Photomontage is the process and the result of making a composite photograph by cutting, gluing, rearranging and overlapping two or more photographs into a new image. It is often used as a way of expressing political disagreement. It was first used as a technique by the Dadaists in 1915 in their protests against the First World War. It was later used by the surrealists who explored the possibilities of photomontage by using it to bring together widely contrasting images, in order to reflect the workings of the unconscious mind. In 1923, the Russian constructivist Aleksander Rodchenko began experimenting with photomontage as a way of creating socially engaged imagery exploring the placement and movement of objects in space. Other artists who have used this technique are John Heartfield, the German artist who reconstructed images from the media to protest against Germany’s Fascist regime and Peter Kennard; whose photomontages explored issues such as economic inequality, police brutality and the nuclear arms race between the 1970s and the 1990s.
JOHN STEZAKER
John Stezaker ( 1949 – ), is a British conceptual artist. His work is surreal in tone and is often made using collage and the appropriation of pre-existing images such as postcards, film stills, and publicity photographs. Art historian Julian Stallabrass said, “The contrast at the heart of these works [by Stezaker] is not between represented and real, but between the unknowing primitives of popular culture, and the conscious, ironic artist and viewer of post-modern images.” One work included in an exhibition at Salama-Caro Gallery, London, in 1991, depicted an image of a punch clock together with the caption “Why Spend Time on an Exhibition Like This?”.
Studio lighting is an essential part of most photographer’s work, as it allows them to create an effect which can be either natural or artificial. A photographer’s choice of lighting is an integral part of the composition of their photographs, and can be the difference between a good image and a bad image. Studio lighting in particular can be manipulated in so many different ways, allowing the photographer to create a numerous amount of images just by changing the lighting.
Rembrandt lighting is a standard lighting technique that is used in studio portrait photography and cinematography. It can be achieved using one light and a reflector, or two lights, and is popular because it is capable of producing images which appear both natural and compelling with a minimum of equipment. Chiaroscuro is the use of contrast in light and shading across an entire image composition. It is a technique that creates a three-dimensional quality in images on a two-dimensional plane. Chiaroscuro lighting was developed by Leonardo Da Vinci, Caravaggio, Vermeer, and Rembrandt.
MY RESPONSE
FINAL IMAGES
I have selected these three photographs as my final images because I think that they best show the Chiaroscuro lighting technique. The shadows being cast across my subject’s face fall in a triangular shape, which creates a three dimensional effect. I had my light set up on one side of my subject’s face and I switched sides regularly in order to create and explore different angles and shadows. I decided to use a colourful plastic sheet over an L.E.D. light instead of a spotlight because I wanted as much of my subject’s face illuminated as possible, but still with the shadows being cast over one side of her face. Additionally, I think that the colour adds a slightly modern touch to the old technique, and makes the photographs appear more vibrant and full of life. I chose the red and blue colours because they gave the best visibility through the camera lens, and were the most contrasting in tone.
Henry Mullins was a portrait photographer known best for introducing professional photography to Jersey, after moving from London in July 1848, and setting up one of the first photography studios on the island. This was known as the Royal Saloon, located at 7 Royal Square. He promoted his business to Jersey locals by pricing his portraits at “one half of that in London”, half a guinea.
Mullins’ photographs have been preserved and stored online by https://societe-jersiaise.org/photographic-archive with his collection amounting up to 9600 images. Mullins was well known for printing his portraits on carte de visite paper, which was popular due to its small size, allowing friends to trade them amongst each other.
A technique often used by Mullins were the diamond cameo portraits, in which four different portrait angles were taken and printed onto one card, in the format of a diamond.
Diamond Cameo portrait of Philip Baudains, taken by Henry Mullins.
Analysis
Mr Bolton, photographed by Henry Mullins in 1849-50
This sepia toned image taken by Henry Mullins displays a Mr Bolton, almost a year after Mullins set up his business. This is said to be of a very high quality for its time, due to the fact that it captures facial details such as wrinkles and shadows sharply. In addition, here Mullins has showcased a strong contrast between light and dark, with the black suit Mr Bolton is dressed in and the bright tone of his skin.
For this portrait it appears that Mullins has chosen to use a two point lighting technique, allowing for little to no shadow behind the subject or around his face. The way in which Mullins has framed this image demonstrates a half body shot of Mr Bolton sitting down, also leaving little empty space around the subject, as the background is not important for the viewer of the photograph.
Photo-Shoot
Plan
Contact Sheet
Edited Images
For these two point lighting photographs, I started editing them by decreasing the brightness slightly, meaning the images wouldn’t be over exposed, and then increased the contrast allowing for a sharper image. I also used the dodge tool in order to make the facial highlights brighter, and to brighten the backgrounds of the photographs.
Diamond Cameos
In order to create these diamond cameo edits, I used the elliptical tool in Photoshop to cut out an oval shape from four of my best images for each person. I then copied these cut out sections and dragged them onto a blank A4 page, and arranged them into a diamond format. For my second diamond cameo edit, I also added a sepia tone over the cut out images, by using a sepia image from the internet and blended it over the top of the photos.
I chose these images as my final images as I felt these where my strongest images that fitted into the candid/street photography idea. I liked these images as they were all people in the moment and unaware of the images being taken which means I captured them in their candid moments. I decided to put all my final outtakes into black and white as that is what a lot of street photographers had their images in black and white and I felt it throughly captured the image the best.
Lighting in an image is such an important factor, it can not only determine how bright or dark an image is but also how different the mood or atmosphere is. Studio lighting is used because it allows us to manipulate the lighting of a photograph to create a desired texture, vibrancy or shadow on our subject. Studio lighting also allows photographers to experiment with different styles and perspectives when capturing an image, it is important for them to be able to photograph abstractly and naturally.
1 Point Lighting – This style of lighting involves just one light, the key light, which is the main light source that lights up the subjects face. Images taken using 1 point lighting usually contain lots of shadows surrounding the subject, this is due to the singular light providing the only highlights in one specific spot. This lighting style can create very dramatic and abstract images due to the contrast between the bight highlights and dark shadows.
Rembrandt – Chiaroscuro Technique
Rembrandt Portrait Paintings
Chiaroscuro is an art and photography technique which shows a bold contrast between light and dark. It is an Italian term which translates as light-dark, and refers to the balance and pattern of light and shade in a painting or drawing. Painters of the Renaissance and Baroque periods used this technique to create a dramatic atmosphere in their work to interest and excite their viewers. For example, above are two paintings by the Baroque painter Rembrandt, who used Chiaroscuro to illuminate one side of his subjects face- therefore leaving the other in shadow creating an impressive dramatic image. Rembrandt’s contrast between light and dark was inspirational throughout the baroque period, many other artists produced similar paintings such as Caravaggio and Johannes Vermeer.
Peter Lindbergh
Peter Lindbergh (1944-2019) was a German fashion photographer and film director. Considered a pioneer in photography, he introduced a form of new realism by redefining the standards of beauty with timeless images. His humanist approach and idealisation of women sets him apart from other photographers as he privileges the soul and the personality. Lindbergh is considered to be one of the most influential contemporary photographers to date and his use of Chiaroscuro in his images produces a mysterious atmosphere which intrigues the observer greatly.
Peter Lindbergh | Natalia Vodianova | Vogue Italia, May 2003
Lindbergh uses Chiaroscuro in this image to create a cinematic shot that captivates the observer. He has clearly used 1 point lighting to illuminate the left side of the model’s face, which produces a dark shadow on the right. Additionally, Lindbergh’s images are black and white which furthers the mysterious mood created by the deep shadows falling across the model’s face. The tonal range in this image is limited to a main white highlight, grey mid-tone and black shadow- with the darkest point of the image in the background. This black background produces negative space in the photograph, emphasising the focal point of the subject by allowing her to stand out against it. Furthermore, the harsh contrast between light and dark in this image creates several sharp lines. For example, on the models nose we can see a straight dark line formed by the Chiaroscuro lighting. The composition of the image is not abnormal to those usually printed in a vogue magazine, as the subject is directly addressing the observer through eye contact straight down the camera lens. Also, the model’s eye contact with us creates an enticing atmosphere in the image, supported by the secretive shadows that surround her.
Photoshoot Plan
Who – I plan on photographing a friend who has done modelling in the past in hopes of capturing images with more professional poses. Additionally, my model will be comfortable in front of the camera so will be relaxed when experimenting with different angles and poses.
What – I will attempt to photograph my model using Chiaroscuro, letting shadows fall across her body, face and the background of the photograph.
Where – My plan is to do the photoshoot in the photography studio in school as the professional lighting equipment will allow me to create the Chiaroscuro images more easily and effectively.
Why – I am going to produce this photoshoot in hopes of broadening my knowledge of using studio lighting and shadows to create different moods and atmospheres in my images. I also wish to experiment with lighting techniques and take inspiration from Peter Lindbergh’s work.
How – I plan on using 1 point lighting with a spotlight to create most of my Chiaroscuro images, I wish to experiment with changing my camera’s white balance and ISO settings whilst also changing the whiteness of my lighting to find the most effective lighting colour.
Contact Sheets
Selected Images
Final 1 Point Lighting Portrait
I have chosen this photograph for my final 1 point lighting image as I believe it shows a successful example of chiaroscuro and the abstraction of using a singular light. I produced this image using a spotlight to create the 1 point lighting set up, I had the key light positioned to the left of my subject and angled slightly below their chin pointing upwards. This therefore produced dark shadows surrounding the subject and falling across the right side of their face as my key light was close enough to her that it limited the highlights falling anywhere else. I believe this manipulation of shadows has created a mysterious atmosphere as the limited light connotes the idea that the subject is being consumed by the darkness. Additionally, with the subject not having direct eye contact with camera lens it forms a cold and disconnected aura in the image, almost as if she is looking away from the light because of a darker temptation. I experimented with changing my white balance to ‘daylight’ so I could manipulate the image’s lighting to look like ‘golden hour’, however after consideration I re-took my image with the automatic white balance as the warmer lighting didn’t reflect the desired cold atmosphere. Similar to the work of Peter Lindbergh, my solid black background allows the subject to stand out clearly. However, there are still moments in my photograph where parts of the subject blend with the shadow, for example as she is wearing a black vest it creates the impression she is being absorbed into the background. I think that I have succeeded in creating a dramatic image using chiaroscuro and 1 point lighting as my contrast in light and dark alludes to a clear story and produces a mysterious atmosphere.
Experimenting With 3 Point Lighting
3 Point Lighting – This style of lighting in photography involves 3 main sources of light usually in 3 different positions. The main light sources used are a key light, fill light, and backlight. In 3 point lighting images, in order for the subject to not blend with the background, the backlight is used to separate them. 3 point lighting is one of the most popular lighting set-ups in photography as it allows the photographer to clearly illuminate their subject and limit the amount of shadows created around them.
During the photoshoot I also wanted to experiment with using 3 point lighting to minimise the amount of shadows and see how it changed the atmosphere of my images. My plan was to keep the singular spotlight to the left of my subject, while also adding a ring light in the middle and a LED panel light on the right. I experimented by using warmer tones in one light compared to colder in the others to see how it would effect the image’s composition of shadows.
Final 3 Point Lighting Results
It is clear that by adding 2 more lights to this photoshoot it creates a completely different mood in the images. Before, the dark shadows surrounding and engulfing the subject created a secretive mysterious atmosphere. However, now by adding the ring light and panel, the photographs are brighter and clearer for the observer. This change in lighting created a more playful happy mood, nevertheless I still wanted to experiment with the subject’s facial expressions to see if I could change it further. By having her make direct eye contact with the camera lens while sitting in relaxed positions, it shows the subjects confidence and lets her connect with the observer. I angled the camera slightly above her eye-level to prevent the idea that the subject was looking down the lens in an intimidating manor. Instead, I believe this additional lighting and engagement with the observer creates a more laid-back atmosphere and a welcoming mood.
Candid portraits is a photograph captured without creating a posed appearance, as the person who is in the photograph is unaware that it is being taken. A candid portrait photograph is one of the most simple types of portraits to take. Similarly street photography is also very simple as you can capture one doing everyday things or even something people normally wouldn’t do.
PHOTO PLANNING:
Who – I’m going to take photos of people that are unaware of me capturing them
What– I’m going to take photos of people who are doing everyday things such as walking through town
When– I am going to conduct the shoot over the next week going into several different places.
Where– I am going to take my photographs town, cafes,
Why– I’m taking these photos to capture people in there everyday life which will make the photos more interesting as well as have more meaning to them
How– I’m going to take these photos in natural lighting or artificial and make sure the people in which i’m photographing do not notice I am taking a photo.
MY PHOTOS:
MY BEST PHOTO:
I feel as if this was the best photo in which I have taken as its more focused on the people in which I have captured rather than the non-focus of the background. The lighting of this photo is natural which adds clear perceptive and details to the photograph.
Candid photography is photography taken without the subjects knowledge or without eye contact.
Danny Santos – UntitledBen Roffelsen Photography – Cycling in the SnowAmlan Sanyal – The Priest
I like the images above because the first two have a good depth and are in black and white. However i like the last image as the background is both colourful and blurry and his eyes are very colourful and the whole image is different from the first two as it is extremely vibrant.
Henri Cartier-Bresson
Henri Cartier-Bresson was a French humanist photographer who has been called a master of candid photography. He viewed photography as capturing a decisive moment. He was born on August 22nd 1908 and died on August 2nd 2004.
Children in Seville, Spain, photograph by Henri Cartier-Bresson, 1933. Henri Cartier-Bresson/Magnum
I like the image above because it gives a sense of realism and a completely natural environment in which the children are playing and are unaware of his camera. The children are portrayed as being wild as they are playing in a street which would not be used as a children playground. The street seems to be abandoned with rubble on the floor and broken walls. Also the image has been framed by the broken wall to shows that the children playing are in their own world.
Bill Owens
Bill Owens was born in 1938 and first became interested in photography in Jamaica. He was drawn to the works of 1930’s documentaries. In 1967 he got a job as the staff photographer of a small local newspaper. He worked Monday – Friday using 35mm camera and during free time on Saturdays and Sundays, he took photos for his own “Suburbia” series. It was finally published in 1972 and it sold 50,000 copies throughout 3 editions.
Bill Owens’ photograph of Richie Ferguson in 1971
I think the image above is one of Owen’s strongest portrait images because it really links to the idea of the American dream and the youth of when the image was taken. It shows a small child on a ‘Big Wheel’ tricycle. He is also holding a toy gun of some sort and is wearing a very stereotypical cowboy outfit paired with the boots. He also looks like he is guarding his area with his gun and tricycle.
My Interpretation
Best 5
Final Image
I have chosen the image above as my final attempt at the street photography and candid post. I like the image because the handrails are blurred and create a leading line to frame the image. The worker is operating a roller machine which compacts the sand/ dirt and the machine, high viability jacket, handrail and sand all are both natural and man made colours. The subject is to the right of the image using the rule of thirds and the man is the main focal point of the image.
A head shot or headshot is a modern (usually digital) portrait in which the focus is on the person. Head shots are used in many different ways, for example actors, models, and other performers are usually required to present a range of head shots alongside their portfolio and CV when applying for a job. This is so their employer can see exactly who they are ( i.e. age, ethnicity, etc. ). It is therefore important that they are taken in the right and most flattering way.
THOMAS RUFF
Thomas Ruff ( 1958 – ) is a German photographer who has been described as ‘a master of edited and reimagined images‘. In 1974, Ruff acquired his first camera and started to experiment, taking shots similar to those he had seen in many amateur photography magazines. During his studies in Düsseldorf, Ruff developed his method of conceptual serial photography. He began photographing landscapes, but while he was still a student he transitioned to the interiors of German houses, with typical features of the 1950s to 1970s. This was followed by similar views of buildings and portraits of friends from the Düsseldorf art and music scene. Between 1981 and 1985, he photographed 60 half-length portraits in the same manner: passport-like images, with the upper edge of the photographs situated just above the hair, even lighting, the subject between 25 and 35 years old, taken with a 9 × 12 cm negative and, because of the use of a flash, without any motion blur. The early portraits were black-and-white and small, but he soon switched to colour, using solid backgrounds in different colours. The resulting portraits depict the individual framed as in a passport photo, typically shown with emotionless expressions, sometimes face-on, sometimes in profile, and in front of a plain background.
MY RESPONSE – ACTION PLAN
WHO – My plan is to take photographs of my friends as they are easily available for me to shoot.
WHAT – I will be taking deadpan photographs in order to portray a ‘passport’ effect.
WHERE – I will take these photographs in the lighting studio against plain black and white backgrounds.
WHEN – I will be taking these photographs at the earliest opportunity in order to allow myself more time to edit and finalise my images.
WHY – I will be taking these photographs in order to showcase my knowledge and understanding of portrait photography.
CONTACT SHEETS
FINAL IMAGES
I have selected these two photographs as my final images because I think that they reflect Thomas Ruff’s work the most accurately. For example,e I have taken these photographs against a plain white background with my subject facing directly to the camera. My subject is placed in the middle of the photograph in order for there to be an equal amount of space and depth on all sides. I experimented with different angles and distances, such as shooting from up close to a few steps back. This allowed me to ensure that my photographs all looked as unique and different as possible, whilst still staying true to Ruff’s work. I edited my photographs using PhotoShop; firstly I sharpened them by selecting the filter tab, then sharpen. I then adjusted the vibrance by selecting the image tab, then adjustments, then vibrance. I slid along the scale until I was happy with the end result.
Photo montage is the process and the result of making a composite photograph by cutting, gluing, rearranging and overlapping two or more photographs into a new image.
“Ole Christiansen is known for his covers of Euroman and record covers of bands such as Sort Sol, TV2, Thomas Helmig and many others. His visual signature is unique and differs by a very graphic look.”- His profile from Profil : Ole Christiansen
Main inspiration
Setup
We had a blue gel on the key light so that the subject had a blue hue and a red gel over the back light so there was a red circle in the background which some could interpret as a halo.
The two colours merged together on the screen meaning there were no harsh lines and they made purple which allowed the colours to smoothly gradate.
Contact sheet
Best Images
These are my most successful images because they aren’t blurry and have a balanced contrast of light and shadow.
The first image I think, is my most successful image. It is also the photo that is most similar to Christiansen’s image that is displayed earlier on in the blog post.
The model is looking away from the camera into the distance and the light is focused on the center of his face creating a shadow on the left side of his face and neck.
Experimenting with Photoshop
I wanted to layer two of my images so I went into Photoshop and used the magic eraser tool to get rid of the background of the image. Then I zoomed in so that the background was completely erased and only the models body was visible.
I used ctrl T and dragged the image onto the other and went through the options and the final blending option I chose was Luminosity with opacity at 72% and fill at 73%.
I’m very pleased with how the image turned out and how the two images blend in together. The two image contrast each other; the background image is of the model with a straight face, and the second image layered on top of that is of the model more relaxed with him leaning forward and smiling.
