In this Blog post I will be reviewing and reflecting old blog posts and projects to get inspiration for my personal study. I will dive into projects and photoshoots which I enjoyed and had some good final outcomes in as well as different photographers/artists whose work I like and therefore could be used as inspiration.

Landscape Photoshoots

The images above show a collection of my favourite photos from my landscape photoshoots. I really enjoyed the Landscape photoshoots as i thought the outcomes were very strong and i got to capture the beauty of nature through my lens. This work was inspired by Ansel Adams, his work emphasizes highlights, light, shadow and texture. In this photoshoot I aimed to bring similar depth and emotional impact to my images.

Anthropocene

Ideas

These Images captured by John Divola Zuma showcase the aftermath of people abandoning things (Human Abandonment,) making these images a strong reflection of Anthropocene. Divola taking images of decaying cars and vandalized spaces, highlights the humans last impact and the nature slowly coming back. I really liked these two images as they have a big emotional impact on the viewer and provokes the viewer to think about urban decay and their eco footprint.

My Response

These two images are photos which i thought turned out really well. My initial idea was to get images like John Divula zuma however in jersey there is not many decaying urban areas, even though jersey doesnt have many decaying areas, i still went out and found areas which almost replicated Divola`s images above. Overall I liked this photoshoot as I think the images are clearly inspired by John Divola Zuma and also have a strong emotional impact on the viewer.

St Malo – Street Photography

This set of images above is my favourite images from my St Malo trip, where i focused on capturing the culture of the town through street photography, I focused on people who live in st malo and have a different style. For this photoshoot i was inspired by Henri Cartier Bresson`s approach to photography, imitating the decisive moment which is where he captured spontaneous moments to reveal a real story. In St Malo my target was to document everyday life there, from the bustling streets to the quiet streets and interactions people have with others, all whilst highlighting the character of people. I think this photoshoot turned out really well, I also think that the editing technique with colour splash was very strong and made my images more effective.

Photoshoot 1:

For this photoshoot, I went down to the photography studio and used my friends as actors for the photos. I really like how these images came out, and I think it was more successful than my mirror photography.

I used some props for these photos, e.g. drums and microphones, to give off the idea that I was visiting a band. I was aiming for these photos to look natural, and not staged, so I made sure the models were not giving direct eye contact to the camera.

Edited images:

I loved this photoshoot and how the images came out as I feel like, although it was staged, both of the subjects were unaware of the camera, meaning I could capture the natural aspect. I decided to edit them in black and white as I was inspired by Garry Winogrand, who created his street photography in black and white. I cropped the edited images into squares, so I could make a montage of my final best images.

Intro:

From the start of my time at Hautlieu, I have experimented with recreating my own interpretations of the different photographers I have studied and their unique styles. Through numerous themes of photography, I have enjoyed documentative photography the most. With artists such as Ansel Adams and Henri Cartier Bresson, I believe they have served as my largest inspirations through my related work.

Past work:

Summer Project –

With the summer project I believe this shows my start into the documentative aspects of photography. Although recreating another artist, William Eggelston, I find his work is similar to that of Henri Cartier-Bresson. With Williamsons work however, I do find I enjoyed his naturalistic images, all an aesthetic into the vintage era of America.

William Eggelston –

My example –

With photos such as this I felt like I recreated this well during my stay in a second world war re-enactment weekend. Captured in the candid style, commonly used through documentative images, I would take this further when I would become inspired by Cartier-Bresson’s style.

Environmental portraits –

With our identity project I chose to continue with aspects of documentative photography through the study of portrait photographer, August Sander. Although not candid, these images to me still were documentative through their ability to show time through people of the past. Some other influences from this topic included Alec sloth and Vanessa Winship.

August Sander –

Alec Sloth –

Vanessa Whinship –

My Example –

Taking this further, I took what I had learnt from analysing August Sander’s and Alec Sloth’s photographs and made a larger piece of work in my own documentative style and aesthetic. Titled ‘A day in the life’, this project centred around my family’s business and how I documented it in a vintage newspaper style.

Anthropocene –

From this project, I feel as if I had a larger interest to try and explore this style of photography. With all the conceptual motives that can be applied to the style this would be explored later on in my work with the studying of other photographers such as some local examples, Thomas Sutton, Albert Smith and Francis Foot. Apart of my Anthropocene project, I looked into their varying photographic approaches, which each contain uniqueness in their outcomes. Sutton in his images often explores the anthropogenic elements of the Island, such as Jerseys recognisable coasts and historic structures, Smith on the other hand focuses more on photographing, at his time, the present environment which has since been changed over time, with his images we can see how far they’ve changed to now and get a look into out recognisable locations long before.

Francis Foot – Circa 1910’s, Local Islander.

My examples:

Using a historical basis of people, places and the past, I focused mine on German occupation of Jerseys recognisable structures such as Elizabeth Castle and famous tourist spots like Corbiere. I also explored the Anthropocene of war and that despite its circumstantial distances still contains similar elements of the past.

Street Photography –

With a documentative insight to people, places and time, these 3 photographers sparked my interest for their local significance and their ability to capture island life from the mind 19th century to early 20th. With an insight further into documentative photography, I would soon discover, Henri Cartier-Bretton, where I would study his work of street photography of European towns and other places in the mid 20th century and recreate his style myself within the walls of St Malo. Cartier-Bresson focuses on the conceptual idea ‘The decisive moment’, her he states that everything that occurs happens in a flow of events, In Cartier-Bresson’s eyes, there are moments within these events that contain a perfect arrangement within a frame. These moments are always spontaneous and often never repeat themselves, therefore making the photographer vigilant to be ready to capture that decisive moment.

Henri Cartier-Bretton examples:

My Examples:

With my Images I created here, I became more appreciative of the style of Street Photography and how it could be applied to documentative photography, with its intrusive, candid style of capturing peoples lives, this really inspired to create more like images like this.

St Malo Page spreads:

Harbour Project:

With our harbour project, we collected images for making paper books/Zines. Here I took from what I had learned from my previous project, and attempt to apply it locally and to my own style. Capturing the leisure and work aspects of the harbour my book was dedicated to documenting the characters and sites of St Helier Harbour.

Harbour Booklet/Zine:

Mirrors and windows –

With a look into the mini-project, ‘Mirrors and Windows’, this stems from the theory of John Szarkowski, who states photography falls into 2 categories of either being Mirrors or Windows. As Szarkowski states “The distance between in terms of their conceptions of what a photograph is: it is a mirror, reflecting a portrait of the artist who made it, or a window, through which one might better know the world?”. To explain it simply, when creating a photograph, does it capture/represent you as an artist, either abstractly or normal (Mirror). Or does it show the exterior world, with all its natural elements (Window). With my past interests into documentative photography, I was more interested in the Window aspect. Looking at the Artist, Robert Frank, who was inspired by Cartier-Bresson, this inspired me to create my own outcomes to the concept of ‘Window’ photography.

Robert Franks work:

My examples:

With the documentative photography style, heavily implemented into my work I believe I have created various aesthetical and contemporary pieces of work which I can use to influence me in my final project outcome.

Mirrors

Contact Sheet

Selected Images

Editing

Edit 1

Edit 2

Edit 3

Final Images

Windows

Selected Images

These are all of the images that I think were successful.

Best Images

These are my best images out of the ones above. I have decided not to edit these photos as I would like for them to be kept natural and not be manipulated.

Evaluation

‘Mirror’ Photographs

Inspiration for Mirror Images

My Mirror Images

These are my final images. These images can be considered as mirror photos as they have been edited and manipulated. For these photoshoots, I used images of graffiti which I took when I went to Liverpool and edited them onto photos of the little white hut (Le Don Hilton) which I took in St Ouen. I think that this is an interesting combination as it takes the natural environment and displays it as an industrial one.

‘Window’ Photographs

Inspiration for Window Images

My Window Images

It is debatable whether these would be true ‘mirror’ photos as it is turning something real into something that is surreal/has been embellished. This style of photography could be classed as pictorialism as it emphasizes the natural beauty of the sea by altering reality. Since this is altering reality, you could declare that these aren’t true mirror images, however, you could also argue that this is not what your eye truly sees, but rather what the camera sees. Furthermore, these images capture the movement of the sea which is a natural process and, although these outcomes aren’t what the eye would typically see, these photographs are fully organic and have not been edited. Overall, I would say that these images are sit between the mirror and window categories but lean more towards being windows.

Themes

Anthropocene

Anthropocene in a way is a unit of time, it is used to describe the period within Earth’s history where human activity started to have a significant impact on the planets climate and ecosystems. This period is also sometimes known as the period of the great acceleration, things like carbon dioxide emissions and global warming that have significantly impacted our planet.

I have used anthropocene to create a diss at humans, so that we as people can really see what we are doing. My first artist case study was Naomi White and her Plastic Bags, where she took something so normal and dramatized it to make it portray a feeling. My second artist case study was Lucas Foglia and his ‘human nature’, where he dramatises misuse of the earth’s element’s.

Here are my responses to this –

(Lucas Foglia Response) ‘ I took this image up at plemont, where we spotted an old bunker, and they went in and explored while I took images. I think this portrays a massive contrast, of what that bunker would’ve been used for compared to people just using it to explore now.’

Masculinity vs Femininity

‘Femininity is a set of attributes, behaviors, and roles generally associated with women and girls. Femininity can be understood as socially constructed, and there is also some evidence that some behaviors considered feminine are influenced by both cultural factors and biological factors.’

Masculinity is a set of attributes, behaviors, and roles associated with men and boys. Masculinity can be theoretically understood as socially constructed, and there is also evidence that some behaviors considered masculine are influenced by both cultural factors and biological factors.

Portrait photographers have a lot of things to untangle when posing someone: their masculinity, femininity, or non-binary / genderfluid identity; their own perception of their gender in their industry or profession; society’s perception of their gender in their industry or profession; historical imagery of their gender and if it would be right to keep with that trend or break from it; and how lines, curves, shapes, and color are perceived in the art world with two dimensional imagery.

My artist case studies for this project were Claude Cahun and Cindy Sherman. Claude Cahun was a surrealist, photographer, sculptor, and activist. She is best known for her gender-fluidity in art, and her anti-Nazi resistance. Claude Cahun was an inspirational photographer, she paved the way for many other female photographers with her rebellious view on life, her not caring what other people say or think allowed for more people to do the same. Cindy Sherman has probed the construction of identity, playing with the visual and cultural codes of art, celebrity, gender, and photography. Sherman was always interested in experimenting with different identities, drawing attention to the artificiality and ambiguity of these stereotypes and undermining their reliability for understanding a much more complicated reality.

Here are my responses to this –

Medium

Film

Although we have not done film within photography, I have done it within media and I personally think that it is easier to portray feelings and make something subjective through photography rather than film. If my images were turned into film they would all become objective, and have everything be told, but photography for me is meant to say so little leaving so much.

Photography

I have done many photoshoots within taken photography A-level and I think that a photography is the perfect way to portray thoughts and feelings. Photography turns ordinary into the extraordinary. It transforms what it describes, and reveals so much but keeps so much too itself, which frames reality. It can be objective and subjective because it is told by a persons intuition. It fixes the shadows, before the event of digital tools. You need darkness to see light.

Approach

Documentary

Documentary photography is a genre that aims to capture real-life events, environments, and people, often with the intent of conveying a narrative or social message. It focuses on storytelling through images, documenting moments in a way that highlights authenticity and context.

I think that some examples I have made of this include –

Environmental Photography-

Marine Harbour-

This image is very technical it manipulates the brain by the use of texture and detail, but portraying hoe historic this is but also how real it is. It makes you think about what would happen if trade went under, us as a small island would be in the dark and have nothing. A lot of people see the harbour as something that is aged and old, although it is that it us important to incorporate how it is still vividly in use every day.

Tableaux

Tableaux, or tableau vivant, refers to a “living picture” where a group of people poses to create a still scene or representation, often resembling a painting or a moment in history. In contemporary contexts, tableaux can also refer to staged photography where subjects are arranged to create a specific composition or narrative, often with careful attention to lighting, props, and costumes. It’s a powerful way to explore themes and evoke emotions through visual storytelling.

I think that some examples I have made of this include –

Landscape-

Anthropocene-

Conceptual

Conceptual photography is a genre that emphasizes the idea or concept behind the photograph rather than just capturing a moment or a realistic scene. In this approach, the artist often starts with a specific concept or theme and uses visual elements to express that idea creatively.

I think that some examples I have made of this include –

Femininity-

I feel like there is so much negativity around girlhood and womanhood so I’ve decided to try my best to portray the fun within it. The stereotype that only females can wear makeup has been around since makeups birth, and many people either frown upon this or agree, I have captured my model doing her makeup (lip-gloss), to show just how much fun something like makeup can be. Many people (mostly men) shade on makeup claiming that nowadays a woman’s beauty can be removed with ‘one wipe’, and so what? Woman have been denied fun all their lives, being shoved into stereotypes of cooking and cleaning, and when makeup was created this changed the lives of women and girls all across the globe, this is why I have captured my model in a very girly lit environment, not only to juxtapose her and her surroundings’ but also to create ambient lighting to portray the mood of female empowerment and all the happiness that comes along with it.

Urban-

Artist’s

Jim Goldberg

Who is He?

Jim Goldberg is an American photographer and visual artist known for his work in documentary photography and photojournalism. He often combines text and images to create compelling narratives about marginalized communities and social issues. One of his notable works is “Raised by Wolves,” which explores the lives of homeless youth in San Francisco.

Why is he so influential?

Jim Goldberg was influential for several reasons, Innovative Storytelling, he pioneered the use of mixed media in photography by combining images with handwritten text. Focus on Marginalized Communities, his commitment to documenting the lives of underrepresented groups, particularly homeless youth and marginalized communities. Empathy and Authenticity, Goldberg’s empathetic approach fostered trust with his subjects, resulting in intimate and honest portrayals that resonate with viewers. Exhibition and Publication, his works, such as “Raised by Wolves” and “The Ballad of Sexual Dependency,” have been widely exhibited and published, influencing photographers. Impact on Visual Culture, Goldberg’s techniques and themes have inspired a generation of photographers and artists to explore the intersection of social issues and visual storytelling, reshaping how narratives are presented in photography.

How can I take photos like him?

Develop a Concept, focus on a specific social issue or community that resonates with you. This will give my project depth and purpose. Build Relationships, spend time with my subjects to build trust. Authentic connections will help me capture more intimate and genuine moments. Combine Text and Image, experiment with integrating handwritten text or quotes from my subjects alongside my photographs. This adds a personal narrative layer to my work. Use Documentary Techniques, embrace a documentary style that captures real-life moments. Allowing your subjects to express themselves naturally. Experiment with Composition, explore different compositions and perspectives. Don’t be afraid to play with framing and focus to convey emotions effectively. Focus on Emotion and Story, look for moments that evoke feelings or tell a story. Think about how my images can reflect the complexities of my subjects’ lives. Edit Thoughtfully, when editing, maintain the authenticity of my subjects’ voices and stories. Consider how the final presentation aligns with my initial vision.

Cindy Sherman

Who is She?

Cindy Sherman is an American photographer and conceptual artist known for her distinctive self-portraits that explore identity, gender, and the construction of persona. Since the late 1970s, she has created a series of works in which she assumes various roles, often drawing on cultural stereotypes and cinematic tropes.

Why is she so influential?

Exploration of Identity, she challenges traditional notions of identity and self-representation, prompting discussions about how gender, roles, and societal expectations shape who we are. Feminist Perspective, her work is a critical commentary on the representation of women in media and art. Conceptual Art, Sherman’s approach blurs the lines between photography and conceptual art. Her self-portraits provoke questions about authenticity and performance, encouraging viewers to consider the constructed nature of identity. Cinematic Influence, by drawing inspiration from film and popular culture, Sherman connects her work to broader narratives about storytelling and representation, making it accessible and relatable. Innovation in Photography, her unique style and method have paved the way for other artists to explore similar themes, influencing a generation of photographers and visual artists.

How can I take photos like her?

Explore Themes of Identity, reflect on what identity means to me. Think about how I want to represent myself and others, focusing on themes like gender, culture, and societal roles. Create a Concept, develop a series based on a specific idea or narrative. Costume and Makeup, use costumes, makeup, and props to transform myself or my subjects. This helps create distinct characters and enhances the storytelling aspect of my photos. Set Design, pay attention to the setting and backdrop. Consider how different environments can contribute to the mood and narrative of my images. Experiment with Composition, play with framing, angles, and lighting to create dramatic effects. Think about how different compositions can convey emotion or context. Embrace Performance, approach my photography as a performance. Experiment with poses, expressions, and gestures to bring my characters to life.

Tom Wood

Who is he?

Tom Wood is a British photographer known for his documentary-style work, particularly his candid street photography. He gained recognition for capturing everyday life in urban settings, often focusing on the people and environments of Liverpool, where he has lived and worked. Wood’s photography is characterized by its raw, unfiltered approach, showcasing the nuances of human interaction and the essence of place.

Why is he so influential?

Candid Approach, his documentary-style photography captures real-life moments with authenticity, providing an unvarnished look at everyday life. This approach resonates with viewers and highlights the beauty in the ordinary. Urban Exploration, Wood’s focus on Liverpool and urban environments allows him to document the socio-cultural dynamics of the city, making his work a valuable resource for understanding place and community. Human Connection, his ability to connect with subjects and portray their emotions and stories fosters a deep sense of empathy in his work, encouraging viewers to engage with the images on a personal level. Visual Storytelling, Wood’s photographs often tell rich narratives, capturing fleeting moments that reveal broader social themes, such as identity, class, and human interaction. Influence on Street Photography, as a prominent figure in street photography, Wood has inspired many emerging photographers to explore their surroundings and document the lives of people in their communities. Critical Acclaim, his work has been widely exhibited and published, earning recognition within the photography community and contributing to discussions on documentary practice and urban life.

How can I take photos like him?

Embrace Candid Moments, focus on capturing spontaneous, everyday scenes rather than posed portraits. Be patient and observant to catch genuine interactions. Explore my Environment, spend time in my local community or urban settings. Get familiar with the places where people gather and engage in daily life. Develop a Personal Style, pay attention to the visual elements that resonate with me. Experiment with composition, framing, and angles to create a signature style that reflects my perspective. Engage with Subjects, while Wood often captures candid moments, building rapport with my subjects can lead to more intimate and powerful images. Take time to connect with people in my environment. Use Natural Light, utilize natural light to enhance the mood of my photos. Experiment with different times of day to see how light affects my images. Tell a Story, think about the narrative behind my photos. Consider how each image fits into a larger story or theme, capturing the essence of the moment and its context. Be Persistent, street photography often requires patience and persistence. Don’t be discouraged by missed opportunities; keep shooting and refining my skills. Experiment with Black and White, Tom Wood often works in black and white, which can emphasize emotion and composition. Try shooting in monochrome to see how it changes my approach. Edit Thoughtfully, when editing my photos, aim to enhance the narrative without over-processing. Keep the focus on the authenticity of the moment. Study Other Photographers, look at the work of Tom Wood and other street photographers for inspiration. Analyze their techniques, themes, and approaches to storytelling.

Photographic Skills

Capturing teenage culture through photography involves a mix of technical skills and a keen understanding of youth dynamics. Some skills that I could use include: Candid photography, by using spontaneous moments and a discrete approach I will make my models feel comfortable allowing for more natural images. Storytelling, focusing on a narrative that resonates with being a teenager will make my images convey a story or theme reflecting experiences and challenges. Emotional connection, by connecting with my models (using my friends) it will build more support making more intimate photography. Composition, different framing techniques and leading lines to make my photos visually engaging. Understanding context, knowing what it is like to be a teenager living in Jersey will help me to really produce something that is meaningful. Use of colour and light, using different bright and vibrant colours to convey energy and dark and softer colors to create more intimate mood. Street photography techniques, documenting everyday life and urban environments that teenages naviagte. Editing skills, enhance the overall mood of my images. Engagement with trends, to portray a current feeling.

Processes

Digital photography will be used within my project, by taking photos digitally on a good camera I can take vibrant images which will make it easier to portray my narrative. I may include some portraiture within my project, to display a sense of emotion from a teenager to continue to my narrative. By getting an up-close personal look I can portray a lot more. Street photography will probably be one of my most used processes, this will help me to portray a story of lidr, one that can be very subjective. I will use a documentary style to show how people feel and how they lie there lives, this will portray teenager culture from the people who live and breath it. Experimental Techniques, techniques like double exposure or long exposures can create unique representations of the teenage experience, emphasizing creativity and self-expression. Lifestyle Photography, capturing moments that define teenage life, such as friendships, hobbies, and daily routines, can create a relatable and authentic narrative. Mobile Photography, using smartphones to capture spontaneous moments can be very effective. The immediacy and accessibility of mobile photography often lead to more genuine, unguarded expressions. Mixed Media, combining photography with other artistic elements, like drawings or text, can create a more layered representation of teenage experiences and feelings. Each of these processes can be tailored to reflect the specific stories and emotions that are central to being a teenager, allowing for a diverse representation of this dynamic stage of life.

Techniques

Candid Shots, capture spontaneous moments to convey genuine emotions and interactions, showcasing the authenticity of teenage life. Close-Ups, focus on facial expressions or hands to highlight emotions and details that tell a deeper story. Use of Natural Light, shooting during golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can create a warm, flattering light that enhances the mood of the images. Depth of Field, use a shallow depth of field to blur the background, drawing attention to the subject and emphasizing their emotions or actions. Composition Techniques, experiment with framing, rule of thirds, and leading lines to create dynamic and engaging images that guide the viewer’s eye. Motion Blur, capture movement to represent energy and spontaneity, such as a group of friends laughing or dancing. Perspective and Angles, try shooting from different angles—high above or low to the ground—to provide unique viewpoints that can change the narrative of the photo. Black and White Photography, strip away color to focus on emotions, contrasts, and textures, often conveying a timeless quality that resonates with feelings. Environmental Portraits, place the subject in a meaningful setting that reflects their personality or interests, telling a broader story about their life. Thematic Series, create a series of photos around a specific theme (like friendship, identity, or rebellion) to capture different facets of the teenage experience. Double Exposure, combine two images into one to represent the complexity of teenage thoughts and feelings, blending different aspects of their life. Lighting Techniques, experiment with backlighting, silhouettes, or using artificial lights to create dramatic effects that enhance the mood.

Methods

Candid Photography, capture spontaneous moments during everyday activities, showcasing genuine interactions and emotions among friends or during events. Street Photography, document teenagers in urban environments, capturing their interactions, fashion, and social dynamics in a real-world context. Documentary Photography, create a series that tells a story about a teenager’s life, exploring their routines, challenges, and celebrations over time. Lifestyle Photography, focus on moments that depict the daily lives of teenagers, such as hobbies, social gatherings, or school life, to create relatable narratives. Experimental Techniques, utilize methods like double exposure, long exposures, or light painting to add artistic flair and depth to your images, representing the complexity of teenage life. Environmental Portraits, place subjects in settings that are significant to them, like their room or favorite hangout, to provide context and insight into their world. Group Shots, capture friendships and social groups to highlight the importance of community and connection during the teenage years. Creative Composition, use framing, symmetry, or interesting angles to add visual interest and make the photos stand out, reflecting the energy of youth. Mood and Atmosphere, play with lighting and color palettes to evoke specific emotions—bright colors for joy and vibrancy, or muted tones for introspection. Action Shots, capture teens engaged in activities like sports, dancing, or hobbies to convey energy and passion. Mixed Media, combine photography with drawings, text, or other artistic elements to create layered representations of teenage experiences. By employing these methods, you can create a diverse and compelling representation of the teenage experience, capturing both the joys and challenges of this dynamic stage of life.

Why

Using various methods, techniques, and processes to portray teenage life in photography allows you to create a rich, nuanced representation of this unique stage of life. Here are some reasons why it’s beneficial: Authenticity: Different methods, like candid photography or lifestyle shots, help capture genuine moments and emotions, making the representation more relatable and true to life. Diversity of Experience: Teenagers experience a wide range of emotions and situations. Using various techniques allows you to explore and portray these complexities, from joy and friendship to identity struggles. Visual Storytelling: Different photographic methods can help tell a compelling story. For example, documentary-style photography can highlight the everyday realities of teenage life, while portraiture can focus on individual identity. Creative Expression: Experimenting with techniques like double exposure or mixed media allows for artistic expression, providing a platform for teenagers to convey their feelings and perspectives creatively. Emphasizing Context: Methods like environmental portraits place subjects in meaningful settings, adding depth to the narrative and showing how their surroundings influence their experiences. Engagement: Varied approaches can capture the attention of viewers, making the photographs more engaging and thought-provoking. This is especially important when trying to connect with a broader audience. Highlighting Relationships: Group shots and candid moments can emphasize the importance of friendships and social dynamics, showcasing the support systems that are crucial during adolescence. Exploring Identity: Techniques like self-portraits or thematic series encourage teens to explore and express their identities, leading to a deeper understanding of themselves and their peers. Mood and Atmosphere: Different lighting and compositional techniques can evoke specific emotions, enhancing the storytelling aspect and allowing viewers to connect on a personal level. Versatility: Using a range of methods and techniques enables you to adapt to different subjects and environments, making your work more versatile and impactful.

Throughout the past year of studying photography I enjoyed many areas of the subject from landscapes to studio portraits to looking outside the box for different elements that would fit the criteria of what defines Femininity as well and Masculinity.

I feel that my personal style and areas that I have enjoyed the most have improved my own work and my own explorations of photography. I found new ways to express my idea and I have found things that I would rather stay away from if I dont think it relates to the image i’m trying to create, I believe my personal project will explore idea that I find most interesting and what I think works best.

I explored historical areas such as the origins of photography, origins of romantism and early discoveries of still life. I also explored the works of Ansel Adams and his invention of “The Zone System” in the 1930s as well as New Topgraphics and the impact throughout the 1950s of the aftermath of The Great Depression and rural areas of America. These historical aftermath was captured by photograohs like Robert Adams and Lewis Baltz, the term “New Topographics” being coined by William Jenkins in 1975.

Using my own personal camera/lenses as well as accessing the school cameras (DSLR Canon E0S with a 18-55 IS lens) I also increased my knowledge of camera skills and techniques when manipulating a photograph and what to do when the daylight/ weather doesnt work in your favour. Softwares I have used in the course have been Adobe Photoshop as well as Adobe Lightroom Classic especially.

Below I have added a selection of photographs ranging in the different subjects below, different locations and different editing adjustments to show the range which I explored whilst being creative.

Studio/Lighting Techniques

Themes/ Ideas from photographers that I liked:

For my studio and lighting techniques I enjoyed being creative with positioning my subejct in different poses and positing the lighting to how I wanted it to appear. Lightining is very important when making photographs have a certain feel/ atmosphere. The lighting techniques we looked at were Chiarascuro, Rembrandt and Butterfly lighting. I believe I will use and experiement with these techniques in my personal project and will use the studio as a background as it could look like a interesting varied selection and look clean when producing different outcomes out of the same image and its a clean background which is easier to manipulate and adjust rather than a colourful and varied background with different complex textures tat may not look right when adding other colourful elements.

Cindy Sherman Inspired Manipulated Photoshoots

Themes/ Ideas from photographers that I liked:

Cindy Sherman’s work is cold and can be left to interepretation and usually her subjects have certain facial expressions and are positioned to appear vulnerable and objectify as the image focuses on the subject being the main element.

In this photoshoot I like the fact that the photoshoot can be manipulated and adjusted to how I want. I would like to use certain elements of Cindy Sherman’s work such as subverting narrative and playing around with the feminine atomsphere of 1950s household duties and playing into the typical stereotype.

Femininity & Masculinity

Themes/ Ideas from photographers that I liked:

In terms of the feminity and masulinity topic I liked the fact it was left to interpretation and that I was different to what we had experimented with prior to doing the project fem and masc.

It gave me time to play around with ideas and as well as prior to doing the project we had experiemented with the studio lighting so that also played a part as in where to shine the lighting in what spots so that the textures and certain areas to be brightened more than others despite the feminity and masculinity not reallyu being focused on facial structures but more on skin on other parts of the body thaty appeared more on either sides of the project.

Coastal & Natural Landscapes

Themes/ Ideas from photographers that I liked:

The project explores the landscapes which also impacted aby the storm that happened last year, showcasing the stark contrasts between natural beauty and environmental degradation. Through these images, I aim to highlight the balance between human development and the natural world, raising awareness of the ongoing changes in our ecosystems.

Capturing these moments in the different shoots, they allowed me to reflect on the consequences ofv human actions, they foster a sense of urgency to advocate for more sustainable practices. Each photograph urges viewers to recognize and confront the realities of the Anthropocene despite some photos looking like theirs nothing different/ odd about them considering environmental impacts.

In this project I enjoyed planning different locations for shoots and experimenting with how I wanted the photographs to appear in my head. Despite the photographs inspiration from Anthropocenic photographs buildings massive structures and large masses of mountains hills I tried to recreate a similar effect and take inspiration from oher artists/ photographers. I tried to vary certain images through adjusting them to black and white and some in colour but adjusting them so that the textures pop more.

St Malo Street Photography

The street photography project/ photoshoot taken in St Malo gives the audience a glimpse into the city from a candid and unfiltered perspective. Through the project I took photographs thaty included candid shots of the locals and tourists, markets and the seaside moments, the photographs above as well as the overall photoshoot captures everyday life and the unique of the character of St Malo.

I see myself incorporating elements I learned in this shoot as well as experiencing as I think it could work well in terms of how to structure and how candid photography looks good in terms of shooting individuals as it is very spontanieous

The street photography photoshoot allowed me to connect with people in a different way, capturing conversation and many different expressions. I was also inspired as each click of the shutter felt like a way to document a living narrative. The process of exploring the streets, discovering hidden areas and engaging with the community made the shoot memorable, turning the art of it into an experience that celebrated both the place and its people.

The objective for this photoshoot is: Capture the unfiltered reality of people’s lives and spaces by observing and photographing moments through windows, reflections, and street environments. Emphasize candid shots that reveal the quiet beauty, humor, or melancholy of everyday scenes.

Therefore my plan for this photoshoot is to doument reality and to use street photogroahy and public spaces with differnt types of people as my motive for this. I think the idea that differnt people are oding differnt thing and going in seperate direction with diffent expressions on their face makes it interesting. I want the photographs to feel candid, introspective, and observant, aiming to make viewers feel as though they are glimpsing a hidden narrative or private moment.

Locations that I may explore are:

Urban Street Corners and Cafés– Street corners, cafés, and storefronts that offer a natural setting where people are often preoccupied, providing chances to capture moments of introspection or interaction.

Residential Areas with Large Windows- Capturing private lives as visible through windows, blending elements of public and private space.

Public Transport Stops- Photographing people waiting or lost in thought, using bus or tram windows as frames, which add layers and reflections to the image.

Reflections on Buildings and Vehicles- Glass-walled buildings, car windows, and reflective surfaces on the street can add a sense of depth and allow for more complex compositions by combining elements in the foreground and background.

I may use my previous blogpost for inspiration that lists photographers that do similar work inspired by John Szarkowski’s theory of Windows.

Mirrors and Windows Photoshoot:

Inspired by Artists Henri Cartier-Bretton, Ansel Adams and Robert Frank, I have created a small photoshoot into the response of Mirrors and windows. Capturing both elements I aimed to envision my own concepts of the 2 In my own mini-project I will title: ‘People In Places’. Through this I will aimed to capture people I find in areas I choose to travel too. With locations being well known Jersey places, these will be recognisable to those that find interest in my work.

Project –

For my project, I captured the area of L’Etaq, Battery Moltke and Corbiere. Here I aimed to capture the naturalistic landscapes and people of the areas, As well as reflect my self as someone who is connected to these locations through family residing there or passions/hobbys.

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I created a zine with my photos I had taken at the harbour. I started by transferring my images from Lightroom onto InDesign. I made sure to pair images that had some correlation to ensure the images made sense with each other. I edited all the images in black and white and I really liked how it turned out because it creates a dramatic look. The title of my zine is “Life at the Harbour”. I chose this title because all my images are at the harbour and it shows what the people that work at the harbour see everyday all day during their job.

These are the images that are in my zine. Some pages on my zine are 1 image and take up the entirety of the page, I did this because some of the images didn’t match others and therefore I figured they would look better on their own. I like the page of the workers at the harbour and the images of what they do for work. I think these images are really interesting because not many people know what goes on at the harbour, and these images show what the workers do.

I enjoyed creating my zine because I liked experimenting with the different photos and seeing which photos went well together. If I were to create another zine at the harbour, I would take more up close pictures. This is because most of my images from the harbour are from a distance and think it would be more enticing to the viewers if there were more close ups of the boats and the harbour.

Szarkowski’s notion of photographs as “mirrors” suggests using photography to express introspection and subjective experience. This shoot uses mirrors as both literal and figurative devices for introspection, inviting viewers to consider the model’s inner world. We’ll blend realism with subtle digital manipulation to heighten the introspective feel, where the model’s reflection may appear differently than the outward image, symbolizing inner conflict, dreams, or hidden dimensions. In of my interpretation sand my mirrors inspired photoshoot I think I might focus on: Setup and composition, photographers to draw inspiration from, what kind of sample shots and why this approach works for a mirrors inspired photoshoot.

In terms of Set up and composition:

Having Mirrors as Frames and Windows so: Multiple Mirrors- The use of small and large mirrors positioned at different angles around the model. Some can be handheld, while others may be on stands or attached to the walls.

Framing Shots- Capture the model’s face and body parts framed within different mirrors. Mirrors create fragmented views of the model, giving a layered perspective that feels both intimate and distant.

Another idea could be Positioning the Model so through using poses where the model interacts with mirrors, such as reaching out, gazing into her own reflection, or resting her head or hands on the mirror. These poses enhance a contemplative atmosphere. As well as positioning the model so that her reflection tells a different “story” than her direct pose. E.g she might appear calm in real life but distressed or thoughtful in the mirror reflection, this can be created through subtle manipulations.

One more way can be through positioning the model to only reveal half of her face or body in the mirror’s reflection, creating a sense of duality or hidden identity.

A last option can be through the use of Manipulation Techniques:

Manipulating the images slightly in post-production to create fragmented, blurred, or subtly warped reflections, making the mirror’s view feel surreal and otherworldly.

Overlaying different facial expressions into the reflection, creating a multi dimensional narrative of the model’s internal state. This specific technique captures multiple “selves” or feelings within one frame.

Using a muted or vintage color palette to create a sense of timelessness, or heightening contrasts for a much bolder look that can draw viewers into the mirrored image.

The photographers that I could use for inspiration are listed in my previous winodws and mirrors blogpost but some other examples of photographers could be: Vivian Maier, Francesca Woodman, Duane Michals as well as Renee Magritte’s Surrealism (Painter).