Levels of Abstraction in Nature

Personal Investigation

Levels of Abstraction in nature

Alice Wren

candidate number: 6668

UPDATED STATEMENT OF INTENT

I have always been fascinated by nature. I think that it is the subject I am most interested in, therefore I feel my work in this area will be strongest. There is so much to look at within nature, not just the plants and trees, but their individual and unique colours, textures and patterns. I decided very quickly that I would focus on natural forms as my theme. It was the theme that I felt most connected to and once I began exploring my first artist, I found it all the more entriguing.

From an early point in my project, I discovered photographers like Sandra Bartocha, who take photos to capture emotion aswell as the subject matter. As my project developed, I explored other artists and techniques such as macro and studio photography of flowers. I found it very interesting seeing all these less 'traditional' interpretations of nature photography.

I discovered it was not just the way the photographers took the photos but how they described their work. I knew that I wanted to take photos of nature that created a feeling that made the viewer look a bit longer. Freeman Patterson says "When there's high emotional content to what you're doing, you don't have to stop and think about why and what it means to you"<. He approaches nature photography by feeling. His photos are taken at random times in random locations where he feels particularly connected to nature.

Bartocha also approaches the theme in a similar way. Her photos are not as random or based on feeling, however, she does attach her burning passion for nature to them. " It's heart felt...it's about being outside...about the smell of a pine forest in warm and bright summer nights..." . She creates this feeling often through the use of camera techniques like depth-of-field and composition, and also the use of light and shadows. Both approaches I have discussed are different but are both interesting and inspiring takes on such a general theme. They have both made me want to attempt these techniques, giving my photos meaning through the composition or editing.

I found myself getting drawn to the form of the subject matter and all the curves of the petals and the smell pops of colour in the centres and on the ends of leaves. Georgia O'Keeffe takes a similar interest in that her paintings of flowers are all exaggerating the curves and features of what she paints. Although it may seem that it's hard to paint a 'feeling', O'Keeffe certainly tries to disprove this. She says, " Its as if my mind creates shapes I don't know about". This links her work, even though it is not a photograph, to Bartocha and Patterson as her work is ultimately based on how she feels towards what she is painting.

She creates work that portrays nature in an abstract and awe-inspiring way. The paintings, like the photos of Bartocha and Patterson, are completely unique to most other nature photography or art and I find this interesting. I am inspired by all the artists I have looked at so far as they have managed to connect themselves with their work. My main objective for the rest of my project is to create these images in my own way. 551 WORDS

Research

Macro Photography

- I learnt about macro photography from researching Sandra Bartocha as she uses macro lenses a lot.

- If I used macro photography in my personal investigation, I think this would bring an interesting perspective to the theme of natural forms.

- I like how this technique captures textures and images the naked eye wouldn’t normally see and I think it is particularly effective on water droplets.

- I couldn’t narrow the theme down to just water droplets as in the summer, subject availability would be low as it doesn’t tend to be rainy.

Research

Ethereal macro photography

- Carrying on from macro photography, I really like ethereal style. I know Sandra Bartocha also does this in her work.

- A lot of this is dependent on light, which would be good in spring and summer. However, I don’t think that season would be an obstacle for me as there are examples of ethereal photos (5th and last photo along) where its frosty and quite dark light which would be accessible in the darker months.

- In terms of subject matter, I think I would be able to access this as I live near many national trusts and English heritage sites where the nature is preserved and abundant.

-

Research

Sandra Bartochaethereal photography

- I wanted to put in some of Bartocha’s photographs as she has inspired me lots for my investigation.

- She blends multiple frames together in a unsymmetrical way to create the ethereal (dream-like) feel. For example, the top left photo seems slightly disorientatingdue to the layers.

- Some of her photos are slightly blurred (iemiddle photo). She does this by using movingexposures (intentionalcamera movements). For the middle photo, this has made the whole photo have a yellow tint which I think is effective in creatingan interestingfeel.

I also like how she uses shallow depth of field and focus in her photos. In the bottom middle photo, she hasn’t focussed at the front of the flower, but the middle. I think this adds a different perspective and is more interestingto look at compared to a normal photo of a flower.

FORMAL ANALYSIS

Sandra Bartocha

Natural/ambientlight, golden hour, light source is particularlybright on one side.

Asymmetrical qualities show the natural feel. It seems unplaced and not forced.

Composition is quite random and creates a natural look to the photo

Complimentarycolours (green and orange) keep focus on the focal point.

Simple colour palettemakes the photo not too overcrowded

Multi-frames layered create the feeling of movement

Shallowdepth of field Draws focus to one aspect of the photo

Each frame is of different opacity which adds dimension

Messages of my project

• I want to explore the theme of natural forms as I think that it has a wide range of opportunity. Furthermore, I think I will have more confidence in this field.

• After researching, I want to photograph plants in isolation. This would include minimal colours. More specifically, I like the ethereal photos as the colours are interesting and I like the idea that they are dreamlike.

• With macro photography also, it shows subjects that are not normally noticed by the human eye and I think that it shows an interesting perspective on day-to-day things.

PHASE ONE

Intentions: to explore ethereal macro photographyand aim to focus on a more specific area of photography.

TESTING FOCUS ON MY CAMERA (5.6 aperture)

EXPLORING OVERLAYS (using capcut- a free editing app)

PHOTOSHOOT 1:

SMUDGING TOOL (photoshop)

original

I explored tools in photoshop as I like the style of abstraction of nature. At first, I wasn't sure on how to smudge effectively but I overcame this by decreasing the brush size and using it like a paintbrush,inspired by some photos I found online

PHOTOSHOOT

2: Anglesey Abbey

PHOTOSHOOT 2:

EDITING

In editing, I increased the brightness to try and make the photos more ethereal. In the first photo, inspired by Bartocha, I layered images ontop of eachother with different sizes. I think that it is effective but in further photoshoots, I need to use photos where the subject moves as in the inspiration photo,she layered different photos to create movement. In the second photo, I used the blur tool to obscure the image. I think that you can see the inspiration in my photos but I think that there are improvements to be made.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

I like the effect of the overlaying.However, I think I could use this technique in a moe effective way. In future, I should take more photos- in different ways (ie angles etc).

PHOTOSHOOT 3:

Intentional camera movements

I took inspiration from Sandra Bartocha and her photos in which she uses intentional camera movements (moving exposures) to create blur. I think this is particularlyeffective in the trees as it creates an illusion of them swaying.

PHOTOSHOOT 3:

EDITS

In editing, I decreased the exposure and increased the brightness. This has created a high-contrast effect which makes it seem ethereal. This is further enhanced by the moving exposures I have used.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

I think the editing has the desired effect and enchances the lighting on the trees. However, I think that

PHOTOSHOOT 4 INSPIRATION

Don Komarechka

- a nature and macro photographer based in Canada who is interested in capturing what we cannot see with the naked eye.

- his photographs reveal a greater understanding of how the universe works.

- He is inspired by sharing his view of the world with others, without words, through his workshops and ‘seeing beyond vision’.

- His photos are taken on a digital camera with a high-quality macro lens that can get very up close with the subject matter.

- I particularly like the way he has captured the water droplets, making them look like little beads on/in the plants.

PHOTOSHOOT 4:

Practising the macro setting on my phone

Before I started using macro lenses/fittings, I wanted to try out the macro setting on my phone. I felt it was quite hard to control as a lot of the photo became blurry. However, I could get close to the water on the leaves which is what I wanted to see.

PHOTOSHOOT 5:

Further practising the macro setting on my phone

The water droplets look like beads- inspired by Dom Komarechka.

These photos are more successful than the previous as the lighting is perhaps better for this type of photography.I like how the water droplets havecome out lookinglike beads as this was what I was aiming for in this photoshoot.

PHOTOSHOOT 5

Edits inspired by Don Komarechka

I edited these photos with low exposure and high contrast. I was inspired by this photo in particular as I think it highlights the droplets well. I think the middle photo is particularlyeffective in showing this.

Phillippe Glade

- California based photographer who divides his time between floral photography and photography of events around him.

- He brings creativity to his photographs, especially in his 'imaginary garden' photos, where he uses high saturations and hues to make ordinary plants look imaginary. In his collection 'brilliance' he takes photos of one section of the subject which obscures the photo.

- In future shoots, I would like to use these photos to inspire me to experiment with editing and composition of my photos.

PHOTOSHOOT 6:

Further practising the macro setting on my phone

Angles inspired by Phillippe Glade

I put my phone upside down on the ground which gives a worm’s eye view of the flower.

I wanted to go back and shoot some more with the macro lens as I felt that I could get some better angles. This time, I got even closer to my subject matter which improved the composition as it meant I could get angles from the ground.

PHOTOSHOOT

6:

Yellow flowers: exploring angles.

I also photographed buds of the flower so I can photoshootan open flower on top.

I also used different perspectives to create interesting composition.

I was inspired by Sandra Bartocha’s use of blur, focus and angles for this set of photos.

I think that I have managed to show this inspiration especiallyin the 2nd photo as I have used a shallow depth of field to blur out the front petals.

PHOTOSHOOT 6: EDITS

edited original edited original

In editing I increased highlights to enhance the colour without making it seem too surreal. I also increased brightness also as seeing Bartocha’s work, she has brighter photos which are quite saturated.

PHOTOSHOOT 7

Inspired by Phillippe Glade

I used the 10x close up filter for these photos so I could get closer than previously. I am happy with the composition and the use of angles especiallyin the first one as I feel like it captures the curves well. I edited these by using different hues, inspired by PhillippeGlade and his use of colour. To improve, I think I should’veused a darker background as this may have emphasized the colours of the leaves.

PHOTOSHOOT 8:

Isolated flowers, shallow depth of field

I used the close up x4 and x1 lenses for these photos. I wanted to capture simple colours in a minimal composition. Using manual focus, I could blur the foreground and to it creates a dreamy haze around the photo. I used natural lighting and then edited it to be a bit brighter to enhance the ethereal theme. In improvement, the background has a bright spot which is slightly distracting from the photo whereas the second has only 2 colours which compliment eachother and don’t draw away from the flower.

INSPIRATION- Pinterest

PHOTOSHOOT 9:

Botanic gardens contact sheet

PHOTOSHOOT 9:

Botanic gardens edits- inversion and hues

I was inpired by PhillippeGlade and especiallythis photo:

I want to start adding colours to this. I think that using photoshop would help this because it is more advanced than the software on my laptop.

Harold Davis

- uses lightboxes to shoot on for transparency.

- moistens flowers to enhance the transparency and colour

- uses reflectors to get a consistent light intoall the areas

- uses stepladder, high tripod, lightbox originally for viewing slides, light tent and tungsten photo lights

- buys some of his flowers

- uses macro lenses (200m, f4 nikon lens- DSLR)

- likes to show off shape, colour and emotion

- uses post production like maskingto get rid of any inconsistencies

- gelled flashes for colours

- clear museum gel to hold flowers up.

Outcome design research

Fonts Font/FONT Font/FONT Font/FONT Font/FONT Font/FONT Font/FONT Font/FONT Font/FONT

[name] N A M E

I could also use fonts set out like this. However, I would like to keep it relativelyminimal so I may not do this in the exam.

Outcome design research

Title ideas

I will take inspiration from this book as I think the layout is minimal and looks effective.

With my outcome, I will put the name of the flower on the left page and the photo on the right. I could also use multiple photos of the flower from different angles.

Mock Submission no. 1

Mock reflections

- Going into the mock, I had no fully established my preferred editing process. I think that as it is still early on in my project, I do still have time to develop this more. I will do this by looking at new and old artists and instead of looking at their image, look at how they have edited them.

< Whilst I enjoyed editing my photos like this, it took a lot of time when only a few selected images worked. I think that if I am to carry this on, I would have to explore different settings for my photographsto find out which suits this editing style the best.

I also enjoyed taking these photos. I liked how they looked > as they all fit together very well. In terms of editing, I like the effect it has- making the photo look like film when it was taken on digital. However, I think my project will move away from this and closer to just flowers in isolation.

Phase 2

Intentions: to reflect on what has interestedme in phase one and to develop this through artist research and experimenting with techniques like composition.

PHASE 1 REFLECTIONS

REFLECTION 1: Your Project REFLECTION 2: Study skills / effort / commitment

What was the theme / starting pointyou chose for Unit1? What specificpersonal and meaningful interests didyouinvestigate?

I chose natural forms as I feltthis would be the theme I was mostly likely to produce strongwork from. On reflection, I think I became particularly fascinated by the shape and form of flowers/nature. Photoshoot7shows this the most. I also was interested in the manipulation of images through editingand movingexposures. This is somethingI will carry through to Phase Two where I am aimingto explore closerphotography and to celebrate the formand shape of natural forms.

AO1 To what extentare you satisfiedwith the discoveries made throughin-depthartist research that developedunderstandingof bothconceptual as well as formal aspects of artists work?

I think that I did good artist researchwhich was relevantto my project. In my researchis discovered many techniques andtook a lot of inspirationfrom the artists I lookedat.

How might this be improvedfor Phase 2?​

In phase 2, I will do more artist researchand improve the depthin which I complete it in. I think this will benefitmy projectas I can expose myself to many more takes on my theme of natural forms. I have alreadyfound 3 new artists that linkto my project, in my opinion, betterthan my original ones: Harold Feinstein, FleurOlbyand Imogen Cunnigham.

AO2 Were yourexplorations of appropriate materials and techniques thoroughand effective?

To what extenddidyou refine your techniques inpreparationfor the Outcome?

I think that the techniques I usedweren'tevidencedhighlyinmy PowerPoint.However, I think that the techniques Iused were appropriate for my projectand enhancedthem well. Furthermore, I think that I managed to developmy skills throughout the course of the project

How mightthis be improved forPhase 2?

I will do a lotmore research on techniques as I I think this is where I fell shortin my supportingPowerPoint of phase 1. This should help improve the quality of my photos in editingand in composition.

AO3 How successful were you in conductingextensive observationstudies /recording from direct observation& experience?

I didn’t use anything from observationin phase 1 unless videos countas observation.I useda fewvideointerviews of Bartocha and Davis to gain a betterunderstandingof their work.

How mightthis be improved forPhase 2?​ I could use more observation recording in my work.

AO4 How satisfiedare you that you have produceda highquality personal and meaningful outcome?

7/10. I think my final outcomes show exploration and a lot of A02 material. I am also happy with my supporting PowerPoint. However, I could've done more in-depth artist research and analysis.

How mightthis be improved forPhase 2?​

To always putin artist research and analysis slides even if I don’tthink itis necessary because I can always hide the slides laterif they're notrelevant.

REFLECTION 1: Your Project

REFLECTION 2: Study skills / effort / commitment

Learning Activity

How effectivelyand consistentlydid you use 5hrs of independentstudy eachweek?

I did use some of the 5hrs independentstudyas I often thought about photoshoots I could do.

How resourceful were you whenexploring, investigating, sourcingideas & inspiration?

I didn'thave a lot of artist research. A lot of the artist research resulted in most of my inspiration and as a result in my powerpoint, it seems as if I haven'tbeensuperresourceful.

How effective?

1 = low 10 = high

5 or 6/10

6 I will try and be more resourceful by using a lot of different media for inspiration and exploration.

How effective was your approach to problem-solving? Persistent? Determined? Resilient? Did you seekadvice from your peers / teacher by asking questions?

I used my peers and my friends alot in theiropinions on my work/composition of my PowerPoint. I also usedmy teachers' advice in lesson as they gave me books and artists that link to my project which helped because I found this part particularly hard.

6

I do not think I need to change for phase 2.

I could maybe make better use of teams chat.

To what extentdid you challenge yourself whenpushingyour ideas and investigationsfar, resultingin unexpectedand excitingdiscoveries?

I don't thinkthat I pushed myself a lot. I used photoshop a lot which I had neverused before so this was pushing myself slightlybecause at the start I didn’t understand any of the tools.

4

To do more techniques that I wouldn'tusually think aboutdoing. I should juststarttrying more things even when I think they wontwork well.

Did you make positive and constructive contributions to PeerReviewdiscussions?

One peerreviewsessionI did, I contributed a lot, and I was the scribe for mygroup. I found this valuable and whenI got my peerreviewback, I was able to ask questions which improved my confidence in my project.

8 Areas to improve for Phase 2: Artist research, explorationof more techniques.

Working titles:

1- An investigation of how artists use abstraction to reflect emotions in a visual form.

2- The process of changing an image to portray emotions felt towards the subject.

3- The use of colour to portray nature in an expressionist form.

4- an investigation into the use of expressionist techniques and how they portray emotions to the subject matter like Bartocha and Davis.

Examplesof student work:

The process of ageing and our retention of memories

This investigation will encompass a theme of ‘Ageing & Our Retention of Memories’, investigating the concepts of senescence as well as how possessions are able to conjure and retain memories.

The use of Montage, Distortion and Form to Exhibit the Power Struggle of Nature and Influence of Nature on Architecture and Manmade Form.

Phase 2

What are you doing and why are you doing it?

Think: Subject Matter + Concept + Process

An investigation into.....

An exploration of....

Exploring the relationship between …... and …....

(particularly Bartocha's work)

Links to expressionism? colours, focussed, minimal compositions Compositionslink to Davis

My photos are very visual

My final photos have very similar composition to Davis as they are just a simple flower with a black background to highlight the flower.

Conveys emotion she felt towards her surroundings.

My work has a link with Bartocha and Davis because I use a lot of colour in my photos.

Bartocha and Davis both say theyre interested in showing emotions in their photos.

Likes to show off 'shape,colour and emotion'

Common themes: emotions, abstraction,macro,visual, colour.

My work

Unit 1 - Phase 2 Planner

Developing and refining your Unit 1 Project ideas and skills

AO1 - Develop Actions

Which specific area of interest / concept will you investigate in Phase 2? (Howwill this be a progression from Phase 1?)

Natural forms

Identify 2 – 3 artists that you will make meaningful connections with to support your project ideas?

Sandra Bartocha, Fleur Olby, Harold Feinstein

(other potentials:Harold Davis, Imogen Cunningham, PhillippeGlade)

Complete research

-use photography books

AO2 - Explore Actions

Which materials, techniques and processes will be relevant and appropriate to explore in this phase?

Materials / Processes for RECORDING stage:

I think I will further explore photoshop techniques but in Phase 2 I will also look at composition and I also want to look at photographing flowers in a 'lab setting' like Feinstein, Davis and Cunningham.

Use websites of the photographer /use youtube videos

AO3 - Record Actions

Where will you expect to gain exciting, thought-provoking, inspirational first-hand experiences and observations to start Phase 2 off?

Youtube videos (interviews).

Locations (specific areas of interest?):

Editing and behind the camera techniques.

Youtube videos

Photography books exhibitions

Phase 2 aims and intentions (A01)

• INTENTION- more microscopic views

• AFFECTS- abstraction, ambiguity, a celebration of the formal elements(line, texture,form,colour). Glimpses of representation

• ARTISTS- Georgia O keefe ideas and concepts- link to Cunningham.

• LOCATION- botanical gardens

Fleur Olby

- Fleur Olby is an ’artist photographer’ whose work is about the environment, the transformative spirit of nature and the experience of sensation of ‘beauty’.

- She has experienced many different field of photography such as editorial and advertising photography. However, she was led back to the subject of natural light every time.

- She uses minimal backgrounds of black or white which prevent the image becoming too busy.

- She photographs flowers in a studio or on a lightbox which is something I am interested in trying in my project as I think this gives me opportunities to manipulate my subject matter in interesting ways.

-

Imogen Cunningham

Imogen Cunningham is a photographer who explored nature photography and the sensuality of the human connection. Her aim was not to shock viewers but to show ‘the sensual and energetic pulse that runs through all of life’.

- She popularized the techniques of ‘straight photography’ in nature, where subject matter is not manipulated in any way, just photographed as it is.

- She was inspired by many of her friends like Ansel Adams, who was also a photographer. He further motivated her to take ‘straight’ photographs of flowers.

Photoshoot 1 plan

1. Intent What are you trying to achieve? What are you doing and why?

Date 01/06/22 Time 1:17pm

I am trying to explore techniques I can use behind the camera, inspired by Fleur Olby. For example, I am going to try and shoot from different, more unusual angles such as through a leaf or take the photo of a single petal.

2. Research Which artists have you looked at to support you with this?

Fleur Olby

3. Subject matter Who/what/where are you going to photograph?

Flowers, plants, nature

4. Location Have you visited the location already? Is there anything you need to consider when you go back?

I have visited this location previously but it was a long time ago. However, I am still familiar with the area and am confident in which parts have the best surroundings for my photos. I think I need to consider the weather as many of the flowers face the sun and so shadows could become a factor.

5. Lighting Natural/Ambient/Artificial?

Natural lighting

6. Equipment Do you need any extra equipment? Tripod, flashgun etc. I am planning to use my macro mode on my phone or close up lenses on my camera

7. Costume and Props Will you need to bring anything with you? Close up lenses if I choose to use them.

8. Risk Assessment & Plan B? What do you need to consider – safety, weather, cancellations etc?

Weather- shadows. If it rains, I don’t think this will affect my photos in terms of the look however, if it is dark I may have to use some post production techniques to lighten the photo a bit.

Photoshoot 1- edits

Here, I have edited my photos from photoshoot 1, inspired by Cunningham’s photographs. I think that this editing highlights certain aspects of the plant and creates a simplistic yet still dramatic image. I aim to try this with many of my future photoshoots as I think that there may be potential in the use of black and white filters in nature photography.

A COLLECTION OF MY FAVOURITE IMAGES SO FAR [as of 17/06/22]

Moving forward, I think my photoshoots should be focussed on patterns of flowers (ie images 1 and 2) as this seems to be my interest. I will do this by using macro settings on my phone and close up lenses on my camera.

Kurt Johnson

• Is an American photographer whose projects are described as ‘biophilic design’ or showing a closeness to nature.

• He was inspired by his father, an architectural photographer, who gifted him his first camera at a young age. A further inspiration is from his travels around the USA.

• A lot of his photographs were taken during the 2020 lockdown period where he said ‘[nature] became a place we could all go… [it] continues to heal us all’.

• From his images, I want to take the composition as I think that there are so many interesting angles which obscure the subject matter.

< I think these photos from some of my first shoots share similarities to Johnson’s work as they are quite classic and bright.

Photoshoot 2 plan

Date 24/06/22 Time 9:55am

1. Intent

What are you trying to achieve? What are you doing and why?

To get closer into my subject matter in order to increase the ambiguity of my image and as a reault, produce an image that is more relevant to my artist research

2. Research Which artists have you looked at to support you with this? Kurt Johnson is my main inspiration for this shoot.

3. Subject matter

Who/what/where are you going to photograph?

Flowers and leaves

4. Location

Have you visited the location already? Is there anything you need to consider when you go back?

Yes I go here most years and so I am familiar with the area.

5. Lighting Natural/Ambient/Artificial? natural

6. Equipment

Do you need any extra equipment? Tripod, flashgun etc. I will use the macro setting on my phone which seemed to work the last time I used it and is a lot easer to carry around/use compared to my camera. However, if I do bring my camera, I can also use this and compare the results.

7. Costume and Props Will you need to bring anything with you? Camera and lenses

8. Risk Assessment & Plan B?

What do you need to consider – safety, weather, cancellations etc?

Weather. My photos may not work exactly as I imagined if it rains/is dark. However, this may not be a problem as I can always edit the image to become lighter.

Photoshoot 2 edits

Edited using photoshop

- I used photoshop to increase the brightness of the photos. In some of the photos, I have added a vignette on which I think increases the depth of the photos.

- in terms of my aims and intentions,I think I have met them. I said I wanted to get closer into my subject matter and make the image more ambiguous. I think that these photos are successful in showcasing this.

Photoshoot 2 edits

Edited using photoshop

I decided to take inspiration from Kurt Johnson’s images in how I edited mine. I chose to make only subtle changes in brightness, saturation and contrast in order to enhance the colour in the photos. I think that overall,this was effective because I think it lifts the image through making the ‘lighting’ harsher.

In my future photoshoots, I will continueto use this editing technique as I think that it leaves less risks of over-editing and making the image look too fake. I have realized that I prefer my images to be a lot more simple and to let the composition make the image unique, rather than the editing.

SUMMER WORK photoshoots

Georgia O’Keeffe

- Georgia O’Keeffe was an American artist whose work was described as a ‘pioneer of modern art’ because of her unique and new way of painting nature, simplifying its shape and form. She was also the first female artist to get recognition in 1920s New York.

- She was under great influence from Arthur Wesley Dow, who was also an advocate for simplifying forms as a means of capturing their essence and developing a personal style.

- Although she is an artist, I feel like I can take some inspiration from the way she looks at shape and form within a flower and how she chooses to capture a section of it in her art.

< I think her work has similarities with photos from my previous shoot as they are minimal and they focus on the shape and form (curves) of the subject matter.

I tried taking photos of specific parts of a flower or from interestingangles. This idea came from looking at the works of Georgia O'keeffe and her use of pattern in her work.

Photoshoot 3- purple, yellow and white

Photoshoot 4– ��AngelseyAbbey, flowers

Photoshoot 4 [cntd]– ��AngelseyAbbey, cntd

Photoshoot 5– ��Tavira, Portugal

SUMMER WORK Gallery visits

Gallery 1- Hills ex-student gallery

The hills ex-student gallery provided me with the variety of photos there was. These photos I’ve selected had most relevance to my project. I was particularly inspired by photos 1, 5 and 6

1- This photo inspired a few of my summer work photos as it encouraged me to explore composition.

My photos, inspired by the gallery:

5- This photo was uniqueand I found this interesting to look at. In my summer work you can see photos that havebeen inspired from this.

6- I loved the colour contrast in this photo and it inspired me to look closely at different plants and to try and spot interesting colours I can highlight through my photography.

I was inspired by this photo (above) because it uses patterns of other objects to make an ordinary photo look unique. This photo has given me ideas on maybe playing around with shadows on the petals/leavesof my subject matter.

This was a small gallery in a town nearby where we stayed on holiday in The Algarve.

The photos I saw are not like the ones in my project. However, some of them caught my eye because of compositional strengths, and others because of colours,.

1 and 3- I liked the top left photo because of the dimension created in the black anchors contrastingthe colours of the sunset. This inspired me to use brighter colours/ use saturation and contrast in editing.

Gallery 1- SVA gallery, Tavira

END OF SUMMER WORK

Exploring editing- brightening

Using photoshop,I experimented with tools like highlights, brightness and contrast. This increased the definition of the petals and the overall colour of the flower. Increasing the contrast alongside the brightness helped balance the image, making sure the colour was never washed out, but enhanced.

I think this edit is less effective. On reflection, I should've increased the contrast or saturation more as I feel that the vibrantyellows and reds from the original image are washed out. This has made me consider if I even need to edit my images as I often prefer the original.

Exploring editing- contrast

Reflecting on my last editing attempt, I criticised my images by saying the contrast was not right or that the colours were washed out a bit. I also wanted to try out a more interesting way of editing. I created these images purely by experimenting with the adjustment tools in photoshop.In both these photos, I have turned the contrast all the way up (or mostly) and the brightness almost all the way down (dependent on the image). I think that, especially in the top photo,it gives the illusion that the flower was photographed in the studio. I also like how it has enhanced the areas on the petals where the sun is particularlystrong. I think that this techniquehas created some interesting images that I might use in my final outcome.

PersonalStudy- images to use in outcome 2

- Sandra Bartocha connections:

. uses blur/ shallow depth of field

- Sandra Bartocha connections:

- Sandra Bartocha connections:

- Freeman Patterson connections:

. Minimal colour pallette,depth of field, simple, ethereal

. Slightly shallow depth of field, blur at front, use of light brightens areas

. Use of light, simple colours

- Freeman Patterson connections:

. Minimla colours, close-up

- Georgia O'Keeffe connections:

. Simple colours, close-up, textured, patterns.

-Freeman Patterson connections:

. Bright colours, minimal colour pallette,blur

- Georgia O'Keeffe connections:

. Patterns, colourful, simple colours

- Georgia O'Keeffe connections

. Simple, bright colours

PersonalStudy- images to use in outcome 2

This photo seems to stand out from the others

To pick out images, I reflected on the aims of my project and which photos showed these best. I looked through all the photoshoots I have done in phase two and picked a few from each.

Outcome 2- exploring sections

After reviewing my images, I found that I had images that weren't all coherent. However, I had a strong desire not to remove them as I liked how they looked and how they represented my intentions.To solve this issue, I thought about sections...

Section one – low abstraction

Section twomoderate abstraction

Section three- high abstraction/'alien' images

Photoshoot

6- 'alien' images

Photoshoot

7- 'alien' images

Photoshoots 6&7- exploring crop tools

As my project is turning towards a more ambiguous outcome, I wanted to explore ways I could get closer into my subject matter. As I found this physicallyhard to do, I decided to try using post-production tools to help increase the ambiguity of my photos:

I think that the images I have created have turned out well in the sense that they transform the image into something a lot more abstract and interesting. When I first cropped these, the qualitywasn't great but I managed to fix this by adjusting the sharpness of the images so now, they don't look so cropped.

Collection of cropped images:

To crop my images, I imported them into photoshop and cropped the image in several places. I then chose which looks the most 'alien'. The only issue I have with this is that it does reduce the image qualityon some occasions (eg: 2nd photo). In other cases (the bottom photo) however, I think the cropping does work.

Focussing on the bottom image, the original image was very much a 'normal' photo of a flower. By cropping it, I was able to make the photo relate to my aim of my project more and I felt a better sense of ownership over it. I think it makes my photos more unique and interesting to look at.

Phase 3

Intentions: to explore and refine my editing technique, potentially reshooting previous photoshoots or returning to old editing techniques.

Experimenting with vignette in photoshop

After havingconversationswith several people, I decided to revisit editing my images. Here I have used the vignette tool in photoshop to try and draw the eye to certain areas of the photograph.I think that some of the photos are effective (the ones with the ' ' symbol. However, I don’t think the other photos are as effective. I think the vignette is maybe too strong.

OUTCOME 3 RESEARCH

Doesn’t look right with my photos

Too light

Background colours

Too dark

After exploring neutral colours such as grey,white,black and beige, I decided to go with the beige background as I felt that it doesn’t wash out the colours, which was one of my main concerns.

I think that it also compliments the yellow photos I have really well

FONTS

I think that the font I choose should be a natural,flowy font to reflect the subject matter in my project. However, I don’t want to use a 'typical' or 'boring' font as I want it to still reflect my aims of ambiguityin my photos...

Avenir Next LT Pro Demi Italic

Stitka Heading

BodoniMT Poster

ChamberiSuperDisplay(italics)

Gabriola(bold)

Hadassah Frielaender

LucidaCalligraphy

Miriam Fixed (italics)

RastantyCortez(bold,italics)

After reviewing my 3 favouritefonts, I decided that 'Rastanty Cortez' was the best font choice as I felt that it fitted the best with the image.

After reviewing the fonts with various people, I decided to change to a moer classic font to match the moern style of photo I used on the cover.

The majority of my photos are either square or portrait. In orevious outcomes I have created a square outcome but after looking at previous projects on issuu, I have discovered that portrait does work. https://issuu.com/hillsroadphotographydept/docs/ outcome_plants.pptx

This [above] was the previous outcome I found on issuu. I think that it was very successful and, like me, they had many portrait/squarephotos aswell. 'Natural Form' By Hazel List Shipsey, May 11th 2021

I decided on the middle photo because the photo I have chosen is a modern style, so it suits the full bleed placement. I also like the effect it has by being full bleed because it enhances the abstraction of the leaf and, in my opinion,it looks like a field.

EXPLORING TEXT

Looking at previous projects using natural forms as the theme, they all tend to use poetry or quotes related to nature. I think using text would be beneficial to my project, maybe relatingto nature in general or something to do with the abstraction in nature.

EDITING EXPLORATION CNTD

FAVOURITE EDITS SO FAR

Reflections

- I need to work on my A02 (techniques) as I haven’tfully explored editing yet. The way I have been editing (high contrast, creating a dark background) hasn’t worked on all my photos so I might do another photoshoot using a torch for lighting at night/evening.

- I think that my most influential artistat this stage would be Sandra Bartocha as my images are becoming more unique and abstract, however, still resemble a flower in a way. I could also say that my photos are going back to resembling that of Harold Davis, who I briefly looked at before my November 2021 mocks.

- I think my theme has developed from natural editing to more artificial editing as I am beginning to use photoshop a lot more now.

- I now need to focus on editing my photos in a successful way and deciding if I need to do any more photoshoots.I will do this by talkingto my peers who will be able to provide an objective view of my work.

- I will do this in lesson time as I feel this is when I will be most productive on my project

- I will resource the conclusion of my project by editing as many of my photos as I can and comparing them all. I will make a slide with all my favouriteimages and then create a drafted outcome to see how they all look. I may also drop this into issuu to see what it looks like in book form.

My UNIT 1 PersonalInvestigation is focused on…

Natural Forms, specifically, the abstraction of nature. Inspired by Bartocha, Patterson and O’Keeffe. It also focusses on abstract expressionism which is a movement that looks at creating emotion in a unique and interesting way.

Summary of my theme:

An exploration of levels of abstraction in photography,lookingat both the works of photographersand artists who graduallyinspire my work to become unique and resembling abstract expressionism.

My strongestimages

Collection one: Darker, edited photos

Collection two: Lighter, less/no editing

PREPARINGFOR OUTCOME 2 (AO2, AO1) 18hrs

Aim: Produce a substantial body of planning and preparation work that supports the production of a personal and meaningful outcome

Objective:Evidenceyour ability to select and refine a process and / or technique that is appropriate and relevant to your project idea and personal skill-set

3 a Which further technicalexplorations and refinements are required before starting Outcome 2?

For example: Composition planning,camera technique, use of colour, lighting techniques, post-production explorations, refinement of digital editing techniques, Outcome design and presentation skills

- do some more photo shootd exploring blurring/ focus

- outcome layout and colours, title

1. What specific idea / interest will you aim to convey in Outcome

2? For example: ‘deconstruction of Urban Structure’s, ‘self-image’, ‘elements of nature’. Refer to specific interests in mood, atmosphere, personal experience, celebration of certain formal elements, viewpoint / perspective....

- ambiguous images

- emotions conveyed through photos

- colours

2. Which materials, techniques and processes have you explored that would be most appropriate and relevant to express the ideas outlined in (1) ?

- composition

- behind the camera techniques

- colour theory

- some post-productionwork.

3 b How will you achieve this ? For example: A series of focused still image investigations, a series of digital edits, a short moving image exploring timing and music

- I will go out to locations to take photos. I will use my camera and lenses to achieve blur

- epxlore and research layout and colours

WEEK 1 PLAN: Develop photoshoots

WEEK 2 PLAN: Develop outcome

OUTCOME 2

(TRANSFER TO LEARNING LOG)

DEADLINE: 17 OCTOBER

PHOTOSHOOT 8- CONTACTSHEET

Aims: to try and focus on shape and form in flowers like Georgia O’Keeffe

Intentions: to providemyself with more potential final images.

Going into this shoot, I wanted to give myself images with final image quality.I wanted to get closer to the subject matter than I had ever done before, ensuring I really focussed on the shape and form.

I made sure that I wasn’t just taking photos of every flower/leaf I saw but that I was taking photos of subject matter I found interestingto look at in person.

PHOTOSHOOT 9- CONTACTSHEET

Aims: a continuation of my previous shoot, trying to focus on shape and form in flowers like Georgia O’Keeffe Intentions: to providemyself with more potential final images. This shoot was more focussed on the subject matter I was photographingrather than how I was photographingit. I took these following photoshoot8 so I had learnt new techniques of how close I should get to the subject matter and compositionsI think are most successful.

A lot of feedback I had got in class was to do with the variety of subject matter I

Many of my previous outcomes have been square format. I feel that this may not have been the most appropriate decision as my images are mostly portrait. Looking at Fleur Olby's book, 'fleur', she uses a portrait format and large images which I am taking inspiration because I am going to exlpore full-bleed photos.

'fleur' by Fleur Olby

I am very happy with how my outcome turned out, it enabled me to reflect on my recent photoshoot,which I think includes my most successful images I've taken this project. After looking closely at these images, I noticed some of them need a bit of editing. For example, the white flower needs brightening to match the brightness of the other photos and the front cover photo needs editing to get rid of the dirt on some of the leaves.

OUTCOME 3 [cntd]Edits to images in responseto my 1st draft of outcome

I got rid of the dirt on the leaf on the right hand side. I think that this has improved my photo as it makes it less distracting. This especially helps because I'm using it as a front cover image and almost full bleed

I made this image brighter using the brightness tool in photoshop.I think that this improves the overall flow of my outcome as it means that it matches the tone of the other images I have used in my outcome

Outcome 3- exploring text

Once I produced my first draft of outcome 1, I felt like the pages needed some text on them to add another dimension.I’ve seen this used in many books I’ve looked at, such as Fleur Olby’s ‘fleur’ book. I would specifically like to look at putting text on the opening pages as I think that just white is a bit plain.

I have explored the use of poetry in my outcome. I found the poem 'a bird came down to walk' by Emily Dickinson and selected the stanza (see left)

that I felt had most relevance to my project.

I feel that it adds an extra layer to my outcome, making it more emotional.

I explored captioningmy photos like Fleur Olby does. I think it is effective however, maybe unnecessary if I wanted more of my images to be full bleed.

Outcome 3- exploring background colours

- I was keen to use a more neutral colour in my outcome this time, rather than a black as a lot of my feedback from previous outcomes was to look at using lighter colours. This is also what I began to think about when I studied Fleur Olby's book as she uses a white background.

- I tried out grey, white and beige which showed me that using a lighter colour is more effective as it matches all photos.

- To decide on a colour, I discussed my options with my friends, family and peers. Most people said that the grey or white was most succesfull.

- In the end, I chose to keep white as it gave a classic and clean look and matches all the photos.

Outcome 3- exploring variety of composition

In my collection of images, I have a variety of landscapeimages which are also successful. However, in my existing outcome, I would not be able to put a lot of these in as they don’t match with many of the other photos. Here, I explored the use of putting photos into the outcome spread over the whole double page.

Doing this, I can use all my images based on how successful they are instead of if they fit on the page. I think this also adds variety to my outcome, especially as the above landscapeimages are very abstract and having them over a double page spread gives it more impact.

Outcome 3- final outcome