Four types of composition
In this task I was required to take photos to match four different types of composition. My photos had to roughly match a collages I made to show types of composition, the four types of composition were triangles, rule of thirds, layers and balance.
Triangles
One type of composition involves having a triangle. However my collage was not suitably abstract, so I instead focused on the idea of multiple triangles in the photo.
One type of composition involves having a triangle. However my collage was not suitably abstract, so I instead focused on the idea of multiple triangles in the photo.
|
|
Layers
Here we had to focus on the idea of layers in the background.
Here we had to focus on the idea of layers in the background.
|
|
Balance
Here I tried to again had some difficulty due to my collage however I managed it quite easily at home.
Here I tried to again had some difficulty due to my collage however I managed it quite easily at home.
|
|
Rule of thirds.
This was arguably the easiest one to photograph.
This was arguably the easiest one to photograph.
|
|
Best Edits
Triangles
Balance
Layers
Rule of Thirds
WWW: I managed to find some excellent examples of layers at home. And I generally managed to find photos that somewhat resembled the collages, with the exception of the triangle photos.
EBI: I believe in the balance photos while I did mange to replicate the collage closely, it came at the cost of not properly achieving a balanced effect.
EBI: I believe in the balance photos while I did mange to replicate the collage closely, it came at the cost of not properly achieving a balanced effect.
Framing
Using Mirrors
In this task I was required to create contrast using mirrors and clear framing. This creates a portal like effect as you can see an entirely different view through the mirror, you can also create a camouflage style effect with the mirror being indistinguishable from it's surroundings with only the frame standing out.
In this task I was required to create contrast using mirrors and clear framing. This creates a portal like effect as you can see an entirely different view through the mirror, you can also create a camouflage style effect with the mirror being indistinguishable from it's surroundings with only the frame standing out.
Best Examples
WWW: I feel I managed to form a suitable between light and dark.
EBI: Due to frequently lighting conditions, we had to change the IOS a lot, which led to us missing out on some photo opportunities which had a good potential.
EBI: Due to frequently lighting conditions, we had to change the IOS a lot, which led to us missing out on some photo opportunities which had a good potential.
Framing details
In this task I was required to use aperture to clearly display how the backgrounds came in or out of focus depending on the aperture used. I was also required to use paper cut outs as a frame for my work, the frames meanwhile were always expected to be in focus. Depth of field is the distance between the closest and farthest objects with in the photograph at a point where it appeared acceptably sharp.
In this task I was required to use aperture to clearly display how the backgrounds came in or out of focus depending on the aperture used. I was also required to use paper cut outs as a frame for my work, the frames meanwhile were always expected to be in focus. Depth of field is the distance between the closest and farthest objects with in the photograph at a point where it appeared acceptably sharp.
Best Edits:
Finger framing
In this task I was required to use aperture to clearly show how the backgrounds came in or out of focus depending on the aperture used. I was also required to use fingers as a frame for my work, the fingers were always expected to be in focus irregardless of the aperture.
In this task I was required to use aperture to clearly show how the backgrounds came in or out of focus depending on the aperture used. I was also required to use fingers as a frame for my work, the fingers were always expected to be in focus irregardless of the aperture.
Best edits
WWW: I managed to use the aperture quite well
EBI: Working where to focus and making sure the fingers stayed still was difficult.
EBI: Working where to focus and making sure the fingers stayed still was difficult.
Formal Elements
In this task I was asked to focus on formal elements. The traditional formal elements are colour, contrast, form, line, pattern, texture and tone however it can be extended to more. Formal elements are the components that make up a photograph.
Best Edits
Colour
Contrast
Form
Line
Pattern
Texture
Tone
WWW: I was able to capture lots of photos, and find lots of examples of the features..
EBI: I wish i was able to find more examples for contrast.
EBI: I wish i was able to find more examples for contrast.
Windows
In this task I was asked to photograph on windows, I was allowed to include things such as reflections.
Best Edits
WWW: I was able to try out a variety of idea such as capturing the window as a reflection in a mirror.
EBI: I wish I'd experimented with reflections.
EBI: I wish I'd experimented with reflections.
Double exposure
In this task I was required to experiment with overlay in photoshop
Independent development
Ansel Adams
This photo is called, 'The Tetons - Snake River' by Ansel Adams. This photo was taken in 1942.
The above photo 'The Tetons - Snake River' shows the Snake river meandering through the Grand Teton National Park, in Wyoming, in the background you can see a mountain range, darkly lit with the snow on it standing out as a direct contrast. Adams's photographs were intended to draw attention to various environmental issues, his photo's nowadays can be used as a record of what the US's national parks were like prior to human activities such as park development. Adams became a dedicated environmentalist, his work encouraged and promoted many of Sierra Club's goals (Sierra club was founded to enjoy, explore and protect the natural areas of earth.). He did this by use of his Photos, his photos which focused on a details, His photos were used to persuade the US government to make a wilderness park in Kings Rivers Sierra. Adams wanted us to appreciate the landscape around us.
In this particular photograph Ansel Adams is considering the beauty on the natural world around us. He draws our attention to the mountains by use of contrast. The white snow sticks out starkly against the darkened rocky peaks, capturing the eye. The river is shown beautifully, and in great detail, with the waves being clearly visible in the photo. The aperture used was F64 this allows Adams to capture the scenery in a great seal of detail.
In this particular photograph Ansel Adams is considering the beauty on the natural world around us. He draws our attention to the mountains by use of contrast. The white snow sticks out starkly against the darkened rocky peaks, capturing the eye. The river is shown beautifully, and in great detail, with the waves being clearly visible in the photo. The aperture used was F64 this allows Adams to capture the scenery in a great seal of detail.
Sato Tokohiro
Kashimagawa, photographed in 1998
The photograph, Kashimagawa was taken by Sato Tokihiro in 1998. The light was Tokihiro's attempt to formulate a solar system with numerous suns. In the photo Kashimagawa Tokihiro makes it appear as if there were multiple stars. He did this by using dozens of bright white lights, each one the shape of the star shaped aperture inside his camera lens. Tokihiro was asked what the spots of light meant to him in a Q&A session. he said representation was not his intention. This suggests that Tokihiro intended to leave it up to the viewer to interpret in which ever manner, however they saw it. This suggests that he wanted the viewer to think about the photo themselves.
Mario Giacomelli
On being aware of nature 1954-2000
The date Mario Giacomelli took the photo 'On being aware of nature' is unclear. This photo shows the Italian landscape from a bird's eye view, most likely from a neighbouring hilltop. Giacomelli intended to show how earth had changed over time. He did this by taking photos such as this one which clearly shows the terrain as it has been shaped by humans, almost scars of the earth. Giacomelli wanted to show how we as a species have altered the earth's surface, by showing the earth from above we are clearly able to see the full extent of the change. The black and white helps draw attention and add contrast to the photo, Where the plants change is very easily shown as the darker plants easily pops out at the viewer, as shown near the back of the photograph.
Favourite photographer
The photographer I chose to respond to was Ansel Adams. This is because I liked the idea of capturing part of nature and while the small woods I grew up by are not a patch on the grand landscapes Adams photographed to my younger eye it was just as beautiful if not more so then the US's national parks.
My first development
Best Edits
Originally I photoshopped the photos into black and white so as to more closely resemble Adams work, however upon editing a couple to appear this way it became clear I preferred the the photos in there original colours, so for the rest of the photos I simply kept them in their original colours.
Originally I photoshopped the photos into black and white so as to more closely resemble Adams work, however upon editing a couple to appear this way it became clear I preferred the the photos in there original colours, so for the rest of the photos I simply kept them in their original colours.
WWW: I was able to capture parts of the landscape which somewhat resembled the photos Adams took of the landscape.
EBI: I believe I should of had a more detailed depth of field.
EBI: I believe I should of had a more detailed depth of field.
My second development
My intentions were to make the environment appear bigger. To achieve I used a low angle to get closer to the stream, I looked for miniature sand banks along the stream. I also looked for pebbles that protruded out of the water to get a semi-safe positioning place for my camera.
Best Edits
WWW: I was able to capture a radically different perspective on the stream.
EBI: While the reflections I managed to take were interesting, I feel that this interfered with the viewer being able see what was on the bed of the stream.
EBI: While the reflections I managed to take were interesting, I feel that this interfered with the viewer being able see what was on the bed of the stream.
My third development
Here I aimed to branch out and photograph wider array of landscapes from within the woods. I also wished to experiment with different angles, to create a clearer contrast in the next set of photos from former set.
Best edits
WWW: I I feel I was able to capture a wider variety of surroundings within the woods.
EBI: I wish that I was able to get more examples of flora.
EBI: I wish that I was able to get more examples of flora.
My fourth development
My intentions were to show different parts of the woods, as in a study of Coldfall woods I require photos to illustrate the different parts I was talking about.
Best Edits
WWW: I believe I managed to use a variety of angles.
EBI: Practice usage of aperture as I wanted to have the whole photo focused.
EBI: Practice usage of aperture as I wanted to have the whole photo focused.
My fifth development
Here my intentions were to photograph the stream from the pond to where it flows into to the woods as source of the stream were it emerges from a culvert. I did this to try and show the journey the stream goes on, and how human constructions can affect it.
Best Edits
WWW: I believed I managed to capture reflections
EBI: Better focus should be used.
EBI: Better focus should be used.
Sixth development
My goal was to capture different parts of the woods particularly the animals.
My goal was to capture different parts of the woods particularly the animals.
WWW: I managed to take photographs of different kingdoms like fungi, along with some more detailed .shots off the effects of coppicing.
EBI: I would of liked to capture the sight of more animals, as I only managed to get phots of crows clearly.
EBI: I would of liked to capture the sight of more animals, as I only managed to get phots of crows clearly.
7th development,
My focus was to continue on photographing glacial landforms and animals
My focus was to continue on photographing glacial landforms and animals
WWW: I managed to accurately capture photographs illustrating the effect glaciation had on the landscape.
EBI: I was unable to capture a clear photo of a squirrel.
EBI: I was unable to capture a clear photo of a squirrel.
8th development
My aim was to capture a clearer photograph of a squirrel where it wasn't quite so camouflaged, more wildlife and more photos of flora.
My aim was to capture a clearer photograph of a squirrel where it wasn't quite so camouflaged, more wildlife and more photos of flora.
WWW: I was able to capture a clear photograph of a squirrel
EBI: I wish I managed to capture more photos of different examples of wildlife.
EBI: I wish I managed to capture more photos of different examples of wildlife.
Final Piece
My final piece is a booklet on Coldfall woods. I've always been interested in the woods, I grew up next to them and use to love exploring them and begged my parents to take me on walks there. When I grew older and started to express a interest in geology my dad took me on a walk there where a tour guide told us about it's geology. I grew more and more fascinated by the woods. When I began work on the landscape unit and looked at Ansel Adams's work it occurred to me just as how he had drawn attention to environmental issues, I could try and draw attention towards Coldfall woods. So I decided that I want to try and write up more about the woods and it's history, both geological and human.
History
Coldfall woods is an ancient woodland, meaning it has been around since 17th century possibly far earlier. It is estimated to have been wooded in prehistoric times and likely coppiced since early Roman times. Due to its name "Coldfall" we can assume it was used for Charcoal production at some early point in its history, as 'Col' and '(ge)feall' coming from Old English meaning 'woodland clearing where charcoal was burnt'. It may be pictured on a ordnance survey map of middlesex, first edition, sheet seven. However the location indicated on the map may also be St Pancras and Islington cemetery
Coldfall woods is an ancient woodland, meaning it has been around since 17th century possibly far earlier. It is estimated to have been wooded in prehistoric times and likely coppiced since early Roman times. Due to its name "Coldfall" we can assume it was used for Charcoal production at some early point in its history, as 'Col' and '(ge)feall' coming from Old English meaning 'woodland clearing where charcoal was burnt'. It may be pictured on a ordnance survey map of middlesex, first edition, sheet seven. However the location indicated on the map may also be St Pancras and Islington cemetery
Coppicing
Coppicing is common action taking place in Coldfall woods, coppicing is the practice of cutting down trees to ground level to allow other shrubs to grow. The coppiced wood is then generally piled up to make a 'home' for different sorts of bugs. This wood has likely coppiced in the early roman times, however at some point this practice was abandoned only to be picked up again in at various different point throughout history.
Coppicing is common action taking place in Coldfall woods, coppicing is the practice of cutting down trees to ground level to allow other shrubs to grow. The coppiced wood is then generally piled up to make a 'home' for different sorts of bugs. This wood has likely coppiced in the early roman times, however at some point this practice was abandoned only to be picked up again in at various different point throughout history.
The Stream
The stream in coldfall woods emerges from a culvert, it then begins to to trickle downwards. The stream cuts easily through the clay of the area, make it quite deep in parts. Eventually the stream goes downwards and then goes into a seasonal pond. During, wetter periods the pond can quite easily flood, going all the way up to the path after multiple days of rainfall. During the dryer periods it can be completely empty of water, and is generally overrun with plants.
The stream in coldfall woods emerges from a culvert, it then begins to to trickle downwards. The stream cuts easily through the clay of the area, make it quite deep in parts. Eventually the stream goes downwards and then goes into a seasonal pond. During, wetter periods the pond can quite easily flood, going all the way up to the path after multiple days of rainfall. During the dryer periods it can be completely empty of water, and is generally overrun with plants.
The Geology
Coldfall woods was covered in ice during the Anglian ice age around 450,000 years ago. This still shows in the landscape of the woods, as the small stream which resides today would never be able to carve out the landscape that exists today. We have more evidence in the form of fossils that normally found in the North of England, however the glacial has transported the fossils to Coldfall woods.
Coldfall woods was covered in ice during the Anglian ice age around 450,000 years ago. This still shows in the landscape of the woods, as the small stream which resides today would never be able to carve out the landscape that exists today. We have more evidence in the form of fossils that normally found in the North of England, however the glacial has transported the fossils to Coldfall woods.
Fungi
There are many types of fungi within Coldfall Woods, with 33 identified species of fungi existing today. This due to the fact that Coldfall woods (like most woodlands) has multiple places for fungi to develop.
There are many types of fungi within Coldfall Woods, with 33 identified species of fungi existing today. This due to the fact that Coldfall woods (like most woodlands) has multiple places for fungi to develop.
Flora
One advantage coppicing has is it leads to more wildflowers growing due to more sunshine allowing the younger plants to photosynthesise and grow.Both of the plants in the photos below grew next to the stream and pond respectively, areas with lots of light.
One advantage coppicing has is it leads to more wildflowers growing due to more sunshine allowing the younger plants to photosynthesise and grow.Both of the plants in the photos below grew next to the stream and pond respectively, areas with lots of light.
Fauna
There are all sorts of animals in Coldfall woods, some native to the area others like the grey squirrels foreign invaders. Their all types of birds but of course some are shyer then others, meaning I was unable to capture photos of them. There are also Parakeets that frequent the woods, they are of course not native to the UK but appears to thrive quite comfortably here.
There are all sorts of animals in Coldfall woods, some native to the area others like the grey squirrels foreign invaders. Their all types of birds but of course some are shyer then others, meaning I was unable to capture photos of them. There are also Parakeets that frequent the woods, they are of course not native to the UK but appears to thrive quite comfortably here.
Final Piece
My final piece is a book that brings together my photographs and my research about Coldfall Woods.
Gallery Review
I visited Dulwich picture gallery in central London. I saw a particular exhibition focused on the journey and history of photography starting in the Victorian era and leading up to modern day. With the earliest determined photograph being from 1836 and the latest being from 1996. It was particularly focused on photography of botany. Their were variety of photo types, such Calotype Negatives, Cyanotypes, Chromo-collotype, silver bromide prints, Gelatin silver prints, Cibachromes and Lifochromes. It featured significant photographers such as William Henry Fox Talbot and Anna Atkins who was one of the first female photographers in history.
The photographs were mostly displayed on the walls, with a few notable exceptions as some of the older works were placed in cabinets, some of the more modern works were hung up from the ceiling.
My favourite photograph was one by Nobuyoshi Araki, it was a Cibachroma from 1990, Arika's photographs took inspiration from Japanese flower arranging, something dating back to the 7th century.