I will print my below images on A3 – I believe this will work best due to the amount of things going on in each collage.
I chose this collage as one of my favourites because of how it shows the passing of time and age of my subject – by juxtaposing half of new and old photos I think the viewer sees more in each face. I also liked my use of different colour in this – using two black and white and one colour creates high contrast which I like.
I chose this collage as one of my final images due to the interesting composition that the mix of new and old images creates. I like the way the present day images are concealed in some way by an older image, which adds a sense of maybe a change in identity in the subject.
Out of all my work based on Joachim Schmid, I chose this as my final image. I love how the split between both my mum and nana’s face shows the similarities between each face, and the differences between 2 generations. I think this also a successful image because of its link to generational identity, which I was trying to show through my work.
I chose this collage as one of my final images because of its comment on age identity, as well as environmental identity, using images of my grandmother on her favourite beach, as well as older portraits of her. By contrasting these with a modern image of my nana, but concealing it slightly, I think I achieved a piece on the topic of environmental and age identity successfully.
I chose this as one of my final images because of the composition and arrangement of the images, but also because of the use of different types of images – Polaroids, documents and film. I also liked my use of the red document, with the date on, which I think adds to the idea of passing of time. I think the red colour of this image also adds contrast to the image and makes he other elements bolder, especially the polaroid and film picture with its white border.
I chose this image as one of my final outcomes due to its unique layout. I like how I made the split of two older images, with one modern and a slice of another archive image on top. I also like the layering that’s created, and how parts of my nana’s face are concealed in each image, but it’s still clear that it’s her.
Finally, I chose this collage as one of my final outcomes because of the comparison between 2 generations. I like that the older images contrast by themselves, with newer images kind of hidden underneath and disguised.
Set 2 – Abstract images and portraits juxtaposed
Below, I have created mock final outcomes in photoshop. For my actual final outcomes I will print my images out A4 size, then I will arrange them on mount-board or foam-board.
This is my best abstract image. I think it really shows parts of my grandmother’s identity, without showing her face which I think is quite unique for this image. I love the high contrast, B and W edit on this photo, and I think the vignette which I added really frames the hands. – The lighter tones also highlight the jewellery on her hands, which is good because this jewellery is very precious to my nana.
Final outcome mock up
I chose these two images together as I think they show two different parts of my subject. The left is showing very little about my subject, whereas the right shows a playful, inquisitive side. I put these two together because of their highly contrasted nature, but also with some light tones in each. I placed the image to the right in the position because it creates the illusion my subject is looking outside the frame which I like.
I chose to put these images together because they both have a reflective nature – they both picture my subject in thought, but with different shots. The left is much closer, showing much more of a physical identity. However the image to the right is pensive in a way. It pictures more of my subject’s surroundings, which reveals more of an environmental identity than the left. I think that this contrast between the two helps them go together nicely.
I chose to put both these two images together because of their great differences – however they both feature my subject’s hand. which draws them together. Also they both have a lot of white and grey tones. For example on the left in the hair, and on the right the colour of the blanket and throw on the bed. The image on the right is more secretive, which I like, whereas the one on the left is a close up, showing lots about the subject.- I think this contrast brings them together.
Virtual Gallery
After finalising my final outcomes, I created a virtual gallery of my favourite images. I did this by adding each image I want into a blank gallery space, and adding a drop shadow and stroke to make the images look more realistic, as well as using the perspective tool to change the angle of the image on the wall of the gallery.
I picked 5 main final images for the end result of the mock exam. I chose these photos as they included the best photos that I had taken as well as the best editing that was done to the photos. I believe these photos best fit the description of the task, identity, and are very good at portraying identity to viewers. My final images are placed next to an image of one of my chosen artists to show the visual comparison between the images.
Analysis
This image shows a persons different moods and identities that they can carry on their shoulders with them, and show off these different identities to different people. I was not inspired by any other artists to create this image, and used my own ideas to create it in Photoshop.
This photo on the left can explain that sometimes people can show 2 different faces or identities when among others, the multi exposure effect shows a happy face and a sad face which can portray that sometimes people may be feeling one mood, but putting on a mask of a different mood. I was inspired by the photo on the right taken by Claude Cahun. It also features a multi exposure effect which inspired me.
This photo on the left portrays the juxtaposition of identity, and how a persons identity can be distinguished differently from different perspectives of multiple people. I was inspired to create this image by the image of one of my chosen artists on the right, the different contrasts of the image interested and inspired me to create an image of my own which is similar.
This photo portrays how the media and news headlines can affect a persons views and identity, the headlines pasted on the face of major events and problems happening in the world show how the information can stick to someone and convert a persons identity. I was not inspired by another artist for this photo, but instead used my own ideas to create the image.
This photo can portray a persons single identity, and how someone who does not know them my view them from first glance. The photo on the right was taken by one of my chosen artist and helped inspire me to create this image, I found the image on the right very interesting which is why I chose it to compare to my image
Evaluation and Critique
For a first photography mock exam I have completed, I believe that I have done very well, although there were some things which could have been completed better. Firstly, I could have completed more photoshoots, I only managed to complete two photoshoots and took roughly 70 photos, which were narrowed down to about 25 photos, and then narrowed down once again after editing to about 10 photos (which I chose 5 of for the final images). With more photos, I would have been able to edit more photos and present more ideas for my final images. I believe that I chose a great artist to inspire me and compare my images to, as I found the artist very interesting. For the next exam, I will aim to take more photos so I have more content to work with to create better or more final images.
VirtualGallery’s
I created 3 gallery’s of my final images, 2 on photoshop and one on Artsteps as a virtual online gallery.
Over all I am happy with the final outcomes I managed to produce using my artist references and own ideas. My editing on Lightroom was straight forward but very effective as I think the images that I produced before editing were strong. I made many different edits for each of my final images until I was happy with the tones shadows and the feel that the images emoted.
my best image from shoot 1
my best image from shoot 2
Critique
If I could of done anything differently I would of taken more photographs in my second shoot as although i was happy with my images in the end the initial selection process was slightly challenging. I also wish I had used the studio for one shoot as it would of created sharper lines and made the images look more crisp.
This idea was inspired by the work of Carole Benitah and was my take of portraying geographical identity, as well as portraying the passage of time. Carole has a series of images where she has taken old family photos and either cut them up, or draw/sew over them to create unknown figures amongst a normal portrait or background.
To make my idea I used a photo from a small bay behind St Aubin’s fort called Belcrout bay, which used to be very popular for its diving stage during the late 1930’s, because its a place my subjects grandparents often visited.
I had more photos from the same photoshoot so it was easy to cut out a subject from the other photos as they had the same angles and lighting. After I had added him in and adjusted the colours I used the magic wand tool to select a portion of his body which I then used layer-via-cut on to remove them from the layer. I duplicated. I added in photos of old discoloured paper behind the layer. To finish it I used the marquee tool to remove sections behind them revealing the black and white layer I had created earlier.
I have created my second piece inspired by John Divola, an American contemporary visual artist. He has a series of images called “Zuma” where he goes into abandoned buildings in California at various times during the day and takes photographs from interesting angles and perspectives. He then goes throughout the house spray painting, creating graffiti, breaking things and moving objects around. He then goes around the house again taking more photos.
Some of Divola’s Work
“Divola’s works trace a schematic desire for escape, movement and transcendence. “
My “Zuma” Inspired images taken in a derelict hotel
I chose to base my images off this project as I had a good idea of how I could represent loss ofidentity through a visual representation of mental health disorder, specifically Dissociative Disorders, more specially Depersonalization-derealization Disorder .
I chose this image of a dark, dingy hotel room which was in a state of decay and falling apart which will represent someones head.
Selecting window
layer via cut
Once I had a clear view out the window I chose a photo which i thought would contrast the dim environment in the room.
My chosen image for the view
I added this photo into the project, placed it the layer below and cropped until it looked right and played with the colour settings until it fit in. To add the final part of the image I cut out someone looking out a window to represent personality/conscience.
Original
Cut Out
After adding them in I used the FX to create a drop shadow and used the smudge tool to create a waved effect around the border of the window which I think reflects the idea of it being set in a brain/head quite well.
Final Image
Overall I think this idea came out very well and looks how I was trying to make it look. It looks similar to John Divola’s work but portrays a slightly different message in a more cryptic way.
My first piece is a montage inspired by the work of Jim Goldberg. Goldberg photographs sub-cultures creating photo collages, including text with his photographs, often written by his subjects telling some sort of story about an element of their life which is often quite depressing or just hard truth. He makes these pieces to highlight the gap between the rich and the poor and pretty much provide a semi detailed insight into ordinary people and their identitys.
Goldberg’s Work
Mid Photoshoot
He mostly uses black and white photos with a few exceptions with straight on portraits of people often in their homes or places of significance to them. His photos come off as dark and a bit depressing as they are basic with not much to them, on top of a white background. He then asks the subjects to write out something about their life, their feelings, their situation etc which provides a personal addition to the piece and is what really gives it the deep meaning.
For my collage I went to my local skatepark and photographed a skater in different settings, while trying to portray their personality and identity as much as possible. I also added in a seperate piece consisting of a close up his hands which was inspired by one of Goldberg’s other pieces, as I then printed out and wrote a quote from my subject (as Jim had) about why he tries the same trick for so long, as Jim had.
Pictures Used
Once they were all in photoshop I created an A2 project, colour levelled each photo, added them in and spent a while adjusting their positions and sizes based on their relevance. I took these photos at night with flash and so they all have the the same tone which looks good on the montage. This is the final piece however I am going to be printing them out and adding them to an A2 board which I will be writing on and around the photos in the style of Jim Goldberg.
A Diamond Cameo photograph created by Henry Mullins
A Diamond Cameo image is a collection of portraits of the same person taken at different angles and arranged into a diamond shape, usually with the side images having the model face in an outwards direction and the top and bottom images being either a straight-on shot or slightly turned to the side. The images used in a Diamond Cameo also have no shadows, which is likely a result of the natural light used in studios at the time.
My own examples
My attempt at a Diamond Cameo image
This is an experiment on a diamond cameo image which takes the ‘Diamond’ concept in the name further.
Evaluation:
I like the idea of taking the classic diamond cameo layout and experimenting with it to create something new and more intricate. However, I don’t think the images I used fit the role in a diamond cameo sequence too well, so next time I will try and cover all of the angles so it can be more successful.
Sequences/Grids
A contact sheet in one of Henry Mullins’ photo albums
A sequence or grid is simply a collection of images usually in a standard order which can be organised in whichever way the photographer chooses. This organisation can help create storytelling by connecting the pictures through similarities or other patterns.
My own examples
For this sequence I wanted to differentiate natural shape and form in plants at the bottom and the man-made shape and form in buildings at the top, as well as colour with four black and white images on the left and four colour images on the right.
Juxtaposition
Mike Terry
Mike Terry is a New-England, Australia based photographer/filmmaker and anthropologist who has worked in several countries such as the UK, US, India, Germany, Haiti. He has worked as a visual and online producer for filmmaker Yulia Mahr’s studio and is currently a visual producer for the school of environment and rural science in New England.
A juxtaposition or diptych created by Mike Terry
A clear example of a Juxtaposition
Juxtaposition is placing two or more images together that are different from each other, but have links made by these differences. These differences can be in colour (in the example above there is a difference in colour, but they make a link as they use complementary colours), shape (both are triangular shapes), lighting, poses, etc…
My own examples
I chose these images because I like how the two outside images are black and white, while the image in the centre is filled with colour. I chose the image on the left because the model is a gardener, which links to the image in the centre and I chose the image on the right because the model is holding an apple, which could suggest that the model had collected that apple from the same place
I chose these images because I thought the use of complementary colours, as well as the fact that both images use a collection of paper as their subjects, gave the image a link together. I also like how there is a sense of time in this image, with the image on the left looking more modern than the image on the right.
I used these images in this juxtaposition because they have a harsh difference in colour and tone, especially in the background. I like how both the model on the left and skull on the right are looking in the same direction.
I chose these images because I think that the images work well together as they use the same facial expression but make use of different backdrops and clothing on the model. I also like how the model’s distance from the camera has gotten closer between the two images, with the left showing less detail on the face than the one on the right.
Evaluation:
I enjoyed experimenting with multiple images as it allowed me to look at connections between them, rather than within a singular image. I think I understand the concept well and I am happy with the way the images turned out, however (at the time of writing this) I felt like the options I had from the photographs I have made were few.
Multi-Exposure
Man Ray
Man Ray was an American 20th century painter and photographer who produced a variety of major works in the surrealism and Dada art movements. He mainly worked in Paris, and while he worked there he rediscovered the camera-less photogram method of photography which he named Rayographs, he used this method to create many famous Dada images.
Multi Exposure refers to a singular image which has been created by either exposing a singular piece of film to two or more images (analogue), or by stacking two or more images on top of each other with different opacity/blending settings (digitally). Usually these images are created with the same model in different positions, or a singular model with a landscape image exposed with them, both creating a surreal and unnatural image.
An example of an image with multiple exposures
My own examples
My own Multi-Exposure images using different blending options
Evaluation:
I like the way these images turned out, the use of different blending options gave me a lot of different possibilities when editing, which I think I will develop in later photoshoots. Next time I think I should incorporate more colour into this type of editing to see what effects can be made.
Photomontage
John Stezaker
John Stezaker is a British artist who is best known for his collage works that distorts the face of the model, using another portrait or landscape image. His work has been described as surrealist and correlates to the pop-art style.
A photomontage is an image that has had other images placed on top of it to create an unnatural scene, this can be done digitally with software such as photoshop where you can cut parts out of an image using the tools provided, or it can be done in analogue, using printed/physical images that are cut out with some sort of knife or scalpel. As the images used are usually different, there will be different lighting, colours, etc… which, when put together, creates unique, unnatural images.
Another example of a photomontage
My own examples
My own photomontage images. I chose these because I like how the black and white/darker images pair nicely with coloured or lighter images, it creates a natural contrast.
Evaluation
I like the way these images turned out, as well as how each is slightly different from one another. I think my favourite is the one with the hooded figure with paper covering its face, as it has a sense of mystery behind it. I think a photomontage could be an interesting concept to return to for later work.
for my final images I wanted them to also be black and white in order to keep them similar to my artists work by playing with softer daylight and shadows on multiple colour backgrounds it will help the tones of the images to vary just like Francesca woodman’s work. And to help stick with the theme of loss of identity
by having only 2 images with darker shadows it allows me to portray a better story as they slowly become darker as the loss of identity occurs similar to Woodman’s later work where tones and shadows were much deeper than in her early projects.
I wanted these images to have a timeless feel as the tones are varied and they leave the images up for anyone to interoperate in their own way.
final images after Lightroom
Reworking ideas
for my reworking I went on photoshop and played around with multiple layers to create some more
Comparison
Both mine and Woodman’s work have an almost awkward layout with the objects in the image I think I managed to give my image a feel of her work through the lighting and camera settings I also used a double exposure to emote her other work which is often taken with a slow shutter speed.
However my image is slightly softer than Woodman’s hers shows a deeper insight into her identity as a person as it is a self portrait.
Here I have recreated one of Koike’s pieces of work using photoshop. To make this piece I took two original images of my dad and brother, edited them so make them monochromatic and them took triangle sections from my dads eyes and placed them over my brothers face to create a weird optical illusion. the fact that my dad has so much more facial texture than my brother makes for an interesting image as contrast is created through the difference between smooth and uneven skin.
Furthermore, I like how these two pieces are so similar yet so different, as Koike’s piece is composed of three different people whilst mine is only made of two, but, they both still link to the idea of family identity. I think that the second piece in this gallery is the most successful as the tones are subtle, even though this isn’t as much like Koike’s work, I still think that it came out as a good artist reference as it clear I have mostly copied his work. In addition, I took his style of image and created it in colour, but it think the texture in this image isn’t as visible, so it lacks depth.
Yoshikatsu Fujii
I have combined two old family photographs, one from my mums side and one from my dads. I created this piece by placed these images into Photoshop, then taking a image of an red string from google and placing in it the middle, so it would look the same as Koike’s. The main reason for me recreating his work is because I am intrigued by his ‘Red String’ project, which is based on the distance in his family after his parents separation.
Red String project
Here I have selected two images of my grandparents when they were young, one from my mums side and one from my dads. On Photoshop I cropped both of these images, cropping out some people that weren’t as influential to me and my parents lives, so I was left with less of my family members. Afterwards I used the brush tool, adjusted the side using the bracket keys, and took many attempts and drawing a line down the middle to represent the string in the image above, as there was no images that were useful on google.
The idea behind this piece is that my dads side of the family would contrast with my mums, the piece on the right is composed of photos of my grandad, dad, uncle and brother. Whilst the right is of my uncle, aunt, and mum, the red string from my dads side not connecting to my mums, the message of this is to represent how these sides of my family are so different, and you can even see which facial features my dads side of my family share.
