During this weeks workshop, we had the studio booked out so that we could essentially mess around with the equipment and see the importance of lighting and seeing just what can be achieved under the right conditions. The studio session was very successful and a number of high quality shots were taken. I myself did not get in front of the camera however using some of the different lenses on the SLRs I was able to see a clear difference between images. Knowing what I know now after this session proves just how complex photography can be, especially when other equipment is factored in. After looking through the images produced by the other students I was able to see clear differences in warmth of colours, focus, shadows and other points which otherwise make up a photograph. I limited myself to 4 images of different students as I believe these are some of the highest quality pictures produced on the day:

I am very pleased with how these images in particular were developed as they represent a high studio standard. For example Holly’s image (Bottom left) has a lighting which focuses her facial features and provides a small cast of shadow on her neck – drawing the attention of the audience to her expression.

David’s photo (Top right) shows off the use of two studio lamps, showering light on both sides whilst defining his facial expression. Equally the light on the left of the image is reflected off of the glitter on his face whilst that part of his face remains in a shadow which, I believe, adds a further sense of light to the image.

Overall I am very pleased with this workshop session as it gave me the opportunity to expand my experience with camera technologies under studio conditions.

This task was very straightforward in that we had to find a stranger, individual with no previous relation, and get a portrait picture of them. The portrait image, although is interpreted in different ways is essentially the subject of the photo knowing of the photographers existence. The ideal portrait, in my opinion, is when the individual knows of the photo being taken and takes a positive pose and expression to show them in a positive setting. I was not disappointed when I finally found one willing individual. At the start of this task I took to the high street asking different individuals of different ages and all said no, some argued it was ‘weird’ and others simply didn’t enjoy being in front of a camera. I eventually took a different approach, looking for individuals in a happier setting. I went to the Christmas market based in Lincoln and found a number of various characters. I faced a similar problem, people not wanting to be in a photo, however, whilst standing in line for a kangaroo burger, I found one joyful guy stood in line who started making light conversation with me. After explaining my photography task he was more than happy to be the subject of my image.

The portrait image for this submission:

This seminar task was based after the reading for this weeks schedule. The task was to sit in an average day to day setting in a public place, and document the “Normal” surroundings. The events which are otherwise seen as the mundane or usual and document them as they appear to give them new meaning. This task was relatively simple and didn’t take long at all to document. As expected there were little occurrences which happened throughout my stay but nothing outstanding. My findings were as follows:

Sat on the first floor of the Minerva Building. Two pairs of two people sat conversing, looking at notes on a page. Four individuals sat by themselves. One man stands to straighten his coat before retrieving his notes and swiftly leaving via the stairs. The others all using some form of technology, phones and a laptop. One man using a blue MacBook and blue earphones.

One seminar class grouped around tables of various sizes. All is still bar one person scratching his neck and playing with a Bic pen. One individual, sat near me, smiles at his phone before looking behind him at the seminar class, looking for reaction.

Every individual’s face appears blank or scowling whereas those fixated on conversation smile and laugh. Those sat alone using phones have taken comfortable positions, laying further back or raining a knee onto the sofa. An apple core and several bits of ripped brochures are littered on the tables. One person in the seminar stands before sitting again. One man steps out of a nearby door talking on the phone with someone.

A couple of ladies walk by conversing and smiling whilst talking at a louder than normal volume. A gentleman removes his grey jacket to reveal a bright pink jumper underneath before pulling out his phone and stroking his moustache.

Images:

Conclusion:

This task was a success, the everyday surrounding was easy to document and project onto my blog. I was surprised to see just how much actually happens around myself when I pay enough attention. I found this task to be somewhat interesting and brings a new view on the concept of photography.

This task focuses on the concept of still life, items obtained through means of finding or borrowing in day to day life and placing them in new environments which creates an original visualisation. This task had me rattling my brain for ideas as to what I could recreate through everyday objects. Looking around Lincoln, I wasn’t sure as to what objects I could use for this project. After coming home (to North Yorkshire) I settled upon the idea of rough objects in a homely setting. After rummaging through my fathers’ workshop, I managed to find oddly shaped pieces of driftwood/logs. I then connected the old/rough wood to the idea of structure and created a (somewhat) organised pile. Placing this in front of some homely curtains provides a weird contrast and meets the briefs’ “Original Image using Pre-existing Objects”.

Below are the images which were first attempts:

It didn’t take me long to take a photograph which I believe is the best for a number of reasons.

FINAL IMAGE:

I am pleased with the way this final image turned out. There are a few aspects about this one image which I think makes it stand out compared to the others. The lighting of this image is a high key form which coats the foreground whilst lightly covering the background providing a positive contrast between the rough textures and the homely setting. The image somewhat follows the grid format in that the object focused takes up two thirds of the whole shot – giving the whole shot a more appealing aspect.

The Task set for week 2 details the analysis of a particular image (Found on the blackboard website). We were provided with upwards of 17 images of which we could have received for this analytical task. At random, the images were distributed amongst us. We did have a brief opportunity to look over and discuss the images in question during our seminar session with both each other and our lecturer. We were also provided with a list of questions ready for analysis and the later posting of the article on our blogs. The Image which I was provided is of a meat parlour/market (As seen below):

What time period, decade or year do you think this photograph was created in? What visual cues support your choice?

I would place the time for this image around the year 2000 or late 90’s. I say this because the image does not appear to be in HD quality suggesting it is pre-HD imagery. Another point to be made is the use of weighted scales (Separate cast iron weights)  instead of digital scales (on the left) which suggests the image was taken pre-2000’s.

Where in the world was this photograph taken? Again, please detail your reasons for asserting your choice.

I would suggest this image is based in Russia. I make this presumption because of the foreign writing found on the bags hanging above the stall. Equally the clothing styles suggests a colder climate –  similar to that found in places like Russia.

In a short paragraph, how would you describe the key visual elements of the photograph? What is contained within the frame?

This image was taken inside some type of meat parlour/market. The photographer appears to be taking an image of this one stall in particular and the stall owner appears to know of the camera and the shot being taken. Everyone else in the image appears oblivious to the photo being taken.

How is/are the human subject(s) of the photograph engaging with the camera/photographer?

The only person, within the photograph who appears to be engaging with the photographer is the stall owner. She appears well presented and it clearly facing towards the front of the stall. The stance she takes and her surroundings suggests she is trying to look professional to give her small business a good standing.

What, if any directions do you think the photographer may have given to the subject(s) of the photograph?

I believe the photographer did not give the subject any directions, however the subject realised the photographers intentions and took measures to look presentable for the photograph. The people around the market seem oblivious to the photographers presence and so they clearly have not been given any direction or influence.

What do you believe the photographer wants, you, the viewer to take from the image?

I believe the photographer was trying to give the audience the feeling of being in this situation – seeing the market stall and the surrounding customers as they would otherwise be seen naturally. I believe this is the case because the shot is at eye level, the customers aren’t aware of the cameras presence and the shot does appear to be artificially lit in any way – leading me to assume it’s natural lighting. The photographer could also have been trying to imply the monotony of this lady’s occupation.