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Photography and Digital Manipulation Chris Bailey 1 Photography Project

Photography & Digital Manipulation

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Photography and Digital Manipulation

Chris Bailey

Photography Project

Image Set #1 Obvious subjects in foreground. Good composure.

Wall blocks/lines lead to subject.

Interesting subject.

Use of motion blur creates interesting effect.

Effective motion blur and very vibrant colours.

Multiple bold shapes and mysterious subject.

Interesting scene, thought provoking.

Image Set #1 ReviewUse this space to discuss about the following;

• I think the shoot was relatively successful, although I struggled to shoot in the style with the same success that I get with styles such as wildlife photography or motion photography. I finished with some images that I’d like to use in my final pieces but they are not as good as I had hoped they would be.

• There are a few images that I will use in my final set, some of those that have been annotated will be used in the final set but there are not many.

• Post production will include the use of textures, contrast boosts and probably a black and white or low saturation effect in all of the images to focus on the mood of the image rather than the possible distractions in the image.

Image Set #2 Simple & obvious subject in centre.

Cluttered image with one person looking towards camera as subject.

Interesting subject.

Interesting subject & posture.

Interesting subject, central composition.

Image Set #2 ReviewUse this space to discuss about the following;

• Was the shoot successful?• Are any of the images you produced going to be in the final set?• What post-production could occur?

• I think the shoot was successful, I managed to get some shots that I believe to be usable in the final sets, and maybe some more will join that group after post processing. Due to the randomness and spontaneity of the photography style, many of the images may require some, or even harsh, cropping.

• Some of the images will be in my final set, as there are not enough final image quality images in the first . Many will require some editing to make them interesting, including the use of textures to give the images a more interesting feel.

• Post production will include cropping, lighting and contrast adjustments, colour editing/ black and white effect and the use of textures to create different visual feelings such as dirtiness or grittiness.

Final Image #1Sign Boy

What are your initial opinions regarding this image?

I like that the subject is more visually interesting than an ordinary person in the street. I also think it’s interesting as he appears to be observing something that we cannot see. Making us wonder more what is around him and where he is.

The clothes he is wearing is uncommon and obviously suits his role of an old fashioned sign boy. This is not something common to see so is interesting to the viewer.

The boy appears to be looking at something and thinking, this is interesting to us as we don’t know what he is looking at with such interest, when he is in fact the source of interest.

The boys face is directly in the centre of the image which allows the it to easily become the main focal point, even with distractions around it.

Final Image #2

What are your initial opinions regarding this image?

I like this image because it looks very rough and textured. I also like how the framing I have added creates a wall to help us focus within the image, as often with black and white it is harder for the mind to identify an interesting focal point without vibrant colours to grab our attention. I like how the texture of the image represents the subjects job, actions and look. Such as how he obviously works in some kind of rough work job such as building, his clothes are also dirty and he is rolling a cigarette which is considered the rough and dirty way of smoking.

Large geometric shapes are visually pleasing to the viewer.

The posture of the man is interesting as it shows that he is very relaxed and comfortable where he is sat, yet it doesn’t look like a very nice place to be.

The vantage point that the image was shot from allows the viewer to see all the pieces the man needs to roll his cigarette, which makes the image much more involving as we can see exactly how he’s doing it.

The subject is very well lit using the dodge and burn tool method. This has allowed the entire attire of the man to be visual, even the shadowed boots and neck scarf. It has also allowed the tobacco tin to be lightened enough to be seen.

The focus is very sharp on the man, making him stand out perfectly above the rest of the image. The rest of the image is out of focus softly.

Rolling Break

Final Image #3

I like this image due to the roughness of its look and the lighting. The natural lighting behind the subject usually creates a silhouette around the subject but this one has made the subject stand out more by making the edges of him very sharp against the background.

Backlit details make the subject stand it a lot more than other parts of the image.

Reflections on wet pavement are very detailed and interesting, they help equal out the shadows and highlights in the image.

Being able to see the tray in front of the subject with a selection of food related items is interesting as it gives us more of an idea of what was happening and makes it feel personal to know what he had the selection of.

Using a high ISO and a quick shutter speed has froze the motion of the people in the image and their movement. This allows the viewer to see the fraction of a moment where the man was getting on with his usual life.

The background does not contain much detail at all, this helps focus the viewers eyes on the main subject in the image, rather than being distracted by pointless details.

Pancake lunch

The pop up roof above the man creates an interesting boundary between the over exposed sky and the top of the image. If the roof was not there then the top of the image would look empty and boring.

Final Image #4Thoughts

What are your initial opinions regarding this image?

This is definitely one of my favourite images from the shoot. I have disregarded the usual technique of making the image black and white in street photography for effect and instead used a texture to create a dirty/gritty look to the image. I like how interesting it is, wondering who he is, what he’s doing and what he’s looking at. I think the lines and patterns make this image much more interesting compared to if he was stood next to an ordinary wall.

The mans jumper is highly contrasting against the wall, which makes it stand out greatly.

The large stone bricks that make up the wall create a very elegant geometric pattern, leading towards the main subject of the image.

There is a very rough and gritty texture to the image, this adds to the feeling of dirtiness and griminess of the image.

There are lots of lines between the geometric stone bricks, this creates a basis for the walls pattern, but it also creates tracks for our eyes to follow towards the subject.

The man seems to be looking aimlessly into the wall, making it interesting to think what he is doing or what he is thinking.

Final Image #5

What are your initial opinions regarding this image?

Personally I really like this image. I think it is to do with the focal point which is the bike and woman. I have used a panning motion during the shot to capture the motion of the bike whilst keeping it sharp, along with the bright colour of the bike which makes it stand out above everything else. The whole surroundings of the bike are motion blurred with also aids this effect.

The sharpness of the bike and girl makes them stand out hugely over the rest of the image.

The surroundings of the main subject are all motion blurred, as the bike has been tracked in order to keep it sharp.

Motion tracking has allowed me to keep the bicycle and the girl sharp whilst showing the motion blur of the background and passer-byers. This is an interesting and uncommon method as it can be tricky to do.

The wheels of the bike are very bold shapes in the image, the dark black of the tires makes them stand out greatly in the image which is very eye catching.

The motion blur of the subjects surroundings create the effect of pure focus on the girl, as if time has halted around her in the image.

Cross points of thirds land directly on the middle of the girl walking with the bike.

Bicycle

Final Image #6 Motion

What are your initial opinions regarding this image?

This is one of my favourite images, I like the cross between symmetry and geometric shapes along with the motion of the man walking past. I also like the placement of the man as he is directly between two boundaries rather than looking out of place. The building in the image is interesting and eye catching, and the cleanliness & symmetry against the rough pavement and wall creates an interesting contrast.

The low shutter-speed has allowed me to motion blur the man in the image as he walks past the shop.

The image contains a lot of symmetry and line boundaries which is very appealing to the eye, it also creates interesting portions of the image to be looked at.

Lots of straight lines in the image gives the image a lot of detail but also makes it look very organized.

The very polished and sharp building against the rough bricks and pavement is an eye catching and interesting contrast, as the shops placement seems odd.

The motion blur of the man is contrasting against the sharpness of the shop behind him. His placement is also interesting as he is walking directly on the lines and is also between two line boundaries in the shop window.

Final Image #7

What are your initial opinions regarding this image?

I like the high amount of detail in this image, there is a lot going on but it’s all relatively interesting. There is also the subject, an old woman looking towards the camera who is wearing the most interesting attire out of all the people in the image. There is no one directly in front of her which means she stands out quite as well.

Stare

The woman wearing the interesting attire is looking directly at the camera.

All but one are looking away from the camera, and getting on with their daily lives. Creating an interest in what the woman facing the camera is thinking about.

A fast shutter speed has froze all the people in the image, which has allowed for everything to be captured in high detail and sharpness.

The scene itself is interesting, as it contains an old looking flower stand with what looks like a very old sign above it. In the background are old Tudor house.

Final Image #8Reflections

What are your initial opinions regarding this image?

I personally really like this image, for a number of reasons. One being the composition, the man is right where 2 of the “rule of thirds” cross points are. This means that the composition is text book. I also really like the details in the wet road, and the reflections on the wall beside the man.

The refection of the man on the wall is very interesting as it adds another visual dimension to the image which isn't common.

The walking stance of the man is perfect, his left foot is lifting as his right one presses down, often this part isn’t caught and the foot coming forward is caught which is visually boring.The light falling onto the wet

pavement is very eye catching and interesting as it makes it look very sharp and detailed.

Rule of thirds cross points land twice directly on the mans head and body. This means that technically his composition is perfect.

The place he is walking towards looks rough and dirty which is very contrasting to the polished up suit attire he is wearing.

Evaluation - CompositionUse this space to discuss about the following;

• Discuss elements of visual language that refer to the composition and image construction.

Visual language for composition is important as it defines the aspects of an image which make the placement of backgrounds, foregrounds and subjects which make the image up. This can include the position, lighting, angles, and moving composition such as tracking to achieve certain motion blur effects. The overall image is defined by composition, and a lot of images follow the same compositional standards. For example, the rule of thirds. The rule of thirds is the first step in technical composition, this is the method which pushes the photographer to place important subjects or points of an image into the cross section of third lines. There is also the compositional rules such as don’t cut peoples heads off in images, an absolute basic as it can ruin any picture.

• You do not need to refer to all of the images, however, it would be useful to discuss your use of composition in specific images.

In my final image number 4, I have placed the subject to the very left of the image, leaving space on the right for the pattern of the walls geometric shapes to show clearly. It also leaves room for the viewer to try to figure out what it is that the man is looking at on the wall. In final image number 8, I have placed the main subject, the man in a suit, on the right of the image, I have done this because it lands him in the zone of 2 third cross points, it also leaves room for his reflection on the right wall and the rest of the street and buildings on the left. In final image number 6, I have taken the shot from a vantage point that truly exploits the symmetrical aspects of the building. The lines and geometric shapes produce a look of framing around the subject. It has allowed for the image to look very well organised, but has been artistically and visually contrasted due to the purposeful motion blur of a man walking past. This creates an interesting contrast between the organised symmetry of the building and the messy motion of the man walking past.

Evaluation - AudienceDoes your project meet the identified audience in the proposal?My project does meet the identified audience from my proposal. The images follow the standard aspects of street

photography which is what appeals to the audience. I have tried to capture interesting scenes which will appeal to the audience as well, such as contrasting subjects in one image, or using certain effects such as motion blur created by slow shutter speeds.

• What social groups and genders should view this work?• Men and women should view this work, as it is not gendered. The photography style appeals to all genders as it can

contain elements that interest both. Although the gritty look of many street photography images may appeal more so to men as it is more of a manly interest to be visually interested in rough and gritty images. Middle class social groups are likely to be most interested in street photography as it is not overly technical like some photography forms.

• Does it contain political views that would appeal to an audience?• My images do not contain political views that would appeal to an audience. There is no relation to political matters in

my images, and the social group of my audience are not likely to be interested in any politics related to the images.

Peer ReviewI like that the images differ with colour, though most are in black and white like what is typical to the genre I think it is good to have experimented with it.I also like the use of the shutter speed in the images to create a motion of the people in them so they aren’t all appearing to be stood still in the scene.I think it is good that the post production revolves quite frequently around one character of the scene by cropping and therefore isolating them from the other people in the scene.I think overall, that though you have stuck to the street photography genre, you have also added your own sense of style to it which is what it generally important to tell your images apart from other photographers.Maybe you could improve by bringing more detail out in a crowded image.

Evaluation - ContextYou should discuss;What previous work has influenced your project?• Thomas Leuthard influenced my work as I really enjoyed looking at his portfolios. His website contained many great

images which inspired me to try the style. I wanted to recreate the thoughts and feelings that I felt from his images in my own. I followed the traditional aspects of street photography that were also involved in Leuthards images. By doing this I had an idea of the steps I should take to make an interesting street photography image.

Has it been influenced by race, religion or politics?• My project has not been influenced by race, religion or politics. It has only been influenced by the work of other

artists/photographers.Do the contexts identified in the proposal meet your finished project? The contexts in my proposal do meet my finished project. All the aspects of the style of photography and way I have shot

it have been met to the correct standards.

Evaluation - Context

You should discuss;Discuss each of the following as a future use of your imagery

• Blogs: My images could be used on blogs about photography or street photography. The images could be showing my work off alongside textual explanations rather than having it in an online gallery.

• Photo sharing website: My images could be shared on a photo sharing website such as 500px or Flickr. These websites would allow me to get feedback on my images alongside the social aspects of the website.

• Stock images: My images could be used as stock images, this means that they can be purchased by all sorts of sources related to cities and streets, such as travel booklet producers.

EvaluationOn this page, you should identify;

• Have you achieved what you aimed to do with your images? If so, how? If not, why?• I have achieved what I aimed to do with my images, I believe they are up to the standards of popular street photography images. I have

done this my following certain street photography guidelines and rules which have helped guide me to create good images.

• Are the images fit for purpose? Could they be entered into a competition?• I believe that some of my images could be entered into a competition, although that wouldn’t be for me to judge as often the

photographer will see his images better or worse than they are depending on effort and other personal • influential elements.

• Have you received negative or positive feedback? Give examples and be critical regarding any further changes that may be necessary.• I have received both negative and positive feedback about my images, as some are preferred more than others. For example final image

number 1 has a subject dead in the centre, but he does not stand out very well above the rest of the image, as the light colours he is wearing do not stand out against the light background. A necessary change may be to change the levels of the image to bring certain details out more than others. I could also artificially bring out more detail in the subject or reduce the detail surrounding the subject.

• Consider the technical qualities of the images – How well has exposure, depth of field and post-production been controlled? • Technically I have controlled my images very well, I have used the settings of the camera to expose my images well, such as shutter

speed, aperture and ISO, as well as editing the raw files in Photoshop to further correct the exposure of my images. In post production I have used edits to create different lighting effects such as under and over exposure in some subjects to make them more visually appealing.

• Consider the visual impact of the images – How artistic? Are they black and white or colour? Justify your rationale behind your choices.• I have made all but one of my images black and white, I have done this as it draws more attention to the subject, by removing distracting

colours. Having the image in black and white also seems to draw emotion and feeling from images more so than if the image is in colour. Using the black and white also gives the images a more moody look, which makes the viewer think more about what they are seeing in the image. One of my images are in colour, I have done this because the subject did not stand out much against the wall near him, but the colours he was wearing did, which is why I chose to keep the image in colour, but gave the image a texture in order to trigger thoughts and feelings in the viewers mind . The style I was shooting in, ‘street photography’ , is usually shot in, or post processed to black and white. Black and white is a common trend for street photography which I wanted to follow.

EvaluationFinally you should critically discuss;

• What skills and knowledge have you gained from the project?• I have gained a lot of skills and knowledge from this project. For example I found the reading images section very interesting

and useful as I learned how to analyse images in depth and how to interpret what the photographer was saying with the image. I also found the image processing section of the project very useful as I learned how to use Photoshop to fix my images, whether they are physically torn prints or over just over exposed. I found that I gained a lot of knowledge from the “Photography Applications” section, as I had to conduct research about 9 different styles of photography in depth.

• What can you do now that you could not? Is there anything else you need to learn about?• Before this project I had very basic Photoshop skills, I knew how to use the selection tool, brightness, contrast and saturation.

Over the course of the project my skills developed and I now know how to use a variety of tools and edits on Photoshop that I could not before. Two of the useful edits that I learned were control over the levels, and the dodge and burn tool. These were some of the most frequently used edits that I used in my post processing. I also learned how to make a 360* planet panorama, and how to join multiple images to make a normal panorama or to make a collage or different image colour edits to make up one image.

• Do you feel that you managed your time on the project well?• I think I did manage my time very well on the project, I kept to all the given deadlines to make sure I was constantly on top of

all of my work. Towards the end of the project I missed a half day due to participating in another media related music video project, but I was more than up to date on all my work so there was very little impact on my time keeping.

• And finally, self-evaluation on any other comments, notes, production logs, sketches, trial shots.• Over all I think that the project has gone very well for me, I have kept up to date on all my work and to what I believe is a good

standard. The entire project has been challenging in a good sense, as it has pushed me to work harder and faster. The biggest challenge for me was shooting the street photography style as it was completely different to what I had ever shot before, but in the end I was happy with the outcome of the images that I have used in my final images.