The theme of my work is 'Conflict'. I have chosen to study this theme because I believe that it allows me to explore the problems going on in the world and project them through photography. In order to produce a successful outcome, I must carry out research and plan beforehand. I will start by looking into Conflict photographers to see how differentiate my ideas. Furthermore, to extend my understanding of this project I will evaluate pictures that interest me and create a mood board. I intend complete a number of photo shoots during this project to help me explore my chosen theme. I would like to take pictures inside school and explore different lighting. I hope to include ideas influenced by artist but also include my own creative ideas. I intend on researching and interpreting UNICEF's work as they capture the deeper effect that war/conflict has on humans. they have previously taken pictures of families in Syria, which has inspired me to take pictures that have a deeper meaning behind them. The photographers I choose to research will influence my ideas and allow me to build upon my knowledge of this project. Throughout this project, I would like to experiment different lighting effects, perspectives and locations. I would like to try using different perspectives when taking my photos (worms eye view, birds eye view, etc). I would like to take my pictures in different studio set ups and choose which lighting me the best outcome. I could potentially change the camera settings to give me a unique outcome. I would also like to use Photoshop to adjust my images, giving me the result I wished for. I aim to complete my research within three weeks maximum and dedicate my time on taking pictures. I will show my progress by uploading a picture of my plan, picking out my worst ones and evaluating how I could improve. This will help me to reflect on the work I have produced. I will also be uploading images of the set up I have to show how I got my final outcome. At the end of the project I will write an evaluation on the project, reflecting my strengths and weaknesses.
Developing my ideas
Analyzing examples
Context
This picture was taken by Unicef. Unicef is non-profit organization which provides emergency food and healthcare for children suffering in war zones. The photo shows a family of four fleeing Syria to live a safer life. In the picture you can see a man carrying a newborn with his wife on the other side, holding her sons hand. The reason this picture was taken was to show the world the struggles many people have to face and how war affects families.
Content
The picture was taken in Syria during a war zone, it shows a family trying to escape danger. In the background there is an old house and in the front of the camera there is a family of four fleeing the scene. The photo barely shows colour, except from the family's clothes and the grass behind them . the photo looks new as the camera quality is good and the photo is clear.
Connection
This image shows the struggle of war, which relates to the theme of work we have been doing, our theme is conflict. In my opinion this photo shows others how war and conflict affects innocent people. A photo like this makes you realise that extreme conflict takes the lives of ordinary, innocent people/families.
Comment
I like the fact that this image creates sympathy towards those who suffer during war periods and makes me realise how easy life is compared to others. I also like that this photo captures the reality of some world problems and how it causes people to leave everything behind. However, I do not like the fact that the contrast is quite harsh. This photo inspires, because it makes me look at the world differently and motivates me to capture the beauty and flaws of this world. I think this photo was taken to make us realise how power can destroy families and lives.
Composition
It is taken from a worms eyes view to make the family look vulnerable. This picture shows a deep depth of field because the picture is in focus. It also shows a strong triangle leading line from the father to the son, this makes us focus on the despair on their faces. This picture shows the rule of thirds, the family are in the foreground, 2/4 of the photo are mud and grass, which have footsteps showing large groups of people have walked across that area. The photographer has used a fast shutter speed, so they can capture the moment. The lighting is bright but not over exposed however, the contrast is quite harsh. It is clear the photographer has not used a tripod. There is hardly and colour except from the grass and the family's clothes.
I have chosen these images because my theme is Domestic Abuse. I have chosen Domestic Abuse because it is so common and not many people talk about it. Domestic violence is violence or other abuse by one person against another in a domestic setting, such as in marriage or cohabitation. An estimated 1.9 million adults have experienced domestic abuse over the last year. Domestic violence can also involve violence against children, parents, or the elderly. It takes a number of forms including physical , verbal, emotional, economic , religious, reproductive, and sexual abuse, which can range from subtle, coercive forms to marital rape and to violent physical abuse such as choking, beating, female genital mutilation, and acid throwing that results in disfigurement or death.
My plan
First Shoot
Second Shoot
Third Shoot
Preparation
Best picture
This is my best picture because it clearly shows what I want it to show. The lighting is focusing on the model, so that he is the center of attention. The ISO is correct and it is not over exposed.
Worst picture
The picture is too dark, to improve I could change the ISO. Also, my model is smiling, which doesn't how serious it is. To improve I should change the angle, so the lighting is better.
Adobe Photoshop
Final Posters
Evaluation
The theme of project was conflict. I enjoyed working on the project because it is a real issue and conflict happens on a daily bases and people should see the results from it. I was passionate about this because it happens regularly and not much people are aware of the consequences it can have on a person. I specifically enjoyed was developing my ideas on Photoshop , because I improved the problems I with the photos, such as the background, the brightness, the contrast, etc. A new technique I have experienced during this project is using Photoshop and taking studio shots. I used Photoshop to enhance my pictures and used studio lights to get the perfect lighting. I would like to develop my Photoshop skills, as a I feel I have little understanding on it and could improve my skills. Through this project the photographers I have researched is UNICEF. UNICEF is an organisation which provides emergency food and healthcare for children who have been affected by war. UNICEF have influenced my photography by showing me to capture the moment, to use angles to improve my work (birds eye view to show vulnerability and worms eye view to show power) and to use background to relate to the image. The technique I enjoyed most is using the spotlight to highlight the main person/object in the image. I also enjoyed using brightness and contrast to give a dark tone, the dark tone shows relates to the mood in the image. I feel the most successful part of the project was the final prints because I developed my ideas throughout the journey. To improve my photographs I used photoshop , in photoshop I used tools such as brightness/contrast, spotlight, exposer, patch tool, etc. However, I did encounter problems during this project, such as finding the correct lighting to suit my theme, constantly having to adjust the camera angle to find the perfect angle which matches with the image, also, the backdrop was creased, causing me to have to blemish it out using photoshop. Although, the creases on the backdrop lead to me learning how to fix the problem using photoshop. If i had the chance to re-do the project I would make the photos look more realistic by getting my models to wear suitable clothes in all the pictures, rather than wearing school uniform.