Multiple Imagery Work Diary

For this shoot, I was set with the task of shooting the technique of multiple imagery. For this technique, I would have to create a range of images which could work together as a sequence of photographs. For this shoot, I wanted to develop a simple yet strong series of images which would combine together. I searched for inspiration within the technique and looked at photographers who's work could influence me to develop the technique in interesting ways. In my search I came across an image, however I could not find the name of the photographer. The image featured Jack Nicholson as the joker. There were four main frames and each contained a different facial expression. The effect itself was extremely straight forward however, in its simplicity the image appeared even more visually dynamic. As a result, I wanted to replicate this style of simple multiple imagery photography for my own work. The main thing to keep in mind while shooting multiple imagery is consistency. I had to make sure the camera stayed still between each image in order to achieve the effect which I wanted otherwise the editing process would be made more difficult and the images would not work as a series. I used a tripod in order to counteract this. I used a simple two light set up with soft boxes in order to light the subject adequately. For my camera settings I wanted to use a simple approach in order to ensure that the images appear detailed enough. I used a shutter speed of 1/125, an f stop of 11 and an ISO of 200. This would allow me to take detailed enough images in order to achieve the result I wanted.

Joker Influence:

My Image:

For this image I attempted to focus on simple yet strong images. In order to reflect this I focused on contrast as my main theme. Within the editing process, I created a new image with a transparent background. I then opened up each image and began to copy and past the image into the transparent image. I used the zoom tool in order to adjust each image so they aligned. Any image that was sized differently was cropped in order to fit better. The result created a cohesive set of images. I used levels in order to darken the black tones within the image. I then used a black and white filter and began to adjust colours independently from each other. The result appears in an almost silhouette format with different positioning as the image continues. Each image features contrasts which make the image appear visually striking in a simplistic manner. Much like the way the image that inspired this shoot did.

Progression:

If I were to develop this shoot, I would experiment with the use of different subjects. I could use people's faces or cars moving or different locations. I could utilise this technique within my subject by present a collection of images which work together under one theme in order to communicate a message to the audience more strongly.

Physical Experiments

This image features a before and after. I achieved this by placing the original image over the edited image. This links directly to my subject as it shows how much the media can manipulate the way in which the audience views things. On the left we see a sunny image with vibrant colours and on the right we see the total opposite. A desolate image which uses dull tones to evoke a feeling of sadness/loneliness.

Both of these images show two variations of ways to depict censorship within the media, another theme within the subject of hyperreality. The first image features someone with their mouth stapled shut. This implies that those who speak against something can be easily ignored by the media instead opting to let the voices be heard that fit in with what the media are attempting to communicate. The second image features similar themes however there is another implication. The eyes and mouth of the person on the left appear to be redacted. This process offers connotations to secrecy and secret information that is being controlled. There are two different portraits. The left is the original while the one on the right is one that has been digitally edited in order to remove flaws, creating a more media/magazine accurate representation of a person. The one on the left is being silenced while the one on the right is left untouched. This reflects the prominence of a fictional reality which takes the place of real people within the media.

This experiment is used to develop the shoot in which this image originates. I wanted to manipulate the audience into feeling a certain way about the image through photo manipulation. I have taken a more direct approach with the message behind the image by taking a key connotation and cutting it into the image. The rough cuts help give the sensation of the emotion. This develops the idea within hyperreality as the image is essentially telling the audience how to feel towards this image.

I have taken an image and began to replace details with pen. The result causes the image to appear almost like pop art. I did this as a physical reference to a previous shoot which I had completed (shoot 8) and the work of artist, Helmut Jacoby. The result attempts to present a standard image in a new way, causing the way the audience perceive the image to change.

Video Work Diary

For this shoot, I was set with the task of shooting the technique of video. For this technique, I was encouraged to capture an image within an image, except for this shoot I would have to use the still image as a frame for the video. For this shoot, I wanted to take a simple technique and present it in a unique way. For the direction in which I wanted to take the image I needed to use a tripod in order to ensure that there was no camera movement between taking the photograph and shooting the video.

This image features an interesting technique as I used a frame to hold the video. I used Premiere pro in order to adjust the size and composition of the video by manipulating the motion panel of the clip. While filming the video I wanted to make the video appear to end in the position of the surrounding image. In order to capture this, I had the person stand still as I took a picture and then remain in place. This would ensure the images match perfectly. As I began filming I had the person place the frame on the floor and walk out of the frame backwards. In premiere pro I reversed the video in order to make it appear as if she picks up the frame and ends in the same position as the surrounding image.

Progression:

If I were to develop this technique, I would use it within the subject of hyperreality. I could replicate the style of a film and show how dramatised the media's depiction of reality is.

High Key Work Diary

For this shoot, I was set with the task of shooting the technique of high key. For this technique, I would have to manipulate light and specific camera settings in a way that would compliment each other perfectly. The aim of the effect is to separate the background and the person by lighting them independently from eachotehr at different settings. The result should allow for the background to appear totally white. For this shoot, I wanted to develop a range of strong portrait images which use the effect to make interesting compositions. I searched for inspiration within the technique and looked at photographers who's work could influence me to develop the technique in interesting ways. In my search for inspiration I looked at photographers such as Michael Schimczik. A particular image of his stood out to me as it featured a cheetah on a tree against an endless white background. Instead of simply photographing the cheetah and filling the frame, he chose to compose the frame using the white background in order to highlight contrasts and draw attention to the subject. I knew that I could take this idea of interesting composition and use of contrasts and apply it to my own work. As this shoot would be heavily reliant on my camera settings and light set up I had to make sure these were perfectly set up. I used a total of three lights, one pointing at the individual with a soft box while the other two lit the background. Bounce boards were used in order to cast indirect light onto the background, lighting it evenly. The light readings for the background were at f11 while the subject was f16. This would ensure that the background would remain independent from the subject, creating an all white background effect. I used a shutter speed of 1/125, an f stop of 16 and an ISO of 200. These settings were crucial for the amount of light which I was dealing with. The f stop of 16 would allow a controlled amount of light to go into the lens in order to ensure that the image was not over exposed.

Michael Schimczik influence:

These two images experiment with the technique of high key. They feature different forms of composition which are used for different impacts. Like the Michael Schimczik image, I have attempted to use the white space in order to create contrasts and highlight the ways in which I could direct the audience's attention. I wanted to use contrast as a main theme within this shoot. In order to highlight this, I used the levels and curves in Photoshop as well as the brightness and contrast in order to make the people stand out boldly amongst the background. This technique could be applied to other editing techniques. The background is completely separate which would allow for easy editing to remove the person and place them in an entirely different image.

Progression:

Overall I feel that this shoot was successful. If I were to develop this shoot in any way I would maybe use different types of composition. I would perhaps use different angles of low and high. I would experiment with distance, using extreme close ups and long shots in order to add more variety to the image.

Multiple Flash Work Diary

For this shoot, I was set with the task of shooting the technique of Multiple Flash. The effect is similar to slow sync in some areas as both have the potential to capture a range of movement, however with multiple flash I have the ability to capture movement through crisp images that occur through a more prominent use of the flash. I wanted to find a way to develop interesting images that would vary considerably from each other. Due to the small area of the studio, this was a concern of mine so I made sure to implement the use of props and different ranges of movement within my images. In order to ensure that I achieved variation within my images, I began research. Upon my research, I found a photographer by the name of  Mads Perch whose work with multiple flash served as a massive influence. I noticed the way that the technique was used in order to create the sense of multiple people standing around. This gave me the idea to focus my shoot on people being featured multiple times within the same frame and how they can interact with each other. I also could easily link this technique to the subject of hyperreality as I am making an image appear exciting compared to anything in reality. As this shoot would be heavily reliant on my camera settings and light set up I had to make sure these were accurately set up. I used two lights with soft boxes which would set off a flash as the camera began taking pictures. I used a shutter speed of 8.0, an f stop of 11 and an ISO of 125. The most important thing for this technique would be to keep the shutter button held down for as long as I need to while spacing out the use of the flash in order to ensure that the image does not appear over exposed.

 Mads Perch influence:

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My images:

This image was achieved by having the same person perform two different poses on opposite sides of the frame. One pose made the person appear that they were cowering within the corner of the frame while the other pose features someone holding a dish in their hands in a swinging motion. I spread the flashes long enough over the duration of the image in order to create a crisp image of the two poses which did not make the image too over exposed. The result gives the effect that the person is swinging to hit herself over the head. I adjusted levels and curves in order to darken aspects of the image. This gave each pose a more physical appearance instead of the ghostly original image. There is an element to this image which can be linked to hyperreality and the format of television. The image is presented within a very slapstick style that is reminiscent of black and white films. This idea is enforced through the creation of a vignette effect which was commonly used within these black and white films. This appearance could be used in other shoots in order to simulate a media, constructed world.

This image uses the same technique in order to create a new image. I had the person perform running poses in three different positions. This evokes a sense of movement within the frame presented in a frame by frame motion. However I also wanted to imply a sense of an endless loop. The vignette effect within the outer frame causes the person to fade into obscurity. This was done in order to create a portal effect where the body ends in the right of the frame and the rest of the body continues in the left of the frame. The use of contrasts are prominent within the image as they help to highlight the moment of the person from the left of the frame to the right. The use of levels and curves help to enhance these contrasts within the frame.

Progression:

I feel that I was able to achieve a successful and visually varied example of multiple flash. If I were to develop this shoot, I would implement sports photography in order to create striking movement photography. I would use skateboarding, running or dancing in order to document the range of movement that is undertaken by people in the sport. I could use the visual style of the image to explore a style of media that could work within the subject of hyperreality.

Slow sync Work Diary

For this shoot, I was set with the task of shooting the technique of slow sync. For this technique, I would have to use a combination of studio light and specific camera settings. The effect has the potential to capture a range of movement in an almost ghostly appearance. In past units, I have had experience with similar shoots with similar techniques. My older images would often appear to be limited by the small studio environment and limited technique. For this attempt I wanted to experiment with how this technique can be used to elevate an existing form of photography such as portraiture in order to create a more exciting effect. In my search for inspiration I looked at photographers such as Jeremy Hall whose work with slow sync had shown me how the technique can give new life to an image by highlighting movement. I knew that I could take the effect that Hall had used and develop it into the format in which I wanted to show my images. I could use the new colours and tones that can be found within movement to create a hypnotic frame, causing the image to appear more dynamic than standard portraiture would allow. I also could link this subject to my subject of hyperreality as I am taking normal things such as portraiture and movement and combining them through photo manipulation in order to create an entirely heightened experience. As this shoot would be heavily reliant on my camera settings and light set up I had to make sure these were accurately set up. I used two lights with soft boxes which would set off a flash as the camera began taking pictures. I used a shutter speed of 2.5, an f stop of 16 and an ISO of 200. A slow shutter speed would allow me to capture the range of movement that I wanted while the other settings would make sure that the image remained detailed within this process.

Jeremy Hall inspiration:

My images:

This image features a simple portrait of the back of a head. Typically, this type of portraiture would appear very dull in most cases. However, through the use of the technique, the image appears to be a lot more interesting. I used slight movements for the person I was photographing in order to create a glowing effect. The colours within the portrait appear much more vibrant and contrast greatly against the black background. I wanted to enhance the contrast so I used levels within photoshop to enhance the darker areas of the image. I also had someone walk through the background in order to create a ghostly streak within the background. This would also allow for more visual information to fill the empty areas of the frame. The result takes a simple portrait and makes it much more striking.

This image takes this theme of portraiture and explores a variation of it. Instead of focusing on contrast like the last image, this image focuses more on the use of colour within the frame through the use of movement. I had the person wave a cloth around in a swirl motion in order to create an effect similar to a tornado. The result would cause bright colours to be cast around the frame, filling the spaces that would usually remain empty. The result makes the frame appear vibrant and full of energy. The audience can also see a range of movement within the frame that can only be achieved through this effect.

Progression:

If I were to develop this shoot further, I would explore the use of different movements. I could implement different objects such as footballs in order to create some variation. I could also experiment with a similar technique within location shoots. This would open up more possibilities for what I could achieve within the subject, since I could implement things like cars and larger groups of people into my shoots in order to offer more variation. I could also develop this technique into the subject of hyperreality. I would focus on how the technique takes a standard format of portraiture and presents it in an entirely heightened way that is unlike anything in reality.

Final Project Evaluation

As I started unit 3, I had a rough idea of where I would like to take my subject of hyperreality. I began researching the key issues, controversies and themes which would help me to develop and create strong work. However, upon reflection it appears that I did not give myself the opportunity to begin commenting on some of the more controversial and weighted issues of the subject until later into the year. My images began strong, I had ambitions of exploring the ways in which Photoshop can be used in order to make the real world more exciting. However, I personally think some of my best work this year lies within my later, more challenging shoots. I focused largely on contrasts between the real world and a fictional world which was created within the media. I would use colour in order to explore these subjects, saturation would be increased in order to represent the over mediated reality of the media while the reality would be represented within black and white/muted colours of the real world. I began to notice that this idea was beginning to get repetitive, so I looked to develop my work through research into Photoshop techniques and possible connotations which could help improve the quality of my work and link to hyperreality.

I began to use different techniques such as portraiture in order to explore heavy themes such as body image. I contrasted the ways in which the media can create a more attractive person with the original image. The result looks absurd to think that the audience could believe that this was an accurate representation of a person. The purpose of the image was to make people realise the extent which the media can manipulate a person's image, and to forget about these unrealistic body images. I immediately noticed an improvement in the direction of my work due to the focus of a more layered subject within hyperreality through visually interesting Photoshop techniques. I also decided that a good way to keep my shoots visually dynamic from each other would be to use my research into other photographers of the subject and use their work as influences to my own. I began using photographers and artists such as Cedric Delsaux, Banksy, and Andre de Frietas in order to propel the quality of my work even further forward. Artists such as Banksy allowed me to develop techniques from images that could communicate to the subject of hyperreality through themes of manipulation and disconnecting socially in order to create some of my strongest pieces of photography to date. I also began to consider my body of work as a whole and looked to address key issues and weak points with it. The most significant example of this includes shoot 4 which originally for me seemed like my worst shoot. It appeared simplistic and too reminiscent of my previous shoots. As a result I used inspiration from a photographer named Alastair Magnaldo and began to change my work in favour of a more challenging, dynamic visual style which held more greater metaphorical meaning to the image of how reality is constructed by the media. This has now become one of my strongest shoots of the year.

Overall, I feel that I started the subject off with key ideas of where to take my work. However, it has become clear over time that these ideas needed to be more realised. It was after my first four shoots that I truly began to increase my ambition for the subject and sought to develop my work through visually interesting and metaphorically meaningful methods and representations. Using influences from artists and photographers whom I had previously researched allowed me to create stunning images which utilised more daring methods, testing my Photoshop and camera operating abilities. It also gave me the opportunity to create some of my more visually different pieces of Photography. I was able to explore all of the relevant aspects of hyperreality that I wanted to at the beginning of the year without making ideas seem repetitive or dull.