After taking the first set of images which features a very overcast time of day, I wanted to take more of the same area due to how flat and dull the images looked. My intentions for the first set of images was that I wanted to look at the clash between nature and people and the beauty that was evoked from this, but this was not effective in the first set of images which made them flat and similar to that of an informational or documentary style of image. I wanted to explore other times of day and its effects on the ambiance and the narrative of the environment. I knew that taking photographs such as this would be difficult with just a single exposure photograph. In our AS work we practiced photo-manipulation techniques such as HDR where we could combine photographs with different exposures to create a more vivid, compelling photograph.
I went back to where I had previously taken photographs. I used a tripod and took a selection of about 5 different exposure shots for each photograph. I picked features where the light created interesting reflections and shadows. All the photographs feature a 5×7 ratio and are all landscapes.
I was drawn to the scenery in the first photograph where there was a reflection of light off of the painted industrial box as well as the orange light that reflected in between the boats and cars onto the gravel. The second photographs were then because of the light that shone through the tunnel, I also liked the table featuring objects such as a mug and a walking stick, which I feels adds a sense of narrative and character to the photograph.
The above photograph was taken for the interesting texture from light was bounced off the wall, I also liked the contrast between the cool shadows and vivid yellow/orange light. I positioned the window central in the frame to make the viewer also focus on the light that reflects off of it, emphasizing its importance in the photograph.
In the above images, I wanted to look at the more subtle reflections such as from the window in the top right corner in the first photographs and the yellow light that bounces off the wall in the second photograph features centre. I also really liked the white walls and the blue tones in the shadows, this use of colours evokes a romantic effect.
I was really intrigued by the vivid yellow light streaming from the shed and how it reflected off the wall to the left, contrasting with the colors in the sky. I positioned the camera to the viewer could see the streaming light from the building as well as the tractor in the foreground. There is a huge sense of narrative evoked in this image such as how part of the building is left unseen, leaving a sense of mystery to the viewer, raising questions such as why it may be open or who is using it. This mix of natural and unnatural lighting shows the juxtaposition between natural and artificial.Other objects such as the tractor add a sense of mystery and story line to the image. Using HDR techniques to change this image enabled both the sky and light from the building to be seen evenly.
After experimenting with HDR I plan on using this for more of my photo shoots to enable a better more dynamic image. I also plan on exploring the romantic themes within ordinary and everyday subject matter.
In the above photographs the light and sun flared evoked a very atmospheric effect to very mundane subject matter, making them look compelling and scenic. I also experimented with black and white images which leaves more focus on the vivid textures created. This also reflects a more romantic style of photograph similar to that of Ansel Adams. I created a vivid, high contrast image by increasing the contrast and clarity levels whilst decreasing the highlights to create a more intense texture. This worked really well with areas where light reflected or bounced off surfaces such as through the grass in the first photograph and the white wall in the second.
