Christopher Morgan - 237371 - Final Major Project.
For this Final Major Project, we are tasked with producing a body of work that can be used within a gallery which will come in the form of the college end of year show. The project and artwork can be based upon a subject which can be of my choosing. This will allow me creative freedom to produce a project which meets the criteria set by the college, having this freedom to choose something I am interested in, it will allow me to come up with something which will produce up to 10-15 images and show case these images withing the gallery. This will be a self-guided task and I will need to be responsible for the workload and the scale and timing of this project.
I will be brainstorming ideas to get a basis of what I could do, then move onto more in-depth ideas and research once I have an idea of what I would like to do. I already have several ideas which come to mind which you will see in the form of a mind map.
I hope to produce 10-15 strong images and learn from this project and take on board new skills and techniques which I will be able to apply to myself and my work throughout the future as a photographer.
Taking on board previous projects and what I have learn throughout this course as well as any knowledge I previously knew I will investigate several genres which I think I am suitable to get these images and produce and sustainable body of work from.
After doing my mind map, I realised there were many routes and genres I could take this project down, as noted on my mind map there are many ones which I could go into further. Here is a quick further brainstorm for each final genre which I have put into a final pool, a pros and cons if you may.
Portraits -
Pros -
Easily done.
Accessible (I know plenty of models and friends who would be willing)
Quick and basic know how is needed.
Cons -
Because its easily done is it too basic
Should be pushing myself.
Models could be busy.
Skate -
Pros -
I have in depth knowledge of skateboarding due to skating myself.
I know plenty of skateboarders who would be willing to be in photos.
Easily done and can be done quickly and effectively.
Cons -
Would be a lot of travelling around to different parks to get different locations.
Might not get the trick landed which would mean no photo (this could be time consuming)
Having in depth knowledge and being I already take photos of skateboarders would I be learning anything new?
Studio -
Pros -
Recently done a project prior so the knowledge I have learned is fresh.
Have a sustainable body of models which would be ideal for this.
From the last project I have a keen interest in what i've just learned and would like to carry it on.
Cons -
I do not know everything about studio practice, and I still have a lot to learn, this might cause setbacks.
The models could bail, and I could be left with no one to work with.
Do I want to repeat the previous project I have just learnt?
Fashion/ Editorial -
Pros -
This is something new I have never looked at before and could learn a lot.
The college has a new studio which I would be able to use with several colour backgrounds.
I have a keen interest in fashion(magazines) and I know a lot of models which do as well.
Cons -
The level of planning and co-ordination of managing models and outfits could be a challenge for time.
The models might not be free, and I will be left with no one to shoot.
Being I do not know a great deal about this genre could I be biting of more than I can chew?
Diary week 1 .
For my Final Project at college, we are tasked to pick a theme as well as initial ideas, mind maps and research. Starting off with initial mind maps, I investigated different genres of photography, looking into fashion and editorial photography. I then went on to look at a more detailed plan from this, developing this further. I collated a mood board of images which inspired me on Pinterest and collated images which had unique look and feel to them. Adding annotations on the Pinterest mood board with ideas. With the initial ideas completed, I then moved onto some primary research, coming up with a questionnaire which I tailored around editorial and fashion photography. I then went out and handed the questionnaire as a paper form to several shops which were fashion shops, Boutique shops as well as some big brands shops such as Relic Vintage & Urban Outfitters. Having a paper copy given out to specific shops, I then went on to create an online copy which I emailed to friends, peers and other people who I thought would be ideal to gather information from. Doing the format in Google forms, I was able to collect data into graphs and pie charts, which allowed me to easily look over the data and then annotate the results after.
Having gone over the Primary Research I moved on to secondary research, this was done in the form of looking at into artists who I have previously looked at and some newfound ones and then one which i was familiar with. Looking into such artists will help influence and impact my work greatly, this is because if I am to produce strong images, I need to understand how they work and how their work looks.
Having gone over the Primary Research I moved on to secondary research, this was done in the form of looking at into artists who I have previously looked at and some newfound ones and then one which i was familiar with. Looking into such artists will help influence and impact my work greatly, this is because if I am to produce strong images, I need to understand how they work and how their work looks.
Technique Research 1
Shoot 1 - Prospal & Plan
After watching the YouTube video on the lighting setup, I have decided to take on board one of the lighting set ups I will be employing this setup for my first shoot to; A) see how the lighting setup works for myself and see how well I can employ I throughout my work. B) The set up will be strong for the images I am trying to produce.
After watching the YouTube video on the lighting setup, I have decided to take on board one of the lighting set ups I will be employing this setup for my first shoot to; A) see how the lighting setup works for myself and see how well I can employ I throughout my work. B) The set up will be strong for the images I am trying to produce.
I will be getting the studio from 11.00 until 16.00, between this time I will be shooting with three models, after discussing shoot ideas and outfit ideas either, individually or on the Pinterest board.
Having one of my models cancel on me, I filled the space in time with a backup models which I had planned to fill in case of this, but I was given plenty of notice by the model to get this sorted in time. So, I had three models which were all ready to shoot. With this information, I emailed Paul the night before to make sure all equipment was there and ready to use upon arrival. I will be using the three-light set up. I aim to be in the studio for 11 and will approximately take 10-15 minutes to get the lights fitted and all tested as well as connecting computer with camera to allow for a live view of images while shooting.
I will be employing the use of Tethering because it will allow me ot quickly look at the images I'm taking and make sure there are no issue with the shots in regards with how to camera in built screen compresses the images, this could allow for the wrong images to get through and leave me with poor quality images, this allow me to tackle that head on, allowing me and the model to have a clear view of what we are shooting.
Upon arrival I will be getting each of the models checked through reception and I will be making sure there is space for the models to get changed and that there is a mirror on hand to make sure they can easily prep for shooting. Making the models feel at home will allow for a better shoot and allow for better productivity. Throughout the shoot I will be adding props and other object into the frame and concept, this will allow for more experimental shots.
Added the picture frame in and recreated an image from Pinterest for the next part of the shoot. The 2nd, 4th,7th & 8th in this selection; I was not keen on due to the picture frame being off and the composition of the head to frame wasn’t true. As for the next set without the picture frame, several times attempting this pose, the models head was ever so slightly back, and going by the book this wasn't something I would be wanting in my images, so I tried again until I got the images, I was happy with.
This was the strip Light I was using to the side of the models and the October to the other side on my first shoot.
Shoot 2 – Proposal & Plan
After a successful first shoot, I am determined to get better results using the same lighting technique as last week. I unfortunately had both models cancel due to unforeseen circumstances which left me to have to fall back onto my backup models. Speaking to the backup models I arranged to outfits between them with two coloured backgrounds, I had arranged this with Paul what backgrounds I would like up when I arrived for my slot.
After a successful first shoot, I am determined to get better results using the same lighting technique as last week. I unfortunately had both models cancel due to unforeseen circumstances which left me to have to fall back onto my backup models. Speaking to the backup models I arranged to outfits between them with two coloured backgrounds, I had arranged this with Paul what backgrounds I would like up when I arrived for my slot.
The session will be taking place 11 till four again and I will know exactly how to set the lights and how quickly I will need to move to get excellent quality photos. I aim to be shooting the first outfit and the first model for roughly 1 hour then get the next model with their first outfit and do an hour again.
Taking a small recess, then carrying on with the second background, and then moving onto the models last two outfits, I hope to have it all done in the allotted time with no mistakes. I will also be employing tethering again; this will allow the models to see what I am shooting in real time and allow me to realise and notice any mistakes.
Contact Sheet from Shoot 2 & Annotation.
This was the Strip box I was using to the side of the models and the octobox again to the other side of them , I also added a snoot on a stand it wasn't until I realised that there was a spare light I could attach it on and have it above head rather than on the stand like in the other studio.
Shoot 3 – Plan & Proposal
Not wanting any models to cancel on me like the prior two shoots, I made it clear to the models that I would very much like everyone to be there and that I was looking forward to being working with them. Having all models come back to me and confirm 100% that they would be there I was looking forward to this shoot.
After the last shoot I knew exactly what I needed to do with the lights and how to execute the lighting technique which I had been developing over the shoots. This shoot will be shorter but will have more outfit changes than the others. I have been corresponding with the models about outfits and I have emailed Paul to let him know which backgrounds I will be needed on the day.
I will be arriving at 12 and the session will be until 3, There will be 2 outfit changes and 3 background changes throughout the day, I need to get my timing and direction on point for this shoot to go on time and for me to get the shots I need.
Again, I will be tethering this will allow the models and myself to work from the screen and see any mistakes in real time and work on them from this.
Contact sheet 3 & Annotation
I was not going to use mollies photos due to tan also having a red background so I left these out as I didn't want two people having the same colour background again as there would be too much simliaritys.
Here we have a pose which I saw in the posing book, as we were trying to recreate the images the first four came out dark, this was due to my accidently knocking my f stop up to f-18. after the minor setback I was ready to shoot, having to bring the lights down low they were in the corner of the images, but I didn't deem it something to worry about as I could always edit them out later. Having the model change her hand position to get a vary of poses I think these worked well. 44 didn't work due to her hand being up by her hair and it didn't look as good as 45 with her hand down. as for the rest that are flagged this is due to the models hand looking to angled and made the image look to blocky in my eyes.
Having done some images with a 18-120 lens I switched it up and brought the manual fisheye out , this was a challenge to use as the whole studio was also in frame , something I talked by moving myself and the lights closer into the model. With this done I was ready to shoot.I was not happy with the first two images due to model head being off slightly but moving it closer in I got one shot I was happy with . image 89 the model was too far back so for 90 I asked her to lean closer in and got a brilliant shot. we then tried several more poses changing her leg positions and brining her hands to her head. the next two shots were perfect and I liked the framing and composition of these images.
Having swapped background for mollies second outfit I started with some initial test shots to make sure everything was lit properly and I was ready to shoot. The first image was not in frame and was slightly off so it got flagged , I then moved over slightly to get the model in frame and got an image I was happy with. As for the next three this was due to the model not posing correctly and there also being a shadow cast on the background. I corrected this and got a image of the model with her hands up to her head which filled the negative space to her sides. Again for the next two shots the lights were to powerful so I had to turn them down to compensate for this.
After moving on from getting some front shots which I wasn't happy with (first two) I moved on to getting some portraits shots and really focused on mollies face and hair , I was pleased with all of these images and really filled the frame with as much as her as possible. I then directed her to bring her hands up to her face to get a creative portrait and add more depth to the images.
Elise - Outfit 2 - Contact Sheet.
Changing the background for Elise and changing the lights took longer than expected and I was very short on time for this last part of the shoot. I still managed to get several photos I was pleased with. The first image the models head was to far back. As for the second I did not like the framing of it as I wanted to get the full body in it . number 3 in this her foot is out of frame but the actual pose was perfect so I was going to crop this image in and keep it . 5-6 I liked how the shadow filled the rest of the frame and really added depth into the image .
For these image I move the model round to get a more side on image. The first one was a test shot , also the model was smiling so I could not use this image , the second photo and third were images I was happy with , this is due to the composition and the fact I had filled the frame with just the right amount as well as the shadow being cast being the model for the effect I was going for.
As for the rest of the flagged photos these were not usable due to the models head being either to far forward or too far back and her neck being to stretched out.
Research Task – Final Artwork and Exhibition.
Photographic galleries are a way for photographers to share and showcase work for people to see. This can take form in a physical show at a gallery or elsewhere or can be done digitally online. Having the photos in physical form and holding an event can be one of the greatest experiences a photographer can have as you can physically talk about your images in person and interact with whomever you have invited and clients. This is obviously the major pro to holding one in person where was if you were to hold one on the internet, you can yes showcase you work but it would simply just be that.
Photographic galleries are a way for photographers to share and showcase work for people to see. This can take form in a physical show at a gallery or elsewhere or can be done digitally online. Having the photos in physical form and holding an event can be one of the greatest experiences a photographer can have as you can physically talk about your images in person and interact with whomever you have invited and clients. This is obviously the major pro to holding one in person where was if you were to hold one on the internet, you can yes showcase you work but it would simply just be that.
Carrie Mae Weems is a photographer who has been displaying work from 1991- 2021, she has several shows which can be viewed online as well as upcoming shows and exhibitions in the future.
Here below is one way she has presented her work, as you can see the work itself is all framed with the same frame and is hung on a wall. The main body of the work is all central and is in a pattern and is also symmetrical. All except one on the left-hand corner of the collective, this may be due to this being an important photo and she wanted the viewers to be drawn away from the rest of the body of work. I think that having the work laid in a pattern like this is eye-catching and unique.
Another piece of work by Carrie, this one is by itself from a collection whereas the other was based altogether. This one is also framed but is framed differently to the prior image, this has more of a professional feel to the image and looks a lot crisp and neat, this is due to the sleek black frame, and the white boarder also known as a ‘Mat’ or a ‘mounte’ this allows the photo to be framed again and brings more depth into the photo and allows it to stand out more. As well as this the photo is paired with a brief information or description box next to it which the photographer would have added a few lines about the photo. This works well as it allows people to understand the photo more and get more knowledge of the process behind its capture
Week 4 Diary Entry.
Over this week I have been editing and getting all my photos sorted from the past shoots. Being I had over 600 photos to edit I decided to break it down into batches and days to get them done. As well as this I was also spending this week getting any written work printed off and put into my sketchbook. We were also tasked in researching an exhibition and what they are and to create a small advert which we would be able to upload to Instagram or Facebook to create awareness for our end of year show. Having done this throughout the week I was ready for the hand in.
Legal Documents.
Model release forms signed by all models prior to shooting.
Final Images.
These are the final images which I have edited together to send to Paul for the Exhibition for college. I opted to keep the design simple yet effective and chose six images out of my 10 to showcase. I chose to keep a image from each colour and didn't choose two as I did not want any duplicate of colours. Editing them in photoshop I was able to get three images into one and separate them with a white/black line border. I believe that these are the strongest images from my shoots. this is due to to how to images are framed and the use of props and how I've managed to use my lighting technique effectively to get the desired results.
Other final images are below.
Evaluation.
For this Final Major Project, we were tasked with producing a body of work that can be used within a photographic gallery. The choice of the work was completely down to me as an individual and I was able to choose a genre of photography of my liking.
After I had made initial choices and had come up with ideas that I wanted to do, I focused in on a specific genre which was editorial/fasion photography. I had picked this because of my interest in fashion as well as studio-based work. Having done some primary research, which I felt gave me a basis to go from when looking into my artist and techniques. Having done some research on an artist called Prarri I found his work to be bold, clean and strong.
This is something which I could see my work going in, regarding how it looks and feels. As well as this I also investigated a studio called Colour's studios, this channel is something which I watch regularly and has always inspired me, as they use bright backgrounds and dress the artists in corresponding colours. I believe that these artists really influenced my work, especially the colours studios as you can see how my choices of studios and the models' outfits match.
I also, was able to get some good technique research done which I was able to learn a lot from, this came in the form of YouTube videos as well as books I had gotten out of the library. The fact I was able to learn a new lighting setup which by the end of the sessions and project I can honestly say I am comfortable employing, this developed over the sessions, and I could see the images get stronger throughout each shoot. As well as this I also learned how to direct models better due to the poses book, I investigated. Tethering my images through the shoots helped me a lot and made me realise how easy it is to sometimes miss mistakes on the camera screen.
While shooting I ran into a recuring problem(s), firstly the biggest setback was my models cancelling on me which made me must fall back onto my backup models. This wasn’t a big issue it just meant I did not have the chosen models which I thought would have produced the best images. Secondly my tethering cable kept coming out if knocked it while in the studio, this would make the camera disconnect from the laptop on halt the shoot. Unfortunately, there was nothing to do regarding this but wait, but I were to do it again in the future I would buy a lock or a wireless input.
My final images turned out as well, many of the images the models were happy with as well. This is probably some of the strongest images I have produced in my time being a photographer, as well as being the biggest challenge trying to manage several models at once. I have honestly learnt a great deal throughout this project weather that be in the form of new artists, studio control or directing my models. If I had more times and more studio time, I would have made a whole day out of the studio sessions instead of an allotted time, I believe this would have allowed for more creative control and end results. My biggest flaw for this project would of ben the cable slowing me down and halting the shoot, this is something I now realise is unprofessional and an inconvenience for all. As said before making sure I have all the right equipment will trouble shoot inconveniences like this.
