white and using paint or coloured stickers to cover the subjects faces.

Contact Sheet:

I completed what I set out to in the shoot as I was able to shoot clear images during the day time which included my subject of framing devices through the style of street photography and spontaneous shooting of the general public in London. I used architectural elements and buildings with things like doorways, windows and archways. 

Best  Images:

A03: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress

1/60  f/5.0

I like this image because the man is sat in the perfect place so that the top half of his body is framed within the first two red bars, his legs are framed by the second set of red bars and his head is framed within the window behind him at the end of the carriage. Also, a lot of the people in Galka's images are shot minding their own business, without knowing they are being photographed and usually doing an activity to themselves and in this case my subject happened to be reading a book similar to some of Galka's images. I might crop the top and bottom areas of the image while editing to remove any unnecessary negative space. Considering I wasn't using a tripod and I shot this image on a moving train the image is really clear and light.

1/200  f/10

I used the decisive moment for this image, I had already decided that I wanted to shoot someone framed within the doorway but had to wait for someone to stand in the right place. I also had to ensure that no one walked in front of the subject to distract the image. Fortunately the woman in the background stood in the right place for me to shoot the image, and similar to my previous image the woman is on her phone here, unknowingly being photographed. I also like the other pedestrians in the image so that the image is not too empty or quiet, but I just made sure I shot it before the man walked in the way. All three pedestrians are slightly framed within the black fence in the background as well. 

1/60  f/6.3

The woman in the purple is framed in this image by the doorway. She is obviously a worker for "MORELLI'S GELATO" and serves gelato from this stall. I might adjust the contrast when editing this image because the light above her head is quite yellow and bright and can be distracting. I might also slightly crop some of the wall out on the left side so that it is even to the right. This woman is also an unsuspecting member of the public who happens to be working whist being photographed. 

1/40  f/5.6

I really like this image not just for the perfect framing but the connotations with the image. The man is sitting in a cafe and appears to be on his own in this shot with his head down, as if he is on his phone or reading something. He is framed very nicely in the window and completely in focus despite the window being at the forefront. The reflection in the window is still visible and sets a scene as if the photo has been shot in a busy place which contrasts with this man being sat on his own. It is also clear that he is sat in a cafe as some of the writing on the blackboard describing some of the food options behind him is visible.

1/50  f/5.0

This wasn't an image I had planned to take but I saw this man as I was walking through the street as he was having a smoking break presumably from his job in the hairdressers next to him. I stood directly in front of him so that he was positioned in the centre of my image and he looked at the camera when I shot the image. He is talking on the phone, like all of my other images where the subjects are distracted with other things. He is dressed fairly smart which suggests that he is a worker in the hairdressers rather than a customer. He is framed perfectly by the blue door which also works nicely with the colours he is wearing making him stand out in front of the blue. The number on the door is also placed right above his head.

1/80  f/7.1

In this image the man is framed by his own shop and displays. I did also shoot this image as a landscape but felt that is was more aesthetically appealing as a portrait. Similar to the rest of my best images in this shoot the subject is preoccupied and getting on with what is probably his daily routine at work. I think all of the displays in the shop and art work that is being sold gives the image an artistic tone. When editing the image I think I will crop the top of the image to remove the lights on the ceiling as they are quite bright and can be distracting. 

1/100  f/8

Finally, this image is quite a typical image in regards to framing devices, the hardest part of shooting this image is finding the right setting. The long walkway does look pleasing to the eye, but I think that the image would have looked a lot better if it was empty at the end of the walkway, in front of the women. However this was a factor that I could not change, also it may have looked nicer if only one person was walking down he walkway in the middle but I did quite like the idea of the two women walking together as it creates a certain tone in the image, like the two women are on a journey together and probably share a strong bond. Although this shot could have had a very lonely feel to it if only one person was shown walking on their own. 


Images that require improvement:

This image would have been more successful and aesthetically pleasing if I had taken from the middle of the walkway rather than to the side, not only would the image be more symmetrical but the stalls outside of the walkway on the right will have been less visible, making less distraction. Also it would have ensured that the individuals walking through will have been framed more clearly by the archway.

There is a similar issue with this image. If I shot this from a different angle, head on, the woman walking through the archway will have been the main focus in the image and therefore the framing here would be much clearer. Additionally  because of the angle I took it from there is a lot of noise in the image, this shoot was obviously carried out in a busy area so it was inevitable that I would have a lot of people in my images, however I could have avoided this problem If I zoomed in. 

This image was unsuccessful as the man moved and therefore his head was no longer framed through the window, also as I didn't have a tripod, movement made this image blurry and out of focus. I did re take this image once the man was in the right position and I was holding the camera still. But I had to ensure that the forefront was more in focus than the man himself to create a more intimate, quiet tone in the image.

Finally, this image was also unsuccessful as I tried taking this image quite quickly while the subject was framed by the blue doors behind him. This resulted in a wonky image, also there were some cars in the way so I was unable to shoot the image head on so it was central.

A02: Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops.



I shot all of my Images with a Canon 350D, free hand without a tripod. I have noted the F stop and aperture below each image. I shot in aperture priority mode to ensure that my images had the correct lighting, with a shutter speed appropriate for the aperture that I desired for my images. To improve my Images I proceeded to edit them on Photoshop.

A01: Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding.

The artist research that I did was very helpful as it strengthened my understanding of light photography and the elements a photographer looks for when taking photos. Researching things about his personal life such as when he was born and the country he grew and lived in (America) supported me to gather a strong understanding of the context surrounding his photography. Looking at his images inspired me to search for colourful subjects and take my photos as a high standard. It also helped me to look for realistic images and signs and capture them. Finally, because of the research I developed a better understanding of the visual element 'colour' and how different colours can convey different feelings and emotions.

Philips pictures were of neon signs which were highly saturated which inspired me to tie the same approach and actively search for this. The purpose of the signs are to stand out so the saturation of these colours give the signs some punch.

A04: Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements.

I believe that I have produced a strong series of images inspired by my research of colour and saturation and Philip-Lorca DiCorcia's images. The final images produced were refined by developing the contrast and saturation. Similar to Philip-Lorca DiCorcia's images I have photographed shop signs that caught my attention and aimed to emphasise the saturation of the colours to make them bolder and more exciting than they originally looked.