kyeshanelsonfmp-blog

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Final evaluation

In photography, we are taught how to find our magic eye, to see things clearly upside down, capture them and send our message out into the world; In hope to enlighten and bring people to new realizations, or simply remind them of what they once knew. I chose to do so by following my inspiration of cinematography. My topic became influence, as this is something that affects everyone, especially me. My FMP went from a project that can relate to everyone, to a reflection of myself. Starting my final major project, I was unsure on which direction of photography I wanted to pursue my final success. All I knew is that I wanted to leave this study with a true feeling of accomplishment. Being the type to become bored of things quite quickly, it was essential that I had chosen a style and/or method of photography that I felt challenged in. Looking back on it, yes, this was a risky move to make as it was outside of my comfort zone. Although, if I created a project revolving around my safe zone, I would feel as if I had cheated and my work would not be worth anything.

I began researching into styles of photography that I found visually pleasing. Then narrowed this down to four ideas, once the ideas were established I found and then researched photographers that I found most inspiring who have already covered my ideas of interest. As my research was coming along I started to become bored of reading about methods I already knew, until I came across cinematography. Cinematography is a subject that I have not looking into throughout the duration of this Photography course, but is something that has interested me for a while. I suppose I haven’t been taught about the sub- photography subject, as it is a much bigger process to produce the photos. Although I chose to run with my inspiration and was excited to see what I could create and learn from it. Once deciding on which method of photography inspired me most, I had to decide on a theme. I wanted people to be able to relate to my photography on a personal level, be able to understand it and maybe even use what they’ve learnt in their everyday life. I wanted my work to serve a higher purpose within the small society of my college. Therefore, I created a survey asking questions regarding scenarios that demonstrated ‘not everything is as it seems’, which was originally going to be the theme I went with. However, after receiving my survey answers and analyzing them, I realized that ‘influence’ was what I wanted to focus more, as it also related to myself as well as my audience. Giving myself a stronger interest to my work.

Somewhere between the mid to the end of the project my class and I visited an exhibition at the Barbican centre called ‘Another kind of Life’. In the exhibition, each photographer explored different ways that people lived their lives; for instance, there was a piece of work by Paz Errázuriz. From the series Adam’s Apple from 1938; although their work did not directly link to my project, it shares a relationship with my project when it came to the use of make-up. The models in the photos would have had an influencer when deciding on how to living their lives. Especially being drag queens, and the concept behind my work is to photograph the influencers themselves. If I was to photograph drag queens like Paz Errázuriz did, I would focus on who their influencers may of been; such a RuPaul. RuPaul in the queer community is just as big as Kim Kardashian in the beauty community, feeding both good and bad influences into society… Regarding the exhibition as a whole, the ways in which the images were displayed with additional complimentary art work did inspire me, however, I knew I wanted to keep it simple as I did not want viewers to become confused when trying to understand the meaning behind the image.

When working with my method of photography I did try to incorporate other equipment such as a flash to help alter the lighting in the room, although due to the daylight already present in the room the use of flash did not contribute to much at all. Therefore, I then had to rely on editing to conclude with a cinematic finish; However, while following the advice from multiple YouTube editing tutorials, I believe my edited test shoot images turned out much better than my final shoot edits which came as a surprise to me, as I am not very confident when editing because I know that I know so little about it. I believe this could be down to the amount of natural lighting in the room. Unfortunately, this is where I see I have gone wrong and should have done another one or two test shoots simply testing the lighting in the room at different times of the day. Although by doing this I could never of determine the weather on the day of my final shoot. From this point on I was then stuck at a cross road – the editing I did for my test shoot photos was much better than for my finals, but the composition for my final photo was much better than the test shoot. With little time left to do another shoot, I had to decide on which quality was most important to put on display – The editing helped set the mood, whereas the composition determined how easy it would be for viewers to understand my message. In the end, I decided to continue with the final photo rather than the test shoot photo. Referring back to my intentions with the whole project, if I had done all of the work I did to finish with a final image that is not so easy to understand and viewers receive any message aside from what I intended, I would personally feel as though my efforts were for nothing. Whereas if the viewers could clearly understand my image, and took something positive from it I would feel incredibly accomplished and worthy of my place in University.

One thing I wish I would of done more of throughout the duration of this level 3 diploma, is to request to learn more about different editing software and how to use it. Of course I had independent study time, but when learning something new it is crucial to be taught on a daily or weekly basis about the subject, theoretically and practically. This then feeds into FMP where I wish I had already known prior to the project how to edit a lot better, because this could have meant my final image would have looked a lot more professional the what it currently does. Regarding my FMP specifically, I think I should of also done a few more test shoots to avoid conflict when choosing my final image. As a whole though, I am happy with my work and believe it will be successful in making people think about how their influences and themselves as influencers could affect those around them as well a themselves, not only positively but negatively too, and to be more aware of this ripple effect in society.

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Am I a victim of my own concept?

Circular line in the photograph 1.1

From my final photos gathered from my test shoot and final shoot, the image above has been the most popular due to the composition; which has then made the context clearer for people to read, allowing them to relate and/ or understand creating a stronger interest. At a first glance of the image you see two girls, and one mirroring the other. When looking closer, you realise the elder girl is also mirroring Kim Kardashian on the screen, then we conclude with a domino effect from the influencer, to the teenager then down to the child.

For some this could be a harmless image but once understanding the reflection it has to the real world, perhaps it is something not to be taken so lightly. Kim Kardashian is a TV personality and socialite who gained media attention once her father won the O.J. Simpson trial. She then started socializing with popular famous peers which help her gain popularity, but what catapulted her to the top was her sex tape with another famous body. Since then it seems that she hasn’t been able to escape this heavy mistake... So has learnt how to manipulate peoples negative views of her, by building herself an empire on “self love”. By doing so she spends her public days looking like a beauty queen, and exploits her own body through fashion and encourages everyday people through social media to do the same. For Kim’s ever growing profitable fans, the majority of people using social media are between the ages of 15 and 25... Even more so between the ages 15 and 20. Unfortunately the majority of people are most impressionable bellow the age of 25 and look up to Kim. Many copying her fashion, the language she uses and how she displays her body.

All things fine until you become obsessed with looking this way and being this way. A persons own self confidence fades away while trying to keep up with celebrities promoting to ‘love yourself’, reaching impossible aesthetics with a 24/7 team of professionals to ensure they maintain this image. Without noticing, young people kill their own self-esteem and put their own physical health at risk to copy the way how celebrities of today look. Influence starts small, but then can grow into an obsession. Although celebrities are only human, and they must have influences too. Being influenced isn’t an issue, but what people are influencing others to do can be detrimental depending on the content and direction.

Since my Mum was a child, my Nana owned and orchestrated a dance school. Once a year like final exams in schools, there was a 2 hour long dance show. In this dance show everyone no matter what age or gender was dressed to dance the roll, and tell the story of the the music. In dance, typically women are made to look elegant or sexy and men to be strong and fierce. As a child who enjoyed dancing and looked up to their Mum and Nana, dance became my passion for a very long time throughout my child and teen life, so did the whole production. When a competition or show was coming up the environment became strict, like it was all or nothing. Rehearsing the same choreography again and again into the night, after a full day dancing. During lessons, rehearsals, competitions and shows the uniform/costumes were always tight fitting, especially for the girls. Leotards and tights for girls and a polo neck top and shorts for boys. As much as I enjoyed everything about dancing, I couldn’t help but find it unfair that I couldn’t wear the same as the boys and still be as 'pretty’ as the girls. I was partly conditioned to believe that the stereotypes in traditional dance, was the way I had to be or I felt slightly out of place. Of course I was not purposely made to feel this way, it was simply the way my Nana wanted to run her dance school. Most probably because she was raised for females to be beautiful and feminine, and for males to be strong and masculine with their dress code.

Over time since my Nana’s generation were teenagers, fashion has changed in such a way that it has become more freeing for designers to design more extravagant clothing - more colourful, stranger shapes, use of experimental materials and more revealing. Even more so in today’s society, sexy sells, especially when celebrities are promoting it and being paid millions to do so. They exploit their bodies through fashion and encourages everyday people through social media to do the same. Like I said earlier, the majority of people are most impressionable bellow the age of 25 and look up to Celebrities. Many copying their fashion, language they use and how they displays their body, until they become obsessed with looking a particular unrealistic way. 

3.2

While writing this post and reviewing my previous work, I have come to a realisation that to be influenced is something that someone can not avoid unless they are aware that they are influenced, and then choose to follow or abandon it. Although, why are people so influenced by those around them? It is so that they can make a gain socially or personally, no one ever follows an influence with the idea that the outcome will not benefit them as they wish. Thousands of people globally conform to the influence of celebrities in hope that one day they can too benefit in one of the ways they do, whether they end up more attractive, richer, happier... In hope to make some sort of gain. My FMP and I are prime examples of this trend. I started my artist research and decided that I wanted to produce an FMP that the public could personally connect with. I did this by creating a survey incorporating my interest, to enable myself to produce a final idea for my FMP that I can be sure that the public will enjoy, but at the same time, I also have an interest in/ can relate to. My thought process was, if the public can connect with my work in a stronger way, my work would be successful, and I wanted it to be personal so that it would be even more successful, granting me my desired grade. Even when choosing my best images from my test and final shoots, I knew which photos I liked the most; but I chose to ask my teachers a peers for their opinions as well as my own to give myself the validation that I was still on the right track, because if people like my work it means I am more likely to receive a better grade.

Lastly my final realisation is that I believe I am a much more impressionable person than I would like other people believe. I have been put in the position of having five younger sisters who I have to influence in the right ways. Unfortunately, for them to have me as one of their biggest influences during the most impressionable years, a huge part of me fears that if I demonstrate ill manors and wrong doings due to my own influences, they may not grow up to be as great as they could be due to my own influence. Therefore with my photos I have taken advantage of being the photographer and not the subject, and am deflecting the issue away from myself.

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Edits

Although my photos are stages, it is important to remember that the people modelling in the photos, even though they’re being partly directed, what you see in the photos is something they do on a regular basis. The older girl enjoys applying make-up for fun, creativity and beauty; and the younger girl enjoys playing with her elder sisters make-up, simply because the colours are pretty and she is inspired by her elder sisters. 

What I enjoyed most with this photo is how natural it is due to the nature of the six year-old model. At that point she had completely forgotten that she had to pose, and continued to play with the eye shadow. Unfortunately this photo will not be displayed in the exhibition because, the message I would like people to receive through my work is not clearly shown. 

This photo compared to the last is much better when it comes to allowing my audience to see the intended message. The influences are clear from the slight change of composition since the test shoot and direction given to the girls, but for me personally, it all seemed too simple - As if I haven’t thought much about my positioning while taking the photo.

So since the test shoot I reflected on how I could make my images better. The first thought was to use more complex angles that at first I didn’t think I could do due to restricted space in the room. Unfortunately unlike actual cinematographers, I did not have the funding or facilities to build a set as real as an actual bedroom, so used what I had - my own bedroom. I learnt to work around this issue regarding space and managed to capture a much better, lower angle. The photo above is my favourite and final photo as it captures the little girl exploring her innocent, curiosity and influence from her sister. I’ve also captured a second influence from the elder girl sitting in her uniform copying Kim Kardashian in a make up tutorial. This on the other-hand could possibly be more detrimental as she is older and more aware of body image, although lines can be blurred as she is at an age where she is still learning to understand her own influences - good or bad, and how her influences make her feel. The final observation I am happy with in this image is not only the mimicry between the girls, but the mimicry between each girl and her screen. Where one girl sees herself trying to look like her sister, the other sees a top celebrity who she may aspire to be like one  day, but also is a very unrealistic desire. 

Lastly, reflecting on my test shoot edits compared to my final shoot edits is something that I am looking back on happy due to my progress I have made while editing. The test shoot edits were too green and blue, whereas in the final images I quite like the subtle editing I have done; but when comparing it to Gregory Crewdson’s editing, I have not come close and this is where I become slightly disappointed in myself. I believe this is due to my lack of lighting equipment which would of helped me create a subtle eerie feeling to the image like Crewdson achieves in every photo. My reason for not using any lighting is due to having so much natural day light fill the room. When using the flash in my test shoot, the use of the flash did not make any difference to the images regardless which setting I put it on. Of course, with such great day light I didn’t see this as an issue, but a benefit at the time. However, now looking back I do not see as much suspense or drama in my images as I did in Gregory Crewdson’s photography. Regardless though, knowing my development and understanding myself much more through this project, I am incredibly happy with my final outcome, and will be proud to display it in the quickly approaching exhibition.

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Final shoot

Date: Wed 09/05/18

Wed 02/05/18 

Models:

- Reanna: Aged 13

- Alethia: Aged 6

Equipment:

- Canon D6

- Portable flash

Props needed:

- working laptop

- make-up

Cost:

None 

Location:

Either my own or my sisters bedroom

Risk assessment:

- Any of the make-up used on either of the models has already been confirmed will not cause any allergic reactions.

- Any cosmetic appliances will be used with supervision.

- The content shown on the laptop to both models will be age appropriate.

All images:

Unedited final favourites:

The first photo is great for showing the innocence of the child with the make-up, that she is curious by the colours  and textures. But in relation to the context I have decided upon, this photo doesn’t show enough content for viewers to really understand the intended message. Whereas with the second and third photo, it is a lot more obvious due to the composition of the images, especially in the third photo. This photo would be my favourite as it shows two examples of influence - the first being the elder girl to the woman on the computer screen, and the second being the younger girl watching the elder girl as she attempts to copy. Not only so, the use of the mirror adds more emphasis on the fact that they are mirroring the people in front of them. There is also another subtle emphasis - the phone in the image on the right looks as if it is in the care of the little girl. This then circles round to the girl using the laptop, both devices mainly use for social media by younger people. Social media being an influencers platform, influencing and promoting both good and bad... little do they know how many children, and teens are also influenced to stress about their over all image rather than completely being happy who who they are.

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Another kind of life exhibition

On the 19th of April I went to the Barbican to view an exhibition called Another kind of life. I admired the photography being exhibited, but it did not inspire my personal project as it was quite obviously documentary photography, and I am working with cinematic photography. Although, if I am to take one thing away from the exhibition regarding my final major project, it is the way in which the photos were all displayed. There were a few projections of film to compliment the photos, which I felt could be a really good idea for my own project being cinematic photography, to add a splash of film. A pattern that I noticed was that the photographers who had up to a minimum of 4 images, they increased the size of the images rather than having them smaller like the photographers who had more images to display. Of course this is down to space but it prevented their images from being lost amongst the rest of the exhibition. This tells me not to be afraid to make use of my exhibition space. 

In response to my survey, the majority of people were happy to view my photos in an exhibition and posted in spaces not really intended for art work, such as on the side of a building, on postboxes, in shops, also online, in newspapers/magazines too. Though people were happy to see my work in all places, some said to be cautious with the content as it could be classed as a sensitive subject, displaying deeply routed issues that most people have but do not wish to show. Which is why I have chosen ‘influence’ as subject to continue with as there are many examples of influence everywhere you go, both good and bad influence. Whereas if I chose a family issue to re create in a scene and photograph, some people may not understand it as not every family is the same and the viewers might not catch onto the idea if influence as I would like them to. I wouldn’t want my audience to find a different meaning in the photos, otherwise what was the point in all of the planing. So I have chosen to look at influences through make up as it is something I personally do almost every day, and is something that I have influenced others to explore - others such as my younger sisters in the photos. Lastly I needed to keep my images ethical, and I knew I wanted to incorporate my younger sisters (ages 6 and 13) in my images, so to use something like drugs or alcohol as an example for influence would not only be boring seen as people cant stop ranting about teens with drugs and alcohol; but it would also be unethical to photo a young teenager staging alcohol/drug abuse, because they are influenced by others who make it look luxurious and fun. Therefore I decided that makeup would be a more subtle and relatable approach. 

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Test shoot - Impressionable minds

Impressionable minds

concept

Someone who consciously or unconsciously does things that they are influenced to do by others. This could go in their favor… or not.

This could be displayed through images of people being influenced by others. I have chosen to to display photos of children and teens being influenced as they have the most impressionable minds.. even though everyone is either influenced or an influencer. The reason why I didn't go with 4 individual photos showing different points of view is because I feel that it will spread the idea out so much, in hope to make the message easier to put across, that viewers could misinterpret the concept that I’m actually trying to present:

1) Children/ teens: make up

Date:

Wed 02/05/18

Models:

- Reanna: Aged 13

- Alethia: Aged 6

Equipment:

- Canon D6

- Portable flash

Props needed:

- working laptop

- make-up

Cost:

None

Location:

Either my own or my sisters bedroom

Risk assessment:

- Any of the make-up used on either of the models has already been confirmed will not cause any allergic reactions.

- Any cosmetic appliances will be used with supervision.

- The content shown on the laptop to both models will be age appropriate.

Reflection of the test shoot

Original

I would of rather taken this photo at a lower angle as I feel this would show a better composition, but due to space in the room I could not do this. So, chose to take the photo from a higher angle showing the younger girl copy the elder girl influenced, while the elder girl is copying one of the worlds biggest influencers. This shows two levels of influence and how just one person can affect more than just one age group, including the unintended groups.

Original

Edited

With this photo I used a wide angle lens (24mm - 105mm) to extend the image showing more scenery. In terms of editing I added more focus around the younger girl as she is the main focus, and then the other girl being second.

Original

Edited

The composition of the photo is something I would like to keep the same as I like that the levels add emphasis to the narrative. Due to the intended narrative, I should of had the focus on the girl in the background rather than the girl in the foreground. Also, a few things in the background are slightly distracting so in the final shoot, I will remove the red clothing, towel and dressing gown hanging in the background preventing distraction from the subjects.

After watching a few Youtube tutorials to demonstrate not only how to edit photos, but editing a photo to look cinematic specifically. I learnt to bring out the bolder darker tones to create a stronger affect. I noticed that by doing this although I thought the colours looked quite bold in the original photos, subtle changes to blue and green tones made all the difference in complimenting the depth of field, which was quite important in my photos as I would like people to focus on certain areas of the photos before others. Purely to help understand the narrative. 

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Concept

To discover my concept I used a survey to find real life examples that question if the statement ‘not everything is as it seems’ is true or not, and if so how it applies to them - what the situation was and what they learnt from it. Once receiving responses, I then split the responses into sections that people spoke about the most - love, popular morals and most personal experiences. I then chose two answers from each section that I found most interesting, or that I sympathized with most. Not that I had any bias against any responses, but I chose those specific ones to keep myself interested while knowing it is also something the public can relate to.

Most answers seemed to be morals learnt... From this I have decided to roll with the idea to photograph influence, which stemmed from my understanding of a few of the responses. This could be displayed through images of people being influenced by others. I have chosen to display photos of children and teens being influenced.. and even adults being influenced if I am able to develop an idea for it. The reason why I didn't go with four individual photos showing different points of view is because I feel that it will spread the idea out so much, in hope to make the message easier to put across, that viewers could misinterpret the concept that I’m actually trying to present all together.

So now I have chosen to display examples of influence, good or bad, through my photography. If successful, with a cinematic approach, which is where I started my journey to discover this concept. I enjoyed the different style of photography compared to all the others the most as it seemed to show a stronger narrative. To find this narrative I thought to start from a statement that continuously crossed my mind, when looking at Gregory Cewdson’s photography. “Not everything is as it seems”. I knew from this point that I wanted my images to relate to the viewers on a personal, honest level. So I decided to create a survey that would force the participants to explain real life situations, where “not everything is as it seems” applied to them and what they learnt from it.

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Final scenario

My reason for not choosing scenario 3 is because although it demonstrated the point I wanted to get across clearly - not to judge by first impressions. I felt as if it was too boring, due to seeing that scene in movies so many times... Instead I am choosing to go with number 2 as it applies to more people of different ages rather than to people who are just parents or people who grew up in that kind of environment.

1. Some people are stuck within social and or financial constructs. For example staying together in a relationship for the benefit of a child/children’s happiness over your own.

This could be displayed through one photo showing a typical broken relationship between parents. The image will show 2 happy children playing in a living room on the floor with their toys, the father watching TV drinking a beer not paying any attention to anyone or anything around him while the mother is miserably cleaning up around the father and communicating with the children cheerfully… but negatively with the father.

or

2. Impressionable minds/ influence

Someone who consciously or unconsciously does things that they are influenced to do by others. This could go in their favor… or not.

This could be displayed through 4 images - the observer (impressionable mind), what the influencer shows to the world, and then how the influencer is out of view from the world, then finally the negative effect the observer suffers with after copying the influence.

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3 Possible ideas to follow

Responses 9 and 12 are lessons learnt while trying to positively affect those around you, this could be through doing things to prevent hurting the others feeling, but in the end hurting yourself emotionally.

Responses 8 and 13 are lessons learnt while interacting socially through relationships and friendships. Allowing others to manipulate your own personal opinion, this could lead to unknowingly allowing others to abuse your trust. Or simply following other peoples advice/examples before considering your own… this can lead to disappointment.

Responses 1 and 15 talk about judgment of others. Unfortunately we all judge others before really giving a chance to get to know them, which is only human to assess before completely committing. Maybe we shouldn’t completely trust and rely on our first impressions of others, but to keep the impressions at the side and simply be aware of it… Not acting on the judgement so immediately, to the point of avoid trusting someone and sharing this negative judgement you believe to be true, from a first impression.

Originally I wanted to create a mood boards to visually show my inspiration for these scenarios, but while looking on Google, Tumblr, Pintrest and finally Instagram I was only finding quotes or images that weren’t so inspiring for me personally... So what I plan do do now is narrow the possible scenarios (1,2 and 3) down to single sentences, giving myself a clearer, more simple understanding of the concepts. From that point I’ll then start to build on personal ideas for the set or sets of the images.

1. Some people are stuck within social and or financial constructs. For example staying together in a relationship for the benefit of a child/children's happiness over your own.

This could be displayed through one photo showing a typical broken relationship between parents. The image will show 2 happy children playing in a living room on the floor with their toys, the father watching TV drinking a beer not paying any attention to anyone or anything around him while the mother is miserably cleaning up around the father and communicating with the children cheerfully... but negatively with the father.

2. Impressionable minds / Influence

Someone who consciously or unconsciously does things that they are influenced to do by others. This could go in their favor... or not.

This could be displayed through 4 images - the observer (impressionable mind), what the influencer shows to the world, and then how the influencer is out of view from the world, then finally the negative effect the observer suffers with after copying the influence.

3. Don’t judge others before really giving a chance to get to know them

This could be displayed through 3 photos, the first one showing a girl being greeted by a man asking her on a date some day, the man looks kind of scruffy and like he isn't the typical perfect person, with a perfect life, perfect job, bettering the community ect... But then in the second photo, the girl arrives at work and sees the same man running a meeting with top managers while she sits at her desk. Finally in the third image the girl returns to the man to reconsider his offer and he turns her away.

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Survey analysis

Questions number 4 and 5 were used to force an answer out of the participants that was a lot more detailed than what they would of answered if I had only asked one question regarding experiences and lessons learned. As I assumed, just over a third of my participants answered with a very generic answer. I would of preffered something a little more personal, but, the most generalized answers could be the scenarios to my photography. This would be because they are the scenarios that the majority of people can relate to. On the other hand if I wanted to pull heart strings a little harder, I could use a scenario from the answers given that revolve around love. Love is always a topic to play with when the intention is to get an emotional reaction from people, reguardless whether they show it or keep it to themselves. Everyone desires, has and will experience love for the better or worst... As one participant explains. What I have done bellow is categorised the answers from questions 4 and 5 to answers that talk about lessons in love, the most generalized and what I believe to be the most personal.

Love 3. A cheating wife! A3. To trust people less! 6 . Couples who I knew personally that I thought were really in love later got divorced. It was weird how they always seemed so perfect yet apparently clearly they weren’t. A6. Social media posts and what you physically see don’t always display what is going on behind closed doors. Instead of envying people with great , “perfect” relationships, I shouldn’t be quick to judge because the real story could be complerely different. 9 . All parents who stay together love one another. But really they stayed together for me and my sisters even tho they were miserable. A9. Don’t stay in a relationship for anyone but yourself. You live once. If you divorce or split up, Your children will understand later in life why. If you stay with someone for anyone but yourself you won’t be happy and you are wasting years of your life. You don’t have to stay together to prove you love your children. 14. My 'first love' seemed great, it wasn't. A14. I learned more about myself than anything, to improve myself 13. Falling in love isn't a fairytale that everyone makes out to be. A13. That I can't idolise on what other people may have and don't let other people opinions and experiences overpower my own. Generalized 1.   Don’t judge others till you see the life they live A1. That people/ friends can seem happy on the outside but that’s not always the way the reality is 4. You don’t know what goes on behind closed doors. A4. Don’t judge people on what you see, because on the inside there may be a very different person. 11. Just because people smile doesn’t mean they are happy. A11. That everyone has something happening and yiuhould be kind 2. An interview; You may have thought it went really badly but actually you still held together and smashed it, still getting the job. Or the more unfortunate vice versa A2. Just because you think you are doing badly don’t lose hope or give up! It’s all a learning curve and actually you might have done better than you thought! 7. People who seem to exude confidence are often insecure or overcompensating A7. Don't make assumptions about people and take time to get to know people properly 8 . People who appear to be friends but really just want something for their own means A8. Trust your instincts Most personal 15. Judging people by appearance is one of my historic mistakes in life and certainly have learned since not to act on image. A15. Learned to only judge after knowing somebody and their story first 5. Push up bra’s A5. Boobs disappeared 10. Being aggressive and unfriendly to people is supposed to bring respect but it only got me into situations that I couldn’t handle. A10. Life is easier when being friendly to people. 12. I thought that my grandad was happy, he was severely depressed and nobody new until he took his own life. A12. Just because someone looks happy, it doesn’t mean that they are. And to always check up on the people you care about.

From all responses I have chosen 2 answers from each of my 3 sections that I feel I either can relate to, or feel that I completely understood on an emotional level. This way I can ensure that not only am I using real examples, but examples that I also can relate to or understand.

Love 9 . All parents who stay together love one another. But really they stayed together for me and my sisters even tho they were miserable. A9. Don’t stay in a relationship for anyone but yourself. You live once. If you divorce or split up, Your children will understand later in life why. If you stay with someone for anyone but yourself you won’t be happy and you are wasting years of your life. You don’t have to stay together to prove you love your children. 13. Falling in love isn't a fairytale that everyone makes out to be. A13. That I can't idolise on what other people may have and don't let other people opinions and experiences overpower my own. Generalized 1.   Don’t judge others till you see the life they live A1. That people/ friends can seem happy on the outside but that’s not always the way the reality is 8 . People who appear to be friends but really just want something for their own means A8. Trust your instincts Personal 12. I thought that my grandad was happy, he was severely depressed and nobody new until he took his own life. A12. Just because someone looks happy, it doesn’t mean that they are. And to always check up on the people you care about 15. Judging people by appearance is one of my historic mistakes in life and certainly have learned since not to act on image. A15. Learned to only judge after knowing somebody and their story first.

What I understand from the responses

9 and 12 are lessons learnt while trying to positively affect those around you, this could be through doing things to prevent hurting the others feeling, but in the end hurting yourself emotionally.

8 and 13 are lessons learnt while interacting socially through relationships and friendships. Allowing others to manipulate your own personal opinion, this could lead to unknowingly allowing others to abuse your trust. Or simply following other peoples advice/examples before considering your own... this can lead to disappointment.

1 and 15 talk about judgment of others. Unfortunately we all judge others before really giving a chance to get to know them, which is only human to assess before completely committing. Maybe we shouldn’t completely trust and rely on our first impressions of others, but to keep the impressions at the side and simply be aware of it... Not acting on the judgement so immediately, to the point of avoid trusting someone and sharing this negative judgement you believe to be true, from a first impression. 

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Survey

The survey that I have created will be used to help me with idea development for scenarios for my final images. By people sharing anonymous, (hopefully) honest answers I will be able to produce images that are more striking to viewers due to the message behind each photo. To check out the survey please click here . 

Results of the survey:

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Plan

02/04/18 half term

- Create survey to discover my target audience, pin point a story for my photo series. 

- Develop 3 possible ideas to follow for the images. 

09/04/18 half term

- Create 3 possible mood boards to follow for each scenario. Compare boards and choose to follow one.

- Once decided on a scenario, create a list of things I will need for the shoot(s) such as a models, portable flash, props e.c.t... If any costs, work out the overall cost. 

16/04/18

- Plan and organise the final and test shoot for Wed 02/05/18 and 09/05/18.

23/04/18

- (19/04/18) Go to the Barbican to an exhibition called Another kind of life.

- Write about the experience and how the exhibition has help me with my project.

30/04/18

- (Wed 02/05/18) Do a test shoot using the equipment I would for the final images so that if I need to change anything I can do so before hand, rather  than realising I need to make changes while in the official shoot.

- Evaluate test shoot.

07/05/18

- (Wed 09/05/18) Do the final shoot.

- Edit images.

- Evaluate final outcome.

14/05/18

- Send images to get printed.

- Create set for exhibition space.

21/05/18 

Hand in all work 

28/05/18 -  04/06/18

Break

11/06/18

Exhibition

14/06/18

Final evaluation hand in

15/06/18

Officially finish college

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Proposal

Over the past academic  year and half what I have learnt has gradually relit my passion for art in  general. I’ve learnt how to manually develop images in the dark room, creating  a cyanotype and lumen print, set up a studio, manually work a camera and  understand the importance and values between different lenses, use computer software  such as Lightroom and Photoshop a little more, and general knowledge in the  history of photography – how it began, who influenced what and how it became  what it is today. From learning this history I respected the subject for what  it is very quickly.

The course has strengthened my patients, research skills and general problem solving from working in the dark room, to having to reschedule a series of pre-planned things I needed to do for my FMP, in order to get my grade on time. Not only so, due to having to work so independently on this course, I have gained self-confidence and have become more calm as work load increases in and out of college.

I chose 4 different styles of photography that interested me most, these were street, documentary, fashion and cinematography. I chose these regardless whether I knew how to work in that style or not. I started my planning this way because it would mean I will be doing what I find most interesting that than what I am best at. From there I then researched two photographers per idea rather than just one, I felt this would of given stronger influences for each idea. I also looked into the methods used to produce each style of photography to give me a rough idea on how long it will take me to complete the FMP… By the 21st March I decided to go with cinematography. Clearly this was the most challenging idea to go with… but also the most ambitious compared to all of the others I could finish in less time than I’ve been given.

“Nothing is as it seems”. I have chosen this concept because nothing is ever as it seems, and most people choose to ignore the fact until reality slaps them in the face. For example, most children wish to live the adult life... But little do they know how much harder and less fun it is, until they get there. Only then, as a young adult do they wish they appreciated and took more advantage of their childhood and teen years. My aim is to visually slap my viewers in the face with reality. The way how I plan to do this is by creating a series of three different realities that are not as they seem. Before photographing the final images I will need to discover what the most popular realities, are that are not what they seem. Using the site Typeform, I will create and share a survey through my Facebook page to help inform myself the general publics views on my idea to help discover a target audience. This will then influence my mood boards, and planning for my final images.

My research and further inspiration will come from photos, books/films and music which will support my idea development further. Photos, books/films and music area great sources for my project as people tend to speak most about the surprises life brings us, highlighting things that weren't what they seemed. This will also support my survey. I plan to find these sources using resources where people speak most about their experiences. Such as the internet, books, possibly the cinema, television, music and possibly galleries depending on what they have on display, and if it relates to my work. Although, even if the art work in the galleries can not help me, the display of exhibitions will help spark ideas for the display of my final work as all I know at this current moment is that I want my images to be displayed... How is something I would like to explore before deciding.

My reflections, evaluations, any new decisions and changes through to the end of the project will be written up on my blog, included in posts where I will show test shoots and any form of progression. Then to conclude my project in 8 weeks time, I will finish with a 500 - 1000 word evaluation stating how I felt about my final project as a whole. What I liked, disliked and felt I could of improved on in my last UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma Photography project.

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Opening my eyes in Rome

From the 5th to the 9th of March I went on a trip to Rome with the Art&Design students and a few teachers from my college. During this trip we visited the main tourist points such as the Colosseum, roman forum, Trevi Fountain, The Pantheon, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. In terms of photography, although it was great to visit these iconic places, my ability shone through the most who walking to and from each location. The week that we went it rained throughout the first few days... All day... At first this seemed very unfortunate, but I still continued to let my surroundings absorb. The sun still shone brightly through the clouds and made the vibrant orange, pink, yellow and other rainbow coloured buildings glisten. Even though the roads looked as if Godzilla had made an appearance. It gave more character, unlike most places that I'm used to seeing in London. 

Bellow are my favourite image that I took in rome. I enjoy these ones the most because they don't only show parts of Rome history, they give a narrative that isn't so typical to, for example, an image of the Colosseum would give a narrative of gladiators, death and entertainment. 

Edited images:

The Main Road 

Hotel Noto 

Telecom Italia

Emergency Service

While in Rome I was mainly inspired by Gregory Crewdson - cinematography, and Joel Meyerowitz most known for his street photography. The street photography came very naturally as half of our time was spent walking around exploring the area, and it was an area I had never been to before so naturally was much more intrigued. In relation to Gregory Crewdson, I was very struck by the bold colours and busy scenery around me. I didn't know how to make it look like a Crewdson photography at the time, but was inspired by what I had seen in his images... Now looking back I don’t think I would of had the time or equipment to create such an image. Although if I were to say which images represent each genre the most, I would say Emergency Service and The Main Road for street photography because they show more action and simply documents everyday life. Where as Telecom Italia and Hotel Noto shows more of a possible story due to the composition of the shots. by covering the subjects eyes in one of my image it forces the viewer to question why...  

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Genres of photography

In this post  will explore the genres of photography used by the photographers I have chosen to research, that have contributed to inspire me for each idea.

Idea 1

Nick Turpin

Joel Meyerowits

Street

Idea 2 

Paola Franqui

Philip-Lorca diCorcia

Documentary

Idea 3

Bruce Davidson

Frank Horvat

Fashion / interest in composition

Idea 4

Gregory Crewdson

William Eggleston

Cinematography

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Sources for research

Photographers A-Z by Hans-Michael Koetzle

National portrait gallery - William Eggleston exhibition

http://www.artnet.com/artists/

 http://www.holdenluntz.com/artists/frank-horvat

#Reflectionstories

Photographer Gregory Crewdson and his eerie rooms of gloom

Gregory Crewdson: Brief encounters 

Barbican exhibition

Introducing BoF's Latest Print Issue: 'The Age of Influence'

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William Eggleston

William Eggleston is an American pioneer of fine art colour photography and one of the first to embrace ‘snapshot’ aesthetic. He photographed around the world, especially near his home in Memphis, Tennesse at the Mississippi delta where he grew up.

I was lucky enough to attend an Eggleston exhibition over the past year at The National Portrait Gallery. The exhibition held a range of 100 photos from the 1960′s when he first adopted portrait and colour photography, casting his friends, family, acquaintances, even complete strangers. Pretty much anyone willing to help make he shot. What I like most about Egglestons work is that even though it is photojournalism, due to the colour and composition of the images it looks very inspired by film. It adds an extra element of wonder because the images aren’t snippets from films, so people wont know the story behind the image, they’ll have to guess and make assumptions from the scenery in the image. 

Favorite Photo Untitled, 1969 – 70

“(the artist’s uncle, Aydn Schuyler senior, with jasper staples in cassidy bayou, sumner, mississippi)

Jasper was hired as a ‘house man’ by the Schuyler family in the late 1930’s and remained in their employ until his death in 1992. In the photograph he unconsciously mimics his employer – shoulders slumped, hands in pockets, and bearing a similar expression, but significantly positioned one step behind. The occasion of this photograph was a funeral.

Jasper has responsibilities akin to those of a butler. He drove the car, helped maintain the house and grounds, and took on odd jobs. Since Eggleston’s parent’s were absent during much of his childhood, Jasper and others had an important role in his upbringing.”

A triangle is formed with Mr.schuyler  stood in front. Jasper stood directly behind him to his left, with the car parked from the left headlight opposite to Jasper but slightly more forward. This gave the photo a simple but effective composition possibly with the intention to show status between the two men. The scenery in which this image has been taken looks cold, and the subjects do not look happy... where are they, what are they doing there? Lastly, the simple finishing touches on the photo such as shading in the corners allows the photograph to look very cinematic – adding an element of drama. Although, these touches could be down to the camera used at the time as editing software was not as good back then, so photographers would of relied mainly on the camera.