STATEMENT OF INTENT
What is the theme?
The theme I will use is texture as I am interested about the way different materials look, I believe texture can help me progress as a photographer as the different images taken under the category of texture are all unique in their own way. I will take pictures of both natural and man made textures. Some examples of natural texture are grass, leaves and wood. Some examples of man made textures are metal, plastic and concrete. Although they are simple, I think some interesting photographs can come from such plain materials. By using both natural and man made textures it will show a great contrast between the two and will allow me really push and progress myself.
Which photographers will I use?
The photographers I will use are aquatic photographers Thomas Peschak and Francois Baelen because I think their photography is interesting. I think these two photographers are extremely talented and therefore both great role models for my own photography.
What is my initial research?
For my initial research I will look at the photographers I have mentioned previously and see how they use the camera and their surroundings to their advantage. I chose these specific two photographers for similar reasons. One reason is I find aquatic (water) life very interesting to learn about. I also think the images they take really capture the textures of said 'aquatic life' like fish and coral. If I ever get the chance to photograph the same things as them I would definitely use that opportunity to its fullest. I will complete a mood board to further strengthen my inspiration.
Progression?
To show progress throughout my project I will use multiple media, like photoshop and best and worst. Photoshop can make my photos more interesting therefore helping me up my grades. My best and worsts can help me be self-critical and help me to improve on my next photoshoot. I will use all the equipment I have access to to help improve my images.
Experimenting
I will experiment with different forms of cameras, like the DLSR cameras and my phone camera. I will try different lenses on the DLSR so I can zoom in on the object I'm photographing. I will also use different filters on my phone camera to alter the color of my images. The school will provide me with a DLSR , whereas I have my own phone. I will experiment with different backgrounds too like infinity curves to make the object stand out against the black sheet.
How will I show progress?
To show my progress I will make best and worsts, a timeline and progressively get better grades. The best and worst will show my true potential, the timeline will show my progression of the topic of texture from start to finish and my grades will prove my good work. All of this will be added to my concluding gallery.
What do I want to learn?
I want to learn how to further progress my skills in photoshop to enhance my images. I will do this by taking inspiration by more advanced tutorials and other artists work.
EDWARD WESTON RESEARCH
COMPOSITION
In my opinion, the thing that stands out most is the large stem on the upper portion of the cabbage, this is because of the way the light really highlights it and makes it obvious that its there. The light hits the cabbage from the right side therefore making the light fade away as we look to the other side of the cabbage. I think the black and white tones really help make the texture stand out and also makes it look more serious and maybe even modern because of the strong contrast that reveals the pattern. I also think that the background adds a lot to the image, the infinity curve makes us direct all of our attention to the cabbage itself. Looking at this image, I can see that there is just the foreground as the cabbage is one object on a black canvas at the front of the picture plane. The way the image has been cropped really tightens the focal point and brings our attention to just the cabbage. The leading lines are very strong in this image, examples would be the large stem going from the top down, and the triangular shape of the cabbage leaf, the impact of this focuses your attention to the top of the cabbage. Personally, I don't think Weston has used the rule of thirds, but I think there is some form of symmetry on either side of the stem.
In my opinion, the thing that stands out most is the large stem on the upper portion of the cabbage, this is because of the way the light really highlights it and makes it obvious that its there. The light hits the cabbage from the right side therefore making the light fade away as we look to the other side of the cabbage. I think the black and white tones really help make the texture stand out and also makes it look more serious and maybe even modern because of the strong contrast that reveals the pattern. I also think that the background adds a lot to the image, the infinity curve makes us direct all of our attention to the cabbage itself. Looking at this image, I can see that there is just the foreground as the cabbage is one object on a black canvas at the front of the picture plane. The way the image has been cropped really tightens the focal point and brings our attention to just the cabbage. The leading lines are very strong in this image, examples would be the large stem going from the top down, and the triangular shape of the cabbage leaf, the impact of this focuses your attention to the top of the cabbage. Personally, I don't think Weston has used the rule of thirds, but I think there is some form of symmetry on either side of the stem.
CONTEXT
I've been researching information about Edward Weston, this is information from the internet: 'Edward Henry Weston was born March 24, 1886, in Highland Park, Illinois. He spent the majority of his childhood in Chicago where he attended Oakland Grammar School. He began photographing at the age of sixteen after receiving a Bull’s Eye #2 camera from his father. Weston’s first photographs captured the parks of Chicago and his aunt’s farm. In 1906, following the publication of his first photograph in Camera and Darkroom, Weston moved to California. After working briefly as a surveyor for San Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad, he began working as an itinerant photographer.'
SOURCE: https://edward-weston.com/edward-weston/
SOURCE: https://edward-weston.com/edward-weston/
CONNECTION
Edward Weston uses texture in his photography and we do the same.
COMMENT
I like Weston's photography because of the leading lines and the black and white coloration of the cabbage. I would like to use these same colourways in my own work.
Sandra Bartocha Research
Context
*THIS INFORMATION IS FROM BARCHOTA'S WEBSITE*
- born and raised in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania
- Studied media science, English and educational science in Potsdam
- freelance nature photographer and artistic wedding photographer
- since 2007 Vice-President of the GDT - Society of German Animal Photographers
- Editor-in-chief of the magazine GDT - Forum Naturfotografie
- Member of the Neubrandenburg Photographers' Association and the Potsdam Photo Club
Composition
The first thing I notice about this photo is that the main colour is a beautiful autumn colourway of many oranges and greens. Sandra Bartocha uses the rule of thirds really well in her photography, an example of this is the image above. The large tree in the right side of the image is what makes the thirds more obvious. The green fern also helps draw us to this first 1/3. The photographer also uses the distance of the trees to establish an amazing foreground and mid ground, the foreground being the large tree at the front and the mid ground being the trees with a more grey/white tone. The ferns also help show the distance of the trees by using leading lines cutting through the plants. The closest white tree is the vanishing point to me because of the leading lines, they aren't very obvious but they are there and help my eyes follow up to the white tree, there are also lots of leading lines created by the trees themselves which creates an alternating black and white pattern. The angle of the camera is a very straight shot that allows us to see far on a horizontal axis but also invites us toward the image.
In my opinion, the lighting is very soft and gentle, meaning the image could've been taken either at dawn or dusk. This is known as the golden hour because the lighting isn't too harsh and makes the image pleasant to view. The image is also very tightly cropped, which helps us to imagine and feel like we are actually in the woods.
Having looked at her website, she rarely uses editing tools and rather manipulates the environment around her with her camera lens and different manual settings.
In my opinion, the lighting is very soft and gentle, meaning the image could've been taken either at dawn or dusk. This is known as the golden hour because the lighting isn't too harsh and makes the image pleasant to view. The image is also very tightly cropped, which helps us to imagine and feel like we are actually in the woods.
Having looked at her website, she rarely uses editing tools and rather manipulates the environment around her with her camera lens and different manual settings.
Connection
Bartocha used foreground middle-ground and background really well. I would like to use this skill in my own photography.