Evaluation and Reflection

Overall I am really happy with the way in which this module played out, and the work I produced. Throughout this module I struggled with various aspects of the course, such as, holding my breath for a long enough amount of time, being able to position myself correctly to take a successful shot, as well as the technical aspects, working with high end equipment which I haven’t previously. I am also a Canon user, so switching predominantly to Nikon for the duration of the module also posed a challenge. As well as editing, and post production, I am not particularly familiar with extensive post production, usually focusing, on tweaking the contrast, lights and darks and shadow; very low maintenance. Although I was opposed with this array of obstacles, I feel I overcome these and produced a cohesive series of images.

It took a little while to get used to but, I did start to work efficiently and effectively with both the Nikon D200 and 700. I am very happy with my final outcomes, particularly my Abyssal Plain Series, which are my favourite images from my module, the flat soft aspects to some of the images, are very much Critchley inspired.

Eventhough, I am a BA Photography student, I am completely knew to photoshop, I predominantly use Lightroom, which is, I feel more straight forward and easy to use. Therefore chose during this module, to experiment with a varied post production process, using the both. I experimented with different tools, and techniques to improve and develop my images. I used techniques and tools which I was unfamiliar, which perhaps I didn’t use most effectively, as post printing, there are visible areas of editing on the images which appear smudged and finger printed. Which I am not entirely happy with, although overall I am really happy with the images and think the work well together and individually.

The Water Surface series, is slightly different, vibrant and colourful, really exploring the theme ‘Surface’; recording the light rays piercing through the surface. The texture of bubbles creates depth to both images, the variation in water quality and smoothness also alters the way in which light is reflected. Which creates a more interesting and aesthetically pleasing image.

The Wedding Dress images were not images I was going to submit and use as ‘finals’, initially just experiments and explorations of the ways in which different qualities of fabric reacted underwater. But there was something quite, sinister about the empty dress, floating in the dark space. The way the dress moves and flows within the image is quite striking. Unlike the black and white images, these two are colour, but I feel are very subtle in contrast, almost a pastel colour palette. Which is in keeping with my on going theme.

I didn’t want to have three sets of ‘different’ images, I wanted to create a sequence of images, which possessed the same aesthetic and  colour palette, and overall concept (also I am a slight control freak, liking everything formatted, a organised). However, I felt possibly doing this restricted me in presented other areas of the module which were equally successful, or even more so. So chose, pairs of images which worked well complimenting each other and depicting the various stages of my underwater journey.

Overall I am really happy with the way the module went, and the work I produced, I only hoped that I would have been able to shoot more and take part in the Wembury Beach session, this module has really sparked an interest and also a few potential personal projects to work on over the up coming summer break. I hope to one day invest in my own housing and shoot at my own leisure and furthermore for my own enjoyment.

My Final Six

 

I chose to exhibit two images, from each series that I felt were most successful, I had initially wanted to exhibit all six images from my ‘Abyssal Plain’ series. However, I felt it was important to show, my I development and variety in my work, so chose images from the Wedding Dress and Water Surface shoot.

I feel as though these images really explore the idea of ‘Surface’, through reflection and lighting. I feel i have successfully created a series of images which explore different ideas; shape, form and texture. And all convey different aesthetics and unique qualities.

Wembury Beach|Water Based Imaging

Due to being poorly on lasts weeks Wembury Beach session, I couldn’t go in the sea It was a massive shame, as it would have been an amazing opportunity to explore and experiment with different water and conditions.

 

ISO 100

50mm Prime

f/4

1/250

 

ISO 160

50mm Prime

f/5.6

1/125

Colour|Landscape|Rock Pools|Vibrancy|Contrasts

 

Canon 600D

50mm Prime lens

ISO 125

f/1.8

1/4000

Black and White| Rock Forms | Shallow Depth of Field

Detail | Texture | Shape | Lines

……………………..

Have a few more images to edit an upload but these are my shots so far. I am in love with my new prime, the difference in quality and detail is incredible.

Although these images were taken during my complimentary studies module, I don’t think I will use them as finals, as they aren’t particularly relevant to my initial ideas, they do however, explore the idea of surface. But I’ve been inspired to create another project, exploring perspective and a shallow depth of field. I want to travel around various beaches this summer photographing the different rock formations, in a contemporary abstract manner.

Boundless

Editing | Sequence | Series

 

These images are from my second pool shoot, a fellow peer, was doing a wedding based shoot; with a model. As my shoot was based on conceptual art incorporating fashion influence, I felt that photographing the empty dress, in a dark space, underwater would be a great opportunity.

There was something quite mesmerising about the way the body of the dress reacted under the surface, it flowed and twisted, the way the fabric moved created chances of great detail to appear, and different colours of the dress to be depicted. Every time the water moved the dress would also change which allowed for changing areas of reflective surface areas; altering the way the dress appeared each time I photographed it.

Changing my position and the way in which i approached photographing the dress each time, also allowed me to explore different perspectives, and compositions. Changing the depth, shape and form. It was very much about experimenting and exploring different possibilities. Which I really feel I achieved here.

SURFACE

Editing | Sequence | Series

 Colour | Vibrancy | Texture | Light

This ‘SURFACE’ series are shots from my first shoot. The first shoot, was not focused on anything particular, using the time to shoot to experiment in ways that explores the idea of ‘Surface’. There is kinetic quality to these images which really depict movement and flow. There areas of the image which are out of focus, but works well in this particular context.

I like the curve of the of the surface of the water, I think that convex really adds to the image, given it a little depth rather then flat images.

When water is still, it can be dull and very flat, but once, moved and agitated, interesting qualities start to appear. We bare whiteness to the magical wonders of what Water can actually do and the shapes and forms that can take place.

I feel these images, are successful due to that particular element. I really like these, in each image a different colour pallet is captured and depicted which is also a pleasing aesthetic. I intend to use these one or more of these images in my final 4-6.

Abyssal Plain

Editing | Sequence | Series

 This is my first cohesive series for this module, images are taken from both the first and second shoot. I have always intended for this series to be black and white, I think they work particularly well black and white, enhancing the abstract quality I had so desired. I think less is more, is definitely working here. simplicity allows for an effortlessness image. Creating a higher contrasted image, allows for small areas of detail in the fabric to become apparent, bending and meandering, twisting and contorting, much like the flow of a river or stream. There is fluidity present in these images which I really admire. As well as a strong artistic concept, which is sinister and eerie, but very much elegant and graceful. The juxtaposition of both elements and approaches work really well together and compliment one another.

I am really proud of these images, and the way they have turned out. There exactly what I had in mind, when I first started the course. I don’t want to stop my underwater photographic journey here, though, I intend to explore different ideas and concepts, and produce an array of different works.

Personal Best|Final 12|Abstract Landscape

Mary-Anne Walker Personal Best