For my first (and likely other) photoshoots, I would like to respond to Chrystel Lebas’ work by taking landscape images within a woodland setting. For this project I would like to explore areas I have not photographed previously, as this will help me focus on this current project. I will photograph the valley near my home, which has an abundance of woodland, streams, etc. and would be a good location for this photoshoot (below are some images from google maps of this location):
What?
I will take images of the forest setting that depict a sense of danger in their composition, lighting and atmosphere. My images will mainly conclude trees, leaves, twigs/rocks/dirt on the ground, water and maybe animals. I will aim to make my images simultaneously appear dark, yet have a sublime/romantic tone, in a style similar to Chrystel Lebas.
Where?
I will start my photoshoot in the valley, which contains a large amount of woodland and would provide a suitable spot to take images akin to Lebas’ images.
When?
I aim to take the images around the golden/blue hour, this is so I can get scenes similar to a romantic/sublime painting with bright sunset lighting, but also the darker, dangerous aesthetic. These times will also allow for my images to be more aesthetically pleasing due to the lighting at both the golden and blue hour changing the tone of the image, as well as how shadows are affected by the light.
Why?
My main theme for this project is the sublime, taking pictures under my interpretation of the sublime in nature, I think the valley is large enough and contains what I need for my idea of the sublime. Specifically, my idea of the sublime is a grand landscape with vibrant colours, with an almost divine aesthetic, very similar to how classical painters interpreted the concept.
How?
I will take close up shots showing the smaller details of objects/scenes within the woods, as well as wider shots showing the larger scale of nature. I will use a tripod as the lighting will be darker, which will allow a slower shutter speed.