SW - Abstract Nature - Candidate Number 3143 - 46725 – PGHS by missmorrispghs

SOPHIE WARD / GSCE PHOTOGRAPHY HOME

COMPONENT 1

COMPONENT 2

PERSONAL PROJECTS: ABSTRACT NATURE

UNDERSTANDING ABSTRACTION Abstract or non objective/experimental photography, is photography that does not have immediate association with any particular objects. It's solely created through photographic equipment and materials. In the art of abstract it highly relies on colour, shape and texture to really make the picture stand out and almost pop. The design mainly repeats what we can see in different depths and tones to emphasise how all these elements effect your overall photo. Abstract focuses on not a main subject but a section e.g. a abstract image of a tree would be either the trunk or the leaves.

UNDERSTANDING 4 ELEMENTS AND 2 PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN Line is very impactful in a photo as they can divide or connect points to impact the overall focal point of the photo they can also lead the viewers eyes to make they want them to focus on. Furthermore line also don't have the same boldness as points so it makes the image flow. The images I have chosen use converging line to guide the viewers eyes to the main focal point. Example the top left photo used line to bring our eyes to the beautiful bright sunset.

hape is used to create depth in a photo and to also create a main focal S point, every photograph will have shape as it the staple point within a picture. Shape also contributes greatly to other elements such as colour, line and tone. It is further used to create a mood with the sharpness of the shapes or softness affecting your overall photo. The images I have chosen demonstrate the use of this through the different shapes such as circles, illustrated in the top left photo of my examples.

Texture. When using texture in photography it is key to capture it in great detail, this will help make the effect of the visual quality better. This meaning that exposure choices are very important to help catch a highly detailed, well textured photo. The images I have chosen for texture show the use of it through the highly detailed close up lines and shadows used to improve the visual quality. Demonstrated in the 2nd photo with the very in depth shadows and highlights.

Positive space is the main focal point of a image, the part that draws attention and attracts the viewer. Negative space however is quite the opposite, more the part of the photo which is blurred and the space the photographer doesn't want to bring attention to. Both positive and negative space are a big part in photos with more than one thing in view. As they both work together to compose the main focal point. The images I have selected demonstrate positive and negative space through the sort of hazy unfocused background and the clear focal point which our eyes are drawn to first.

Repetition in photography can be repetition of an element such as colour and line. This is regularly used to create a pattern and draw the viewers attention. It is also a good representation of everyday life as repetition is always around us but sometimes we don't realise. The examples I have chosen represent repetition through the consistency of the same line, pattern or colour creating perfect examples of this. For example in the photo with the cacti, although they aren't exactly the same shape or colour, the cacti are repeated producing a satisfying repeated pattern.

Contrast in photography is the ratio of different tones throughout an image, the contrast is what creates shadows, highlights and clarity etc. Its very effective in creating a main focal point and making the photo stand out. The photo examples i have collected exhibit contrast through the harmony in the colours and lines clashing and also merging very nicely. Conveying a pleasurable feeling with the satisfying contrast. The river photo confirms this through the lovely clash in colours and line.

INVESTIGATION OF ELEMENTS AND PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN Space in photography is adding visual space to draw the viewers attention to a main focal point and to imply motion or direction. This also helps were the focal point will be placed. Form is where an object is presented as three dimensional, created through shadows and highlights. Form all depicts on light, when a object has shadows it has form. Balance is used to dismiss a specific focal point, through balance everything is of equal importance and focus. Emphasis is an area within a photograph that draws attention and becomes the main focal point. For example a bright flower in the middle of some grass. The flower would become the focal point with its individuality and bright colour that separates it. Movement is motion within a photo, usually created through longer shutter speeds where the lens can capture the movement and create a freeze in time affect. Pattern is the concept of repeating colour, line, texture etc, patterns are gravely important as they draw attention and create a stronger, bolder image. Proportion is the comparison in size between objects or points in the photo depicting importance and how much attention drawn to a specific point. Rhythm creates the way one looks at a image. Such as if there was less elements to focus on the rhythm would be depicted as quite simple and almost calm. Whereas if there was lots of elements to explore and to visualise the rhythm would be more chaotic and almost fast. Like music in a sense. Variety is all about varying elements in the photo to make the image fun and not boring. It can also be about changing lighting and angles you take the same picture of. To create variety and indifference. Unity is the art of repeating a element in a photo to create a aesthetically pleasing visual image. Unity also rings elements together to make them fit and all harmonise nicely.

To begin my investigation I have chosen to look at texture within nature. I have explored different textures in nature on my walk and collaged 15-20 abstract images I have captured where I tried to emphasise texture within nature.

INVESTIGATION OF ELEMENTS / PHOTOGRAPHY SHOOT (Line/Pattern/Tone) Contact sheet:

Within this abstract shoot I used my DLSR camera with my kit lens, I shot with the Aperture priority setting in black and white with the monochrome setting. The aperture setting I used was f/4 as this was the lowest my camera went. Environmentally the conditions went from rainy to not, which was why many photos featured fresh raindrops. The lighting was initially quite dull from the occurred whether but the sun came out in the end creating variety with my photos as some where dimly lit and some the sun shone directly at the plants. It did affect my shoot as I then had to adjust the ISO slightly from my initial setting. The vantage points I used varied I did some from ground level some from close up etc. What I gained from the experience was I learnt how to set the monochrome setting, i also learnt that I needed to use different vantage points to get different effects with shadows and highlights. Also I learnt that abstract strongly depicts on close ups or repetition as if I took a picture of the whole plant with the cars in the background it wouldn't be abstract.

Best images: I have chosen this image because it has a really strong depth of field. This really enhances the main focal point and creates a sort of gradient into the blur. Also line is very sharp and prominent in the photo, going straight through the focal point. I edited it by adjusting the curves and levels, Additionally, I adjusted the exposure and shadows slightly to create a darker atmosphere. In the shoot I used the lens that came with my camera; The lighting was quite dull when I shot this photo creating detailed shadows. The leading lines also really helped focus on the focal point I wanted.

I have chosen this as one of my best images as it has a very wide range of tone and and the detail is very sharp. It was also one of my best as line and shape is really detailed in the photo. One of my favourite elements is the raindrops and the lines fading into the focal point creating an overall really nice photo. When editing I adjusted the shadows and the contrast lower to really extenuate the darker parts of the photo. Adjusting other elements slightly. In this photo the lighting was quite a natural sunny light, but because I was taking the photo from a lower angle and I was in the shade it wasn't as bright.

This photo was one of my best as it was a very detailed, focused photo. Also like the others line was very detailed throughout the photo and so where the raindrops. The shadows were very detailed and the highlights where too. When I edited the photo I lowered the contrast to really add that dark, gloomy element and make it very shadowy. I also altered the curves and levels to create the sharper more detailed shadows and lines. The photo was taken from eye view and in the monochrome setting like all my photos where, with the dull lighting again.

This photo was one of my best chosen images as it is very abstract and shows lots of shadows and highlights within the photo. Line was very prominent in this photo as shown within the sharp well defined leaves. When I edited the photo, I added more shadowing and overall lowered the contrast by a bit as it was a little bit to exposed to my liking. The photo was taken at an angle above with the monochrome setting. The lighting at this particular time was getting sunnier hence the higher exposure.

Artist investigation / Edward Weston “The camera sees more than the eye, so why not make use of it?” – Edward Weston To begin my abstract nature artist investigation, I will initially study the work of Edward Weston because his work covers a large range of abstract and natural forms which is the genre I am currently working on. Edward Weston was born in highland park in Illinois, USA. On the 24th of March 1886. He is best known know for his abstract photography on Roll film cameras. I have chosen this quote because it sums up the work of Edward Weston because it saying that the camera picks up beauty any normal person wouldn't see within anything. This video is inspirational to me because it really shows the wide variety of work Weston did and it also tells us what the name of the photo is and when he took it. Below are a selection of 10 Weston images that are inspirational to me because they are some of my favourite within his work and are really abstract.

SEMI analysis / Edward Weston he photographer of this image is called Edward Weston, The title of T this photograph is called Toadstool, dating back to 1932. The genre of this photograph is still life (most of Weston's work is in this style). The props I can identify in this photo are the two mushrooms and some form of soil/dirt. The photographer uses the 7 visual elements of photography to create this photograph. In my opinion the strongest elements are texture and line. We see the texture represented all over the photo, from the top of the mushrooms to the soil. Creating a really appealing visual effect, almost making it look like your actually there. We can also see line represented through the sharp toned lines on the side of the mushroom which almost act as the leading lines, which direct us to the main focal point which is the mushroom tops. The main focal point of the image is the mushroom tops, I can identify this through the defined texture and attention brought to the mushrooms. The mushrooms have been placed in the middle ground slanting opposite ways so that they are both equally brought to the attention of the viewer. I believe this photo has been taken outside using natural sunlight, because of the soil showing us it was outside and to stick to the the theme of this natural nature aspect. I can see the light is brought from above creating highlights on the stalks of the mushrooms and the sides of the mushroom dots on top, and creates shadows on the outer edge off the mushroom. To emulate this photograph i would go outside when the lighting is pretty natural and bright, find some similar looking mushrooms and take a picture straight on. I feel the photo gives a message of moody, cold atmosphere through its monochrome quite dark tones and the darker lighting that it shows. When I take my own photographs I will try recreate this atmosphere by going at a darker hour of the day when the lightings dimmer or on a stormier day.

Shoot plan / Edward Weston This shoot was inspired by Edward Weston, because his Bell pepper is a really good example of what we are working on. I will be taking my shoot near the window, mid-day time too get the perfect lighting I need. I also need to make sure the lighting is moderately bright as if it is dull I wont get the sharpness I need. The props used will be a plastic plant pot, a vegetable of my choice, and my camera. I will need to used these because it will make my shoot complete. The colour of all my props don't really matter as its the textures and monochrome tones I'm looking for. The lighting conditions I require are a natural lighting, near a window to get the required sharpness I need. I will also be shooting in high-key photography with side lighting as Edward Weston does. I will adjust the white balance on my camera to cloudy or daylight depending on the lighting at the time I do my shoot. I will intend to shoot with a DLSR camera using a normal camera lens on a tripod because it will give me my desired angle and lighting. My aperture will be a small aperture f/22 for a large depth of field. I also intend to use a slow shutter speed to get the desired lighting I need .

Contact sheet / Edward Weston

This was one of my best chosen images as it really emulated the style of Edward Weston. The light also hit perfectly creating lovely shadows and highlights, this photo also had a shallow depth of field. Whilst editing this I adjusted the contrast, curves, and shadows to darken the photo so they are more defined I also did this because it was a little too overexposed on the surface of the onion for my liking. This photo was taken in the monochrome setting with an aperture of f/4, shot from a above view down into the plant pot.

This was one of my successful inspired photos from the Edward Weston shoot. The light created very defined highlights and had a shallow depth of field. When I edited this photo I adjusted the contrast and also the highlights, to really get that definition on the highlighting. I shot with the monochrome setting again from a side view to highlight it more. With an f/4 aperture. The lighting was quite cloudy but light when I shot this but quite bright hence why I took a side shot to really capture the depth of highlights and shadows.

I chose this as one of my top 4 photos overall from my in school shoot, inspired by Edward Weston. I chose it because it has a real contrast in depth and tone, making the onion stand out and the background appear more shadowed. When editing this photo i played around with the levels and contrast to see if i could make it even better. I shot it straight on with the monochrome setting on, with an aperture of f/4. At this time the lighting had brightened which is why it turned out to be such a successful photo.

The pepper was another really successful photo for me as it really emulated Edward Weston. The depth in tones and bumpy rigid texture really enhanced the whole photo. I was unsure about this at first but through editing the highlights and shadows a bit it really perfected to a nice image. I shot this time from straight on but sort of a lower down angle to capture the lighting. It was shot with an aperture of f/4 in the monochrome setting.

Abstraction through Cyanotypes / Anna Atkins

Anna Atkins is a English botanist and photographer, she was also one of the first female photographers known. The advantages of cyanotypes are that they are relatively cheap and easy to use, they also don't need any fancy or expensive equipment such as darkrooms and lots of different chemicals to complete the process.

Here are my cyanotypes I made in lesson. I really enjoyed using this technical process because it was a new experience to work with the photo sensitive material and make our leaves to put on it and expose them to make them, to create all the cool patterns and designs.

Horst P. Horst / The unfamiliar and abstracted Fashion photographer Horst P. Horst used rotational symmetry to create new patterns. His book, Patterns from Nature (1946), has inspired me to create my own series of rotational symmetry patterns using my work so far. Here are some of my examples:

Artist investigation / Karl Blossfeldt After studying the work of Edward Weston, Anna Atkins and Horst P Horst I will now further my research into abstract nature by looking at the work of Karl Blossfeldt. Karl Blossfeldt was born on the 13th of June 1856 in Schielo Germany and is most famously known for his sharp, high-key photos shot from a close up view. I chose this inspirational quote because it sums up the work of Blossfeldt because he captures plants so precisely and in the quote it talks about seeing the plants properly and for their true beauty. This video is also inspirational for me as it shows lots of his work and what he does, as a aspiring photographer he inspires me and shows a wide range of different skills. Bellow are a selection of 10 Blossfeldt images. "My botanical documents should contribute to restoring the link with nature. They should reawaken a sense of mature, point to its teeming richness of form, and prompt the viewer to observe for himself the surrounding plant world." -Karl Blossfeldt

Shoot plan / Karl Blossfeldt This shoot was inspired by Karl Blossfeldt, as we have been working in the style of abstract nature and his style is a really great example of this and something we can emulate. The shoot will take place half in the classroom and half at home for homework. In the classroom we had a large range of props we could use to make the emulation even better. We had use to soft boxes and LED lights also tripods. Whereas at home I didn't have access to a lot of the props to create the shoot so I improvised using a ring light and desk light i have to make the photos even better. The props used will be a variety of natural forms such as shells and twigs as they are very textured and create good props. I will shoot in high key to emulate his work as that's what he would shoot in, to achieve this I will use bright lights such as LEDS and soft boxes. I controlled the lighting so the natural forms would not create shadows by putting light as both angles. I used a school camera a DLSR, 4000d, prime lens 50mm and my own camera a DLSR, standard kit lens. The high key set up will need an aperture of f/22 and a shutter speed of 1. I will use a small aperture of f/22 with the sepia setting to give an aged vintage look to the shoot.

Contact sheet/ Karl Blossfeldt

Editing process/ Karl Blossfeldt To edit my Karl Blossfeldt images i edited them using the online image editing software called PIXLR. When editing my images i focussed on the three main areas of cropping, adjusting the background, and amending the levels of the image. Here are some screenshots of my editing process.

1. Cropping the image/ using rule of thirds

2. Adjusting the levels of the image to get the correct tone and contrast

9 Best Images/ Karl Blossfeldt

My edited overlays/ Karl Blossfledt Using Pixlr a free digital editing software I was able to explore the use of layers and overlays. An overlay is a texture or image additionally added as an extra layer to a photograph to create a rustic look. I uploaded an image on to Pixlr and inserted a new overlay using the 'add layer as image' tab. Once I completed that i then went onto using the 'screen overlay' and 'layer transparency' tab to add a rustic old-fashioned feel to my images, like Karl Blossfeldt. Additionally I added a vignette to further add to this rustic component.

Examples of overlays.

My best edits:

Best edit from animation skills:

Best edit from overlay editing:

I have gained a lot of skill and knowledge during the period we have studied Karl Blossfeldt, which have helped guide me with my shoot within and out of school. Such as how to set up my camera and different settings within it such as the sepia setting and the rule of thirds. I also learned a lot about different lightings and how these affect different aspects within a shoot additionally about how to set up backgrounds to fit a certain aesthetic/look. I also got to work with a lot of different equipment such as soft boxes, tripods, and LED lights and learn how they work. Within the shoot we had to adjust to different shutter speeds to create high key settings in the style of his work and adjust apertures etc which I feel I have gained a lot more skill and understanding from. When we had to complete home shoots I had to really think outside the box and use different objects to act as props. Such as a tripod I didnt have one of those so I had to use cups and other things to stabilise my camera. I also used my own LED lamp light to emulate his work further to create more of a high key look. When the shoot was complete we had to work on editing our photos on Pixlr, which I have previously used so it wasn't difficult to get around. I adjusted different aspects in my images to make them more high key and similar to his work such as the levels and the contrast. I then further added overlays to the edited final products through adding new image layers then making it more opaque. So the images had more of an old fashioned rustic look to them, but then on top of that I added a vignette to go an extra step. The final images I took to the website photo funia which was quite easy to get around where i chose the photo frame option and created the final images which turned out really successful. My most successful shoot was probably the 9 edits and then the further editing with pixlr and photofunia. It was really successful as the pictures where well put together and all level and very clear. I used the rule of thirds and a straight on shoot angle to emulate his work further as that's the angle he always shot from. I think that I put it all together really well though the lighting the props and just everything in general went well. I also think that on top of that I put a lot of effort in, in and out of school to make sure everything went as planned. Which is why I think it turned out so good. My least successful area was my home shoots as I didnt have all the equipment and different pieces I would get at school to really put the whole shoot together. It also wasn't planned out the best which is why I think I need to improve on planning out my shoots more instead of just diving right in.

Artist investigation/ Dennis Wojitkiewicz Email Quote – Direct Artist Response I use a Canon EOS 90D camera with a Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM fixed lens. The only reason I even know about the technology is because my colleague told me that's what I needed and would be the biggest bang for the buck. The rest of it is all by feel. I have absolutely no photo training. For me that suffices because I'm not hung up on technical stuff. Just looking for ways to capture information for my paintings. Dennis Wojkiewicz / Jan 2021

The final artist in the Abstract Nature project is Dennis Wojtkiewicz. This artist differs from my other artists because he focuses on macro photography. However, there are similarities in his use of abstract nature to the others with his use of natural forms. Dennis Wojtkiewicz was born in 1956 in Chicago, Illinois and is most famously known for his hyper realistic paintings. His website is: www.wojtkiewiczart.com The quote is from a direct email response from Dennis. W himself. From the email, I was able understand what equipment & techniques he uses such as his Canon EOS 90D which he shoots in f/2.8 showing how he gets such a close up range of photos. POWERED BY

his video is inspirational to me because it shows he large variety of T close up images from fruits to flowers displaying a great range of abstract nature. At the side I have presented a worksheet/fact file on Dennis with extra information on him personally and his work.

Photographic techniques/ Macro Photography Macro Photography is close up photography, the benefits of it are that it capture extreme detail the naked eye would not pick up. Enabling us to really see the details we wouldn't. To work in the style of macro you need a macro lens with in most cases bright lighting to make sure the camera really picks up all the detail. Also you would need a tripod to make sure the camera is stabilised and will focus on all the details.

Examples of macro photography:

Shoot plan My shoot is going to be based on the work and photography of Dennis W, I have been inspired to create a shoot on his work because it greatly links in to the key theme of abstract nature shown through his use of natural forms. My shoot is planned to be indoors so I can easily control the lighting to my lighting. I am also doing this so I can use my environment to my advantage e.g. my glass dish I will use to prop the fruit on. The props I will require are my citrus fruits, which of ill be using oranges and lemons. The preferred lighting I will be working in is a table lamp which I will position differently to catch some different shots. Equipment wise I am using my DLSR camera with my kit lens to achieve my shots. I am also working in the macro setting with a slow shutter speed and a aperture of f/10. POWERED BY

Contact sheet/ Dennis Wojkiewicz

Post Editing/ Dennis Wojkiewictz

Editing step 1: I started by adjusting the tints and the exposure etc to make my under exposed photo more exposed to really

Editing step 2: I then used the Lasso tool to cut the orange slice out from the background and created another layer which I

bring out the colour. I then adjusted the levels and the contrast to improve it further.

turned white to make the orange stand out.

Rotational Designs/ Dennis Wojkiewictz

Anna Atkins Throughout this project I have developed my understanding of abstract photography by exploring the theme of nature. Initially I researched the work of Edward Weston his work inspired me as he was one of the first abstract photographers. Which made his work more inspiring because it shows how different photography is today. Through studying this artist, I was able to explore concepts of mainly texture, form and line in my own photography examples. Inspired by his work, I created a series of emulations by taking a plant pot and placing different natural forms such as vegetables to create a series of images inspired by him. I investigated the technical processes of the depth of field and how that affects a picture and exposure. His work helped me understand the theme of abstract nature by learning how he creates his abstract photos and how everyone has different perceptions of abstract. Within this project I also researched the work of she works with cyanotypes which I had never heard of so that inspired me to research further and then go on to make my own examples. Through studying this artist, I was able to explore concepts of cyanotypes and how light plays a part in making it all work showing in my own examples. Inspired by her work, I created a series of emulations by using photo sensitive material and some strips of paper to make some. I investigated the technical processes of how when the paper sees light it changes colours which is how they are created. Her work helped ,e understand the theme of abstract nature by how it doesn't have to always be a picture to present nature. Next I researched the work of horst P. horst leading on from Anna Atkins work, he inspired me as his work is very abstract and unique. Throughout studying this artist I was able to explore concepts of line, pattern and rhythm in my own photography examples. Inspired by his work I created a series of emulations by taking pictures of my cyanotypes and my in school shoot, then copying it and inverting it to create a very abstract mirror affect. I investigated the technical processes of using websites such as PowerPoint etc. to create abstract pieces of work. His work helped me understand the theme of abstract by showing that it doesn't always have to look pretty and calm but can be chaotic and unique.

Following on I researched the work of Karl Blossfeldt his work inspired me because it is very different from horst P. horsts his is balanced and calm. Through studying this artist, I was able to explore concepts of texture and line in my own photography. Inspired by his work, I created a series of emulations by using a white background and placing natural forms on a tripod to emulate his famous photos. I investigated the technical processes of the rule of thirds and learnt how to use different filters to create a more old and worn down effect. His work helped me understand abstract nature by showing me yet again a different perception of abstract and how different it can be. Lastly within the abstract nature subject I studied Dennis Wojitkiewicz his work really inspired me as it was initially bright and exciting to look at which made me excited to dig deeper into his work. Through studying this artist I was able to explore the concepts of texture and colour in my own photography examples. Inspired by his work I created a series of emulations by placing cut fruits and a see through surface and using a light to create a soft box affect to emulate his work. I investigated the technical processes of soft boxes and how they affect lighting and help eliminate shadows. His work helped me understand the them of abstract nature by showing how anything can be abstract if you want it to be. My most successful outcome from this project was definitely the learning aspect and my emulations as I've really come far with my knowledge of photography and I think I really did good within some of my emulations which I'm really proud of. My areas for improvement however is probably to use more vocabulary more while explaining things which I think will help me a lot and I hope to overcome this and improve further.

Abstract Nature/ Hand Manipulation Sample Board