Monthly Archives: April 2017

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Analysis, Planning, Presentation

Final Results: All Project Outcomes – Grouped Evaluation

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After comparing all of my final outcomes that I have produced during this project, I next wanted to look closely at each theme, analyse images relevance to the project and decide how I will narrow them down.  By doing this I am making the next step of selecting my final few photographs much easier and showing exactly how I reached that point. Below are four contact sheets depicting symbolic smoking waste and plastic pollution; documentary plastic and beach pollution; symbolic and abstract ocean pollution; and the different methods of disposing of waste in Jersey…

The first 2 rows of the contact sheet below are images from my 2 symbolic portrayals of smoking waste and plastic pollution. The meaning behind the first 6 images on the top row is to symbolise the vastness of this pollution issue and how it is caused by us, affecting and poisoning everything natural. The next 7 images depict the problem of plastic being used for everything (filling our surroundings), the effect it has on animals and marine life, as well as our connections to this issue. Because in both of these shoots, each image is depicting a different way to symbolise a similar message, I will narrow them down simply by judging their symbolic strength and visual appeal. If selected for printing I will most likely change certain aspects of each image to ensure its quality when enlarged and presented…

Next in the two rows above are my outcomes from my documentary style shoots depicting plastic pollution and beach pollution.  The meaning behind my plastic agricultural shoot is to represent the darker side of Jersey’s most famous product as well as a pollution issue that is directly related to where we live. For the second shoot on beach pollution, my aim was to show the scale of common beach pollution using what I found collected together in one powerful photograph. Although very educational, because of the not so appealing subject matter, I will most likely not be using the photographs for final prints. Apart from a few of the more dynamic scenes I have presented above, I will be choosing from these documentary images mainly based on their relevance to the message.

The next collection below consists of my different styles and techniques used to look at the growing problem of ocean pollution. The first 9 images in this contact sheet depict a mixture of documentary and abstracted pieces taken of pollution in Jersey seas.  The aim of this shoot was to portray the reality of this issue, and how it affects even the cleanest seeming waters.  The next 5 outcomes show my symbolic take on this subject using real pollution I collected from a few of our Island’s beaches. As these are all very vibrant and interesting portrayals of this pollution issue I will most likely be using quite a few in my final presentation. However, because the documentary/abstract shoot was taken using a mobile phone, I will have to be careful about how large I display the chosen images…

Lastly, the final sections of my project above portray the different methods of disposing of common household waste in Jersey. The first and most extensive shoot in my project, featured on the top 2 rows, depicts my visit to our ‘Energy from Waste’ facility that deals with all common un-separated waste. I will most likely be featuring many of these photographs as this insider’s view of the plant produced a lot of intriguing and educational images. The bottom row however, depicts the new La Collette Recycling Centre and is aimed to inform my viewers on its importance and how easy is has now been made for us. As both shoots are very relevant to the of this project (because they show exactly what happens to the waste we don’t recycle and how easy it is) I have decided many of these abstract/documentary images will be used in my final presentation.

Analysis, Evaluation, Presentation

Final Results: All Project Outcomes – Evaluation

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Now that I have researched, completed and analysed my outcomes individually for each of my environmental awareness shoots, I am happy with the quantity of good photographs I have, and am ready to start evaluating and finalising my project. To help with the task of narrowing down my outcomes, I have analysed all of my final images in my next blog post as four separate groups, one for each theme. Before this, however, I had included a contact sheet depicting all 66 of my final outcomes, from all 10 of my shoots depicting a few of the different elements of pollution. Although I am not yet certain on how exactly I am going to present this project I have organised my images in the order they were taken. This temporary composition can show how I have moved through my ideas of depicting environmental awareness and developed my project accordingly. As well as this, by viewing my whole project so far as a single collection of images, I am able to properly compare all of my final outcomes from each shoot against each other…By viewing them in this composition I have realised that I have mostly touched down on three major themes; plastic pollution, beach/ocean pollution, and Jersey’s waste disposal systems. When comparing all my work above with my initial ideas mind map for this project, I found that I did not manage to bring to life some of the original plans I had. If given more time I would definitely include some of these ideas such as depicting rural landscapes vs urban landscapes, melting ice symbolism, air pollution and exploration of the smaller factors. However, In the amount of time we were actually given to complete this exam, I am quite pleased that I managed to show my original goal: portraying environmental awareness using a mixture of symbolism, abstraction, documentary photography and topographic photography.

Presentation

Shoot 1 Contact Sheet

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This is my contact sheet for shoot 1, focusing on Zac is his room. We spend time in his room and at his house often, and so it was a good environment to photograph. I wanted to try make a couple of still life photos focusing on personal objects and features of his room such as the star gazer, the bin and his photo shelf. I tried to do this by shooting some close ups and experimenting with flash. I also wanted to experiment with the natural light available through the blinds to produce more atmospheric outcomes of the room. I am fairly happy with this shoot as I managed to create some interesting images that I may use in my final prints.

Planning

Shoot 1 Specification

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For my first shoot I want to spend time with my friend Zac. His room is an environment he, myself and friends spend time in fairly often. We watch TV, play playstation, and sometimes have small gatherings there. I want to represent Zac’s room as a personal environment by focusing on the liveliness between friends and the personalised features that make it Zacs room. I will use both flash and natural light, swapping between the two depending on whether I am photographing still life, portraiture of wide angle images of the room.

 

 

Planning

Dawn Final photoshoot specification/plan

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After looking through my previous shoots and the layout for my book I noticed the photos seemed to follow a fairly chronological narrative, moving from evening to night and back to morning. I wanted to do a final shoot focusing on ‘dawn’. I also wanted to explore the character I have build thru ought the book. I decided to feature my brothers room as a scene. I plan on taking these photographs early in the morning to truly capture the effect of early morning. Similar to previous shoots I plan on using as much natural light from windows as possible, Ryan’s room has two large windows and a window on the opposite wall which reflects the early morning light into Ryan’s room.

 

Evaluation, Presentation, Recording

Documentary: Recycling Centre – Results

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The images below show my last planned shoot for this project, taken at the newly opened La Collette Recycling centre. These images are a follow-up to my last shoot depicting where Jersey’s household waste is taken and what happens to our un-separated rubbish. The new La Collette recycling centre opened on Monday the 16th of January this year and replaces the old household recycling centre at that was located at Bellozanne. Here you can bring household waste and recycling as well as donate anything and everything that could be reused by someone else. Below I have added the long list of the types of waste that can be recycled instead of burned at the La Collette facility…

After completing my previous research and shoots looking at the different varieties of waste pollution, where it’s found, and where it ends up. My last shoot for this project, presented below, portrays the options we have on our island and how easy it is to make a small difference in our lives and use it. Although I was planning on simply taking a documentary look at Jersey’s new and improved facility there were also a lot of beautiful and abstract features which I couldn’t help but present below. When completing this shoot I had to come back on two different occasions due to the workers there being instructed not to allow any unauthorised publicity or photographs. On my second visit, I was instructed of some safety features, giving a high visibility vest and asked to sign in and out in order to be allowed to continue. Apart from this slight set back all I needed to complete this shoot was my camera the location, as it is usually found, and natural light from the sun. The location is key in this shoot as my goal for these images is to simply spread awareness about this new facility and hopefully encourage my viewers to use it. Below are some of my original unedited photographs displayed in a contact sheet…To chose between these photographs and produce my final outcomes, I was particularly interested in having a mixture of dynamic straight photography as well as abstract photography to intrigue my viewers. When editing the landscape documentary photographs I experimented with the highlighting to really emphasise the dramatic sky. With the more abstract pieces, however, I concentrated on really bringing out the vibrant colours and brilliant texture. Unlike with most of my previous shoots, I have decided to keep all of my finals in colour. This is because, unlike my previous shoots, these images attempt to show something good and hopeful towards the environment. Below are my final chosen and edited 6 outcomes for this last shoot in my environmental project…

This first piece above was created by stitching three separate photographs together to make one easy to read piece. I have put them together because the ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ sign featured at the Recycling centre is situated all in one long, hard to capture horizontal line. I love the effect of this sign that has been created using recycled items and kids toys to create a textured, colourful and inspiring outcome. The meaning behind this photograph is obvious as I am simply getting across this clear message from a straight forward perspective. The final result of this, I believe, emphasises the written message and brings out the beautiful and striking details.

These next two outcomes are my more abstracted results featuring some beautiful and inspiring artwork I captured when visiting the location. The meaning behind these two photographs is to intrigue the viewer about the recycling centre itself as well as spread the message of its importance. The first outcome on the left depicts a beautifully crafted recycling symbol made from a vast amount of green and red discarded children’s toys. I love the depth and contrast between the tiny objects as well as the vibrancy and texture of the whole piece. Next is a more abstract piece featuring the side and rooftop of the decorated facility building along with part of a growing tree. I love the strange symbolism in this piece and I like how, without context, the audience is forced to come to their own conclusions.

For this next documentary look at Jersey’s new and improved recycling facility, I have attempted to capture the location featuring as many important aspects as possible. My outcome above portrays the main recycling building on the left, the elegant car system running around the facility and a few of the many many drop-off points for waste that continues all the way around. The meaning behind this image is to show how the recycling centre now works and how effortless it is to drive around and dispose of our pollution safely. I have chosen this image as a final as I love the angled perspective of the facility and the dramatic overtones created with the contrast of the sky.

Lastly are two more of my documentary outcomes depicting the main features of the new recycling centre; the variety of different drop-off points. The meaning behind these photographs is simple as, like with the outcome above, I am trying to show the extent as to which they have improved Jersey’s recycling facility and made it as easy as possible for the public to use. The first image on the left depicts the electricals, mixed glass, metals and bulky waste containers with two members of staff in high-visibility jackets who are happy to help. Next, the image on the right depicts the same signs and more along with a member of the public discarding something into the bulky waste container. I like the perspective of the drop-off points in this picture and the contrast of the facility against the dramatic yet natural sky. 

Analysis, Experimentation

Performance/reflection Shoot outcomes

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I have continued to experiment with more shoots based around performance and the use of reflections and shadows.  As with my earlier shoots the aim was to explore human relationships to environments and the process was fairly spontaneous. I have continued to use myself as the subject in many of the images as well as my younger sister, Lillian. I wanted to try and develop the idea of collaboration in reference to performance artists such as  Claude Cahun so I occasionally allowed my sister to help direct some of the photographs or press the shutter for the pictures I had set up involving myself. Once again I have made basic adjustments to the images in post-production to improve the colours, lighting and clarity.

I wanted to try and explore interior environments specifically focusing on shadows.  I didn’t have many successful outcomes from this and for this reason I decided to base the rest of my shoots in natural, outdoor locations. However, I was pleased with the two examples below and I am planning on using them as final pieces.  I like the first because of the interesting combination of light and shadow created by the strips of light and the position of her arm so that it frames her face, with the dark background also meaning the viewer’s attention is drawn to her. I  think the second image with her silhouette visible through the curtain is also quite interesting and has an unusual, eerie atmosphere. I edited both of these to black and white to emphasise the qualities of the shadows for a more dramatic appearance because I felt the colour detracted from this.

The next few outcomes are from a shoot I did in a different wooded location. I also experimented using a round mirror rather than a rectangular one. This allowed me to experiment with different techniques because it is smaller and has a thinner frame. I think this one stands out more within the environment because it’s round shape often contrasts with the other shapes in the image. However, I did like how the rectangular one echoed the shape of the image itself. My sister was wearing green with a brown fur hood which blends in with the naturals hues and tones of the environment. Contrastingly, I wore red which complements the green and stands out.

I also did a shoot at a beach location and made some landscape images without people with the use of the mirror. I don’t think these are particularly exciting but I  think the second example below is effective because of the dramatic sky and the way that the arms follow the shape of the mirror.

These images are from a shoot I did around some country lanes. I prefer the shot of the mirror working with the reflection in the puddle and I also like the shot of her hand on the tree because of how the veins show the similarities between humans and environments and how they can blend together.

The outcomes from this final shoot were taken in caves. I chose this location because I wanted to base my exploratory performance shoots on interesting environments to respond to. This landscape was quite different to some of the others I have used and I think it has dramatic qualities. However, I also faced some technical problems here such as difficulty in access and low levels of light. Nevertheless I have some outcomes that I am happy with, I especially like the silhouetted ones with the cave entrance acting as a frame and the waterfall providing an interesting backdrop.

Recording

Oh Look More Images

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// E M I L Y //

The next model for this project follows my friend Emily in the location of her choice; Bonne Nuit. When asking why she liked this area it was mainly about the size, isolation and close proximity of the rocks, bay and beach. The area itself is somewhat remote giving a feeling of isolation. Even when the sun is out it appears this isn’t a particularly busy area adding a level of serenity to the scene. The images I shot of her here follow the same formatting as the rest of this series. Bright colours were highlighted as points of interest and I took a selection of images of the figure around the area exploring different sections of the space. The main image I needed to produce was the backwards postcard shot which will ultimately make up the front of my card. Below is a small selection of images from the day where we adventured around the beach and over the rocks. There were two selected images for this which I will discuss further below. The main question was about the level of detail I wanted in the shot and how it changes the overall image.

For this feature image – which will ultimately create the front of my postcard design – I took two ‘final’ images to select from. In reality there were over 50 different angles but these two were the ones I was most confident with. The main difference is the level of detail included in the image which is mainly through the addition of the green tinted rocks in the foreground. The model’s rich purple hair works brilliantly to juxtapose the blues and greens of her chosen landscape.

Final image – Emily

The final image selected from this shoot was the less cluttered figure shown below which does not have the extra detail in the foreground. This image shows a crisper final print and will work more effectively as a postcard image. Shooting the second part of Emily’s section for this project may be difficult as she is limited for the number of visitors allowed in her physical home. Because of this, we also shot in a second location which she said was important to her just in case of the impossibility of shooting in her home. Though straying from the stylized portraits in other shoots for this project, the image below was one of my preferred from the day and offers itself to a lot of experimentation. I aim to explore the images taken on this day further to produce some stamps for Emily’s section of the project.

Analysis

Artist reference-Duane Michals

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“I think photographs should be provocative and not tell you what you already know. It takes no great powers or magic to reproduce somebody’s face in a photograph. The magic is in seeing people in new ways.”

Duane Michals  is considered to be one of the great photographic innovators of the last century and is well known for his work with series, multiple exposures, and text. I have decided to consider him as an artist reference because I am thinking of taking inspiration from his methods of presenting images in series combined with handwritten notes to add a new layer of meaning to the images.

On this website it explains that he “was a pioneer in the 1960s when he broke away from established traditions of documentary and fine art photography”. Rather than following the recognised methods of presenting images by focusing on them individually he created sequences of multiple images to convey visual stories using a cinema frame-by-frame format. He also incorporated text into his work with handwritten messages and poems on the paper’s surface. He said that rather than serving an explanatory function the written text adds another dimension to the images. These messages are often poetic, tragic or humorous and he has said  “My pictures are more about question, not about answers.” He has also said that William Blake, Lewis Carroll, and René Magritte are influences on his work which would suggest a more surreal approach to his art.

His staged photography, often includes elements of other genres, including film, theatre, and literature. He utilises cinematic language but his images also contain blurred figures which implies movement in each frame.  Unlike film his images are open to individual interpretation and don’t have an overarching story-line. Initially critics were confused by his work because they reject the notion of the  “decisive movement” and the popular glorification of single images.  Nowadays his work is praised for this because he is considered an expressionist constructing images of the mind and exploring unseeable themes. His work is often of a personal nature, and Michals relies on his own history as subject material. They are also fantasies with a sense of absurd humour. Michals has said, “No one can reproduce my handwriting, but someone else can always make a new print” which shows his deliberate attempt to create one-off pieces which restricts the value of reproductions. This makes each piece unique, and increases the rarity of the work.

I was also drawn to Michal’s work because of the ways in which he has used reflections. He has explored the idea of mistrusting appearances and the truths that lie beyond the surface. Like mirrors cameras recreate a chosen subject ‘truthfully’ onto a flat surface by redirecting beams of light. Michals has stressed his suspicion of the purely visual to the extent of even abandoning the lens-based image in favour of purely verbal description. He has said ” I am a reflection photographing other reflections within a reflection” which suggests an unease with the process of trying to trap appearances. His work focuses on exploring invisible and internal themes and his use of mirrors could relate to the introspective nature of his work. He also connects his work on this to things such as mythology and literacy such as the example below which references the Greek myth of Narcissus.

The famous example of his work shown below was created for French Vogue and was intended to illustrate a feature on quantum physics. The series is based on Werner Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle which basically said you can’t predict with certainty the position/velocity of a particle but they instead interact in chaos.  Michals has said ” I’ve always been interested in physics and I like trying to photograph things that seem un-photographable – rather than looking at reality, I aim to get deep inside it and explore”. He explains that he bought the convex mirror in an antique shop in Bath and was intrigued by the distortions it created. He used this to illustrate Heisenberg’s principle because it transforms everything in front of it. When the model moves the image changes completely which creates a powerful energy to the series. Displaying them together this way effectively presents this and in the last image, when the model is looking at the camera and her cheek appears in the mirror so that there is no face at all it demonstrates a  “blank slate” of pure white energy. Technically the individual photographs are also well captured with what appears to be natural light from the window and the black and white emphasising the contrasts and forms. 

The series below called ‘Alice’s Mirror’ is presumably based on ‘Through the Looking-Glass’, the sequel to Alice in Wonderland. In the novel she considers what the world is like on the other side of a mirror’s reflection and steps through the mirror into another world. I like Michal’s use of miniatures in this series to distort the viewer’s perceptions and create a surreal piece and I would be interested in exploring something similar in my own work.