Initial Idea Reflection
The main focus of my project was to show how the “normal becomes abnormal”, referring to how recognizable areas or locations change under different lighting and weather, specifically at night. When I commenced the project, I was going to explore both day and night photography but as the project went along, I found myself more interested to the low light / night photography as it brought the mystery, emotion and thought-provoking feel. Me being more interested by the nighttime photography, led me to have more photoshoots during the night and better outcomes at night whilst still getting multiple daytime shoots in.
Photoshoots Reflection
The biggest realization I had throughout my project was that the images taken during the night turned out a lot more effectively in comparison to the daytime ones. The night time photographs had more of an emotional effect to them, evoking senses of mystery, isolation, solitude and interest which fit in perfectly with the theme I was intending on. The nighttime photographs, inspired by Todd Hido and Pierre Putman had a surreal, cinematic look to them which was created through the blend of lighting and the mist, the shadows and the contrast of highlights. Alternatively, the photos taken during the day, although they were strong in terms of composition and framing, I thought that they were quite basic in comparison. They were missing the same feel and intensity which the nighttime images had, meaning that they look more simplistic. Even though they may have been quite ordinary, they still played a huge role in the sequencing of my final photobook, they allowed to show the dramatic changes between the day and night effectively.
Essay process
Another key aspect of my project was the essay, writing the essay was challenging but there were many positives in completing the essay to a high standard. To construct this essay, I had to do lots of detailed research into the photographers, Todd Hido and William Eggleston. I also researched the progression and history of colour photography. Although it was difficult, it helped me understand different photography techniques, lighting techniques and etc. In conclusion the essay improved my confidence in analyzing the meaning behind work which helps me analyze the meaning behind my own work, benefiting me in future projects.
Final Book Reflection
The final photobook successfully shows the theme I had intended on exploring. The minimalistic cover attracts people to look at the inner pages of the photobook as it is mysterious and is an extremely thought-provoking scenery, the yellow title was a perfect addition to the cover as it gave a contrast without being too bold. If I could change or improve anything about this project, I would make the amount of images of day and night more equal and get them to similar quality. I would try out different ways to make the daytime photographs more interesting, engaging by maybe focusing on different angles, lighting conditions, lenses or different camera techniques.
As a whole, this project has made me think precisely about sequencing, planning and presentation. It has also helped me have a stronger understanding on how images can have deeper meanings behind the framing of it. In the future, I will be taking skills I have improved and learnt with me as well as any improvements or mistakes as a lesson which I can avoid in future work.