Art and Photography Student Work 2023

Name HindAl-Nasser

Candidate Number 9346

Component 2 1PY02 ESA Yr11 GCSE Photography

Pearson LOCK

Mind-map – Lock

In this Project I would like to focus on the theme of being entrapped and interlocked between different media: such as glass,plastic,canvases,etc. I aim to use a range of human body parts, such as: hands, faces , silhouettes of bodies, side profiles. I would let to set the theme of lock by using black and white colors and tones with some possible contrastingfabricsofother props.

Recording Observations 1HindAlNasser-GCSEPhotography

Camera: CanonEOS700D

Lens:50mm Mode:Av

EXIF:f/3.5; 1/3200sec; ISO600

In my first recording observation, my class went on a school trip to different cultural site. (An Arab art museum, Katara cultural village, and the Aljazeera fire station). I experimented with the theme of Lock by photographing interlocking architecture and designs.

Forexample,inthisimagethebranchesandleaves haveinterlockedwithoneanother. Whichallowed me to observe the different ways I could use Lock indifferentenvironmentsandsettings.

Recording Observations 1HindAlNasser-GCSEPhotography

Camera: CanonEOS700D

Lens:50mm Mode:Av

EXIF:f/3.5; 1/3200sec; ISO600

The sculpture , which was located in Katara CulturalVillage,isthepieceofartworkwhich inspired me the most in this project. The objects, which were locked and intertwined, to craft the shape of a man’s head were all items of cutlery sourced from Syrian households which were left devastated due tothewar.Thisallowedmetobeginthinking about using different forms of media to help displaythethemeoflock.

Recording Observations 1HindAlNasser-GCSEPhotography

Camera: CanonEOS700D

Lens:50mm

Mode:Av

EXIF:f/3.5; 1/3200sec; ISO600

Later, during the field trip we began looking at the Mathaf Museum of Arab Art, which allowed us to investigate how ‘Lock’ can be incorporatedinmodernart.Thisallowedme tounderstandthethemeinmoredepthasit has a lot of potential with what topic I choose to focus on towards my final outcome.Itookmanyoftheseimagesonmy Canon camera however I experimented using the camera of my Iphone 14 as it providedmorebrightandsaturatedimages.

Mood Board

HindAlNasser-GCSEPhotography

I wanted to stray away from using architecture to link to the theme, I wanted to attempt using a modelwrappedinfabricin a controlled photography studio. I liked this concept as it links to the idea of someone being physically trapped within a material. I think it helps to convey the message of how individuals can feel locked within their own bodies ( which can be due to serious topics such as: poor self image and depression). I want to use female models as they are typically the ones who are suffering from these mentaldisorders.

I aim to experiment with a variety of fabrics and colors so I can determine which may have the most desirable opacity and effect. As well as this, I think that assessing different forms of wrapping thefabricaroundthemodelcanaffectthetoneoftheimage

Recording Observations 2HindAlNasser-GCSEPhotography

Camera: CanonEOS700D

Lens:50mm Mode:M

EXIF:f/6; 1/3200sec; ISO1600

Utilizing the photography studio located on the Doha College campus, I used a classmate as my model as I found that she has distinct facial features that accentuated the aesthetic ambiance of the photoshoot ( strongsideprofile,brownhairand large eyes). To begin, using the blue plastic over her face brought an abstract quality to the photoshoot, I personally found that the creases and light opacity inthematerialbroughtpersonality as not only was the shade of blue electric and contrasting the dull scenery. But, it also allows the facial expressions to seep through so you can see that there’s an individualwho’slockedbehindthe plastic.

Recording Observations 2HindAlNasser-GCSEPhotography

This image is an example of how the model’s distinguishable side profile perfects the image, as well as the ruleofthirdspresent.

Camera: CanonEOS700D

Lens:50mm Mode:M

EXIF:f/6; 1/3200sec; ISO1600

These images are one of my favorite outcomes as they utilize the rule of thirds, I also think that the silhouette of the model properly implements the symbolismofthethemeof lock.

Camera: CanonEOS700D

Lens:50mm Mode:M

EXIF:f/6; 1/3200sec; ISO1600

Using the camera settings on Manual helped place focus on my model without overexposing the image with light. The ISO also helped the production of shadows which resulted in an ominoustone.

Recording Observations 2HindAlNasser-GCSEPhotography

I found that this particular image reminded me of a typical woman in Iran during current day, as the government has imposed a mandatory bill that requiresallwomentobecoveredinaculturalveil from head to toe. This image symbolizes all the women who feel trapped beneath the fabric, especially as the models face is unseeable - it couldimplythatthisonemodelisreallyjustaface forthousandsofwomen.

Camera: CanonEOS700D

Lens:50mm Mode:M

EXIF:f/6; 1/3200sec; ISO1600

Recording Observations 2HindAlNasser-GCSEPhotography

Camera: CanonEOS700D

Lens:50mm Mode:M

EXIF:f/6; 1/3200sec; ISO1600

Iattemptedtoinvestigatewithdifferentcolorsandopacitiesofthe fabricbeingused.Intheseimagestheclothwasmoresheerandless tight around the model. I was not as pleased with these images in comparisontopreviousonesashardlyanythingisvisible

Recording Observations 2HindAlNasser-GCSEPhotography

Camera: CanonEOS700D

Lens:50mm Mode:M

EXIF:f/6; 1/3200sec; ISO1600

I experimented with a variety of angles, I also wanted a range of photos from afar and up-close.Irequestedthatthemodelpressherpalmsagainstthefabrictosymbolizethat she’s locked and trapped within the bounds of the fabric. I also directed the model to grab her hair and fabric in one photo to grab the details of her restraining the cloth whichIthoughtlinkedwelltothethemeoflock.

Recording Observations 2HindAlNasser-GCSEPhotography

Overall,I’mnotverypleasedwiththisphotoshootasI thinkthatthewayinwhichthemodelisinschooluniform isunprofessionalandIfeltthatIshouldhavetriedawider varietyoflightinganglesandintensitiesalandIaimto havemorerefinedphotoshootsinthefuture

Camera: CanonEOS700D

Lens:50mm Mode:M

EXIF:f/6; 1/3200sec; ISO1600

Here,Iwantedto adjusttheexposure ofthelightintensity andtemperatureof theimageon photoshop.Asyou cansee,theoriginal photolookeddull andoverexposedso Iintensifiedthered huestohelpit bettercontrastwith theblue background

Investigating: : Luca Pierro

I feel inspired by Luca Pierro’s work as it compliments and flows well with my previous photoshoots, it still holds the themeofanindividualbeingtrappedand imprisoned behind a media however I think that his work demonstrates the emotional element of the theme in more depth. The clear film- like material is malleable and stretchy which allows the models to express their emotions in an artisticmanner

Responding to Luca Pierro

HindAlNasser-GCSEPhotography

As I was unsatisfied with the professionalism of my second observationphotoshoot,I-alongwitha classmate- rented a photography studio and a model. I proceed to take both of my investigation photoshoots in the studio. I prepared by buying a painting frame, cling film and tape to layer the plasticovertheframeinefforttomimic the effect of Pierro’s work. I had found the model on the social media platform Instagram and found that her previous creativeworkwouldsuitthisproject.

Camera: Canon EOS 700D

Lens: 35-180mm

EXIF: f/4; 1/50 sec; ISO 100

Responding to Luca Pierro

HindAlNasser-GCSEPhotography

Camera: CanonEOS700D

Lens:50mm Mode:M

EXIF:f/3.5; 1/3200sec; ISO160

Here, I had my classmate and a friend holding a large sheet of cling film on both sides of themodel.

Camera: CanonEOS700D

Lens:50mm Mode:M

EXIF:f/3.5; 1/3200sec; ISO160

Iusedtheblackbackdropasitprovidedamoreominousresult,I directed the model to display a diversity of emotions ( smiling, neutral,aggressive). Notjustwithherfacialexpressionsbutalso with her hands and body language. This photoshoot personifies how the average young female feels locked within the norms and unrealistic expectations of how society expects us to look and behave. Which is another reason as to why I chose a professional model, as she would have her personal experience ofsocietypressuringherintoabox(whichisaliteralmetaphor astowhyIusedasquareframe). Theseimageswerealltakenof Manual mode as it made it easier to adjust to different lighting intensitieswithouthavingtomanuallychangetheISO.

Responding to Luca Pierro

As we continued experimenting, the model then began to poke and tear through the plastic with her nails, which could embody that she’s making an attempt to escape the borders and boundaries that society has put inplaceforher.Shestrokesherfacewithher hands even once they free from the material, which could illustrate the extent that young girls obsess over their appearanceandthewaytheyareperceived.

Camera: CanonEOS700D

Lens:50mm Mode:M

EXIF:f/3.5; 1/3200sec; ISO160

Responding to Luca Pierro

HindAlNasser-GCSEPhotography

Camera: CanonEOS700D

Lens:50mm Mode:Av

EXIF:f/3.5; 1/3200sec; ISO400

The diffused lighting and golden framing bring out very warm undertones from the image, the model’s pale skin reflects the light in a angelic manner. Another reasonastowhyIhad selected this model is because of her long, brown hair. It a rich color which supplies the images with a shining effect

The model is also is some ways on display, considering how she’s placed behind a frame smiling, it looks as if she is on a pedestal for the public to gaze upon. I like the images were she presses her face into the plastic as symbolizes her desperation to have liberation from the opinions of others. Thebeautybehindthemadness is what makes these images standouttome

This image is one of my favourites as her expression is open to interpretation: she’s either smiling in a gracious and feminine manner or she’s grinning out of madnessand frustration.

Responding to Luca Pierro

Camera: CanonEOS700D

Lens:50mm Mode:M

EXIF:f/3.5; 1/3200sec; ISO160

Investigating: : Ulas & Merve

HindAlNasser-GCSEPhotography

After my two previous photoshoots being centered around fabric, I decided to go down another route. I came across this photoshoot on pinterest and realized that paint could be another form of media that traps the skin. I also wasfondoftheconceptofthehandposeswhere fingers are slightly touching and locking over one-another as it relates back to the initial theme. However, I want to keep the backdrop a neutral color as I still think that ‘Lock’ would link more with a color scheme of dull colors (beige, white,greyandblack).

Responding to : Ulas & Merve

HindAlNasser-GCSEPhotography

Camera: CanonEOS700D

Lens:50mm Mode:M

EXIF:f/3.5; 1/3200sec; ISO400

Responding to : Ulas & Merve

HindAlNasser-GCSEPhotography

Thecolorredsuggestsastateofviolence, aggressionandcourage.Allofwhicharefueled bypassion.Theplaneandemptyframethatwas soonsmearedandcoveredinablood-likered indicatesanindividualbeinglockedinamind filledwithconflict.

Camera: CanonEOS700D

Lens:50mm Mode:M

EXIF:f/3.5; 1/3200sec; ISO400

Responding to : Ulas & Merve

HindAlNasser-GCSEPhotography

Camera: CanonEOS700D

Lens:50mm Mode:M

EXIF:f/3.5; 1/3200sec; ISO400

Seeing as women are often told to be “kempt” and “ladylike”, having red paint splatteredacrossagirl’shandswouldbeseenasunconventionalattheveryleast.On anotherhand,itmaysuggestawoman’ssufferinginmoderndaysociety,andthered isthebloodforallthepainandmisfortunetheaveragewomanhastoendureinher lifetime.

Responding to : Ulas & Merve

HindAlNasser-GCSEPhotography

Camera: CanonEOS700D

Lens:50mm Mode:M

EXIF:f/3.5; 1/3200sec; ISO400

This photo holds the pose a frail , gentle woman ( almost mimicking a ballerina), however the red is so bold and bright thatthecontrastmakesitanaestheticallypleasingimage.

Responding to : Ulas & Merve

HindAlNasser-GCSEPhotography

Camera: CanonEOS700D

Lens:50mm Mode:M

EXIF:f/3.5; 1/3200sec; ISO400

Theseseriesofimagesdemonstratehowangerbuildsupovertimeandeventually bursts,thefinalimageportraysscatteredfingerprintsandhandmarksinterlocking andcomplimentingeachother.Overallcreatingachaoticmess.

Shooting Outcomes

HindAlNasser-GCSEPhotography

For my final photoshoot I utilized the same photography studio, however this time I chose to do it during the night time as that would give me more control of the lighting with less sunlight present in the studio. I had also selected a yoga instructor based in Qatar,whichIhadsourcedfromInstagram, tomodelformeasIneededanathleticand flexiblemodeltoholddifficultposes.

This studio wind machine blew lightly onto the fabric which helped display the modelssilhouette

Shooting Outcomes

HindAlNasser-GCSEPhotography

I took these images on manual mode with my settingsbeingon F6.3andmyISObeingon160 which helped enhance the contrasting pale fabric to the dark backdrop. The studio wind machine was places in the opposing side of the light source which casted beautiful shadows andsilhouettes. Herbodyandhandsarelightly clinging against the fabric, implying that she’s sealedbehindit.Herhandsbeingheldoverher head signifies her lack of freedom as she’s held emotionalprisoner.I’mfondofhowherhandis exposed in some images as it displays the distinctionbetweenreleaseandimprisonment.

Camera: CanonEOS700D

Lens:50mm Mode:M

EXIF:f/6.3; 1/3200sec; ISO160

Shooting Outcomes

HindAlNasser-GCSEPhotography

Numerous photographic methods, such as the rule of thirds, symmetry, the emotional expression, and color scheme, contribute to the aesthetic appeal of this picture. I’m looking forwardtothefurtherdevelopmentof this image with the use of filters and adjustments.

Camera: CanonEOS700D

Lens:50mm Mode:Av

EXIF:f/3.5; 1/3200sec; ISO400

Shooting Outcomes

HindAlNasser-GCSEPhotography

Camera: CanonEOS700D

Lens:50mm Mode:M

EXIF:f/3.5; 1/3200sec; ISO400

In the image towards the left, I had purposefully left the fabric to exposure a bit if skin as it provides a contrast with the blinding bleachedbackground.SImilartohowIhadleft the model’s hand exposing previously , however the gap between the fabric impersonatesatear.Themodelisstilltrapped behind it but the fabric is so sheer and light that it’s as if she’s testing the boundaries of her confinement. This particular model resulted in being a good choice as most models would not be able to hold such poses for periods of time whilst wrapped in fabric. This taught me the importance of selecting a modelbestfitforashoot.

Camera: CanonEOS700D

Lens:50mm Mode:M

EXIF:f/3.5; 1/3200sec; ISO400

Ibegantoexperimentevenfurther with the limits of the theme, I wantedtoseeifIcoulddisplaythe concept through yoga poses, as in one pose : her neck and back are locked over the rest of her body. I had my classmate wave the excess fabric behind her as it added more dimension to the image, overall givingitanangelictouch.Iplanon using these images on my further developmentinphotoshopasthey have potential to advance into a more professional outcome.

Overall, I am extremely pleased withtheseimages.

Shooting Outcomes

HindAlNasser-GCSEPhotography

I adore this photo as not only does her dramatic and theatrical pose reminds me of a baroquerenaissancepainting, but the way that the fabric lightly clings andcomplimentsher facial and body features. The shadows and quality of this image, in my opinion, are outstanding.

Camera: CanonEOS700D

Lens:50mm Mode:M

EXIF:f/3.5; 1/3200sec; ISO400

Developing Outcomes – Photoshop

HindAlNasser-GCSEPhotography

Seeing as the photoshoot unintentionally resulted in seraphic images. I want to further develop that theme with the use of photoshop. To begin, I selected the silhouette by using the Object Selection tool, I then pasted it into a separate later where I used the blurring function to createamotioneffect.

Using the eraser tool, I erased any excess background that may interfere with the quality of the image.Ithenloweredtheopacityof thenewlayerto45%soitwouldnot covertheoriginalimage.

I then slightly shifted the blurred layer to the left to create a dreamier effect. I then realized that the image looked too saturated and bright so I experimented with a range of saturations and hues until I found that a traditional Black & White theme suited this image more,alongwiththerestofthe photos.

Evaluating Outcomes

HindAlNasser-GCSEPhotography

I found that the motion blur extremelycomplimentedthe poseofthemodel,creatinga holy end result. The diffused lighting that these images were taken in are extremely compatible with a Black & White layer. As the shadows becomeaccentuatedandthe light in the image is more radiant.

Developing Outcomes – Photoshop

HindAlNasser-GCSEPhotography

Repeatedly here, I attempted making another image filtered in monochrome. I did not want to develop this image furtherattheinitialbeautyoftheimage is already so captivating that I did not wanttotaintthat.

Developing Outcomes – Photoshop

HindAlNasser-GCSEPhotography

First, I utilized the Dodge Tool which a large sized brush, which i repeated multiples times to make the image less saturated and brighter. I used the tool specifically over the models body and the surrounding fabric. I then realized that the model looked too pale, so I created a second layer with the original image and used the Paint Brush on a opacity of 20%, and selected a skin color on the color selector. I then lightly brushed her skin color back in. After, I selected Hue/Saturation to shift the hue towards a cooler shade in opposetoyellow.

The outcome has a polished and refined look, with the fabric now matching the color of the backdrop, it creates the illusion that the fabric is flying upwards. The profile of the model is complimented by the material, as it displays her delicate posture.

Developing Outcomes – Photoshop

HindAlNasser-GCSEPhotography

To begin, I used two individual images of just the fabric, and used the object selection tool to copy and paste one one image onto another. I then createdasecondlayerforthebackgroundimage,I used the Healing Brush and Spot Healing Brush to conceal where the fabric interlocks. I then took a separate image of the model, and used the Object Selection again to select her figure, and placed her onto a third layer. I then used the Eraser tool to remove any excess background and refine her silhouette.

I rotated the model until the image looked seamless and refined. I placed her upside down as I think it took a more creative tonefortheoutcome.

Evaluating Outcomes

I found that the image was visually pleasinginboth,blackandwhite.Rotating the model until she was upside-down holds significance for the outcome. Considering that she’s completely wrapped in fabric - it reminded me of a confined cocoon of a caterpillar before it blooms into a butterfly. I think that as the image already holds natural elements ( theneutralcolorthemeandtheuseofthe human body) I wanted to accentuate this even further. The process of photoshopping this outcome was indeed inspiredbythethemeoflockaswell.

SeeingasIusedtwoindividualphotos of the stretched fabric, and placed them onto the same image. Lock is evident here as not only is the model bounded behind the cloth, but the material interlocks and links behind her. This only further enhances the message of feeling emotionally trapped,suffocatingandisolated.The lack of color holds a major subject of ostracism for society, the fabric symbolizes the roles as society that confines an individual until it eventuallyconsumesthemwhole.

From a previous image, I used the Lasso Tool to select the fabric that hung in the air. I later copiedandpastedthis.

I was not pleased with the color of the fabric as the backdrop was a pure white and the fabric was slightly tinted with yellow. So after pasting the fabric onto the backgroundimage,IselectedtheHue/SaturationoptionontheAdjustmentssection.I then desaturated the fabric and shifted the lightness so it would have less shadows andproduceamoresheereffect.Ithenerasedthefabricincertainareasandrotated it so the shape could vary. Finally, using the Spot Healing Tool i perfected any blemishes. And I adjusted the lighting and hue of the whole image so the cloth could blendflawlesslywiththerestoftheimage.

Evaluating Outcomes

HindAlNasser-GCSEPhotography

The addition of the cloth portions to the original image produced a profoundly powerful effect. The image's intense brightness intensifies the model's focus to a new degree. I really appreciate this result because its growth has further accentuated the images inherentbeauty. The fact that photos produced from the same photoshoot can produce outcomes with such contrasting themes and effects intrigues me.

Evaluating Outcomes

HindAlNasser-GCSEPhotography

To remove any unwanted light color from these final photographs, I used LightRoom Classic to tweak the clarity, color grading, shadows, and temperature. Secondly, to give the image more dimension and depth rather than making it appear flat and basic, I used Photoshop’s Dodge Tool to lighten the areas withtheleastamountofshadow.

The more processing I apply to the photographs, I've discovered, the more I can manipulate the fabric to make it look like other materials. For instance, the fabric appears more flexible and plastic-like in the image on the left, while it appears extremely sheer andsee-throughintheoneontheright.

Evaluating Outcomes

HindAlNasser-GCSEPhotography

AlthoughallIreallydidtodevelopthisimage was use the Black & White filter and adjust the shadow settings, this may be a personal favorite. The expression on the models face, her mouth gaping open in anger ( casting a dark shadow from her mouth) as well as her palms pressing against the fabric in desperation and rage , this all perfectly capturesthethemeoflock.