Richards Assignment
Task 1 – Research
Soft light – To create the effect of soft light you have to use a large light source this has a smoother transition; soft light wraps around subjects so it looks more delicate because its diffused and this creates no sharp edges on shadows.
Diffused light is used for portraits especially on women because it’s flattering, soft lift defines lit areas that transition into shadow very gradually, it helps to reduce the dark areas around wrinkles which creates a friendlier look to their subject. Soft light is excellent for both women and babies because it softens the skin and makes it look clearer, soft light is good for reducing shadows without re-creating or adding any additional shadows to the photograph.
In these photographs, it shows the manipulation of soft light, it can make your skin seem flawless and smooth whereas hard light can manipulate a person’s face to expose different meanings behind them however soft light differs, it’s able to make the photographs seem more appealing and flattering to the audience, it draws you in that why this lighting is mainly used for magazines or advertising agencies.
In all three photographs, they all show different varieties of how soft light can be used to show an assortment of expressions and help perceive the meaning behind the image, in the first photograph the way the lighting and her facial features have been formatted give the representation of her being drawn away from life, alone and lost, the lighting is only being glared on to one side of her face, leaving the other half in faded light with a Rembrandt triangle underneath her eye this helps show her mood.
In the second photograph, it is more composed and detailed than the first, in this photograph it gives a sense of mystery and fantasy because the way the photograph has been portrayed, it makes her skin completely flawless and lustrous and her hair feathery and plumed this demonstrates that soft lighting can make the model seem more flourished and dreamy unlike what hard lighting does the skin which brings out the imperfections.
In the third photograph, it is very similar to the first image because of how the lighting has been placed and tone of the skin against the light however the difference is the emotion which you can see within her face, it has a more strong and independent look towards her, she shows strength and integrity she also has a mysterious look in her face because of where her eyes are looking.
Hard light – To create the effect of hard light you have to use a much smaller light source I.e. a bare bulb, hard light casts a stronger and more defined shadow, if a subject is hit at the right angle the hard light will pronounce the textures and details in a subject.
Hard light creates sharp lines with little or no graduation of the shadows from light to dark so the photograph wold have a very dark and mystic shadow on the opposite side of where the light source is placed, hard light is good to define male features i.e. beard stubble or facial structures however it doesn’t flatter the older generation because it will show the imperfections; wrinkles, bags under eyes etc. unlike a soft light.
In these photographs which I have gathered from the internet it shows the different demeanours which can be represented through them because in the first image it shows all the imperfections of the gentleman’s face, it gives a sense of accomplishment because of how he’s grown and the impact of his life has had on him from the bad times to the good times - his face is a reflection of his history.
In the second photograph, it shows eye contact which people would deem as uncomfortable or unsettling, this photograph is very eerie, it is said that without eye contact, the whole mood of the image changes and this is shown within this image because it has that strong gaze which changes the perspective of the photograph itself, it adds a sense of terror towards the viewer especially the way he has been portrayed.
In the third photograph, it also has eye contact however this isn’t as intrusive or petrifying as the second image, it kind of has a sense of pride and strength shown within this photograph, she’s showing she is a strong and independent woman and this can be seen by her facial expressions and how the lighting has been adjusted on her face.
Hard light can impact the model, it can bring out expressions which you wouldn’t see within soft light, it can change the intention of the photograph by making it seem more spine-chilling or empowering.
Hard and soft lights are both good lightings in their own specific way, their perfect for a particular look which you are trying to create, both the light sources create different contrasts and shows a variety of moods if used correctly however hard light is deemed a more difficult method to work with but it can be achieved and create fantastic imagery with some superb connotations.
The benefits of both soft and hard lights can have just as much of an impact on the models as the position of the lights themselves. The low-key lights are considered to have a more friendly and warm gesture whereas high key lights are seen as dramatic and daunting, makes the human face more sinister in a way which is very off-putting towards the audience and that’s the reason you wouldn’t see this type of lighting used often within magazines or billboards etc. because they want to make them look appealing and not striking.
In conclusion the lighting which gives the most effective use of 3D characteristic is hard light because it is highly definitive in producing detailed shots; it is able to wrap around the models facial structure and define all imperfections and facial features which wouldn't be seen within normal lighting i.e soft because it smooths out the skin, with hard lighting they become more bold and distinct which gives the illustration of a 3D effect because of how the lighting makes the skin appear.
Task 2 - Idea Generation
Initial Idea - 3D Flower
Material ideas
Different metals - Copper, Brass, Aluminium
Metal Mesh
Toilet rolls
Metal Wire
These are the different materials which I have chosen to explore and research into because they are easy to adjust and I can produce my desired flower, I will also be buying an already formulated metal flower online, once it has arrived I would then produce a larger flower using one of these materials behind the smaller version to which my photographs will be placed on, giving the effects of 3D.
Shoot analyse
For my shoot it is based around someones personality i.e facial expressions being shown in how people may react towards life or things surrounding them. I would then combine these photographs onto my flower which I have formulated, this would show a variety of different aspects of someones expressions.
I thought this idea was particularly interesting because society doesn't consider someones facial expression as a priority instead there is more attention given to what the model is wearing or how they pose, I believe that I can generate 5 expressions which you wouldn't see plastered on billboards or magazines and make people realise that facial expressions can give the image character than rather it telling nothing.
Inspiration for my shoot
I believe using expressions during your photography can make a significant impact on whether your audience engages with and retains your message this shows how facial expression can be interpreted greatly throughout an image, if theres no expression then theres no way of impacting the audience and being able to tell a story.
"When you photograph the face, you photograph the soul behind it" this represents how when you photograph someone you are releasing the real them and you see a side to them which you wouldn't normally see, photography has a way of bringing out peoples inner self. (Quote by: Jean-Luc Godard)
The reason this quotes inspire me to follow through with my idea because I want to be able to conduct a perspective that not many people have done, I want
to be able to focus mainly on how someone reacts being photographed unknowingly
and un-expectantly I would then be able to show how expressions can impact the way people perceive an image.
Inspirational photographs
The reason these photographs are inspirational towards my assignment because they show natural and realistic facial expressions which you are able to tell a story from, all four photographs enable you to see the emotions that are running through their faces and be able to go deeper into why they might be feeling that way and make up conclusions within your head, they help you explore further into the photograph and dig further into all answers than you normally would and that is what I am trying to grasp within my assignment; the same sensation when you see these photographs, to be able to see a variety of expressions and want to know more about them.
Inspirational colour idea for inner 3D flower
For the front flower which I will be purchasing online as a base I would like the flower petals to be a red/orangey metallic colour to it because its a great contrast with the silver petals that I will be constructing and placing behind the frontal flower.
Shoot process/editing
The way I will be creating my desired photographs is by using low key lighting against my model, I will be using a maximum of two lights either side so I can get full coverage of light over their face evenly. I will also have the light facing outwards from the background so it gives it a more intense black surrounding rather than glimpse of light reflecting off the backdrop and producing a grey/black colour.
Once I have shot my photographs I will be then editing them all into a black and white finish with slightly higher contrast and lower brightness to give the face more shape and definition, this will enhance the emotion/expressions on the models face and makes them more definitive, the reason I am also higher-ing the contrast of my models face is not just so the expressions seem more intense but to also give the structure of her face a more 3 dimensional appearance this would correspond to my 3D flower as well, bringing all my assignment pieces into one.
Task 3 - Image Production
Front view of how I want my studio setup to be adjusted to.
Side view of the studio setup
These are soft boxes which I would use to illuminate my models skin and soften it to hide any imperfections i.e dints, scars, wrinkles etc..
The reason I have chosen to use this lighting equipment because I want my models skin to be smooth and less harsh but not overpowering so you can still distinctively see the facial expressions that the model will be producing, I will also be putting the lights on a slight angle so my model just gets the softest part of the light hitting their face, leaving the skin practically natural however with some imperfections covered slightly.
I will be using the black backdrop so the photograph will be more distinct and not washed out which would be caused by a white backdrop and I have chosen the black backdrop is because it creates a dramatic effect to the photographs which is ideal for what I am trying to produce for my assignment as a whole.
This is the equipment I used during my shoot, I didn't have to replace or change any of my lighting set up and I was able to get all five photographs within the same period of time without any complications.
This is the camera which I used for my photography shoot, the reason I used this camera because it had the correct settings for which I could adjust to comply with the lighting I had used.
Idea formulation of 3D flower
I will be constructing these larger petals myself using bendable wire.
These smaller and much thicker metal pieces are already constructed, it will be the base of my piece.
Ive added this area of metal mesh inserted within my construction of my flower because it might give my entire piece more character however depending on weather I can find that material is if I processed with this idea.
This is what the piece would look like without the metal mesh on some of the petals, I'm likely to go towards this idea because evidently it would be more suitable and more visually pleasing towards what I'm trying to achieve.
Final project concept
Contact sheet of my photo shoot
Task 4 - Image Analysis
Five photographs which i've chosen for my assignment
The photographs which I have chosen for my project definitely give the perception which I was aiming for, each photographs symbolise different emotions/actions you would see through people on a daily basis, I'm extremely pleased with the outcome of all my photographs because I was able to grasp define details of her face and a 3D effect using high key lighting.
Theses photographs all differ from each other, they are all individually symbolised for 5 different emotions, the first photograph shows happiness, the second image explores anger, the third photograph shows annoyance, the fourth photograph implies confusion and the fifth image declares worry, all five of my photographs contribute to a vast amount of emotions which can be declared in hundred of different ways however my images are based on the typical standard emotions shown on facial expressions.
The positives about my photographs is that they all show a variety of different emotions which I was hoping to achieve and I feel accomplished by being able to show that however the only critique which I have with my photographs is that two have deeper shadow perception i.e the second photograph and the fourth, they both have higher and darker shadows on their faces compared to the other photographs which I took, I would of preferred all of them to have no shadows displayed on their face so you could see the facial expressions in much more in depth.
My photographs placed on these larger leafs
Reconstructed version of my 3D model, the reason I have chosen to initiate a different way to portray my photographs is because of how the process of putting the constructed petals behind the smaller petals was, it was much harder task to bind it to the back of the flower which I had bought however I have decided to make the "petals" into extras leaves and have them scattered around and not symmetrical, it adds more character towards my work.
Evaluation
The strengths of my 3D assignment project are; that I was able to incorporate a secure structural 3D model towards my photography work, I was able to execute a flower design by modelling metal wire into 5 extra petals and incorporating it onto my flower which I bought offline to give it a more appealing appearance towards the audience.
My weaknesses are; my photography work, in my opinion I do not believe my studio work is up to my standard due to two of my photographs which have a higher contrast/deeper and darker shadows on the side of her face which doesn't fit well with what I’m trying to represent because you can't fully see the emotion that she's expressing on her face.
I believe the narrative I was trying to achieve comes off very well, it shows the variety of basic expressions which people develop throughout the day depending on their circumstances, I believe I have accurately shown these types of emotions independently with each image, the lighting which I have used is very harsh on two of my images however it shows all define details on my models face and brings out all the imperfections to simulate the expressions more specifically.
The adjustments I made to my photographs is I had turned them into a black and white piece because I believe it brings out the features in more detail because it has more shades than you would think, with black and white photography it helps you focus on the subject, it makes the photo speak for itself than if it was in colour and getting distracted by where you should look.
I believe black and white photographs have a more powerful message and that’s the reason why I choose to do my photography with this adjustment because I want that message and the expressions to be put across towards the audience and have that experience through my work and to be able to have people focus on the important parts of the image.
The lighting which I used was remarkable with what I was trying to display, it defined my model’s complexity and enhanced her facial expressions exceptionally, it brought out her features and made the narrative become reinforced because of how the lighting defined her facial structure, the lighting was soft lighting so this smoothed out her skin however it still showed the expression she had produced clearly.
My project is fit for the purpose because I believe that advertisement of facial expressions is extremely important especially in this modern society, non-verbal communication is just as important as verbal communication, a smile indicates whether we approve of a decision or a frown/glare implies disagreement, understanding a variety of facial expressions is a crucial part of communication.
My project isn't just about facial expressions, it’s about the meaning/narrative behind it, the world is transforming at a fast rate i.e. emails and text messages and even FaceTime even though you do still see a person’s face using FaceTime; it doesn't give the same effects as if in person; in person your able to have a better understanding, when you’re having a verbal conversation with someone you analyse and observe to assign facial expressions to what they voice and that can't be justified over text/emails so you don't know how the messages are being projected due to the lack of facial recognition within the communication concept.
The concept of the flower within my project is to show the five different facial expressions which are typically used throughout the day i.e. happiness, anger, worry, confusion and annoyed, these are like the five leafs of expressions and that’s why I've combined a 3D flower within my project because it symbolises the basic and first facial expressions that people use, like when a flower sprouts its first leafs, they are the original concept of how that flower grows and develops.
The possible improvements which I could do if I had the chance to start from the beginning is having the ability to construct a fuller 3D flower rather than buying one offline, I would have liked to start from scratch with the flower because tie-wrapping my leafs which I had constructed to the flower was a difficult task and I believe that it would of been a much more less complicated task if I had brought it together as one in a slower process.
In conclusion, I believe that my work I have produced is to a good standard and that I have shown clearly what my narrative of my work is, so overall my initial thoughts of my final product is that it shows what I was trying to express however I could have produced more detailed photography shots of my models face.
Damien's Assignment
Task 1 - Research
Different Image Production Processes:
Cyanotype - The cyanotype process was one of the first non-silver technologies used to create photographic images, the cyanotype process was originated in the 1840s, it was never used within the mainstream photography however it was used as a copying technique i.e known as "blueprint" it was ideal for large architectural and mechanical drawings because of its blue background
There are two famous Cyanotype photographers who adapted and developed their work within this criteria superbly, one of these people are Anna Atkins, her work merged art and science together by using light exposure and a chemical process to create significantly detailed blueprints of botanical specimens (is a collection of preserved plant specimens.)
Anna Atkins was the first person to illustrate a book with photographic images, the art of nature printing was in the early stages around Atkins's time and thats why she became so influential and recognisable during this period, she was able to grasp an opportunity and take full potential of it.
Anna's Cyanotype impressions provide enough detail to be able to categorise and distinguish each species of plant from another as well as having imaginative compositions throughout her work.
Anna Atkins Work
The other very successful cyanotype photographer was Bertha Evelyn Jaques, she only became interested in printmaking until her late 30's in 1893 when she saw work produced by artists in Chicago Columbian Exposition which influenced her greatly into creating 461 prints and more than 1,000 Cyanotypes during her 46 year career.
Jaques was an important graphic artist who produced a large amount of cyanotype photograms of flowers, she would place the flowers directly onto the photographic paper, no camera was ever involved. These Cyanotypes showed her deep interest in nature a similarity to Anna Atkins work however they both have different aesthetics sensibilities towards them for example Jaques Cyanotypes were made outdoors this can be shown by her work because the image with the branches, leaves and berries attached don't lay flat and seems to have been adjusted by the wind - this creates a very interesting effect towards her work whereas Anna Atkins work was more definitive detail in what she was trying to show, she was able to grasp even the smallest of detail.
Bertha Jaques Work
Solarisation - Solarisation, also known as the sabatier effect when referring to negatives is where the image that is recorded on a negative or a photographic print is partially or fully reversed in tone, this means dark areas appear light or light areas appear dark. To create this effect it involves exposing a partially developed photograph to light before continuing the process, this creates a fascinating halo-like effect within the photographs.
The first known Solarisation photographer was Man Ray, the technique itself was discovered by Man Ray and Lee Miller accidentally - Man ray quickly adopted this as a means to escape from banality (he didn't want to be unoriginal, rather someone who was unique within their concept of their work), he would apply the technique to specific photographs like female nudes, he would emphasis the contours of the body while outlining around the initial form and giving it a halo-like look towards his portraits.
Man Rays Work
Another solarisation photographer was not Lee Miller even though she dabbled within the process where Man Ray was concerned but Edward Weston was more drastic and popular during his time because he was seen as the most influential photographer.
Ray and Edward had similarities of using solarisation on nude models this was because it made the photographs more compelling and eye-catching than if it wasn't solarised. Edwards solarisation photography definitely has the same representation as Man Rays because they had their models laying down in a variety of different positions/postures to make the solarisation more definitive within their photographs, Edwards work in particular is centred around the mid waist and down and hardly shows any facial features are captured whereas Man Ray is most popular for his portraiture.
Edward Watsons Work
Multiple Exposure - Double/Multiple exposure is a technique which combines 2 different photographs into a singular image, you can create this effect by layering two negatives on top of each other in the darkroom however you can also have this effect done through a Nikon digital camera or even by photoshop, this technique has been practiced for many years and is essentially popular due to the simplistic efforts of creating an identical effect on photoshop.
An example of a well known multiple exposure photographer is Daniel Mountford who creates all his master pieces by using in-camera settings with a little bit of post-production to give the photograph a filter effect/enhance the photograph, Daniel combines emotions with memories that are connected to specific people in his life, and these are both seen significantly in his work that he produces.
Daniel Mountford's Work
Laurence Winram is also a very popular multiple exposure photographer, his on-going project is one associated with black and white double exposure nudes which he has categorised as "Shadow", his photographs are extraordinary however because he combines his imagery into one it gives a perception of unpredictable elements which shows creativity and adventure through his photography, the way he portrays and assembles his pieces is similar to the way Daniel executes his work.
Both Daniel and Laurence like to combine portraiture with nature to emphasis the meaning behind the image, it shows perception and makes the viewer go deeper into the photographs and analyse the piece more further, it makes them question, all their pieces have different outcomes to what they are trying to portray dependent on the viewer and what they are trying to perceive.
Laurence Winram's Work
Liquid Emulsion - also known as "Liquid Light" this is a gelatine silver light sensitive liquid photographic emulsion that is used in alternative photography printing processes based on applying it on a suitable surface i.e wood, stones, fabric, tiles, metal and more, you would then expose it on an enlarger and then process it in a darkroom as you would with normal photographic paper.
Gillian Allard is a photographic artist as well as teacher however during a time in her life that changed due to her lifestyle she began working with liquid emulsion - she started using the process on water colour paper but then moved onto rock and wood this lead to her being the artist of the year in 2000, she was commissioned by the Beaford Archive in Brendon, she used both documentary techniques and liquid emulsion to create a body of portraiture work and that then followed on to a local commission creating a series of 'wooden photos'.
Gillian Allard's work
Julia Boyd is an experimental photographer - her work revolves around exploring different ways that photography can be used in creating installation art. Her photographs act in a way that intervenes with the stereotypical uses of medium.
Julia paints on liquid emulsion and manipulates the surface of a photograph and by doing this process she is able to highlight the materiality of the photographic medium, Boyd incorporates traditional photographic techniques i.e. medium format photography and darkroom printing and she then applies this to industrial material to create a unique representation of the world around us.
Gillian and Julia's work are completely opposite to each other however they both like to create their own unique perception on the photographic process and develop their images to a variety of different extents to create fascinating and breath-taking photographs, both the photographers also like to congregate a mass of spectacular and divulging photographic pieces.
Julia Boyd's Work
Task 3 - Shooting Plan
What I am going to be shooting is the life experience of a Land Rover mechanic - this is a background introduction to how Land Rover mechanics develop their skills and construct mechanical structures piece by piece to assemble the land rovers as a whole. The subject matter of my photography exhibition will be Land Rover based, I will dive into the concept of the tools which are used to help function the ability to craft a Land Rover vehicle, ill be using a variety of different tools to be able to show this i.e socket sets, spanners, I will also be photographing the bonnet of the vehicle while my grandfather is working to show sufficient evidence of what he used to do throughout his life - I also thought about photographing my grandfathers hands while they are covered in oil, have a close up shots of the detail and the oil within the creases of his hands.
When photographing my grandfather over the bonnet I will have a light placed within the engine to shine on his face to enhance his facial features, I would also have a downwards shot from his face focusing on the engine and having his face out of focus as well as having the light shining upwards, I also thought of having a toolbox in front of the land rover with my grandfather in the background working on the vehicle out of focus - I would then go onto photographing an establishing shot of my grandfather and the vehicle.
I will use my grandfather as my model to show the functionality of a hard-working Land Rover Mechanic, I will get shots of him working on his Land Rover as well as using a variety of tools, he will be dressed in his working overalls which he has had for many years and his Land Rover cap, will also have the possibility of using my niece (four year old) as a model because she will add towards the atmosphere of the photographs, I will get her in some miniature overalls, looking over the bonnet while my grandfather is working with her, I will have this opportunity if my brother is able to bring her down however if not I will still continue to photograph my grandfather on his own.
The loaction of where I am shooting is suitable for what im trying to portray, the environment of the garage and the placement of the objects will bring out the meaning and purpose of my photographs, the functionality of the environment of which I have chosen is highly faultless for what I am trying to perceive in my photographic images and ill be able to clearly demonstrate a past life experience of my grandfather, if under any circumstance my location becomes unsuitable i.e lack of lighting or unable to get into the specified area of which I want to photograph, I will take acceptable precautions and evidently cater my needs to what I have to work with.
The lighting for my shoot will be based outdoors so it will be varied on what the outcome of my photographs may develop into however im very confident that my images will be exposed accordingly to how I want them to be, I will also be using a Pentax film camera so I can easily develop my images in the darkroom without any possibilities of mistakes or corruption of my images and lack of quality however if my images are not to the standard of which I would expect then I would re-evaluate my technique and the lighting that I had used within my shoot and I would remodel my photographs.
Task 4 - The shoot and production of final imagery
( First Shoot )
The shoot for my photographic project went incredibly well in my perspective, I was able to collect a range of different photographic images which coincides towards my project.
I decided that my photographs would look best on a much duller day due to the way I wanted my photographs to be perceived - I feel as if the narrative would have a stronger composition if the images were darker because this would correspond to the hardship of being a Land Rover mechanic and how difficult it can get at times.
During the morning of my shoot, the weather was bright and sunny which is not what Intended to have for my photography shoot however when it got to about mid-day the sun settled and clouds appeared in the sky, showing signs of a better scenario for my shoot, this empowered my initiative to go and photograph my grandfather while the lighting was perfect.
During my shoot I was able to get the perfect collection of angles to portray different aspects of a Land Rover Mechanic - each photograph stimulates the atmosphere of what Mechanics do to create such re-warding work and have the outcome of their projects that they work on for years, the shoot consisted of photographing the Land Rover itself and a few photographs of my grandfather working on the Land Rover himself - showing the Mechanical side of my project.
( Second Shoot )
This photographic shoot was done due to matter of having to re-shoot my photographs because I did not have enough images which consisted of my grandfather - I had taken too many photographs of the vehicle itself rather than having my grandfather present in the photographs with the vehicle as well causing my previous images to become pointless to my project.
During this shoot it was an incredibly sunny day as well and I had no other choice but to proceed to photograph my grandfather working on the Land Rover this is because he was selling the Land Rover later that day so I had to make sure that these photographs I was taking had no faults, I made sure that all procedures before taking the image were exact - i.e the bar was central and the iso was correct this is because I had only one opportunity to re-shoot.
When I was shooting I had my grandfather perform different mechanical actions to produce realistic views of him working i.e having his hands covered in oil or him leaning over the bonnet.
I had produced 11 photographic images to work with for my final pieces
In conclusion I believe that my first photographic shoot went better than when I re-shot this is because within the second lot of photographs they had been under-exposed causing the images to be dark on the film whereas my first lot of photographs had the perfect composition and showed my detail - unfortunately I couldn't use these photographs because they didn't coordinate exactly to my project and what I was trying portray - I believe both my shoots as a whole went smoothly, I was able to get my desired photographs especially with the amount of time that I had to conceive these photographs.
Final Images
Task 5 - Evaluation
The reason why I've chosen to specifically photograph my grandfather using different tools on his Land Rover because it tells a deep narrative, your able to see the craftsmanship of how he has dedicated his life to bringing Land Rovers back to life and transforming them into unrecognisable machinery, the time and effort that goes into this type of mechanical structure is extraordinary.
I had chosen to use this topic for my photography project because I was able to grasp the subject precisely – not many people know the strengths and dedicated time it takes to be able to produce a functionally working vehicle, one mistake and it can go wrong and I feel like that I have acknowledged this thoroughly because of how I have presented my grandfather within my photographic images.
I have also chosen to use film to photograph my grandfather because I believe it gives a better representation on the history of what my grandfather used to do, it makes it seem more realistic towards the past and gives it a more effective atmosphere to the photographs, bringing out the narrative in more depth. I believe that film photography was the best photographic process to use because it also stimulates the historical feeling of the past – it brings the past to the future and I am incredibly satisfied with how my photographs have initially turned out because of the way they have become grainy – this shows more characteristics in the images and portrays the era in which my grandfather would have been doing this job.
My knowledge on what my grandfather had done in the past had a significant impact on my work because I was able portray him in a reasonable manner to be able to re-create such a memorable past – I also knew what I had to photograph to be able to get the same representation if I had photographed him doing this work many years ago – I believe the way I had portrayed my grandfather coincides to the style that it would have been.
My strengths during the process of creating my project was being able to develop the photographs as a whole due to the failures of many attempts on to different materials, I had concluded to use photographic paper as my final solution however I had initially chosen to use metal and then wood but the liquid emulsion wasn’t adjusting well to each material and I had to change the way I wanted my photographs to be presented. On the 25th April, I had experimented with the wood and liquid emulsion and I said, “nothing prepared me for the dwelling moment that the liquid emulsion had yet failed (again)” this explains that I didn’t expect it to fail on me even with how many attempts I’ve had beforehand but I still had hope of conceiving my photographs one way or another.
My photographs as a whole I believe I have produced significantly accurate imagery, I was able to reflect on my grandfather’s past and in my opinion, I believe I showed that through the photographs superbly – the way the photographs have also turned out as grainy/murky grey also give the photographs a deeper narrative because it makes it feel as if your looking into the forgotten past “Photographs open doors into the past, but they also allow a look into the future” Sally Mann – this quote signifies what my work is trying to portray, it’s able to let you look into the past but also the future and that’s a massive impact on what my photographs are able to portray, you can get an idea of what my grandfather accomplished but also see what he achieves now.
If I was to have a sequel to my project I would go into more depth about what types of tools he used, and have more mechanical structures of the engine itself and the little aspects of what helps create such mesmerising pieces of work, I believe that would coincide perfectly to what I have just produced because it helps to get a further understanding of the physical side of constructing a Land Rover rather is like than the visual side and be able to get an outlook of the whole mechanical components.
If I was to do my project again I would consider photographing more detailed shots of my grandfather and have more facial features within my photographic piece and be able to get his reactions clearly, I would also make sure that my camera was set up correctly so I didn’t have such a lengthy exposure time causing me to be able to produce on four photographs, I would make sure I had sufficiently produced six photographs for my project if I had to re-do my whole project again however I am happy with my final outcome.
In conclusion, I believe that my project turned out impressively well especially with all the problems I encountered along the way to producing my final photographs, I feel as if my images themselves are up to standard however I unfortunately wasn’t able to achieve all six photographs except I produced four and that’s due to the prolonged exposure time per photograph on the other hand I conclude that my photographs portray the experiences of my grandfather and the way they have been developed emphasises the connation of my piece, I also believe that I have shown clearly what my narrative of my work is i.e. Life of a Land Rover Mechanic, I am incredibly satisfied with my final outcome and that how my photographs as a whole can show the past experience of my grandfather’s hardworking life.
