‘Variation and Similarity’

After consideration for the exam brief I decided the most effective and interesting way for me to demonstrate the theme ‘variation and similarity’ was through nature and aspects of it. I made this decision due to the vast range of green spaces and easy access to aspects of nature, such as, shells and rocks from the beach, or a variety of flowers from fields and lanes. My exam project focused on three main points within nature, Flowers, Objects found at the beach; rocks and shells, and natural landscapes, to adhere to the theme variation and similarity while using these objects I made sure to collect a variety of different types of the same object; flowers, rocks. I feel abiding by these specific rules I set myself allowed me to successfully fulfill the exam brief, for example I photographed twelve different types of rocks and shells and ten different types of flowers, but while all falling under the same category of photo shoot 1 or 2, demonstrating a range of similar objects; flowers or rocks, but being completely different in appearance, being the aspects of variation. I also photographed natural landscapes, the variable of similarity being the model that appears within the photographs and the fact that the landscape is natural; beach, woods etc, but the variation also being that the natural landscape is different in appearance, the woods differing from the beach greatly in appearance but still falling under the same category of natural landscape and fitting into photo shoot 3.

I drew inspiration from and researched a variety of artists throughout my exam project, for example; John Baldessari, Luigi Ghirri and Etienne-Jules Marey are a few that I was directly inspired by and their techniques and styles are visible thought out my project and final pieces. I incorporated John Baldessaris ‘dots’ into five of my final piece photographs, this being a simple but effective effect within my final pieces. Luigi Ghirri was another artist that I took inspiration from, I used aspects of his style of presentation and composition within photographs, being another simple effect but effective in the overall outcome of the presentation of my final pieces. Etienne-Jules Marey was an artist that I also took direct inspiration from and his style of sequencing and repetition is visible within my final pieces, four of my final piece photographs go into a single sequence. My final pieces link with the exam theme of ‘variation and similarity’ for example the majority of my final pieces have a variety of different photographs in one piece, two of my eight final pieces consist of four different photographs that link in a way, two consist of three separate photographs that link, two consist of pairs of photographs that link and I have included two singular photographs that where successful photographs by themselves and have direct links to artist john Baldessari, one of the artist that I researched throughout the exam project.

The majority of my photographs within the exam project ‘variation and similarity’ where taken in natural daylight, this added a warm, bright feeling thought out the body of photographs and also made the colours within the photographs pop. The meaning behind the photographs are very literal and solely represent what you see in the photograph. I thought specifically about the composition of my photographs throughout the project and made sure to photographed a variety of different angles, distances, to have a variety of option to choose from when making decisions about the most successful outcomes and what photographs would be good enough for final pieces.

In conclusion I feel that my decision to photograph Nature and aspects of it, in response to ‘Variation and similarity’ was successful and my project and final pieces are a good indication of the development of my ideas and work.

I chose these two photographs as final pieces because these flowers are some of the more interesting and successful photographs from photo shoot 1. I decided to present these two photographs as a diptych because this creates variation due to there being multiple photographs and similarity because the photographs are of the same object, I feel like this was successful and using a window mount added a more professional finish. This final piece differs from my plan, I chose to have a larger border around the photographs, because this fit better due to using a window mount.

I chose these four photographs as final pieces because of the interesting and eye-catching effect created by the sequence, to aid the effect of the sequence I have presented the four photographs in a simple straight line on black card, to allow the photographs and the sequence to be the focal point of the presentation, I feel like this was successful in creating the effect I was aiming for.

I chose these two photographs as final pieces because these flowers are some of the more detailed and successful photographs from photoshoot 1. I decided to present these two photographs as a diptych because this creates variation due to there being multiple photographs and similarity because the photographs are of the same object, I feel like this was successful and presenting on black card allowed a simple but effective sleek finish.

I chose these three photographs as final pieces because the cartoon edit creates a striking effect. I chose a triptych because the three photographs together create the effect of variation in an interesting way. To create variation throughout my final pieces I chose to use foam board and black card to present these three photographs. I think this was successful in creating variation and achieving what I was aiming for within the overall presentation of my final pieces. This final piece differs from my plan, I chose to add a larger border around each image, I feel this worked well and better than a slimmer border, for this trio of photographs.

I chose these four photographs as final pieces because because of the bold and eye-catching colours, I have chosen this layout because it gives off pop art vibes which I think is an interesting bonus and the colours contrast nicely with one and other. I chose to present these four photographs on black card because I didn’t want a window mount or foam board to detract attention away from the photographs. I feel like my choice of presentation, black card, successfully showcases what I was aiming for in my presentation of these photographs.

I chose to this photograph as a final piece because I like the simplicity of the photograph but also how interesting it is, for example the model, the flowers, all the different colours. I chose to present this photograph like this because I wanted a simple presentation to not detract away from the photograph its self.

I chose to this photograph as a final piece for the same reason as the photograph above, they both give me a similar vibe in the way that I like the simplicity of the photograph but also how interesting it is, for example the model, the sand, all the different colours and the vibrant yellow dot. I chose to present this photograph like this because I wanted a simple presentation to not detract away from the photograph its self.

I chosen to present these photographs in a triangular formation because I feel like its something different and I wanted to have a variety of different layouts throughout my final pieces. I chose these photographs because they are all very similar but the change in position and distance creates variety within the trio. I also presented it as a sequence, for example, the top is the closest, the second on the left is further away and the third photograph on the right is the furthest away.

I have chosen a variation of photographs, presenting them in a variety of different colours, styles and sizes.

I plan on presenting these four photographs like this, this layout allows the photographs to be directly compared due to the close formation, this also creates a high contrast. I have chosen this layout because the purple and pink contrast with the yellow and orange directly and then both with each other diagonally, creating a balance of colour and therefore more appealing and creates an eye-catching effect. I will present these photographs as A5 prints, this allows all four prints to almost create the effect on one A4 piece, while still being layed out, rather then printed as one. I will present on black foam board, creating a contrast between the colourful photographs and black card.

I have chosen to lay these photographs out in this order, because in this order a sequence of smallest to largest is created. Secondly I plan on presenting the photographs this way because the colours, orange, cream with pink and yellow tones and yellow work again almost as a sequence, darkest to brightest, allowing the layout to be balanced. These photographs will be presented as A5 prints, I have chosen A5 due to the colours and fact that there are three prints, I feel any bigger than A5 would to overwhelming and take away from the effect of the edit and photograph. When presenting these photographs I will use, black foam board, creating a contrast between the colourful photographs and black backdrop.

I have chosen to present these prints, four in a row, to allow the sequence continued in each photograph to be visible within the layout, this creates an interesting effect, leading to what becomes the focal point of the images, the hole in the shell. To successfully allow the photographs to stand out in the layout I will present them on black foam board, this will contrast against the light white shell. These photographs will be presented as A5 prints, I have chosen to present them as A5 prints due to there being four photographs, I feel if the photographs where any bigger, the size would distract from the layout and sequence.

For this layout I have chosen a simple double photograph layout, I have chosen to present these photographs side by side, because I feel this way it demonstrates variation and similarity successfully, for example, the similarity being they are of the same object, being similar, but the photographs are not completely the same, this being the variation within aspects of the photographs. I will present these photographs as A4 prints, I have chosen A4 due to there only being two photographs and I want the details to be visible due to the fact the photographs are so simple, the details are what make them appealing. I will present the two photographs on a black window mount, I feel like this will add an interesting aspect and add to the simple photographs.

This layout will be the same as the previous one, due to the photographs being similar and I want to create the same effect using similar but different photographs.

I have chosen this layout because I wanted to do something different and interesting and I wanted to add a variation of different layouts for my final pieces.

I have chosen this simple layout because this is one of my most successful photographs, so I want to present this as an A4, with a simple black border, to not detract from the photograph its self.

I have chosen to do a basic layout because this is one of my strongest photographs, I want to present this as an A4, with a simple black border, to not detract from the photograph its self.

My photographs in comparison to the artists that inspired my photo shoots and editing process.

1. My photographs inspired by John Baldessari are directly inspired and I have used his concept on the dot on the face and used it on my own photographs, creating photographs extremely similar to Baldessaris.
2. I took inspiration from Luigi Ghirri in the from of the type of landscapes and spaces but also small details, for example in the first example I have photographed a path in a similar style, creating the same effect as his. Also in the second example I have used a similar composition and landscape.
3. I used Etienne-Jules Mareys style of sequencing and repetition and incorporated that into my photography and layout within my final piece, photographing the same shell, zooming in closer each shot and presenting it in order.

John Baldessari:

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Luigi Ghirri:

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Etienne-Jules Marey:

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I have experimented in a variety of different ways, creating different shapes and types of lines. I have experimented on all of my photographs because I want to have a variety of options and a large range to choose from, this will make sure there is nothing I’m missing when making my final selection.

I have chosen a select amount of photographs from photoshoot 3, landscapes/model, to experiment on using different processes and methods in Photoshop.

Original Photographs:

Edit 1:

To create this effect I used gradient map, an effect in Photoshop, I edited each photographs so that they matched as a complete uniform set, using this eye-catching, vibrant filter.

Best outcome: I have chosen this as the best outcome because of the frame effect created by the way I edited this photograph, the greens have turned purple and the rest of the photograph is basically completely red with small details of yellow, the fact that each section is almost one colour, creates a massive divide and the trees surround the model and the outer section of the photograph creating a border around the model.

Edit 2:

To create this effect I used ‘threshold’ in Photoshop, I edited them all so the intensity of the black to white, etc was as equal in each photograph.

Best outcome: I have chosen this as the best outcome of the set, because I like the way the black and white effect, breaks the photograph into sections, the sky is broken into a black and white section due to the blue being two different tones in the original photograph and the sea and sand contrasting and lastly the model features being a bright white but the rest of the hair and clothing block black, created further contrast and allowing the model to be the focal point of the photograph contrasted directly against a massive sections of white. Also the fact it completely changes the entire feel of the photograph, for example this photograph was taken at the beach, in natural daylight, on a bright sunny day, but this effect creates a dark cold feeling.

Original Photographs:

Edit 1:

To create this effect I used Photoshop, and used the gradient map to chose the most interesting filter, editing the levels until I was happy with the outcome.

Best outcome: I have chosen this as the best outcome because I like the fact that the photograph has more going on at the top and that the hill and all the bushes and shrubs create an interesting backdrop for the model, also I like the fact that there are a lot of different factors in the photograph and that it is broken into sections, with the model stood in the middle, on the path that runs directly down the middle, for example there is the water on one side of the path, the other side is a drop, and top/backdrop is bushes and above that is a patch of sky. I also think the orange and purple filter works well in creating an interesting contrast within the photograph while being very simple at the same time.

Edit 2:

This edit is directly inspired by John Baldessari and his ‘dots’, I covered the face in each of these photographs, choosing different colours depending on the colours in the photographs and how they would work and contrast within the photograph. For example for the photograph that includes a small amount of pink flowers among the green, I included a pink dot over the face to highlight the pink flowers.

Best outcome: I have chosen this as my best outcome because I like the simplicity of the photograph, but how it also includes a wide range of colours and the dot ties in well with the colours. The sunlight on the green bushes caused the bush to appear with a yellow colour compared to the darker greens in the photograph, therefore I chose a yellow dot to link with the vibrant yellow. I consider this as the best outcome because of the composition, I instructed the model to stand directly in front of the camera, I feel like this creates an interesting effect because the sand path also creates a divide down the middle, having the path lead to the model and having the model in the middle of the photograph allows them to be the focal point of the photograph, regardless of being far away and a small piece of the photograph.

For this shoot I have chosen to photograph landscapes and also incorporate a model into the photographs as a way to demonstrate ‘variation and similarity’ because I thought it would be interesting to stay on theme with the style of nature but for my third shoot have it on a larger scale and also use a model due to inspiration from other artists and also to add an interesting factor into my photographs. I have photographed a variety of landscapes, woods, beaches, etc and included my model in all the photographs in similar positions within the photographs.

Most successful photographs:

I have chosen this as one of my most successful photographs because of the bright colours and the eye-catching factors, like the white flowers on the tree that stand out from the variations of green that surround it and create an interesting contrast, also another instance of contrast is created by the model and the vibrant purple jumper they wear, this contrast against the white flowers and the greens, all three variations of colour work well together while contrasting and creating an eye-catching colourful photograph. I took this photograph in natural sunlight, on a sunny day, the fact the trees hand over creates a striking pattern on the floor. I also chose this photograph because in this photograph the model is in an engaging pose, rather then stood still, arms by their side.

I consider this photograph as one of my most successful because of the interesting composition, I instructed the model to stand between the trees, creating a kind of frame for the model to be inside, I think this worked successfully and allowed the model to be the focal point of the photograph even though they are the smallest factor in the photograph, oppose to the trees and greenery. The variations of dark and bright greens creates striking effect and the brown tree trunks and muddy ground contrast against each other, creating a clear division, the brown muddy ground also contrast with the shadows created, that turn the ground a black colour, this is created due to the fact I took this photograph in natural, sunlight in a shaded area where the trees created shelter and are overgrown.

For my third photo shoot I want to photograph landscapes and also incorporate a model into the photographs, by including a model I hope to be able to add an interesting element, creating more effect edits when experimenting and also have a contrast between the nature and a model amongst it all, also photographing the landscape from different distances and angles and the model will differentiate the scale of distance, etc. I have chosen landscapes, like the; woods, fields, beach,etc to photograph as part of variation and similarity because nature has been the focus of my project and including landscapes stays on theme, allowing it to be on a larger scale. The variation aspect of these photographs come from the variety of landscapes I want to photograph; woods, fields, beach,etc and the similarity will be the use of the model in similar positions and poses. There is a wide variety of beaches and fields that I can photographs also adding to the variation and similarity, for example the similarity of the landscape, beaches for example, but variation due to the fact they would be a variety of different beaches.

Places to photograph:

• St. Catherines woods
• Le Mare Beach
• Le Hocq Beach
• Le Rocq Beach
• Gorey Beach
• Fields
• Green Lanes

Equipment:

• Camera
• Tripod
• Model
• Natural light

have experimented in a variety of different ways, creating different shapes and types of lines. I have experimented on all of my photographs because I want to have a variety of options and a large range to choose from, this will make sure there is nothing I’m missing when making my final selection.

I have chosen a select amount of photographs from photoshoot 2, rocks and shells, to experiment on using different processes and methods in Photoshop.

Original Photographs:

Edit 1:

To create this effect, in Photoshop I used the ‘threshold’ tool, making the images grainy, black and white, I then used the ‘gradient map’ to add colour, the block colours creates a pop art effect.

Best outcome: I have chosen this as my best outcome because I like the composition and the contrasting colours, that create an eye-catching pop art effect. For example, I like the fact that the shell in directly in the middle of the photograph, this allows the photograph to appear more professional and planned. Also the contrasting purple and orange, the dark purple really stands out against the deep orange, creating a very pop art effect when paired with the other photographs.

Edit 2:

For this edit I simply put the images in black and white, creating a simple but effective edit. The use of the white back drop gives the photographs a professional feeling.

Best outcome: I have chosen this as my best outcome, because I like the simple white backdrop paired with the contrasting colours of the shell and also the added detail of the break in the shell, giving the audience something more to look at. The contrasting dark black and white colours of the shell add to the detail and texture creating a more interesting photograph and the white back drop allows the shell to be focal point of the photograph.

Original Photographs:

Edit 1:

To create this, in Photoshop I used ‘threshold’, the black and white creates an abstract effect, also giving an ink blot vibe, this effect makes you look further into the photograph, trying to figure out what it is of.

Best outcome: I have chosen this as my best outcome because of the texture create by the ‘threshold’ effect, also the fact that the photograph now has a abstract quality, for example due to the heavy block black, its more difficult to actually make out whats in the photograph.