Scots Evaluation

Evaluation

In this evaluation, I will explain the research I have done for my photography project in unit 5, as well as referring to techniques, technology and practical projects used and needed throughout this process.

Firstly, the genre that I was interested in and chose is abstract, portraiture and fine art. The reason why I chose this genre is because Elodie introduced me to David La Chapelle’s work, and I really liked the idea/concept of how he mixes art with photography and created this unique installation. Also the colors used in his work are very powerful and strong. I have done plenty of researches and look at different photographers’ work and throughout my findings, I realised how much I am drawn into and like the idea of combining art and more specifically art into photography. The theme that I have chosen is ‘representation of brightness and darkness of the problems in contemporary societies around the world’ on many levels from: people, wars, knife crime, violence, poverty, immigration, politics, climate change, mental health issues to animal extinction. Researching into these topics helped me a lot to come up with the right concept ideas on the issues I have chosen to highlight. I feel my duty is to pass a message across and sensibilise people about those different topics, as a young teenager living in this 21st century, those issues are really affecting me and touching me to the point that it has inspired me to do something about it via photography media. These world issues are very deep and moving and I feel we hear more about them every day on the news but rather than drastic actions being taken about it to try to reduce and tackle those issues, nothing much is being done...but we hear a lot about them. Therefore, the research in finding out information about these issues, helped me to develop creative ideas for my photoshoot.

Before starting this project, and after doing research about genres. We had to talk about the features of a Nikon camera such as Shut Speed, F Stop etc... and how these features would affect the final outcome of an image. During many sessions in the studio, I developed many new and key skills such as how to hold a camera, adjust equipments and how to take images with effects. This was very complicated as adjusting equipments and camera needs a lot of handy work, however I overcame this by practicing on these equipments during session times to ensure that I am fully aware on how to handle them. I was taught by my teacher techniques such as the silhouette line, high key and low key photography, so that when we had our own photography sessions we had notes to refer back to.

Another aspect that has helped me in my research for my final project, was finding others photographers’ work, select which images have influenced my final project and how I wanted to represent it. My intention was to represent how dark the world has become today with so many different issues that create this darkness side. The bright colourful neon paint was to represent brightness in opposition to darkness as they are still some beautiful things/aspects about the world.

I purposely didn't want to communicate my ideas to make it less obvious to the audience whilst leaving some room for the viewers to think and develop its own imaginary.

Then I started to share my ideas with Elodie and we will have multiple conversations about this project. She will give me feedback as well as influencing and shaping some of my ideas. She also guided me on how to carry out my research, looking at certain type of artists / photographers / websites (such as Pinterest, youtube, google) and we also went to the library to look at some books. I looked at different photographers such as Viktoria Stutz because her work is body paint and face painted which relates to my ideas and then I looked at Slava Semenyuta because he did some neon effect shooting. I watched few youtube videos based on holi powder paint photography shooting to get some inspirations ideas.

The target audience for my project is to appeal to mainstream audience. The reason behind this is because I would like to get a global message out to the world. This message consists of bringing awareness to the arising dangers around the world such as violence, mental health, pollution and poverty. By targeting a wild audience from all ages, this will be an opportunity to engage and interest different people and attract the ones that are not particularly watching the news. The way I am planning to express my opinions on these subjects throughout my photographic work, wouldn't  be as explicit and disturbing as the news itself but I still want to startle my audience and convey messages in a more creative and subtle way.

Guidance:

The following must be explained for your photography area of unit 5 with reference to all research, practical projects, techniques and technology used throughout.

·      Explain and reflect on all research into genre’s and photographers and how they have informed, develop and helped you with your ideas.

·      You need to discuss your understanding of photography techniques and technology and how, as you have gone through the unit practicing these techniques and requirements has/has not helped with ideas and producing photography.

·      What have you learnt regarding cameras and studio techniques? What skill have you learnt?

·      Fully explain all practical work. What worked/what didn’t’? And why?

·      You must fully explain for the main project your creative intentions. Research must be explained and referenced again to your ideas. Each area of the creative intentions need to be reflected on. Both technical and aesthetical qualities need to be discussed.

·      What problems have you found throughout the project and what did you do. Time management/use of time/arranging the project, technical requirements. What have you learnt?