Environmental Photography:
Environmental photography is a form of portraiture, which illuminates the environment and settings of the subject and presents their identity. It is common for a photograph to spend time with the subject in order to form a connection with the subject, in order for an accurate portrayal of the person. Within the time spent, the photographer will ask about hobbies and interests as well as getting a clear understanding of their home life, and favourite aspects and elements of their course. Within this style of portrait photography the aim is to tell the story of the subject within that one photograph, which is achieved by having the subject have rapport with the camera lens
In previous work I explored environmental portrait photography, in the style of Arnold Newman, were I looked at gender norms in the in the early 20th century. I explored this using my grandparents as my subjects and used different elements of their home life to showcase these gender norms. The photoshoot and edits were successful, thus making it an area to reflect back on and use as inspiration for another photoshoot.
Planning:
This time around I will be conduction another photo shoot, using the methodology of environmental portrait, but exploring my personal home life. I have taken inspiration from Alex Soth to produce my imagery. My artistic aim is to capture my home life in the most naturalistic way, showcasing the natural environment of my family, as well as the day to day tasks they complete. To do this I will be using my DSLR camera alongside a tripod, to get stable landscape photographs. My camera settings will differ based on the lighting and task conducted by my family.
Mood Board Showcasing Soth’s Photography:
Understanding My Subjects:
- Philippa Healey – Mother
- 49 Years old, Female, wedded to Martin Healey
- Philippa works full time at JCG Prep as the manager of Little Leopards, the after school day care/holiday club. She has worked with children for a long period of time, and works from 9am-5:30pm.
- At home Philippa enjoys reading, playing games on her phone, as well as spending time with her children, husband and two cats. Not only this her and her husband, do house chores within an evening to ensure the house is always at a good clean standard.
- Philippa’s favourite room in the house is the conservatory, which overlooks her garden. The room attracts a lot of light, and you can often see her spending her weekend on the sofa in the room, absorbing the nature and her book. Philippa is a calm, active and kind hearted person.
- Martin Healey – Father
- 52 Years old, Male, wedded to Philippa Healey
- Martin works full time as a pension manager, and has been within the finance industry for most of his life. He works 9-5 Monday to Friday, but can often be seen doing a lot of over time, due to his position within the company.
- At home, Martin enjoys spending an evening on the computer, reading the news, on facebook, playing games and watching youtube. He also enjoys spending time with his children in the lounge in the evening, were they watch different programs.
- Martin enjoys cleanliness within his home and makes his home appealing to all sense, importantly smell. He enjoys buying new smellies and placing them round the house, to give the building a set smell and atmosphere. Martin is an intellectual, funny and strong minded person.
- Sam Healey – Brother
- 22 Years old, Male, In a Relationship
- Sam has recently completed his degree in social sciences were he obtained 2:1 giving him a BA(Hons) qualification. He has now successfully managed to obtain employment, which he has been in for the past 2 years.
- At home Sam enjoys, singing, flying planes and causing chaos in the household. Sam’s favourite room would be the study or kitchen, as he can be found spending the most time within these rooms. Sam is a bubbly, lively human being who is fun and adventurous to be around.
Having lived with my subjects for the past 17 years of my life, I can say that I fully understand their personality and the love towards certain environments within their home. All three family members love to be around one another and embrace all aspects of family life, as well as having some independence in their life.
Action Plan:
After exploring the traits of my family and understanding their personality, on top of observing their favourite environments within the house. I am going to conduct a photoshoot were I capture family life within the Healey household, in the documentary style of photography, environmental photography. I will capture each person’s individual personality in their natural environment, as well as capturing the three personalities at once, showcasing a change in the individual self to meet the needs of the people they are with.