In formalism the Design, Composition and Lighting are dominant over Subject Matter. The photographer becomes a visual designer whenever a frame is captured.
In my work I believe I focus on the idea of formalism in the way the image is dominantly made up of bold lines shadows and tones, with elements of heavy texture or even the lack of texture.
here are some examples of my work from my first photoshoot in which I believe my work shows a heavy inspiration from formalism.
Whilst editing my first set of image i wanted to experiment with different colours but also black and white, but overall focusing on allowing shadows and reflections to be the main focal point in each image.
when editing this first image you can see I used a black and white style, enhancing the shadows and black areas in the image by dropping the shadows and increasing the contrast, however I didn’t want the white to be too grey so i used the black and white mix to enhance the white through the use of blue and yellow.
i also added a slight vignette to add a dramatic feel to the image.
With this second image i experimented with the use of colour and black and white, firstly though i cropped the image as i did not like the environment around the main focus point as it was messy and made it unclear on what the viewer should be looking at.
Personally I prefer the black and white image as it creates a more dramatic feel that I am looking for in my work.
For this photoshoot i explored areas around where i live during the last hour before sunset to try capture shadows forming on the street and the buildings, overall im not very happy with my outcomes as i believe the lighting just want right and the photos just dont match the aesthetic i was hoping to achieve.
However as you can see in the above screenshot I marked my images with a star rating, you can see some images I really liked however others were test or just very weak.
Sean Tucker is a renowned street photographer based in London, UK. With a background in music and a career in professional photography spanning over a decade, Sean has established himself as a leading voice in the world of street photography. His distinctive style, characterized by poignant storytelling and intimate portrayals of urban life, has garnered widespread acclaim and a dedicated following on social media platforms such as Instagram and YouTube.
Early in his career, Sean faced several challenges common to aspiring street photographers. He grappled with feelings of self-doubt and uncertainty about his creative vision, struggled to find his unique voice amidst a sea of photographic styles, and encountered logistical hurdles while navigating the dynamic and often unpredictable environment of the streets. Additionally, Sean faced the challenge of balancing his passion for photography with the demands of earning a livelihood, leading him to explore various avenues for monetizing his craft.
In my own work, I seek to emulate Sean’s mastery of deep shadows as a means of imbuing my photographs with depth, mood, and emotional resonance. I am fascinated by the transformative power of shadows to obscure, reveal, and evoke a sense of mystery, inviting viewers to engage with the narrative unfolding within the frame. By harnessing the dramatic contrasts and textures created by deep shadows, I aim to evoke a sense of atmosphere and intrigue that transports viewers into the heart of the urban landscape.
Sean adopted a multifaceted approach to address these challenges and propel his growth as a street photographer. He embraced a mindset of continuous learning and experimentation, immersing himself in the work of master photographers, attending workshops and seminars, and seeking feedback from peers and mentors. Sean also honed his technical skills through diligent practice and exploration, mastering the nuances of composition, lighting, and storytelling to create compelling visual narratives.
Crucially, Sean leveraged digital platforms such as Instagram and YouTube to showcase his work, share insights into his creative process, and connect with a global audience of fellow photographers and enthusiasts. Through engaging storytelling and authentic, behind-the-scenes content, Sean cultivated a strong personal brand and established himself as a trusted authority in the field of street photography.
In my own work, I seek to emulate Sean’s mastery of deep shadows as a means of imbuing my photographs with depth, mood, and emotional resonance. I am fascinated by the transformative power of shadows to obscure, reveal, and evoke a sense of mystery, inviting viewers to engage with the narrative unfolding within the frame. By harnessing the dramatic contrasts and textures created by deep shadows, I aim to evoke a sense of atmosphere and intrigue that transports viewers into the heart of the urban landscape.
i aim to capture the captivating interplay between light and shadow within the suburban and urban landscape. my focus lies not only on the architectural beauty of buildings but also on the dynamic shadows they cast, creating a visual narrative that explores the multifaceted nature of our built environment. By leveraging the inherent contrast and drama of shadows, we seek to unveil hidden textures, patterns, and perspectives that often go unnoticed in everyday cityscapes. Through careful composition and selective framing, i intend to evoke a sense of mystery, intrigue, and contemplation, inviting viewers to reimagine familiar urban scenes in a new light. With an eye for detail and a reverence for the subtle nuances of light and shadow, i endeavor to craft a series of images that celebrate the beauty of the urban and natural landscape and its ever-shifting play of shadows.
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SYNONYMS: spectator, onlooker, watcher, voyeur, looker-on, fly on the wall, viewer, witness, eyewitness, bystander, sightseer, commentator, onlooker, reporter, blogger, monitor.
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By combining observation, seeking, and challenging oneself, photographers can cultivate a more profound connection with their craft and produce images that resonate on a deeper level with viewers.