Shutter Speed: the shutter speed changes the way movement appears in photographs. Very short shutter speeds can be used to freeze fast-moving subjects, for example at sporting events. Very long shutter speeds are used to intentionally blur a moving subject for effect.
ISO:
ISO measures the sensitivity of the image sensor. The lower the number the less sensitive the camera is to light and the finer the grain. Higher numbers mean the sensor becomes more sensitive to light which allows you to use your camera in darker situations. The cost of doing so is more grain/noise within the final outcome.
Depth of Field: The distance between the nearest and the furthest objects giving a focused image. A narrow depth of field means that its main focus point will be the only thing in focus, leaving everything else in a blur. Where as a Large depth of field means that most things in the frame will be in focus.Aperture: ‘The opening in the lens.’ When we hit the shutter release button of the camera a hole opens up that allows your cameras image sensor to catch a glimpse of the scene you’re wanting to capture. The aperture that you set impacts the size of that hole. The larger the hole the more light that gets in – the smaller the hole the less light.
For these edits I wanted to play on the distorted and dark realism effect that Patzsch used for ‘The World is Beautiful’ series. (New Objectivity). Due to the fact I was following this idea, I did not want to do any extreme edits as I believe it would portray realism in the way Patzsch did. The edits I produced where of the top photographs from the photo shoot which I conducted based on the research made about Patzsch. For most of them I adjusted the levels and curves and lowered the saturation enough for it to be deemed black and white but still show a hint of colour. For some other edits I decided to adjust the hue in order for more colours to stand out, based on the colours within the photograph, on the images I decided to leave in colour.
I believe that my final outcomes of this research successful, as I have managed to ensure my editing matched the new objectivity idea, but still ensured that the photograph looks good. I managed to edit the photographs to allow their formal elements stand out more, making them more obvious to viewers. Moreover, I ensured the focal points of the images stood out clearly.
For my first edit I decided to adjust the levels and curves making the photograph darker than usual. I then lowered the saturation of the photograph, which has allowed different tonal regions to stand out. It has also allowed us to see where the natural source of lighting is coming from, which helps direct the viewers eyes around the frame of the photograph. This image also clearly represents the formal element of repetition and shape through the windows that are raised. Moreover, I used the technique leading lines to help guide the viewers eyes around the frame of the photograph. I really like how this edit has turned out as it matches the criteria of new objectivity.
This next edit I decided to level the photograph, allowing the sharpness be clear which has allowed the detail of the subject to be visible. I then lowered the saturation but still allowed a hint of colour to seek through, making it more stimulating for viewers to look at. This image was taken at a worms eye view which allows us to see the formal elements of shape and line which is presented through the lions.
My next edit I decided to keep simple, which has allowed the simplistic overall effect to be created. I decided to level the image to allow it to seem darker than usual which has allowed the black shadows to really stand out, as well as the colours of the shadows which are casted on the wall. The formal element of line and repetition is clearly presented in the photograph, through the rectangular shadows on the wall.
For this edit I decided to keep it simple like the previous one. I levelled the photograph to make it lighter than usual, which has allowed the cables through the tunnel to be visible. It has also added noise and vibrance to the photograph which has allowed a sense of texture to be presented as well. The cables are used to direct the viewers eyes around the frame of the photograph, leading lines, and created mystery as we wonder what is on the other side of the tunnel.
In this edit I started by adjusting the levels and the curves which has allowed the texture of inside the toaster to be presented. It has also helped to showcase the different tonal areas, making it more interesting for viewers to look at. I then turned down the saturation, but ensured the rusted metal rectangles where still in colour. Doing this has helped the context of the image to be presented, allowing viewers to have more of an understanding of where this image was taken. The formal element of line, shape and texture has been presented allowing this image to match the formal elements Patzsch’s work showed.
In my penultimat edit I decided to level the image, to make the foreground completely black only allowing the background to be visible. I attempted to use the technique of framing, which has allowed the subject of the image to be captured. I kept the image in colour as I felt it allowed the background to really stand out compared to the black frame work. The formal element of shape is presented through the frame which is capturing the semi-focused background.
In my final edit I wanted to showcase this empty area, with a simplistic edit to add to the empty effect. For this I adjusted the levels and curves allowing the photograph to be naturally darker, which has allowed the light to stand out. I then adjusted the hue to allow the yellow to stand out more. Moreover, I adjusted the vibrance to create a bit of noise within the photograph but not enough to change the effect of the image. The formal elements of space and shape are clearly presented in the image.
Albert Renger-Patzsch was born on June 22nd, 1897 in Germany. He began taking photographs at age 12, after his military service in the First World War. In the early 1920 he worked as a press photographer, but soon after he became a freelancer and published his own book. Albert Renger-Patzsch has created a photographic gallery called ‘The World is Beautiful’. He developed this series into a catalogue of objects, which soon became one of the most influential books ever published. His clinical like images clearly showed technical apparatus, industrial products and natural organisms in great detail.
Neue Sachlichkeit created a term called new objectivity, where he attempted to capture and embrace realism instead of abstraction. He combined realism with a ‘hint’ of Dada Movement, which was an art movement of the European Avant-grade in the early 20th Century. The realism captured was not the stereotypical realism, but a more disguised and dark realism which is aimed to show the moral shame which happened in the German Society. These photographs tended to have a more static composition (The majority of lines used are either horizontal or vertical, which can be seen as smooth and calming on the eye.) which helped render the clarity of the photograph. The aim of these images that Sachlichkeit captured was to show the truth and reality of current affairs, however, he wanted to avoid social and political commentary.
Within Patzsch’s series ‘The World is Beautiful’ we are able to see his attempt of new objectivity. He presents the subject of the photographs exactly how they are, which also presents the rejection of sentimentality. He has used a static composition within his images which shows the subject in great detail. Contextually, he used new objectivity to show the chaos which the First World War had provoked, Response to industrialising Europe and America and response to qualities of a camera and the
movement away from techniques like a soft focus. Patzsch was said to have mainly captured:
Wildlife
Landscape
Mechanical Equipment
Flowers
Architecture
In Patzsch’s photographic response to these events in time, he explored formal elements, which has made his work more powerful. The main elements which are presented in his work are: Light, Line, Texture. Repetition and Shape. These are all presented through the realism of the subject being photographed. Most of the images seem to be macro, which fills the frame of the photograph. However, in some photographs there is a sense of space, which can be used to create a powerful impact towards the events which have occurred. Tone is seen to be one of the key features of Patzsch work as it allows the subject of the photograph be in focus, and detailed.
At this time there where many other photographs who used new objectivity to help capture their photographs. This meant that there was some competition for Patzsch, which would have likely motivated him to be thinking about what he is capturing and what he wants to capture. These photographers include:
Edward Weston
Karl Blossfeldt
Helmar Lerski
And Many More
Not only where other photographs interested and influenced by Neue’s photograph, but also photographers from now a day. There are many photographers out there who are using new objectivity to influence their work. These include:
Martin Parr
Peter Fraser
William Eggleston
And Many More.
These two photographs share a lot of similarities and differences, which are used to help show the uniqueness of Patzsch’s work. The first photograph is of trees with in what seems to be a woodland, which suggests that this image is man-made. The second photograph is of a trowel which seems to be on display for potentially a shop, which implies that it is displayed naturally. Both photographs show the formal element of line through the subject of the photograph. However, the second image uses static composition which makes it pleasant for the viewer to look at and the first photograph uses dynamic composition as the trees are going in different directions. Moreover, this formal element helps to guide the viewers eye around the frame, this is also known as leading lines. Other formal elements which are presented in both images are shape, repetition and texture. Both images are presented in black and white which allows the different tones to clearly be presented, which also allows the subjects to be highly detailed. In the first photograph there is mist/fog which makes an eerie feel towards the image, whereas the second image does not. In the second photograph a large depth of field is used, allowing us to view all the trowels clearly. On the other hand, the first photograph has a narrow depth of field, leaving only the trees in the foreground to be in focus. The lighting which is used in the first photograph seems to be natural lighting which plays on the eerie mood, and also helps to present the idea of new objectivity. Whereas the second photograph seems to use artificial lighting as only some and the tops of the trowels are the bright areas. In the first photograph there is a sense of space which is used to create a sense of 3D. However, the second photograph uses form to present 3D within its image. Both photographs consist of a normal/quick shutter speed as the photographs do not have a motion blur. The ISO of both photographs is low as no noise is presented within the images making them clearer and cleaner. Overall, I really like Patzsch’s photographs as they are ecstatically pleasing and interesting to look at, uses new objectivity to show the context of when the photographs were taken and uses formal elements to make his work more interesting. Conceptually, the two images uses repetition to allow us to look at the common objects in a different way, which helps to add meaning to the overall photographs.
My Response
When capturing my photographs, I attempted to use the idea of the new objectivity. This is were I tried to capture my subject in their naturalist form, however, ensuring it has a distorted effect. I used my DSLR camera to produce these photographs, and ensured I thought about the formal elements which could be shown within the image. I also explored with light a bit more, attempting to get light hitting the right point on the frame.
Moreover, I looked at focusing the camera, choosing the main focus point when capturing the photograph. For these sets of photograph I used a manual focus, allowing to have more control of the depth of field. I also looked at using the rule of thirds in order to make my photographs more interesting to look at.
Overall I feel that this photo shoot was very successful as I managed to achieve many things. The first thing I managed to achieve is using a manual focus allowing me to have control of what is in focus and the depth of field within the image. After having this opportunity of experimenting with manual focus, I am more confident and I am likely to use this technique in future photo shoots. I also have discovered that I enjoy taking macro photographs, as I like showing the detail of my subject.
The Claude Cahun and Clare Rae exhibition were very inspiring, for a budding photographer to look at. You could see the clear link between the two photographers work, which showed how Rae has been inspired by Cahun. Both photographers had their own room which displayed their work. The photographs where printed on canvases and where hung on the walls of the room. The canvas sizes ranged in size and where hung randomly making them more interesting and unique to look at. I believe all photographs in the exhibition had a clear link to the theme and aim the photographer was trying to get at. Cahun’s photographs where taken roughly around the 30’s, where she could only capture photographs in black and white. Rae’s photographs are more recent, but she has been inspired Cahun, to make her photographs black and white and follow the same aims. This allows viewers to be able to see the contrast between old and modern day photography.
Claude Cahun
Claude’s first photograph which stood out to me was the one with the woman in the window. The image is presented in black and white which helps to create a cold feeling towards the image. The formal element of texture and shape, within this image, helps to create a sense of entrapment for the woman. The subject, main focus point, of this photograph seems to be the woman. She almost looks as if she is a doll placed in the window which makes it a bit sinister. The reflection of the scenic background on the window, also presents entrapment, as it seems like she is looking at something that she is not allowed. This image stood out to men as I felt an emotional attachment towards the subject of the image, making me more involved into the photograph.
Clare Rae
Clare Rae has clearly been inspired by Claude as it seems that she has recreated the woman in the window photograph. Although the two images are very similar there are many difference. One of them being that the overall photograph is much darker, and has multiple tones, making the image more eerie. Another difference is that the formal element of texture is not present, only shape. The woman in the window is like a silhouette staring at you making it seem ghostly. Another difference is that the woman seems to be the main focus point, however the image is almost out of focus also making an eerie atmosphere. This photograph also shows entrapment of a woman, in a similar but very different way.
Claude Cahun
Another Claude Cahun photograph which stood out to me was this interesting piece. The woman who seems to be mirrored in the center of the photograph seems to have created a distorted effect. She seems very uncomfortable through her face being placed on a rock. The technique of leading lines is shown through the body figure of the woman, helping to guide the viewers eyes around the photograph. The is a variety of tones in this black and white photograph which makes it more interesting and detailed for the viewer to look at. A cold temperature is presented which goes with the fact that the model is nude, which makes the woman seem stranded, creating an emotional attachment. The main focus point is the two bodies which is located in the center of the image. The two bodies also seem very close together which also creates a sense of entrapment.
Clare Rae
Clare Rae has taken inspiration of showing entrapment but in a very different way. She presented entrapment through the woman squeezing her body onto the cart in the archive room. The background is kept very simple, but also has items in which helps to present the context of the photograph. Rae has also used the leading lines techniques to guide the viewers eyes around the photograph. The eye starts at the front of the frame and the archive storage is used to make our way to the center and then towards the back. I believe that the main focus point of the photograph is the model on the cart. Her ‘office’ like clothing also presents the context of the photograph. The formal element of shape is presented through the cart and archive storage. Overall I really like the way in which Rae has presented the theme of entrapment in the photograph.
As shown above Rae has been inspired by Claude’s work, she has taken the same theme of entrapment but has explored it in a different way. Although some images are very much the same there are definitely some differences allowing us as the viewers to distinguish the work of both photographers. I really enjoyed visiting the exhibit as it inspired me to explore abstract in a very different way, and has shown me that black and white photographs can sometimes look a bit better than they do in color.
My edits within this project have been kept simple, to play on the idea of how basic capturing paper is. For all edits I leveled them to make them slightly darker or lighter and ensure that the tone and sharpness of the photographs where good. For some I then decided to turn them black and white and adjust the Hue to allow the creases in the paper to stand out. I also inverted some allowing texture to be presented. For some photographs I adjusted the blend mode which helped to create the cool effect. I also decided to try experimenting with the layers and blending options to create different effects. Most of these edits I believe where successful and I am happy with most outcomes, however there are a few photographs edits I do not think where the best but I left them in to show development and experiment.
For my first edit I started turning the image black and white. I then decided to invert the image which made black areas white and white areas black. I then changed the hue to a more green colour. Finally using the curves I made the image lighter creating noise in the photograph. Overall this edit has been successful in the fact I got to experiment with different tools on Photoshop. However, it is not my strongest edit.
This second edit, in my opinion, is my strongest edit as it shows a contrast in tones and is interesting for viewers to look at. To do this edit I started off by turning the photograph into black and white, I then adjust the levels to make the photograph seem darker than what it actually is. I then proceed using the paint brush tool to pain the background black allowing the main focus to be on the paper itself.
In my third edit of this photograph I decided to level the photograph to make it seem naturally lighter. I then turned the photograph into black and white and inverted it. I then changed the blend mode until it gave off this effect, which clearly shows the texture of the paper.
For my next edit I decided to use a different photograph. I carefully cropped the image to take away most of the background. I then turned the photograph into black and white and inverted it. Moving on I adjusted the curves to allow the different tones of the photograph to clearly be presented.
In this photo edit I wanted to clearly show the light which is beaming through the hole in the paper. I thought the best way to do this was simply turning it black and white which allowed the different tones to clearly illustrate the light.
Due to this simplistic photograph I decided to keep this edit simple. I simply adjusted the curves to allow the different creases and tones to be shown. I then decided to turn the photograph into black and white which has created this cool effect making the photograph more pleasing to look at.
For this edit I wanted to show the context of where the paper has been placed, thus I decided not to crop the image. To allow the texture of the paper to be shown in this image I simply turned the photograph into black and white and adjusted the curves to allow the mouth and paper to be clearly shown to viewers.
For this edit I wanted to capture the paper trapping the light into what looks like a tunnel. To do this I made the image darker than usual by adjusting the levels, this made the background black. I then experimented with different settings, however I believed that this was the most effective way to present the tunnel.
For my next edit I wanted to create a mirror effect. I thought the best way to do this is two duplicate the layer and increase the canvas size. I repeated this four times until I was given the effect. This edit now present the formal element of shape and repetition, which makes it more interesting for viewers to look at.
This next edit I wanted to make the photograph seem more ‘3D’ by adding in a blur. To do this I duplicated the layer and went under fx and changed the blending options. I deselected the green and the blue but left the red. Then I used the arrow keys to move the top layer which presented this effect. I like the way this edit has turned out as it makes the paper seem distorted and is more visually stimulating.
In my final edit I wanted to experiment with layers. I decided to duplicate the image layer and slowly decrease the size of it as I went along. This has made the subject seem further away than it actually is, making it almost seem like an optical illusion. I am really impressed with how this edit turned out as it has made a simplistic photograph seem more interesting.
Favorite Outcome
I really like the way this photograph has turned out. To begin with I have managed to present the formal elements of shape and texture within this photograph. Texture and shape is shown through the folds and creases on the paper. The Macro shot, taken from a straight on angle making it interesting for the viewer to look at. Moreover, I like how an element of 3D is created through the different tones of the paper. Also, to present tonal regions I decided to display this image in black and white. I decided to make the background plain to allow the viewers focus to be solely on the piece of paper located in the center of the frame. Moreover, I attempted to use Creed’s effect of using light to guide the viewers eye around the photograph on my image. I love the simplicity of this edit as it captivates viewers. Finally I believe this edit is my most successful due to the fact it is similar to Creed’s image.
Photographers use contact sheets to allow them to carefully select their top images. It also allows them to annotate the photographs on where they may want to crop the photograph, issues with photographs and photographs that they may want to further develop or use. Contact sheets are also used to present all the photographs captured on the shoot, which shows how the photographer went about the photo shoot. This way of displaying images is very useful for a photographer.
Coding System:
Green Circle = Want to further develop
Red Line = ‘Bad’ Photograph
Red square/line with lines = Where I would like to crop the photograph
Green L = Potential image I want to work with
Red arrow with points both sides = Rotate photograph
Martin CreedMartin Creed’s Simplistic Photograph Of Paper
Martin Creed has been one of my main inspirations for this mini project. He has managed to capture a piece of paper in an interesting. There are multiple element which has made Creed’s photograph inspiring. First of all he presents the formal element of texture, line and shape through the crumpled piece of paper. This also helps to outline the different tones within the photograph which creates an element of 3D. The shadow of the paper tells us where the artificial light source is coming from. Knowing this information will help to guide the viewers eyes through the frame of the photograph, starting at the lighter area of the ball moving to the darkest. Creed has kept the background of the photograph plain which ensures that the viewers eyes will not be distracted from the main focus point of the photograph, the ball of paper. Moreover, it creates space within the photograph as the frame is not filled. The image is taken as a landscape image at a straight on angle which helps to present the context of the photograph. The simplistic idea of Creed’s photograph makes it effective as he has taken an ordinary, simple object and made it something more interesting that what it actually is. In my eyes the camera settings that I believe Creed has used is: ISO 100-800 as there is no noise created from the lighting which has been used, a normal shutter speed as Creed is not capturing anything moving and the photograph is in full focus and an aperture of roughly F22 as there is a narrow depth of field. Personally I really like Creed’s photography as he has such a simple idea and object and has made it into something better. He has shown creativity to be able to think of taking a photograph like that. I also love the way he has used the artificial lighting to help guide the viewers eye around the frame, I think that this is very clever and I would like to try it when capturing my photographs.
Plan
Setting, Time and Place
The photoshoot will take place at Hatulieu school in the afternoon, allowing the midday sun to be used, which means I will be using natural lighting.
Aim
I want to use paper as my subject, to present a theme of still life photography. I will be using one sheet of paper and explore different ways I can use it to make an interesting photograph. This simplistic aim will allow me to explore and present my creativity. I would like to use a plain background to allow the tones and textures of the paper to be presented. However, I would like to capture photographs using a background which may be busier. To do this I need to ensure that the focus is on the paper, and the background is not in focus, which will not distract the viewer.
Camera Settings
ISO: 100-800
Shutter Speed: 1/500
Aperture: F22
Depth of Field: Narrow
Formal Elements: Light, Texture and Shape.
Thoughts and Feelings
I have a lot of different ways that I can manipulate the paper in my head, making the capturing process easy. I definitely want to experiment with light to not only create tones and shadows, but also using it to guide my viewers eyes around the frame of the photograph. However, when it comes to editing I am not too sure what I am going to do. With the editing I would like to keep it simple in order to match the simplistic theme of the project. Currently I am thinking about turning photographs black and white to really emphasis the different tones and shadows within the photographs I will be taking.
Aperture: ‘The opening in the lens.’ When we hit the shutter release button of the camera a hole opens up that allows your cameras image sensor to catch a glimpse of the scene you’re wanting to capture. The aperture that you set impacts the size of that hole. The larger the hole the more light that gets in – the smaller the hole the less light.
