Exam theme: Obscured Exam idea 1
Idea 1 Intentions for idea 1: For this idea I wanted to photograph something which I hadn’t done before and that was taking portraits. I decided to photograph a friend but to follow the theme I wanted her to hide her eyes either with her hands or close her eyes. This is because I believe that the eyes help break the barrier between the model and the viewers. If you can’t see a persons eyes in an image it almost seems as if the image isn’t whole, which causes it to be obscured.
Initial photographs
Artist analysis
Eni Turkeshi
Eni Turkeshi’s project ‘We’re Accidents Waiting to Happen’ are a set of ethereal images which are a mixture of photography and art. She created these sets of images using a Canon and a broken Lexus lens which created the different images. I think this is what makes the image so aesthetically appealing. The soft colours and the sharp edges make them look crystal-like or natural, as if the models face has grown through the gaps. This has inspired me to use my own initial photographs as a mask, not copying Turkeshi’s technique exactly, but using the idea of a cover up or obscuring part of the models face to create the mystery and ghostly feeling that Turkeshi has created.
Developments
Evaluation of idea 1 I think the initial photographs have come out quite well and I am fairly pleased because of the composition and lighting and that they create a strong visual impact on the viewer. However I was disappointed with a couple of the images as I feel some of them looked quite flat and didn’t have that strong of an impact. I think by using the flash kit and being in the white studio helped create stronger images overall highlighting the models face and allowing me to take clear images. I don’t think I pushed myself enough in this idea during the development stage as I was struggling as to how to move further. For these developments I used one of my initial photographs and edited this on Photoshop and then cut out part of the image. I think if I did this with a couple more images I would’ve had more stronger successful outcomes. However I like how the developments came out as the models face is proportionate to the positioning to the blurred face on the image which creates a sort of ghost-like feel.
I think Turkeshi’s work really helped me move further with my initial photographs. At first glace I thought her work was photographs under paper which was out to obscure the photograph. However after researching her I found out it was due to her broken lens. This lead to the idea of placing the initial image over the models face because her work looks like this and it worked really well for her. I think if I developed these images further it would’ve been more successful and visually appealing. Overall I am not completely disappointed with my work but I think I would’ve been happier if I had more time to further develop my images. I am pleased about the lighting and composition of the developmental images but feel that they still lack in being visually appealing and drawing the viewers full attention to them. I had more time I would’ve liked to use this technique using more of my images and also project or reflect an image onto the model with the edited images and re-photograph it. One artist who would inspire me to move onto the next level is Rut Blees Luxenberg who photographs reflections at night using only the light from the streets creating an obscured image and explores how the cityscape both reflects and affects human condition. This reminds of how being able to see someone eyes in an image can affect the viewer.