The theme of my work is 'Landscape'. I have chosen to study this theme because I believe that this allows me to explore different ideas and expand my understanding of manipulating photos. In order to produce a successful outcome, I must carry out research. I will start by looking into Landscape photographers to see how I could make my images unique. Furthermore, to extend my understanding of this project I will create a mood board of my chosen theme, which will allow me to visually see potential ideas. 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 and Outside of school. I would like to explore different locations for each shoot, to capture the unique differences between each location. I hope to include ideas influenced by artist but also include my own creative ideas. I intend on researching and interpreting Glyn Davies' work as he captures the beauty of different locations and doesn't manipulate his pictures in a way that makes them look unrealistic. He has previously taken pictures of the scenery in Anglesey, which has inspired my first project. I would like to take inspiration from the images 'Unfamiliar Familiarity' , 'Red Flash White Flash' and 'Golden Illusion'. 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 by using a wide range of camera settings, locations and Photoshop tools. 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 times of day and choose which time gives me the best outcome. I would like to use unique lenses to change my style of photography. 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 a two weeks maximum and dedicate my time on taking pictures. I will show my progress by uploading all my images, picking out my worst ones and explaining 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 n my strengths and weaknesses.
Research
Mind map
My first idea is to do a tiny planet and add both urban and modern landscape to show the difference be nature and man made.
Artist Research: Simon Kitchin
Context
Simon Kitchin is an award-winning landscape photographer based in North Wales. Whilst he has always had a camera close to hand it was his relocation to North Wales in 1997 that saw him begin to take photography seriously. This allowed him to spend much of his time wandering among the stunning mountains of Snowdonia and along the coastline of Anglesey. His photographs have been published in numerous magazines, books and calendars with some success in photography competitions. His landscape photography is on permanent exhibition in several locations around North Wales and he guides fellow photographers around the area on his landscape photography workshops. He uses a Nikon D800 full frame DSLR, together with a range of Nikon lenses and Lee filters. Simon is author of the fotoVUE location guidebook, Photographing North Wales. https://www.fotovue.com/about-us/meet-the-authors/simon-kitchin/
Connection
Kitchin's theme is landscape which is what I also plan to do. I plan on visiting Anglesey to to take photos similar to Kitchin's work. He has used the rule of thirds to get the viewers to focus on the lighthouse which has inspired to also do so when taking my own photos. The contrasting colour of the sky compliments the white from the lighthouse. I think that the message behind this image is that such a small isolated object can have a huge effect on humans. I like how he has captured the scenery and highlighted the bright colours of the surroundings.
Composition
The main focus of the photo is the lighthouse. The photo has been taken from a perspective to enhance the beauty of the nature in the image. He has used the rule of thirds and there are strong leading lines which point in a direction allowing us to focus of the lighthouse.
Anglesey
Beach landscape
Rocks and Beaches
Close up of grass
Close up of stones
Group of trees
Trees
Worst
Best
Rope
Seaweed
Landmark
Worst
Best
Linking Paragraph
To compare the different effect of season, we visited both Anglesey and Manchester. For our Anglesey project we went during late winter time, whereas we went to Manchester in the summertime. During the winter time we expected the weather to be dark and gloomy, the opposite to what we expected during the summer. Although, to my surprise the sky at Anglesey was clear and the sun was shining, the weather impacted my photography in both negative and positive ways. Positively, as the sunlight enhanced my photos. However, negatively, as some of my pictures were over exposed. On our trip to Anglesey we visited many places like cathedrals , churches, beaches and clifftops. This allowed me to add a wider range of photos to my portfolio. Likewise, our trip to Manchester was bright and sunny. Nevertheless, it was much warmer and brighter in Manchester, as it was the summer season. The lighting had a huge positive impact on my images. The golden lighting allowed some of the brighter colours to stand out. In Manchester we explored a very urban side of the city, contrasting to the rural views we captured in Anglesey. The similarity that both trips shared was the camera settings. On both trips I had to constantly adjust my camera to fit the right exposure. I kept my camera on manual on both projects to allow me to have control over my photos, rather than have the camera automatically adjust it. All in all, I preferred the Manchester project as it allowed me to capture the beauty of the city, from the chaotic streets to the modern buildings. I liked zooming into little details of the city, rather than the city as a whole. Furthermore, the city shows both modern and old-fashioned beauty. For my next steps, I would like to improve my photos by modifying them on Photoshop.
Manchester
Bridge
Worst
Best
Worst
Best
Worst
Best
Worst
Best
Worst
Best
Worst
Best
Worst
Best
Photoshop
I have been aspired to do 3D panoramic globe to my photography. I have been inspired to do this because it allows me to clearly show the contrast between both urban and rural landscapes. A great artist that I would like to research is Paul Reiffer. She takes photos of mainly urban scenery, however, she has also done rural scenery. I will watch youtube tutorials on how to do it and hope to achieve work to the standard of Reiffer's work.
I experimented by using the patch tool. I didn't work out like I hoped it would, the colour of the building changed making it look unnatural.
I experimented by using the crop tool, the blur tool, the smudge tool and the sharpen tool. It turned out how I wanted it.
Creating an abstract geometric mold
Final Gallery (10-15 outcomes):
Mock Exam Evaluation- 12/12/19
My theme for this project is Landscape. I enjoyed doing this project as it allowed me to compare the differences between rural and urban landscapes. This project allowed me to improve my Photoshop skills and explore different features. The thing I enjoyed most throughout the whole project is developing my photos. For this project I decided to branch out and explore more complex edits, further expanding my Photoshop skills. For example, I have learnt how to create a geometric mold, using tools such as a Elliptical Marquee Tool, Move Tool, Polygon tool and more. However, for my next project I would like to develop my research skills. I felt as if my research for this project has been quite vague and simple. I feel as I am capable of going into more detail and gathering further information. Throughout this project,I have researched a Photographer called Simon Kitchin. He has taken wonderful images of the scenery in Anglesey, which inspired me to also do so. Kitchin keeps his Photoshop editing minimal to highlight the beauty of the picture it self. I feel as if the most successful part of my project has been my final images gallery. I think this because it clearly shows the journey I went through. I started if by making tiny worlds, then moved on to geometric edits. I feel as if the most successful outcome has been the geometric edits. During the project my problem was time management, I spent too much time uploading and organizing the images I took and too little time on my research. I have learnt that I need to organise myself in a way which allows me to focus on each area thoroughly. If I had the chance to complete this project again I would use my time more wisely. To improve I must add some more final outcomes, do some more research and manage my time better.