Link to Digital Photobook

Here is a link to a digital version of my photobook.

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I think that this project and the final pieces I got out of it are a good note to end my coursework on. This project has shown me ways in which I have improved as a photographer since my first few projects on the course, such as the Hamptonne and Identity projects, I feel like my photographs now are of a much higher quality than they were then, due to my improved knowledge on camera handling/techniques as well as a refined aesthetic style. I have also learned new skills and explored new techniques on this project, such as night photography. In particular, I think the best part of this project was experimenting with night photography; it was a completely new way of taking photographs and using coloured gels and artificial lighting to light up the scene I photographed worked well with my interests (this and previous projects makes it quite clear that colour is one of my main focuses when it comes to photography). I also enjoyed constructing the photobook, I had some experience with zines in the past having made two previously, but this gave me the freedom to use as many images as was reasonable.

What went well:

To me, I think my photobook was a success, I was able to create intriguing page spreads which (most of them) have a connection to another page spread elsewhere, making the whole thing feel connected together. I feel like my night photoshoot was successful in the end, despite the first shoot not going as planned, I feel like the way I was able to learn from my mistakes and make even better images, which only made me enjoy the outcomes from that specific shoot even more.

How I can improve:

In terms of how I can improve to prepare for the final project, I feel like I could improve on how I plan photoshoots that link with the concepts that I have on the project better, I don’t feel like I did a particularly bad job at planning in this project, but I can always improve it to make better links within the project as well as the final piece.

Comparison to my other project:

It would be worthwhile comparing this project to my previous Anthropocene project, as it has a very similar theme to this current one, as well as the fact that the final outcomes are fairly similar aesthetically (and thematically as a result of the similar prompts). I think this project has a greater variety of the types of images I took than the Anthropocene project, in this project I was able to capture natural and urban landscapes, still life/object and night photographs, as such my final pieces and photobook are more interesting in that regard. I also feel like my images from these shoots, after looking back on the Anthropocene project (which I consider to be one of my strongest), were of a higher quality, I felt like the framing in particular gave my images a more professional look.

Here you can see the similarities between the two final images, in this project I wasn’t as focussed on the colour of the image, but it does have a lot more colour than the original image.

Final Images

These are the images I consider to be the best from this project, I will be using these images to create my final pieces that are separate from my photobook:

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Final Pieces

I will be making three final pieces out of those images, one of them will have a sequence of four A4 images, and two will have a sequence of two A5 images, both pieces will be on a black backing.

These final prints were inspired by the image on the cover of my photobook. I edited the images in the same way that I edited that image – using the ‘cutout’ filter on Photoshop and increasing the saturation to make it pop.

These are the images that I edited:

This is how they look after I have edited them (using the cutout/saturation method):

For my final piece using these images (including the image I used on the cover of my photobook) I would like to arrange them into a sequence:

This is how I would arrange them, I think this arrangement works as the lines in each image point towards the centre of the page. I put the two similar leaf images together as I thought it would make the sequence less erratic.

This is what the sequence would look like with a black backing, I think I will try to create something similar with my final piece. Unlike the next final piece, I don’t think using white foam board will ne necessary as these images are far brighter than the ones used in those, so it will reduce the effect of using the images with the black background to create contrast.

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My next two final pieces will be laid out with one image above another in a sequence.

This is how this piece will be laid out

Here is what I would like the final piece to look like – I have decided to use black as it allows the bright parts of the image to stand out more.

This is an example of the layout with a white boarder on the images to separate the images from the black background – I think this will make my images clearer, so I will use foam board as a primary backing for my images and then mount that on a black board to create the image.

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For the third piece I will do the same as the last piece:

Here is the layout of the images

This is what the sequence looks like with a black backing

This is what the final piece will look like, once again using foam board to separate the image from the black background.

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Virtual Gallery

Here are some screenshots of my final image depicted in a virtual gallery setting

These are the settings I ended up using for my photobook, I like the feel of hardcover books and the image wrap will allow the image to appear on the front cover. I chose portrait as it fits the resolution of my images (especially on a double-page spread) better.

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I started designing my photobook layout by first creating each page spread individually, without proper concern as to what went where at that point in time. However, I did take into consideration what spreads had already been made, so I could create a pattern of symbolism/motifs and the layout of the pages (for example each spread with a pigeon on it is made up of two images – the pigeon and a landscape from a Bhamra shoot, as a way to contrast them).

In this image you can see the final layout of my photobook. I tried to make my layout as symmetrical as I could (in terms of what images are placed where), which is something I have done for each zine/photobook I have created, as it allows me to visualise the sequencing of my images and ensure consistency.

I eventually decided that black pages on my zine would be more effective than white, as it will allow the brighter points in my images (for the night images especially) to contrast better. The three grey page spreads at the end is where the essay will go (shown below).

Key Page Spreads:

Here I will explain my thought process behind the key page spreads (those which have repeating motifs/meanings – one from each).

These spreads came from the symbolism with tree branches and scaffolding poles. To me they both look similar, the branches and the way they point towards the sky shares a resemblance with scaffolding. The two could also represent similar things, but in different contexts, such as growth, construction, etc., as well as support (for us scaffolding acts as a way to get to the top of buildings to help fix or build something, while a tree branch could be the location of a bird’s nest as an example). At the same time, they represent very different things, scaffolding – the growth of humanity, and a tree – something which is often destroyed to allow that growth, this dynamic was interesting to me so I decided to visualise it in my book.

The spreads involving images of pigeons and a colourful landscape setting represent the contrast between the organic and synthetic in a nutshell. To me the pigeons represent isolation within an unwelcoming and unnatural world, as well as a dependence on humans as a result, while the image of the natural world is depicted as being free and safe from disturbances. You would expect these birds to live within the natural setting, however, as shown here that is not the case – there are no animals to be seen in that landscape. I have also used colour symbolism to represent this, the pigeons within their urban setting are black and white, while the natural world is depicted as colourful to an almost exaggerated extent.

Here I have juxtaposed a scene that was not tampered with by myself (which involves elements of the natural and man-made), with an image of a scene created by me, comprised of synthetic plants and materials representing nature. Both images could represent the same thing – the contrast with the natural and synthetic, however paired together it could be taken to another level: the scene I found could represent something organic, while the scene I created could represent the synthetic.

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Implementing the Essay

Having created the photobook, I will now put my essay into the pages at the end of the photobook, so that it does not disrupt the flow of the main photographs. The essay was separated into 3 page spreads, each page translating to one paragraph, this is how it looks in the photobook:

Front/Back Cover

For the front cover (and back) I will be using this image from the Bhamra-inspired photoshoot as a wrap around:

As the image is fairly detailed with lots of lines and details, I want to edit it to make it easier on the eyes. To start I used the ‘Cutout’ filter on Photoshop to make it softer. I like the way this filter makes the image makes the leaves more angular and sketch-like, to me it blends the idea of the organic leaves becoming like synthetic, angular leaves seen in decorations.

Here are two variations of this, each with a different level of detail (I chose to use the more detailed version):

Next I increased the saturation and contrast of the image slightly to make the colours and shadows pop more, making it appear more lively:

Here are some experimental edits of this image using different colours:

I will be using the original version (with pink leaves and green flowers) for my photobook.

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This is what the cover looks like within Lightroom:

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Title and Text

Next I decided to focus on the title for the cover – where it would be on the page, the colour, the text, etc. I decided that white would be the most appropriate as it looks professional and is easier to see with the image behind it than black.

After searching through the fonts on Lightroom, I found this font called ‘OCR A Extended’ which I think fits with the front cover aesthetically, as well as the theme of my project, as the font reminds me of a classic CLI (computer) font.

I experimented with the ‘tracking’ slider on the font settings, which increases the spacing between each letter.

Here is where I experiment with the placement of the title on the cover:

I think the version with the text being right aligned at the top of the page fits quite well (I will use this as the final layout for my book).

I don’t think that putting the text at the bottom of the image will be as effective, as that is the point in the image where it is the lightest.

Next I worked on the spine of the photobook:

I used the same font as the font used on the front cover, this time I used full-caps as I think it makes the font easier to see and makes it different. The title of the book is aligned to the left (top) while my name is aligned to the right (bottom).

Final Cover:

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Front Page

For my front page I put the title of the book in the centre of the page, using the exact same font and sizing as the front cover.

Here I have added a black and white version of the image on the front cover at 7% opacity so it is not fully visible, which I think gives the front page a nice effect.

I decided to add this photoshoot as I would like to add objects around my photos that have a connection to the individuals in each image. I feel that this will add for to the photobook and helps to enhance the narrative of my book creating in-depth stories for each person.

Contact Sheets

Below are some contact sheets which display ornaments which I felt have a connect to some of the people I will be showing throughout my photobook. I have used different colours to pick out the best photographs out of my collection, these are the most clear and defined so it will be easier for me to edit them onto a different background in photoshop.

Photoshop Editing

I will be transferring the still life images onto a black background in photoshop as this will be the colour of the paper in my photobook. I think that this is the easiest way to create the desired look that I am going for. For this I will be using the paint bucket tool in Lightroom to fully colour the background, I will then use the object selection tool to outline the ornament to transfer it onto the background.

Evaluation

I wanted to include different objects which portrayed part of the subjects personality throughout the book, I had taken photos of different ornaments which I thought would help convey a more throughout narrative. In the end I did not end up including this idea into my photobook as I felt that it would make the pages look to busy and untidy. I also had changed the background colour of my pages to white as I felt it fit with more of my images that were being used.

Editing –

Black and white –

To begin the process of creating my photobook, I wanted to experiment with turning all of the photos which I had selected into black and white. This is because there was a lot of different colours and tones in each photos where they were quite strong in colour, or neutral based tones. By turning them into black and white it made them appear to be all similar, which I liked as it gave it a ‘uniformed’ effect and the different tones/colours which were present previously were now controlled.

Examples –

Here are some examples of images which I changed into black and white, for the first two images I found that I had preferred them when they were in colour as they had distinct colours in them which I thought brought the photos to life. This made me go through my photos once again and analyse which ones I thought were best to keep in colour and this added a variety into my work that I really like.

Final images –

Here is the final set of images which I have decided to use to create my photobook in Lightroom. There is a variety of black and white photos as well as coloured photos. The reason why I have chosen to do this is because the images where there are a lot of different colours/tones in them made the presentation of the images together look messy and unorganised, such as of trees or people. This is compared to the photos which I have decided to keep in colour, such as landscapes or close ups, these photos are ones that I have decided look better in colour to add a range of images into my work and break up the uniformed look of my photobook. I really liked the idea of having the use of black and white photos as well as colour because I think that it adds a layer of creativity into my work where the surroundings look plain but the images which are in colour reveal what it actually looks like and the bright, unique and colourful tones which can be found in all of the places which I have explored and how nature can form beautiful formations and colours that many of us do not appreciate.

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Designing the layout –

Sequencing –

To begin the process of creating my photobook, I printed out my images into 9x13cm photos and laid them all out on the table. This made it easier for me to effectively organise how I wanted my images to look in my photobook as I could group or pair them up easily with each other and decide which ones I wanted to keep as standalones. How I decided which ones I wanted to pair together was through pictures that I thought looked as if they were a pair, such as; a fishing boat and a sign about fishing or a photo of a person who’s gaze looks as if she is looking at a picture of a bird.

Layout in Lightroom –

To keep a secure and tidy flow throughout my photobook, I made sure that I kept to using around 4/5 of the same page spreads that I would alternate between throughout my photobook, these were:

• An portrait image on a page with a large white border.
• A landscape full page spread.
• A landscape image on a page with a white border.
• A portrait full page spread.
• A 3/4 page spread.

Reoccurring layouts for page spreads that I have used –

I was really happy with the layout and placements of these spreads which I used within my photobook as I repeated them all 2-4 times to create a steady flow throughout of image placement in my photobook, this is because it makes my work look more organised in the layout which is better than having a lot of different spread designs which makes it looks messy.

Title experiments –

These are my title experiments which I was experimenting with for my photobook, I changed the placement and font’s which I used to help me decide. I began with; “Nothing’s ever as it seems”/”Noting is ever as it seems” which related to not knowing what nature is really like and how unexpectedly unique it can be where I placed it in the top right corner as there was not a lot in the photo going on there to distract yourself from the title. Then I used the title “Adventures of the muddy paws” which related towards my dog, who is featured throughout my photobook, and how her muddy paw mark is seen on my sisters leggings within the photo as my dog is discovering new places where she has never been before in Jersey. The placement of this title I kept in the same place as the previous one to begin with, but I didn’t really like this so I decided to move it down a little bit and alter how it is perceived by changing the font’s size below and moving the placement of the letters so that the top line said ‘Adventures of the’ and the bottom line says ‘muddy paws’ to separate it which helps you to recognise the subject of the photobook.

Finally, I decided that I was not sure on any of the front cover titles which I had thought of, due to not being sure on a front cover picture as well as I kept changing it, so I decided to name it “Everyday is an adventure.”. I really like this title because I think that it represents that my photobook is about showing how beautiful and unique the natural landscape/weather can be and how the weather can completely alter how a landscape is seen whether it be sunny, rainy, windy, etc.

Front cover experiments –

After deciding on the title “Everyday is an adventure.”, I decided that I did not want to use a picture which I had taken for my front cover, seen by the 5 different options that I had chosen to use as options above. Therefore, I decided that I wanted my photobook cover to be primarily plain in a green colour with an extra detail in the middle of the page that represents nature, the primary theme of my photobook, this is where I began a process in photoshop with deciding what to use..

For this process of creating a front cover, I began by bringing my images which I wanted to experiment with into photoshop. To decide on what photos I wanted to use, I began by choosing images which were of different textures and could ne seen as quite abstract in how they appear. Then I brought in a duplicate layer, just in case I did not like the design I had decided, and another layer which I would colour in with a different shades of green to decide on what looked best. I ended up choosing a picture of some leaves which I had done a close up photo of and using a darker green colour. Then I selected the ‘filter gallery option’ which brought up a selection of experimentations of different textures that completely transformed the original photo. The image which I decided to use is the last image which you can see above, I chose this design and colour because I thought that they both work well with another, this is because the filter which I had selected to use looks as if it has a shine on it, and the leaves outline can still be seen very subtly which I really like because it shows nature yet in a way you might not expect.

I opened a blank book and started inputting images in order to further refine my image choices and to create a structure in the book.

I started by just randomly inputting my final images, finding colours that are similar in tone and presenting colour contrasts such as deep blues contrasted with dark oranges.

I knew what images I definitely wanted to be in a sequence, such as the sea images which have an almost turquoise colour, then the deep blue of the sky and cyanotype then the rich colours heavily contrasted by the black and white.

For images like the one above I have decided I am going to put the actual object in instead of editing it in, to further the sense of a diary. All the white spaces left in the book will be physically written on with a black pen once the book is printed

When deciding what I wanted my end and beginning pages to be I wanted to have busy, colourfully rich image so I used my textural images

I do not have much regularity in the layout of my images on a page however there is regularity in the way the images are presented- with there only being full page spreads, one two page spread and the only gaps being left to be written in either being below an image or down the side.

I had to decide some design choices such as the size, the cover and paper type- I chose for the book to be in standard square format with a hard cover including matte paper

I feel as if this design is quite successful- I like the reoccurring theme of warm colours such as the “textural” pages at the beginning and the end. I do not feel as if the images “flow” however this was not exactly what I wanted, I like how the images where green is the most prominent colour almost disrupt the flow of warm into cold colours.

Contact Sheets

Below is one of my contact sheets from my first photoshoot, these are recreations of an older photo which I think is a clear representation of how friends can turn into family. There are also images of my brother in his rugby uniform as its also a recreation of a image from when he was much younger in his first football uniform, I wanted to show this transformation as its able to show time development in my photobook. I have had to edit these quite a bit as the lighting was bad due to these being taken at night as well as in a house with Christmas lights.

Contact Sheets 2

Here is the contact sheets for my second photoshoot, these are group photos of friends who have developed into family as they provide the same support that a ‘normal’ family would. These have better lighting then the ones above but still had to be edited to make them look better for my photobook.

Editing

As the lighting was under exposed and had a pink tint to it I have to increase the contrast and slightly decrease the exposure this was to try and cancel out the underlying tint, I also adjusted the tint setting. I found that it was hard to edit these images as I feel that they were not well taken as well as taken in bad lighting.

Evaluation

Overall I do not think that these were successful photoshoots which is why they have not been used in my final photobook. I found it difficult to find the right lighting as they were taken inside with the first photo shoot being done in the evening. Even though these images have not been used i do like the composition of these photographs as they do portray the classic family portrait but I didn’t feel that they were good enough photos to be displayed in my final piece of work.

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While starting to make my photobook I decided I wanted to make it slightly smaller and into more of a photo zine as I had been focusing on specific photoshoots and edits. A theme in my book is showing coastal points in jersey before and after the tide changed, as well as capturing the horizon over the coast.

I tried to keep the first 4 pages in a similar style in order for them to flow off of each other – but I included 1 variation to keep it interesting to look at

The last photo contrasts the first 3, however, upon turning the page it links into the following photo as the tide appears to “rise” under your hand.

This part of the zine is where I introduce my edits, however I decided to change the bottom 2 spreads around as it makes more sense for the images to flow into the sunset.

I decided to end with this photo as it completes the zine’s transition from daytime into night.

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Final Layout

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Link To Photobook on Blurb