The term ‘iconic’ can be defined as something or someone that is widely recognised or well-established, usually relating to a wider subject or matter such as a certain ideology or movement. In terms of photography, an image can be iconic in the same way, as it captures a certain time, movement, event or artistic style. Iconic images can be recognisable regardless of time and how old they may be.

In my opinion, any image that accurately represents an event or certain movement, whether political or artistic, can be described as an ‘iconic image’ as it serves as evidence for that subject/ event. In addition, the media theorist, C S Pierce, also defined an ‘iconic sign’ to be ‘A physical representation of what it stands for’. Meaning that any image (signifier) that accurately represents an event (the sign) could be labelled iconic.

This idea, would therefore make most images, especially candid, iconic images as they are representative for what they are displaying. However, many of the images that are defined as ‘iconic’ are ones that are heavily politically charge, conveying a strong message to its viewers. Therefore, a key component that WOULD make an image iconic would be the context behind that image, when was it taken, why was it taken and who is in the photo? Are there any metaphorical messages? what does the image represent – what themes are present? And finally, is the image reactionary or radical?
(does it support or oppose the dominant ideologies)

For example, the following viral image was taken by Reuters photojournalist Dylan Martinez.

In this images there are many controversies and themes present. Overall, I would describe this image as Radical, as it goes against the dominant ideology of the white man being superior, as here it is evident that a black man is actually saving a white man – the roles ‘reversed’. One reason this image can be defined as ‘iconic’ as it represents change and strength; the man (ex-police officer) was attending a far-right demonstration, but is being saved by a man that he has strongly discriminated against. Instead of fighting against him for opposing him, he is trying to save him, a powerful message which also makes the image iconic. Evidently, this image is candid, not staged, taken in real time, expressing real and raw emotions.

Therefore, In order to answer the question ‘What makes an image iconic?’ there is a certain key that may help analyse images. Political conveyances, Any metaphorical messages, Power, Change, Conflict, Style (Candid) and primary context such as Who, What, When, Where and Why. All of these factors can be used to analyse an image in order to determine whether it is iconic and if so, how much. Overall, an iconic image may depend on the viewer, based upon their ideologies and societies influence on them on person may be emotionally moved by the top image however, some may not be and may oppose it.

George Carteret Statue –  Sir George was a prominent investor in the Company of Royal Adventurers in Africa, which dealt in slaves as well as gold and ivory; owning over 12,000 slaves.

The former Constable of St Peter, John Refault, stated that ‘protesters were wrongly trying to impose today’s values on historical events.’ However, the links that George Carteret had with slavery and racism, although they may have been ‘the norm’ for that time period, only serves as a reminder for the terrible history, actions and consequences that racism still creates today. As a form of protest against this statue, and the many others like it, many have ‘vandalised’ them due to what they stand for or represent.

COLONIALISM – The policy of a country/ nation attempting to retain or extend its current authority over other territories or people – Usually for economic terms. Colonialism is the subjugation by physical force of one culture by another – a colonizing power – through military conquest of territory and reconstructing the relation between the two cultures. It predates the era of European expansion (15th – 20th centuries) and extends to Japanese colonialism in the twentieth century and, most recently Chinese colonization of Tibet.

Between 1500 and 1800 Holland, England, Spain, Portugal and France all practiced colonial campaigns motivated by the profits that could be gained by occupying less powerful nations in Africa and the Americas and exploiting their resources.

Colonising powers often justified their treatment of indigenous populations by asserting that those from the colonising nation were somehow naturally ‘superior’ to native peoples.

During the slave trade European colonising nations treated black Africans as a source of labour, to be bought and sold. The transatlantic slave trade is often referred to as ‘The triangular trade’ as it consisted of three journeys – each journey forming one side of a triangle.

• One side of the triangle was formed by the journey from Europe to Africa, carrying manufactured goods such as cloth, glassware, guns and ammunition

• The second side of the triangle was called ‘The Middle Passage’ which took an enormous toll on the slaves who were forcibly shipped from Africa to work on plantations in the Americas and the Caribbean (see the information sheet ‘About Slavery’)

• The third side of the triangle saw the transport of sugar, rum, cotton and other goods produced by plantations to Europe.

Black Lives Matter Movement – #BlackLivesMatter was founded in 2013 in response to the clearing of Trayvon Martin’s murderer. Black Lives Matter Foundation, Inc is a global organization in the US, UK, and Canada, whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes.

Racism – Racism can take many forms, it can be described as prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against a person, group or culture on the basis of their membership of a particular racial or ethnic group. Racism can also be the stereotyping of people suggesting that they posses distinct characteristics, abilities, or qualities, especially so as to distinguish them as inferior or superior to one another. Although racism may not be as obvious as previous years/ decades it is still an issue in today’s society and can take many different forms, one reason for this is due to a lack of education in the matter through schools/ education systems.

Racism has existed throughout human history. It may be defined as the hatred of one person by another — or the belief that another person is less than human — because of skin color, language, customs, place of birth or any factor that supposedly reveals the basic nature of that person. It has influenced wars, slavery, the formation of nations, and legal codes.

This graph is from the post – ‘Trends in racial attitudes’ –

Useful Sources –

#BlackLivesMatter

Race, Racism and the Channel Islands

JEP Report

Racism Locally –

George Carteret Statue –  Sir George was a prominent investor in the Company of Royal Adventurers in Africa, which dealt in slaves as well as gold and ivory; owning over 12,000 slaves.

The former Constable of St Peter, John Refault, stated that ‘protesters were wrongly trying to impose today’s values on historical events.’ However, the links that George Carteret had with slavery and racism, although they may have been ‘the norm’ for that time period, only serves as a reminder for the terrible history, actions and consequences that racism still creates today.

‘There are all sorts of ways in which we live our lives today that have evolved over the years, and things that were formerly acceptable no longer are,’ he said. ‘You can’t justify them, but they were the norm at that time.’ I don’t believe that this statue should be allowed to be there exactly due to the links it has with racism, slavery and prejudice, although in the past, it prevents us as a society TODAY from moving forward and trying to prevent racism as a whole.

Expressed in film/ music/ photography –

Hidden Figures demonstrates how these women, especially Johnson, were able to ascend through NASA. Though it wasn’t because their white colleagues suddenly decided to stop being racist, but because it was in NASA’s interest for them to do so. The insults and indignities that black residents of Virginia, and black employees of NASA, unremittingly endured are integral to the drama. This true story is used to emphasize the (previously hidden &) crucial work the black community did for NASA and the ‘Space Race’.

Common – Letter to the free

• Used to raise awareness for racism and its past and present effects on society
• It is in black and white, emphasizing how colour shouldn’t matter
• Common is an Oscar and Grammy award winning hip-hop rap artist who wrote Letter to the Free as a song for the soundtrack to the ‘The 13th’ – A documentary by Ava Duvernay named after the American 13th amendment
• His output is highly politicized, existing in the context of a variety of social and cultural movements aimed at raising awareness of racism and its effects on US society (Black Lives Matter)

Artist – Jahi Chikwendiu

I keep hope, but I have lost all faith that this country will ever appreciably cleanse itself of deeply entrenched racism. Its barrage is constant and unavoidable warfare.

The images here are intended to be sirens: startling alarms to wake us from internalizing the myth of white supremacy and the reality of racism, which has led us to blind, deafen, silence, even choke ourselves. To refrain from internalizing racism’s offerings is to give ourselves better chances of breaking the surface of racism’s murky depths, like lotus flowers blossoming skyward.

Lorna Simpson – Five Day Forecast 1991

– Formalism – Abstract –

– Definitions –

Formalism – Formalism refers to a way of creating, viewing and interpreting art that focuses on the visual elements and principles of design, disregarding politics, historical context, content and the artist. Formalism at it’s core focuses on the form – Shape, colour, texture and line – the visual components that make up the image.

Abstraction – Commonly referred to as ‘non-objective’ or ‘experimental’ photography, is a way of portraying a visual image that does not have an immediate or obvious association with the external world and that has been created through the use of photographic manipulation, equipment or materials – taking the key object of the image out of it’s original context.

– Formalism Moldboard –

Formalism photography focuses on shape, colour, texture and line – the visual element that make up an image. This allows the viewer to interpret and relate to the image on their own basis as there is no focus on any political or historical contexts, allowing them to create their own. A key artist related to formalist photography is Albert Renger-Patzsch –

– Albert Renger-Patzsch – Artist Research –

Born in Wurzburg, Germany, 1897, Albert Renger-Patzsch’s photographic career first started in 1924 through producing the images for the first two books in a series titled Die Welt der Pflanze. He later became an independent photographer, presenting his own photos at different exhibitions.

During the period of WW2, Patzsch was appointed as the head of the department of pictorial photography of the Folkwangschule in Essen, however Nazi takeover of the arts forced him to leave after only a short period in the role. A bombing in 1944 destroyed his residence and most of his archive at the Folkwang, after this he concentrated on his own photography.

Patzsch was one of the pioneering photographers in the ‘New Objectivity’ movement; its aims to engage with the world as clearly and precisely as possible.

There must be an increase in the joy one takes in an object, and the photographer should be fully conscious of the splendid fidelity of reproduction made possible by his technique

Albert Renger-Patzsch

Patzsch believed that everyday objects were taken for granted, and their beauty commonly disregarded. His work exemplifies the aesthetic of The New Objectivity that flourished in the arts in Germany during WW2. Renger-Patzsch believed that the value of photography was in its ability to reproduce the texture of reality, and to represent the essence of an object. Or, in other words, show its natural beauty.

– Image Analysis –

This image is from Albert Renger-Patzsch’s project called ‘The World is Beautiful’.

As an image that falls under the ‘Formalism’ genre of photography, the key idea of this project, and therefore this image, is to express the beauty of everyday objects by focusing on – Shape, colour, texture and line – the visual components that make up the image, rather than hidden messages the image may suggest.

As seen in the photo above, the glasses each have their own shadow all facing the same direction, suggesting that the light source could be natural sunlight or a source of one-point lighting in order to create the effect. However, seen as this specific style of photography focuses on exposing the beauty of everyday objects, the most likely source of light is probably sunlight. The close-up image focuses mostly on the shadows created by the glasses, rather than the actual glasses themselves which could refer to a more broader meaning for ‘everyday object’ – as when exposed to light, every object will create a reflection or shadow. Due to the time Albert Renger-Patzsch’s was producing his images, the technology wouldn’t have been as advanced as modern technology, explaining why his images are all negative/ Black & White, however, due to the lighting and shades produced it can be seen that this image (if in colour) would of had quite a warm temperature hue – also due to the natural sunlight.

A the glasses are the only objects in the image, it is clear what Patzsch wanted the viewer to focus on – the glasses as well as their shadows – fairly ‘normal’ objects. However, the combination of the different, shape, size and type of glasses create different lines and patterns in the shadows; creating a form of leading line, as the subject tends to follow the flow of the shadows.

– Plan –

– Contact Sheets –

– Edits/ Ideas –

For this edit, I first began shooting on my iPhone in Noir mode as it allowed the different visual components in an image to be more prevalent due to the contrast in colours. On Photoshop, I used the exposure tool in order to brighten the flower as well as the few in the background. I then used the brightness and contrast tool to remove any noise/ over exposure created through the exposure tool. Finally in order reduce the amount of negative space in the image, I cropped the top, allowing more of the image to be filled with the flowers.

For this idea, I tried to follow the abstract formalist theme by exposing the different visual aspects of the image through the use of contrasting colours. Firstly, I adjusted the exposure and levels of the image so the lines and sails stood out against the sky. Next, in order to further brighten the background I adjusted the colour balance, increasing the blue hues to brighten the sky. After this I made a second version of the image and converted it to black and white so that the visual objects stood out against the sky, I then created a third image in which I inverted the colours to create three final outcomes.

– Light and Tone –

– Definitions –

Light – In photography Light can be used in multiple different ways in order to reflect and highlight different patterns and colours. Light can also be used in different positions and angles in order to cover and create shadows over subjects, objects or any visual elements that make up the image. Lighting is key in an image as it can also be used in order to create atmosphere and convey multiple messages, ideas and feelings towards the viewers.

Tone – Tones are key in images, dark tones correspond to shadows, light tones correspond to bright or highlight areas.

– Light and Tone Moldboard –

– Artists –

– Ray Metzker – Artist Research –

Born in 1931 in Milwaukee, Ray Metzker was highly influenced by the avant-garde movement that had developed in Europe during the 1920s. This artists used black and white photography in order to explore alternate realities and the effect of light and tone through the contrasting colours and shapes.

Sadly, Ray Metzker died in October 2014 at 83 in Philadelphia.

– Ray Metzker Image Analysis –

This image was taken as a part of Ray Metzkers project – ‘City Whispers’ 1981. This is a key example of light and tone photography, using both bright, medium and dark tones in order to create juxtaposition. By taking advantage of natural light and man-made structures.

In order to correctly show the light in the image as well as the darker, shadowed corners, this image is fairly under exposed. The main part of this image, the section of light, draws in viewers due to the contrasting colours, the light area can be seen as a symbol of hope, further reinforced by the majority of people who are standing in the light.

– Photoshoot Plan –

– First photoshoot- Shadows –

Edit –

For this edit, I first used the ‘Spot healing brush tool’ in order to mask any out of place lines, shadows and reflections. I then used the leveling option in order to darken the image, exposing the source of lighting due to the contrast between the shadows and light background. I then adjusted the exposure to further darken the image. Finally, I converted the image to black and white, similar to my example; this also allowed the darker components of the image (e.g shadows) to be further emphasized.

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– White Paper –

Edit –

For this edit I aimed to try and maximize the amount of contrast between the shadows and white background. In order to do this I adjusted visual elements such as the levels of the image, the brightness and contrast of the image and the exposure and off-set. By adjusting these e.g by turning up the exposure and reducing the off-set, the shadow appears a lot darker and heavy especially due to the light background. Finally, I turned the image to black and white to further emphasize the contrast.

– Surfaces –

– Definitions –

Surfaces – The outside/ top layer of something. The outer face, outside, or exterior boundary of a thing; outermost or uppermost layer or area – Any face of a body or thing: the six surfaces of a cube. The outward appearance, especially as distinguished from the inner nature.

Texture – the feel, appearance, or consistency of a surface or a substance – what a surface may appear to look like and how it feels.

– Surfaces MoodBoard –

– The Boyle Family – Artist Research –

The Boyle Family is a group of collaborative artists based in London, Mark Boyle and Joan Hills began working collaboratively in 1957, with their two children Sebastian, born 1962 and Georgia, born 1963, assisting them later on in their careers – they became known as ‘The Boyle Family’.

– Photo Analysis –

The Boyle Family’s photographs are commonly subjected to the collision of two or more contrasting surfaces, patterns, textures and colours such as evident in the above image. This urban style of photography allows for multiple opinions and ideas to be drawn. For example, the composition of the image consists of two differing surfaces, one of bricks and the other of tarmac. The natural yet dull colours and lighting of the image further express the reality of the photo. The meaning of the photo, though, can be seen as a metaphor for people who may build guards up in order to protect themselves, or used to support the phrase ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ as the reality may be completely different (expressed through the more complex pattern underneath the tarmac surface.

– Photoshoot –

– Ernst Haas –

– Shape & Colour –

– MoodBoard –

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– Artists –

– Mauren Brodbeck –

Mauren Brodbeck was born 1974 in Geneva, where she currently lives and works.

Brodbeck uses her art in order to creating unique reinterpretations of everyday objects and buildings; further emphasized through the bright colours that she uses. The artists current work focus on the concepts of identity, authenticity and territory, exploring the gap between reality and fantasy; frequently re-imagining common experiences to reshape stories and emotions.

– Image Analysis –

For this project, the artists removes large buildings from their origin and replaces them with bright colour blocks. This use of colour and harsh shapes allows the artist to create contrasting compositions and realities; showing the possibilities and beauty in everyday objects that are usually disregarded.

This project can also be used to highlight man-made structures, ones that we are so used to, causing us to imaging the world without them. In addition, the solid colours can also create other meaning depending on their connotations. For example – the bright blue used in this image has connotations of faith, truth, and heaven which link into the messages the artist wants to convey.

– Minimalism –

– MoodBoard –

– Artists –

– Franco Fontana –

Franco Fontana was born in Modena on December 9, 1933, with his first solo exhibition in photography launching in Modena in 1968.

Fontana’s images follow a similar minimalist trend, using bright colours throughout simple yet emotive landscapes or buildings/ structures.

– Image Analysis –

I chose this image as it conveys key aspects of a minimalist image such as subtle lines and a complimentary colour scheme but also because it creates quite a nostalgic feelings.

The pale/ dull colours of the image all connote feelings of tranquility and calm whereas the light in the center of the images has connotations of warmth and comfort. The light which falls at the center of the image follows the ‘rule of thirds’; as it is central it is what we as the audience are most drawn to.

In addition to this, the light can be seen as a signal/ sign for hope due to the contrast with the slightly darker/ duller hues. The low angle the image was taken also gives the photo a 1st person point-of-view, as if seen through the viewers eyes which creates the nostalgic feel. The vignetting effect created at the corners suggests the image is slightly under exposed, which would allow the lighter area to be visible rather than too bright and over exposed.

– Matthieu Venot –

Matthieu Venot, also following the minimalist genre, uses different, objects, buildings, colours and structures in order to create different layers and illusions to his images.

For example, in this image, it is clear due to the contrasting colours that there are 4 key layers. The first being the blue gradient (sky). The second being the containers – the shadows signal that the layers are one single composition. The third layer contains the bird and the street light due to the closeness between their hues and saturation’s. Finally, the fourth layer consists of the pink building, made up of pale pink/ yellow/ white hues.

Mood Board

Definition

Identity – the fact of being who or what a person or thing is; the individuality of one person, which makes them ‘different’/ unique/ themselves.

Ones background/ environment/ upbringing are all factors which contribute to identity, as they shape not only the person but also their ideas and belief system. Identity isn’t just the physical appearance of a person but also their personality, their past, their future and their ideas which is why factors such as gender, culture, society and stereotypes can also affect and change someone’s identity, they may change (or not) in order to adapt too and follow societies dominant ideology of the time – what’s popular/ trendy/ what others expect you to think and feel.

Artists to Research

Carole Benitah, Francesca Woodman, Lucas Simões, Arnaud Jarsaillon and Remy Poncet of Brest Brest

Photoshoot Plan –

Themes – Loss/ Lack/ Hidden identity – disguise, cultural identity/ individuality

Ideas – Formal photoshoot – shoulders + above, empty room – high shutter speed to capture all subject movements, environmental ‘styled’ photos (not candid)

Print – Images on photo paper then burn/ place other object on top of them and re-take the images.

Lighting – flash lighting to minimalize the amount of shadows that are created over the subject face/ body, for outside shoots = natural lighting (morning/ midday times) as there is more natural/ exposed light during these times

Editing – Brush tool in Photoshop to mimic an embroidery effect/ actually sew then retake the images. Double Exposure = link to cultural(?) (Photoshop)

What – Images of people individually or using objects to mask/ disguise their faces.

Who – Similar to the artist, Carolle Benitah, I am going to use old family photos and use newer images to combine both. As well as using the Lucas Simoes burning effect to represent fading memories and how memories form ones identity.

Where – I am going to use the studio for more formal photoshoots, for the Alban Grosdidier inspired shoot I will use a bathtub and for others I am going to use everyday object/ surroundings to disguise the subjects.

Why – By combining these techniques, a representation of a loss of identity will be created.

Image Selection – Green = Good Quality, Amber = Medium Quality, Red = Least Quality.

Photoshoot 1 – Studio

Photoshoot 2 – carolle benitah

Photoshoot 3 – Alban Grosdidier

Photoshoot 4 – Fence disguise

Edits

Idea 1 – Inspired by Lucas Simoes

Idea 2 – Inspired by Arnaud Jarsaillon and Remy Poncet

Idea 3 – Inspired by Alban Grosdidier

Idea 4 – Inspired by Carolle Benitah

Evaluation

Direct Response To Alban Grosdidier

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For my Alban Grosdider inspired ideas and photo shoot, I used a bright light which allowed a shine/ reflected to be created from the ripples on the water. When comparing my results, I did take more of a surreal approach with some images containing three faces where as the artists style is quite natural. However, by getting the subject to move around in the water almost candidly I was able to capture similar expressions to that of Alban Grosdidiers subjects.

Final Images –

What is Creative portraiture?

Not only focusing on the subject, creative photography is an exploration of the human mind and feelings as well as society as a whole. Therefore, creative portraiture artists frequently combine the past with present and explore different forms of physiology and philosophy. Probably the most important aspect of creative portraiture would be the use of modern technology in order to distort the subject and image; this form of editing on the photograph allows this type of portrait photography to differ from most other sub-genres of portraiture.

Artist

Photoshoot

Photshoot 2 – Studio

Light Photo-Shoot – Low shutter speed edits

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Tyler Spangler Inspired Edits

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Technique

Define and present examples of Tableau Vivants – Translated as ‘Living Picture’, Tableau Vibants is a fixed scene containing one or more models, usually using props or costumes in order to emphasis the reality of the scene but also the modernization of the original scene – representing change in society and ideas.

Dictionary Definition – Tableau Vivants – A silent and motionless group of people arranged to represent a scene or incident.

Dictionary Definition – mise en scène – The arrangement of the scenery, props, etc. on the stage of a theatrical production or on the set of a film.

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chiaroscuro paintings Inspiration –

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To achieve a similar effect to that of the original painting, I first used the quick select tool in order to select the background, I then used the leveling and brightness tool to make it completely black. To try and make the yellow fabric covering her hair more ‘matte’ I used the spot healing brush tool to smooth out any bumps or creases. To achieve the cartoon effect, I used the filter gallery option – ‘poster edges’ – which allowed the bright areas to be dramatically bright and the dark areas to be dramatically dark. This also allowed for the subjects darker side to be faded out (with the help of the spot healing brush tool) due to one side being very bright as I used a one-point lighting technique to get an effect similar to chiaroscuro.

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Street Photography Definition –

Also referred to as candid photography, street photography focuses on unique chance encounters of people during every-day life (public).

Street Photography Intro –

Sharing some themes with candid photography, street photography is a vehicle used to record everyday life in a public space (street), most of the time without the subjects knowledge in order to increase the photos reality. First emerging in the 19th century, Eugène Atget photographed the busy streets if Paris, and it’s major change in weather. Although, Henri Cartier-Bresson is most known for popularizing the sub-genre street photography and ultimately Photo Journalism.

Many of the ‘original’ or most know street photographs are in black and white, in contrast to how we see the world, which could be to allow more political messages such as the effects of war to impact the viewer rather than bright colours which could distract from the serious/ intended message. However, during the 1960s and more recently, street photography does emphasize bright colours in order to show change and modern society and life.

How I edited my images into a glitch effect –

This edit and effect was inspired by artist such as – Sophie Calle and Henrik Malmstrom, photographers who purposefully reduce the quality of their images in order to make a ‘CCTV’ effect, which I tried to replicate in this idea.

In order to gain the glitch effect I used a few techniques from the website which I linked below, where I used the rectangular maquee tool in order to select an area of the image and then move it slightly to distort the image. (I repeated this multiple times copying the selected area onto a new layer each time) I then merged ll of the copied parts of the image and selected blending options and unticked the ‘R’ button so that these sections were coloured. Finally, I changed the main image to black and white and increased the levels, noise and sharpness of the image in order to reduce the quality.

Useful Sources –

How make a glitch effect in Photoshop

Ode to Surveillance

Final Outcomes –

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