Week Ten:
Fortunately there were clouds on the Monday which enabled me to complete my final images. While I was there there were 4 people I could have shot. Two of which I had never met before meaning a new experience to use my improved communication skills, and my confidence with portraiture. I finally understood how I would like my images to look like, making the process for the last shoot easier. The volunteers that I had never shot before seemed slightly on edge although were comfortable with me using them for my project.
All the volunteers were really understanding will all that I wanted to do. Especially with a decision made at the last minute (in another tutorial) to collect numerous hand written testimonials of the questions I had previous asked twice. This decision hopefully will affect my final presentation, when presented in a box alongside the other 6 portraits. With having 3 days to collect these, I felt it was a push to complete all the images ready to send off to Lee.
My final presentation has always been at a similar layout, with showing a few portraits alongside either book/ magazine etc. This idea was out ruled due to the number of images/ portraits I had. When in a tutorial with Lauren we went through the different ideas that could enable me to show more with my final prints. I am pleased with the decision we made, as I wanted to show more than just their portraits. Having the prints of the testimonials will hopefully highlight the importance of the Foodbank, and why the Church has such a massive love for its work.
I used Photoshop for final edits, ensuring the backgrounds were of a similar tone and colour. With sending the images off, means I can now focus on writing my Critical Review, finishing my bibliography/ updated Time Plan as well as my evaluations and sketchbook.
Overall I am pleased with my Final Images and presentation, I feel the Foodbank volunteers show the true reason for why the Church works within the community.
Sunday, 28 April 2013
Monday, 22 April 2013
Foodbank Final Shoot
Due to the weather it held me back a couple of days but I was still able to complete one last shoot in time to prepare for the next steps in the process of my project.
This last shoot contained strengths such as:
- With the cloudy day meant the images like previously had great natural lighting meaning the models face was not glared down by the sun.
- I was fortunate to once again complete re-shoots on some of the volunteers as well as meeting two new ones. I never went in on a Monday meaning I never crossed path with some of the volunteers, this meant more voice recordings and portraits.
- All the volunteers have been more than willing to help me out, with the images and the honesty with my questions.
- I eventually knew the correct settings for my images and was able to use that same one through out the shoot.
- I was comfortable with all aspects of the shoot of which beforehand some of which were weak, such as instructing confidently.
Despite it being my last shoot there were and are still some weaknesses:
- Due to natural light always changing, clouds moving etc, meant the backgrounds of the portraits are slightly different colours despite being in the same location. I plan to use Photoshop for last adjustments.
- With the two new volunteers being shot for the first time meant hesitation but led to being comfortable with the camera.
This last shoot contained strengths such as:
- With the cloudy day meant the images like previously had great natural lighting meaning the models face was not glared down by the sun.
- I was fortunate to once again complete re-shoots on some of the volunteers as well as meeting two new ones. I never went in on a Monday meaning I never crossed path with some of the volunteers, this meant more voice recordings and portraits.
- All the volunteers have been more than willing to help me out, with the images and the honesty with my questions.
- I eventually knew the correct settings for my images and was able to use that same one through out the shoot.
- I was comfortable with all aspects of the shoot of which beforehand some of which were weak, such as instructing confidently.
Despite it being my last shoot there were and are still some weaknesses:
- Due to natural light always changing, clouds moving etc, meant the backgrounds of the portraits are slightly different colours despite being in the same location. I plan to use Photoshop for last adjustments.
- With the two new volunteers being shot for the first time meant hesitation but led to being comfortable with the camera.
Sunday, 21 April 2013
WEEK NINE
Week Nine:
The end of the project was getting closer and this week I completed half of my final images. With only 3 volunteers being at the Foodbank the first time I visited for my final portraits, meant that I needed to complete more re-shoots. During the week the weather picked up and was relatively sunny, so when I returned for a re-shoot the images had a harsh shadow and a bright glow. To overcome this I could only plan spontaneously my next shoot. Although this at the time felt incredibly worrying with only having a week until final images need to be sent off to print. The strengths of this week are that my first few images are complete, whereas the weakness is that fact that I need to re-shoot my images so close to the deadline.
The end of the project was getting closer and this week I completed half of my final images. With only 3 volunteers being at the Foodbank the first time I visited for my final portraits, meant that I needed to complete more re-shoots. During the week the weather picked up and was relatively sunny, so when I returned for a re-shoot the images had a harsh shadow and a bright glow. To overcome this I could only plan spontaneously my next shoot. Although this at the time felt incredibly worrying with only having a week until final images need to be sent off to print. The strengths of this week are that my first few images are complete, whereas the weakness is that fact that I need to re-shoot my images so close to the deadline.
Thursday, 18 April 2013
Tutorial
As the project deadline was drawing near, we were given regular tutorials to check our progress for final images and presentation. This tutorial was with Lauren Forster, I was pleased to have a tutorial with her due to the religious based projects she has completed for her own personal work. With getting her feedback will help me strengthen my portraits for the final hurdle. The strengths from this tutorial was her help towards selecting my first final images. At stage I had completed a few of my final images, of which she and I were pleased with. I felt confident that my images had a range of expressions and positions to interest the audience.
Foodbank Re-shoot 3
Each shoot that I complete will always have improvements and non successful aspects to fix. With these portraits I am shooting, step by step I am getting the grip to what I want the image to look like and what aesthetically looks the best. After my attempt of focusing closer to the face, my backgrounds still were the issue, until one image was taken in front of a plain, and simple white wall. I was oblivious to this perfect section of wall until it was pointed out days after the shoot.
Leading on from this another tutorial helped put my decisions into a plan for my next shoot.
Strengths:
- I was able to try out the use of different media's such as a voice recorder. With asking questions before and recording their answers by hand, I needed to think further ahead to exhibition presentation too, this led to recording my questions and their response.
- The volunteers were once again open and well received the idea of recording their answers.
- With returning to the Foodbank often for more images, they have no problem with confidence and comfortability around me.
- After many re-shoots this one proved most successful due to finally having an idea of what I wanted the images to look like and what made the images look good.
Weaknesses:
- With recording their voices meant their was a high risk of background noise especially when visiting a busy work place, despite recording in a closed room.
- On this specific day, there were only 3 volunteers that were available to record and shoot. This was slightly worrying due to the time left to shoot.
After this morning I knew I needed to return for more images and recordings the following day to build a wide range of volunteers.
The only strengths from this shoot would be that the volunteers now know me well and know what I'll be there for so they're more than willing to help out. I was able to get some more recordings of their answers too.
The main weakness which makes the shoot unsuccessful was the weather, throughout the other shoots it has been a grey/ cloudy day, but this is perfect to create perfect portraits as it acts like a huge light box. But on this day it was sunny, and created a yellowy background, with dark, harsh shadows on their faces and on the wall. These images I can not use for my project but show another test and how I shall move on from this.
Sunday, 14 April 2013
WEEK EIGHT
Week Eight:
This week I had a tutorial with Matt and Joanne Paterson, this was incredibly helpful, to received advice from other photographers outside of the university. From receiving both their opinions and advice hopefully it will lead me in the right direction for my final images. This week mainly was focused around re-shooting at the Foodbank taking on board what was advised. The more I complete re-shoots of the volunteers helps me build my confidence with communication towards them. I am pleased with my process so far, it shows a gradual strong development through learning and gaining skills when photographing portraits.
This week I had a tutorial with Matt and Joanne Paterson, this was incredibly helpful, to received advice from other photographers outside of the university. From receiving both their opinions and advice hopefully it will lead me in the right direction for my final images. This week mainly was focused around re-shooting at the Foodbank taking on board what was advised. The more I complete re-shoots of the volunteers helps me build my confidence with communication towards them. I am pleased with my process so far, it shows a gradual strong development through learning and gaining skills when photographing portraits.
Thursday, 11 April 2013
Foodbank Re-shoot 2
The Foodbank was proving to be more successful each time I went to shoot, my images are improving each time but there is always something missing or something to adapt. Which is all apart of the learning process, making the mistakes and learning from them. This is my second re-shoot at the Foodbank, the first one was a success when comparing it to my original images but the framing of the portraits needed another look at.
We had a tutorial with Matt Theodore and Joanne Paterson; there was one comment that Jo said which has helped me lead to this shoot more specifically. When Jo looked at my previous images she found the faces of the volunteers hold deeper stories and so advised that I should take portraits of them but focusing more on the neck above.
We had a tutorial with Matt Theodore and Joanne Paterson; there was one comment that Jo said which has helped me lead to this shoot more specifically. When Jo looked at my previous images she found the faces of the volunteers hold deeper stories and so advised that I should take portraits of them but focusing more on the neck above.
Strengths:
- Massively more confident with the volunteers : asking them questions and taking their portrait.
- More comfortable and confident with giving directions and instructions: they listened and followed well.
- Each time I go back there is something different I do and each time my images improve.
Weaknesses:
- Occasionally technical ability let me down, such as the images being too over or under exposed.
- Lost variety in positions, with small knowledge of portraiture this is a great learning curve for me to expand my knowledge in this area.
Monday, 8 April 2013
Tutorial
Matt Theodore and Joanne Paterson joined together to give each of us a tutorial. This was exceptionally helpful to receive advise from both successful photographers.
Constructive criticism was made through out, with being asked questions from Jo about my project helped me vocalise reasons of why I completed those shoots and where I wanted to lead. They mentioned about the variety of shoots that I have completed, and whether they are too broad. Narrowing down and being more concise with my decisions was concluded. My Foodbank images were the most successful, Joanne was honest and explained that she thought focusing on the heads of the volunteers would create more interesting portraits.
This tutorial was vital for my process, I might have got there by myself but being given that push helped me in the right direction.
Constructive criticism was made through out, with being asked questions from Jo about my project helped me vocalise reasons of why I completed those shoots and where I wanted to lead. They mentioned about the variety of shoots that I have completed, and whether they are too broad. Narrowing down and being more concise with my decisions was concluded. My Foodbank images were the most successful, Joanne was honest and explained that she thought focusing on the heads of the volunteers would create more interesting portraits.
This tutorial was vital for my process, I might have got there by myself but being given that push helped me in the right direction.
Sunday, 7 April 2013
WEEK SEVEN
Week Seven:
As the first week back from our holidays we are given a tutorial and interim critique. These were both helpful and constructive. I had my tutorial with Tim, he went through my work and described my images as boring and busy, these were my first shoots so I expected comments such as these. But this made me more determined to achieve better and more simpler images. The advice Tim gave my was just create more simpler, plainer portraits in natural light, these will become more aesthetically pleasing with a deeper more interesting meaning. From now on this advice will stay cemented in my mind as a goal for what I want to achieve. After this tutorial I was worried about showing these images for the interim critique, this was a critique to look at your work and judge to see what layout could be best for your exhibition space. Matt and the class we constructive and helpful.
After my tutorial I took Tim's advice and planned another shoot with the volunteers at the Foodbank. As well as continuing with other shoots such as the Kids and photographing selected people from the Church and collecting their testimony.
This week has been vital to my process, with Tim telling me how it was, at first I felt defensive, but as the advise sunk in I began to realise the helpfulness and importance of what he said. This is similar for the Interim Critique, after what Tim said I was expecting for my images to be ripped to pieces, and due to what he did say made my opinion of my images different. Despite this I was given a variety of useful comments that may be vital for my project at some point.
As the first week back from our holidays we are given a tutorial and interim critique. These were both helpful and constructive. I had my tutorial with Tim, he went through my work and described my images as boring and busy, these were my first shoots so I expected comments such as these. But this made me more determined to achieve better and more simpler images. The advice Tim gave my was just create more simpler, plainer portraits in natural light, these will become more aesthetically pleasing with a deeper more interesting meaning. From now on this advice will stay cemented in my mind as a goal for what I want to achieve. After this tutorial I was worried about showing these images for the interim critique, this was a critique to look at your work and judge to see what layout could be best for your exhibition space. Matt and the class we constructive and helpful.
After my tutorial I took Tim's advice and planned another shoot with the volunteers at the Foodbank. As well as continuing with other shoots such as the Kids and photographing selected people from the Church and collecting their testimony.
This week has been vital to my process, with Tim telling me how it was, at first I felt defensive, but as the advise sunk in I began to realise the helpfulness and importance of what he said. This is similar for the Interim Critique, after what Tim said I was expecting for my images to be ripped to pieces, and due to what he did say made my opinion of my images different. Despite this I was given a variety of useful comments that may be vital for my project at some point.
Testimonial Portraits
With looking into the church and its beliefs one idea I wanted to pursue was the collect testimonies from a variety of people within Bournemouth Vineyard and take a portrait to match with what they have written. This was unsuccessful as many people did not contact me, get back to me, or understand my urgency with this project. So I was only able to grab two young ladies, they have each written me there testimony and I have shot them in different locations. I obviously would have loved to have got numerous more, but at least these ones show an outline or idea of what I could have led to.
Belinda:
Strengths:
- She was confident with me and followed my instructions well.
- Due to her being confident with me I was able to try different angles, depending on what worked with the environment etc.
Weaknesses:
-Background/ environment distracting; shot images at the location of the church. Being on a school grounds technically no where is aesthetically pleasing.
Emma:
Strengths:
- Her background was a lot less distracting, and simple with the white brick and greenery.
- Emma was easy to photograph, very natural.
- Like Belinda, she was very confident and comfortable with me.
Weaknesses:
- I did not take a massive range of angles.
- With direct light on her face, meant fiddling more with settings but also the shadows were relatively dark and obvious.
Belinda:
Strengths:
- She was confident with me and followed my instructions well.
- Due to her being confident with me I was able to try different angles, depending on what worked with the environment etc.
Weaknesses:
-Background/ environment distracting; shot images at the location of the church. Being on a school grounds technically no where is aesthetically pleasing.
Emma:
Strengths:
- Her background was a lot less distracting, and simple with the white brick and greenery.
- Emma was easy to photograph, very natural.
- Like Belinda, she was very confident and comfortable with me.
Weaknesses:
- I did not take a massive range of angles.
- With direct light on her face, meant fiddling more with settings but also the shadows were relatively dark and obvious.
Kids Club Shoot
As the youth itself is technically another outreach the church runs on a Sunday morning alongside the main service, I had planned to use my time of working with the kids to document/ photograph them and their activities. This is what I had anticipated completing, but certain things did not go as planned.
Strengths:
- The kids responded well to my instruction.
- I focused well on getting head shots and catching their personality; with them naturally laughing etc.
- Due to knowing the kids, generally they responded well to me which made them easier to photograph.
Weaknesses:
- Not so keen on the location, due to the church being in a school.
- Lighting was weaker than initially thought, during shoot I felt comfortable but some of the images could have been improved.
- I initially didn't plan this shoot with the idea of letting the kids lead me. This would have worked if I had originally documented them during there activities.
- Due to timings I left myself a short amount of time to photograph, making me more conscious of how long I had.
Strengths:
- The kids responded well to my instruction.
- I focused well on getting head shots and catching their personality; with them naturally laughing etc.
- Due to knowing the kids, generally they responded well to me which made them easier to photograph.
Weaknesses:
- Not so keen on the location, due to the church being in a school.
- Lighting was weaker than initially thought, during shoot I felt comfortable but some of the images could have been improved.
- I initially didn't plan this shoot with the idea of letting the kids lead me. This would have worked if I had originally documented them during there activities.
- Due to timings I left myself a short amount of time to photograph, making me more conscious of how long I had.
Friday, 5 April 2013
Foodbank Re-shoot 1
After my first shoot at the Foodbank I was eager to return and shoot better and more simple portraits. As a non-portraiture photographer, there is a lot for me to learn so I took on board the advise given from my last tutorial.
Strengths:
- Found 3 walls outside to test against.
- Volunteers open to having there image taken and were honest with their answers.
- The option to use natural light was very successful so I was able to work with my camera settings with ease.
- I used my portrait lens for this shoot to test it out and it makes such a great difference to the images.
Weaknesses:
- Only 4 people photographed on this specific day, as each day at the Foodbank they have a different number of volunteers show up. I would like to have more than 4 portraits as my final images.
- Still not as confident as could be: need to step out more.
- My instructions and directions are better but still could be improved.
- I easily panicked when taking the photos and I felt like I was taking there time so was rushing to get the images done.
Strengths:
- Found 3 walls outside to test against.
- Volunteers open to having there image taken and were honest with their answers.
- The option to use natural light was very successful so I was able to work with my camera settings with ease.
- I used my portrait lens for this shoot to test it out and it makes such a great difference to the images.
Weaknesses:
- Only 4 people photographed on this specific day, as each day at the Foodbank they have a different number of volunteers show up. I would like to have more than 4 portraits as my final images.
- Still not as confident as could be: need to step out more.
- My instructions and directions are better but still could be improved.
- I easily panicked when taking the photos and I felt like I was taking there time so was rushing to get the images done.
Wednesday, 3 April 2013
Tim Tutorial
Throughout the project we are given guiding tutorials for our project, each one is different and helpful, below are the strengths and weaknesses of Tim's tutorial with me.
Strengths:
- Constructively he made me realise the weaknesses in my images, making me want to pursue for better images and improved images.
- He gave constructive criticism, that I have taken on board.
- Tim was positive in other areas of my ability.
- He gave me a list of things to complete and help me continue my project from.
Weaknesses:
- At first I felt discouraged of his comments, but then realised his honesty.
- The background of images was pointed out to be too cluttered: so have been advised to redo with a more plain and simple background. This advise I will keep in my mind to achieve more simpler portraits.
Strengths:
- Constructively he made me realise the weaknesses in my images, making me want to pursue for better images and improved images.
- He gave constructive criticism, that I have taken on board.
- Tim was positive in other areas of my ability.
- He gave me a list of things to complete and help me continue my project from.
Weaknesses:
- At first I felt discouraged of his comments, but then realised his honesty.
- The background of images was pointed out to be too cluttered: so have been advised to redo with a more plain and simple background. This advise I will keep in my mind to achieve more simpler portraits.
Sunday, 31 March 2013
WEEK FIVE and SIX
Week Five and Six (Easter Holidays):
As it is the Easter Holidays, we are left to our own devices. It begins the opportunities for first shoots and continuation of research. I feel my time over the last couple of weeks have been used productively. My sketchbook holds all the information it needs to so far, and I have completed 2 shoots and a test shoot, although I know I will need to re-shoot.
The first shoot was basically a chance to test with natural lighting/ daylight, but inside. This strengthened my ability when using my camera and the manual settings. Although I do not know for certain if I will be taking images inside or out, it was just an opportunity to work with the surroundings and experiment with the skills we have acquired over these last months. I feel it was beneficial but not certain if it was right for this project, we will see.
The second shoot was of the Foodbank, I had been there once before but could exactly remember the layout etc so was difficult to plan. Despite this I still had a variety of images layout in my head ready, whether these would happen didn't matter. A strength from this shoot was the opportunity to meet some of the volunteers and also see how things work. I had heard of it before but never seen it, or been told how it runs. Everybody was very friendly which was helpful as I don't usually feel comfortable approaching people I don't know, which is why for the duration of my visit, I shoot the surroundings first. And eventually plucked up the courage to ask for individual portraits. Looking back at the images, I see that my direction and instruction towards the volunteer was very weak, meaning they pulled the generic pose, straight forward and smiling. This is something I needed to work on, both communication with the 'model' and also figuring out what I want. How do I want to portray these volunteers? Is it too cluttered with in the offices? Will they feel comfortable with me if I ask for more portraits? I wonder what there background is? and why they're here at the Foodbank? How do I make them stand? What's normal for portraiture?
The last shoot that I completed within the holidays, was of the Pastor. I eventually was able to have a meeting with Paul to firstly ask him some questions about the Church and himself but also take some portraits. The questions I asked and the answers he gave I feel was a positive for this shoot, on the other hand similar mistakes were made to the Foodbank's with the images making this shoot unsuccessful. I can learn from these mistakes; mainly background choice (too cluttered etc).
These two weeks have been beneficial and vital for my project, to begin my process.
As it is the Easter Holidays, we are left to our own devices. It begins the opportunities for first shoots and continuation of research. I feel my time over the last couple of weeks have been used productively. My sketchbook holds all the information it needs to so far, and I have completed 2 shoots and a test shoot, although I know I will need to re-shoot.
The first shoot was basically a chance to test with natural lighting/ daylight, but inside. This strengthened my ability when using my camera and the manual settings. Although I do not know for certain if I will be taking images inside or out, it was just an opportunity to work with the surroundings and experiment with the skills we have acquired over these last months. I feel it was beneficial but not certain if it was right for this project, we will see.
The second shoot was of the Foodbank, I had been there once before but could exactly remember the layout etc so was difficult to plan. Despite this I still had a variety of images layout in my head ready, whether these would happen didn't matter. A strength from this shoot was the opportunity to meet some of the volunteers and also see how things work. I had heard of it before but never seen it, or been told how it runs. Everybody was very friendly which was helpful as I don't usually feel comfortable approaching people I don't know, which is why for the duration of my visit, I shoot the surroundings first. And eventually plucked up the courage to ask for individual portraits. Looking back at the images, I see that my direction and instruction towards the volunteer was very weak, meaning they pulled the generic pose, straight forward and smiling. This is something I needed to work on, both communication with the 'model' and also figuring out what I want. How do I want to portray these volunteers? Is it too cluttered with in the offices? Will they feel comfortable with me if I ask for more portraits? I wonder what there background is? and why they're here at the Foodbank? How do I make them stand? What's normal for portraiture?
The last shoot that I completed within the holidays, was of the Pastor. I eventually was able to have a meeting with Paul to firstly ask him some questions about the Church and himself but also take some portraits. The questions I asked and the answers he gave I feel was a positive for this shoot, on the other hand similar mistakes were made to the Foodbank's with the images making this shoot unsuccessful. I can learn from these mistakes; mainly background choice (too cluttered etc).
These two weeks have been beneficial and vital for my project, to begin my process.
Wednesday, 20 March 2013
First Two Shoots
My first shoot involved testing portraiture and documenting the Foodbank and the second one began with an interview with the pastor leading to portraits of him.
Below are the strengths and weaknesses of both:
Strengths of the Foodbank:
- I gathered a range of documentary and portraits images, some stronger than others.
- I was able to make conversations with volunteers, which helped them build trust and confidence in me.
- While I took the documenting images I was able to work with the manual setting and use no flash.
Weaknesses of the Foodbank:
- Possibility to ask them questions but didn't plan ahead for that.
- I felt uncomfortable with instructing the volunteers which lead to unsuccessful images.
Strengths of the Pastor Shoot:
- I gathered good amount of information from planned questions.
- With the lighting in the office being hard to adjust to I soon figured out my settings.
- I was able to take a number of portraits of the Pastor and Youth Pastor.
Weaknesses of the Pastor Shoot:
- I should have tried different backgrounds/ environments.
- The offices lighting was not as initially planned and meant they were not successful= natural/ artificial
Below are the strengths and weaknesses of both:
Strengths of the Foodbank:
- I gathered a range of documentary and portraits images, some stronger than others.
- I was able to make conversations with volunteers, which helped them build trust and confidence in me.
- While I took the documenting images I was able to work with the manual setting and use no flash.
Weaknesses of the Foodbank:
- Possibility to ask them questions but didn't plan ahead for that.
- I felt uncomfortable with instructing the volunteers which lead to unsuccessful images.
Strengths of the Pastor Shoot:
- I gathered good amount of information from planned questions.
- With the lighting in the office being hard to adjust to I soon figured out my settings.
- I was able to take a number of portraits of the Pastor and Youth Pastor.
Weaknesses of the Pastor Shoot:
- I should have tried different backgrounds/ environments.
- The offices lighting was not as initially planned and meant they were not successful= natural/ artificial
Sunday, 17 March 2013
WEEK FOUR
Week Four:
This week I feel ill, which knocked me back a couple of days. There were opportunities for tutorials to check progress and next steps. I started to get in contact with the Pastor of Bournemouth Vineyard, but he proved to be quite busy. With it nearing Easter time, he is planning different events and services of which needs his attention more importantly. On the other hand, once I spoke to him I was able to set a meeting time and date, but not for a couple of weeks. This demands for me to look into other shoot possibilities before I see Paul Nation.
This week I feel ill, which knocked me back a couple of days. There were opportunities for tutorials to check progress and next steps. I started to get in contact with the Pastor of Bournemouth Vineyard, but he proved to be quite busy. With it nearing Easter time, he is planning different events and services of which needs his attention more importantly. On the other hand, once I spoke to him I was able to set a meeting time and date, but not for a couple of weeks. This demands for me to look into other shoot possibilities before I see Paul Nation.
Sunday, 10 March 2013
WEEK THREE
Week Three:
This week we visited Amsterdam, a great opportunity to gather more research, either for our project, exhibition space or personally. We visited a number of different galleries displaying photography and art, giving us a range of work to be inspired by. Amsterdam was not what I expected it to be, I understand now when people say its a beautiful place. With just being there and soaking yourself in the surroundings and culture you feel inspired, you feel you want to learn, find and walk some more. At such a early stage of our project it was vital for us to have some more inspiration for our own projects, and with the numerous galleries in Amsterdam it was perfect. When we arrived back, there was a fair bit of sketchbook work to do, but it felt good to get all that we saw and learnt on paper. I feel fortunate that a number of the galleries we visited displayed work that had a religious theme or aspect, and also with walking around the De Oude Kerk (oldest church in Amsterdam). So a strength would be returning with a range of relevant research for my project. The next step is to look into first shoots, contacting the Pastor firstly.
This week we visited Amsterdam, a great opportunity to gather more research, either for our project, exhibition space or personally. We visited a number of different galleries displaying photography and art, giving us a range of work to be inspired by. Amsterdam was not what I expected it to be, I understand now when people say its a beautiful place. With just being there and soaking yourself in the surroundings and culture you feel inspired, you feel you want to learn, find and walk some more. At such a early stage of our project it was vital for us to have some more inspiration for our own projects, and with the numerous galleries in Amsterdam it was perfect. When we arrived back, there was a fair bit of sketchbook work to do, but it felt good to get all that we saw and learnt on paper. I feel fortunate that a number of the galleries we visited displayed work that had a religious theme or aspect, and also with walking around the De Oude Kerk (oldest church in Amsterdam). So a strength would be returning with a range of relevant research for my project. The next step is to look into first shoots, contacting the Pastor firstly.
Progress
Below are strengths and weaknesses so far of my project:
Strengths:
- So far I have a wide range of research.
- From visiting Amsterdam I have been able to widen my research with artists and churches.
- I have a variety of shoot ideas planned, ready for after the International Trip.
Weaknesses:
- When looking back at my Action Plan, I do not feel confident that I have followed it so far.
- I feel more behind than anticipated, but once I start shooting, I hope my ideas and possible outcomes will start flowing.
- Due to the high demand of the pastor, it was difficult to meet with him quickly, so this made me a week behind schedule to start with. (Something I could not control.)
Strengths:
- So far I have a wide range of research.
- From visiting Amsterdam I have been able to widen my research with artists and churches.
- I have a variety of shoot ideas planned, ready for after the International Trip.
Weaknesses:
- When looking back at my Action Plan, I do not feel confident that I have followed it so far.
- I feel more behind than anticipated, but once I start shooting, I hope my ideas and possible outcomes will start flowing.
- Due to the high demand of the pastor, it was difficult to meet with him quickly, so this made me a week behind schedule to start with. (Something I could not control.)
Saturday, 9 March 2013
Amsterdam
An option on the course was to go on a international trip, I chose Amsterdam. This trip was an opportunity to gather more research as well as delve into the culture and the numerous streets/canals.With visiting and exploring Amsterdam I was able to delve into the cobbled streets and canals as well as the culture. The art culture is sparse with a range of contemporary fashion and old century art paintings. While we were there we visited: rijikmuseum, foam magazine, and mooi.
The main strength of visiting the museums/ galleries will be for my research, especially the places of which showed work which were related to my project such as paintings by Vermeer and Rembrandt. Due to the religious based images or ones which included churches.
When there was a museum or gallery I did not related to, or one that did not fit my style in general. I made the most of it and studied the layout and presentation. This will greatly influence decisions and ideas for my own work and its exhibition presentation.
Here are my notes from the Van Gogh museum:
- ' I keep making what Ii can't do yet in order to learn to be able to do it.'
- 'drawing is the root to everything.'
- still life with bible 1885
- His style, 'Brush strokes that hold together and intertwine well, with feeling like a piece of music played with emotion.'
- He believed colours in themselves had expressive power.
- 'because instead of trying to render exactly what I have before my eyes, I use colour more arbitrarily in order to express myself forcefully.'
- Irises 1890, described this flower still life as 'an effect of terribly disparate complementaries that reinforce each other by their opposition.'
- The ruins symbolise how faith + religion mouldered away, The old church tower at Nuenen, 1815.
- 'I desire nothing other than to live deep in the country and to paint peasant life.'
- 'painted portraits have a life of their own that comes from deep in the soul of the painter and where the machine can't go. The more photographs one looks at, it seems to me, them more on feels this.'
- 'Some times it's precisely those sports that one needs to achieve calm.'
The main strength of visiting the museums/ galleries will be for my research, especially the places of which showed work which were related to my project such as paintings by Vermeer and Rembrandt. Due to the religious based images or ones which included churches.
When there was a museum or gallery I did not related to, or one that did not fit my style in general. I made the most of it and studied the layout and presentation. This will greatly influence decisions and ideas for my own work and its exhibition presentation.
Here are my notes from the Van Gogh museum:
- ' I keep making what Ii can't do yet in order to learn to be able to do it.'
- 'drawing is the root to everything.'
- still life with bible 1885
- His style, 'Brush strokes that hold together and intertwine well, with feeling like a piece of music played with emotion.'
- He believed colours in themselves had expressive power.
- 'because instead of trying to render exactly what I have before my eyes, I use colour more arbitrarily in order to express myself forcefully.'
- Irises 1890, described this flower still life as 'an effect of terribly disparate complementaries that reinforce each other by their opposition.'
- The ruins symbolise how faith + religion mouldered away, The old church tower at Nuenen, 1815.
- 'I desire nothing other than to live deep in the country and to paint peasant life.'
- 'painted portraits have a life of their own that comes from deep in the soul of the painter and where the machine can't go. The more photographs one looks at, it seems to me, them more on feels this.'
- 'Some times it's precisely those sports that one needs to achieve calm.'
Sunday, 3 March 2013
WEEK TWO
Week Two,
This week was essentially spent researching thoroughly into different works that is relevant to what I have focused on. When looking through my sketchbook of the artists and photographers I have researched I feel confident and happy with those that I have delved into. There is a range of work that has impacted my own decisions for my project and others that has built upon my knowledge. This week has shown strength in my researching process and skills, before this course I was not as interested in artists work, but now I love finding new and interesting work that can influence and inspire me for my own work. This week was dedicated to beginning strong research, looking into a mixed media selection, I am especially looking forward to finding more about painters with religious themes, they always seem to have more impact and emotion within them. Coming up is the trip to Amsterdam, briefly within this week we spent time planning for this, looking into the different places and galleries we could visit. Personally and for my project I was eager to visit a Church while there, when looking on the internet we located the oldest church in Amsterdam, I look forward to delving myself there.
This week was essentially spent researching thoroughly into different works that is relevant to what I have focused on. When looking through my sketchbook of the artists and photographers I have researched I feel confident and happy with those that I have delved into. There is a range of work that has impacted my own decisions for my project and others that has built upon my knowledge. This week has shown strength in my researching process and skills, before this course I was not as interested in artists work, but now I love finding new and interesting work that can influence and inspire me for my own work. This week was dedicated to beginning strong research, looking into a mixed media selection, I am especially looking forward to finding more about painters with religious themes, they always seem to have more impact and emotion within them. Coming up is the trip to Amsterdam, briefly within this week we spent time planning for this, looking into the different places and galleries we could visit. Personally and for my project I was eager to visit a Church while there, when looking on the internet we located the oldest church in Amsterdam, I look forward to delving myself there.
Saturday, 2 March 2013
Toni Greaves
For my research I looked into a number of artists and photographers each with conceptual work that I feel would inspire, influence and impact my own work. With looking into Christianity and more specifically the church for my FMP, it was a great opportunity to investigate into the different artists that have used this as there focus.
The reason for me mentioning this is because I specifically looked into the photographer Toni Greaves, one of her projects is title: Radical Love. I am pinpointing this specific work from the rest due to its religious aspect and beautiful images. I am incredibly inspired my the images she has produced but also the way she went about to get them. With visiting numerous times to a Monastic Community to photograph their environment as well as finding out about a certain young woman, Sister Lauren Franko, recently choosing to join the community.
Greaves shows commitment, sensitivity and loyalty through the process of this project, with returning after 3 years to revisit newly Sister Maria Teresa of the Sacred Heart. Toni Greaves poetically and beautifully captures the life of all the Sister's, showing the viewer what there chosen life is and that they are happy and fulfilled where they are.
If I create work in any similar way to one of Greaves, I will be proud of myself and where I have come.
The reason for me mentioning this is because I specifically looked into the photographer Toni Greaves, one of her projects is title: Radical Love. I am pinpointing this specific work from the rest due to its religious aspect and beautiful images. I am incredibly inspired my the images she has produced but also the way she went about to get them. With visiting numerous times to a Monastic Community to photograph their environment as well as finding out about a certain young woman, Sister Lauren Franko, recently choosing to join the community.
Greaves shows commitment, sensitivity and loyalty through the process of this project, with returning after 3 years to revisit newly Sister Maria Teresa of the Sacred Heart. Toni Greaves poetically and beautifully captures the life of all the Sister's, showing the viewer what there chosen life is and that they are happy and fulfilled where they are.
If I create work in any similar way to one of Greaves, I will be proud of myself and where I have come.
Friday, 1 March 2013
Initial Research
For my project, I had a variety of different ways I could have led towards. With previous projects I always had a similar way of working and with this project being solely individual and on our own, I'm having to go about it a different way. With creating the project from scratch it ordered me to create something that I would want to build upon.
With my idea based around my faith and Church I have put myself in a good position with people I know, and certain ideas to branch from. As initial research I have started with the Bournemouth Vineyard website, looking through there various pages learning about there different groups / their vision and so on.
To ensure my artist research is at the highest standard I needed to look into a vast number of different photographers who I previously have not looked into but also artists who work with a different media. With researching into these I can highlight the influence they have had on my work; this is something I have struggled with in previous projects. I thoroughly enjoy investigating into mix media artists especially painters such as Vermeer, Rogier Van Der Weyden and Caravaggio.
With the directions I hope to lead into there are photographers that would be great to re-research back into. To look at there work in a different way to before and analyse some of there images linking to how it connects with my project. I hope from this I can gain new skills of being creatively interpretative of other artists work, unpicking it and learning from it.
With my idea based around my faith and Church I have put myself in a good position with people I know, and certain ideas to branch from. As initial research I have started with the Bournemouth Vineyard website, looking through there various pages learning about there different groups / their vision and so on.
To ensure my artist research is at the highest standard I needed to look into a vast number of different photographers who I previously have not looked into but also artists who work with a different media. With researching into these I can highlight the influence they have had on my work; this is something I have struggled with in previous projects. I thoroughly enjoy investigating into mix media artists especially painters such as Vermeer, Rogier Van Der Weyden and Caravaggio.
With the directions I hope to lead into there are photographers that would be great to re-research back into. To look at there work in a different way to before and analyse some of there images linking to how it connects with my project. I hope from this I can gain new skills of being creatively interpretative of other artists work, unpicking it and learning from it.
Thursday, 28 February 2013
Flash
Very briefly in groups we had the option to practise with any studio lighting kits of our choice. Megan, Mimi and myself decided to have another go at the Metz Flash, it felt like it had been a while so we thought we would try out some simple portraits. With having some portraits images in mind we attempted to match the same lighting as the photographer/artist did.
It was great to practise again and to work with the settings of the camera and flash simultaneously. To test our abilities and improve on the weaknesses. Throughout as a group we struggled with achieving the image we had in mind, with small hitches holding us back. So the test shoot did not go to plan as we had hoped. Our main problem was simply getting the settings matching with the camera and flash, with added technical camera issues. We could have picked a tricky picture to try and match the lighting off of, making our whole process harder to begin with. Despite some simple mistakes and issues, it was great practise and a time to work together as a team. When thinking about my project, I mentioned using a flashgun within my brief for possible future portraits. Although I feel there are still weaknesses I would need to improve on fully to feel comfortable and confident alone with the flash.
It was great to practise again and to work with the settings of the camera and flash simultaneously. To test our abilities and improve on the weaknesses. Throughout as a group we struggled with achieving the image we had in mind, with small hitches holding us back. So the test shoot did not go to plan as we had hoped. Our main problem was simply getting the settings matching with the camera and flash, with added technical camera issues. We could have picked a tricky picture to try and match the lighting off of, making our whole process harder to begin with. Despite some simple mistakes and issues, it was great practise and a time to work together as a team. When thinking about my project, I mentioned using a flashgun within my brief for possible future portraits. Although I feel there are still weaknesses I would need to improve on fully to feel comfortable and confident alone with the flash.
Sunday, 24 February 2013
WEEK ONE
Week One:
Within this week we submitted our proposal, time plan and bibliography. I initially struggled with completing these as I didn't know how my project was going to turn out or lead to, so to plan what or when I was going to shoot was initially difficult for me. I eventually understood these needed to be written in order to refer back to them through the project and evaluate their importance and usefulness. With only deciding on Monday which brief to go with, it gave a limited amount of time to complete all these documents. I feel I do work well to a deadline, so was able to complete in time with ease.
Within this week we submitted our proposal, time plan and bibliography. I initially struggled with completing these as I didn't know how my project was going to turn out or lead to, so to plan what or when I was going to shoot was initially difficult for me. I eventually understood these needed to be written in order to refer back to them through the project and evaluate their importance and usefulness. With only deciding on Monday which brief to go with, it gave a limited amount of time to complete all these documents. I feel I do work well to a deadline, so was able to complete in time with ease.
Saturday, 23 February 2013
First Steps
Completing the proposal / Action plan / and bibliography was a longer process than originally anticipated. To start with I had made my proposal too brief.. so I struggled to make it short but detailed. After grateful assistance my proposal started to include more specific information that I hope to complete throughout and at the end of my project. I, as previously stated, at the beginning of writing the proposal was worried with the information that I wrote that I'd need to complete. I came to a conclusion, that reflecting and evaluating throughout will balance any changes with a reasonable explanation. (Despite this I hope to try all avenues and test with my weakness especially).
I was solely focusing my time on the proposal that the Action plan and bibliography needed to be finished. With already creating bibliographies for my pitch of my two ideas I had something to lead me from. And due to the amount it had already contained, any artists/ photographers mentioned from Matt or Lauren were then included also.
I struggled to plan ahead regarding the Action Plan, although 10 weeks is not a very long time, it was the fact that I did not know, this early on, what I was hoping to do. Although I had ideas in my head, I was unsure whether these were certain, with being so early on the project I thought it too hasty to assume the ideas I would be leading to when problems or other directions may occur. On the other hand, reflection on decisions will always be made, so I went with the ideas I felt comfortable with. Creating a brief time plan of 10 weeks, roughly. It is shown in a table, week by week, over viewing what the week my entail.
I felt confident with the plan and bibliography once they were complete, through finishing these and the proposal I have come away with a strong concept which has many different paths to lead into. Many of which I can experiment with.
I was solely focusing my time on the proposal that the Action plan and bibliography needed to be finished. With already creating bibliographies for my pitch of my two ideas I had something to lead me from. And due to the amount it had already contained, any artists/ photographers mentioned from Matt or Lauren were then included also.
I struggled to plan ahead regarding the Action Plan, although 10 weeks is not a very long time, it was the fact that I did not know, this early on, what I was hoping to do. Although I had ideas in my head, I was unsure whether these were certain, with being so early on the project I thought it too hasty to assume the ideas I would be leading to when problems or other directions may occur. On the other hand, reflection on decisions will always be made, so I went with the ideas I felt comfortable with. Creating a brief time plan of 10 weeks, roughly. It is shown in a table, week by week, over viewing what the week my entail.
I felt confident with the plan and bibliography once they were complete, through finishing these and the proposal I have come away with a strong concept which has many different paths to lead into. Many of which I can experiment with.
Wednesday, 20 February 2013
Proposal
Monday 18th February: We had to pitch our two ideas, this was a great opportunity to hear feedback and advice. I have gained a positive outcome from this session, with now having a list of artists I can look into, as well as being happy and confident in my idea.
From this pitch, we need to write a Final Project Proposal: with the projects we have completed this year they gave us one to lead from. So to create from from scratch with a few hints is a real challenge for me. I am grateful for the tutorials that are taking place on Thursday, just to ensure each of our proposals are Distinction level.
Writing a review on my progress and achievements at first was hard, like writing a personal statement no one wants to sound boastful! Although this is on a different level with being self evaluative. Looking back over the last 6 units really helped me evaluate what I now know now and what I still need to improve on.
With writing a project concept paragraph I felt quite hesitant towards, due to what you write you're expected to do, and I know there are a couple of things I should try and step out of my comfort zone for. This would be great to evaluate on and reflect later on in the project; working with my weaknesses that is.
The last paragraph is to explain how you'll reflect and evaluate throughout, with lots of practise from doing a blog through my A-levels, I like the ease and quickness to the process. This is why I shall use this blog to use as my 'learning journal'. Other than this Blog of which I will use throughout, at the end of the project I plan on writing a longer and deeper reflection from the entire project and it's process.
(The danger of doing a Blog is for it to be in a diary form, a very important challenge is to make it as reflective and evaluative as possible.)
The last paragraph is to explain how you'll reflect and evaluate throughout, with lots of practise from doing a blog through my A-levels, I like the ease and quickness to the process. This is why I shall use this blog to use as my 'learning journal'. Other than this Blog of which I will use throughout, at the end of the project I plan on writing a longer and deeper reflection from the entire project and it's process.
(The danger of doing a Blog is for it to be in a diary form, a very important challenge is to make it as reflective and evaluative as possible.)
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