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WEEK 6 36 photos

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chosen photos

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WEEK 5 36 photos

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WEEK 4 36 photos

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WEEK 4 In-class

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WEEK 4 SDL

photographers

Rosie Hardy

Steve McCurry

Laura Zalenga

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Class exercises

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Sharing My Beautiful Photos💗

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WEEK 3 36 Photos

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WEEK 3 SDL

photographers

Amanda Carlson

Amanda Carlson's photography, as illustrated in these images, seems to explore the play of light and shadow on the human form, as well as capturing candid emotional expressions.

Play of Light and Shadow: The first two images showcase a creative use of patterned light, casting intricate shadows on the subject's face. This technique adds a layer of texture and interest, highlighting features while also hiding certain details, creating a sense of mystery.

Natural Light: The third photo appears to use natural light, capturing the warmth of the sun. It provides a soft, intimate feel, focusing on the mood rather than the details of the environment.

From these photos, I learned the power of lighting in photography. Experimenting with different light sources can transform a subject and convey various emotions. Amanda Carlson's work suggests me use light not just to illuminate, but also as a creative tool to shape the narrative of the image. Additionally, the unguarded expressions of the model in the photos demonstrate the importance of capturing authentic moments that resonate with viewers.

Adrienne Raquel

Adrienne Raquel's photography often captures vibrant colors, bold compositions, and a sense of glamor and intimacy. Her work feels both modern and nostalgic, with a touch of retro flair.

Use of Silhouette and Color: The top-left photo uses silhouette beautifully, focusing on the shape of the subject. It's simple but stylish, using lighting and color to create mood.

Intimacy and Detail: In the top-right, the close-up with the hands creates an intimate portrait. The colors and textures here are super sharp and rich.

Reflection and Elegance: The bottom-left picture uses a mirror to create a reflection, adding depth and doubling the impact of the glittery dress and elegant pose.

Mood and Environment: Finally, the bottom-right shows how to use light and color to set a nighttime mood, with a cool purple tone that feels like a quiet desert evening.

From Adrienne Raquel, I learned how to play with light, colour, and reflection to create strong, moody images. She teaches how to make every photo tell a story with style and atmosphere.

Lu Guang

Lu Guang is a photographer known for his unflinching documentation of the social and environmental issues in China. His work often captures the stark reality of pollution, industrial devastation, and their impact on communities.

First Photo: There’s a man wearing a mask in front of a smoky, factory scene. Even though the place looks rough, he stands out, showing that people can be strong even when things around them are tough. He's not looking at us, which makes it feel like he’s got a lot on his mind because of all the pollution.

Second Photo: This photo is up close with a man looking right at us. His face is covered with black dust, making it clear he works hard in a dirty place. This makes us think about how tough his job must be and how it affects him.

Third Photo: Here we see someone sitting down, looking sad, next to photos of people who might have passed away. This picture makes us feel quiet and reflective, thinking about the person’s life and the loved ones in the photos.

Close-up: Lu Guang uses the camera to make me feel like we're right there with the people in the photos, which makes me really think about their lives.

The places and things around the people in the photos help tell a story about what their life is like and the problems they might be facing because of where they live or work.

The way Lu Guang takes pictures makes us feel something deep down, like we’re connected to these people and their stories.

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WEEK 2 36 photos

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My first idea was to shoot a series of portraits and street scenes. I chose to shoot next to the Terminal and train station at night because the buildings there caught my attention.

In this night photo series, I wanted to capture the interplay of urban lighting with the dynamic poses of my model. In the first photo, positioned against the stark red beams of a city structure, I utilized the surrounding ambient light to softly illuminate her profile, accentuating her features and the contours of her dress. The contrasting colours create a striking visual, with the red framing her figure against the night. In the second shot, the city's warm, golden streetlights provide a natural spotlight, bathing the scene in a serene glow. I had my model relax on a bench, which allowed for a more casual and contemplative atmosphere. By experimenting with different angles and the available light sources, I was able to capture two distinct moods that showcase not just the fashion, but also the environment's influence on the aesthetic of the shoot.

For the first picture, I made sure to catch the nice, warm light that was shining down on me. It gave a cozy feel to the shot, really making the pretty patterns on my top stand out. I wanted to look relaxed and at home with the temple vibes. In the second picture, I found a spot where the light was bouncing off the shiny railing, which lit up my face in a super soft way. This helped show off the cool background and my outfit without any harsh shadows. I was going for a vibe that was both chill and a bit magical, kind of like how it feels to be at the temple. It was all about keeping it real and making sure the photos looked as good as the place felt.

In these photos of my calligraphy session at home, I wanted to create a vibe that's all about chill and peace. I just set things up simply, putting my little plants on the table and laying out some of my calligraphy work for a bit of artsy flair. In the first photo, I caught a moment of me getting into the writing zone, with a nice bit of daylight coming in but not too bright to overpower the shot. The second photo's more up close and personal, with a nice soft light that makes the scene feel super cozy. You can see the focus is on me and the calligraphy, making it feel like a quiet moment in my day. I made sure the photos felt warm and inviting, just like how calligraphy makes me feel.

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WEEK 2 SDL

Photographers

Laurent Castellani

Laurent Castellani is a photographer with a distinctive style that focuses on the depth and intimacy of portraiture. The images provided showcase his exceptional ability to capture the subtlety of human expressions and the intricacy of textures.

In the first image, the use of natural, soft lighting and a close-up of the subject's face creates an intimate atmosphere. The wet hair sticking to the skin adds a layer of texture and a sense of rawness or vulnerability.

The second photo plays with the refraction of light through water droplets on glass, which distorts the subject's features while also offering clarity in the droplets themselves. This juxtaposition between clarity and distortion can be quite emotive, suggesting a barrier or a distorted perception between the viewer and the subject.

The third image is a tight shot that highlights the detailed textures of the skin and the sharpness of the subject’s gaze. The focus on the eye, with its clear reflection and the surrounding freckles, adds character and depth, drawing the viewer directly to the soulful look of the subject.

From Laurent Castellani, I can find the power of simplicity in composition and the strength of natural lighting in creating mood and depth. He teaches the value of focusing on fine details to tell a larger story about the subject, using close-up shots to create a sense of immediacy and connection. His work is an example of how emotion can be conveyed through a photograph by capturing the essence of a moment and the authenticity of the subject.

TATSUO SUZUKI

Tatsuo Suzuki is a renowned Japanese street photographer, known for his gritty and compelling black-and-white images that capture the raw essence of urban life, particularly in Tokyo. His work often reflects a strong emotional and visual intensity, drawing viewers into the scene and the minds of the subjects.

The top-left image shows a person's face partially obscured by a reflection or transparent surface, perhaps a window. This technique of layering images through reflections is a hallmark of Suzuki's work, showing a world that is vibrant and full of overlapping stories.

The top-right photo features the photographer himself, as seen in a mirror, with his camera aimed directly at the viewer. This self-portrait is not only a reflection of the artist but also an invitation to view the world through his lens, offering a meta-commentary on the act of photography itself.

The large image at the bottom shows a subject behind a rain-drenched window. The droplets distort and abstract the figure while also adding texture and a sense of immediacy to the image. The gaze of the subject creates a connection with the viewer, making this an emotionally charged composition.

From Suzuki, I learned the power of black-and-white imagery to convey deep emotions and the beauty in the everyday chaos of urban life. His use of reflections and natural elements like rain adds layers to his work, creating depth both visually and narratively. By exploring the interplay between the environment and the individual, Suzuki encourages photographers to find stories in every corner of the world around them. His photographs show that a moment's capture can reveal complexities and profound meanings, encouraging viewers to look beyond the surface.

Leo Berne

Leo Berne is a photographer known for his evocative use of colour and light to convey mood and emotion. In the images you've shared, there's a clear demonstration of his ability to create compelling narratives within a single frame.

The first image shows a person seated by a window, with a notable play of light and shadow. Berne captures the introspective mood with a balance of indoor darkness and soft light filtering through the window, highlighting the subject's expression.

The second image offers a close-up portrait with a stark focus on the subject’s features, dramatized by the contrast of light on the face. The use of shallow depth of field brings out the texture of the skin and hair, drawing the viewer directly to the subject's gaze.

The third image, which intrigues you with the smoke, is particularly striking. The smoke is captured in a way that it almost becomes a character of its own, swirling around the subject's profile, suggesting movement and a fleeting moment in time. The lighting here is key, coming from the side to illuminate the smoke against the darkness, creating a sense of mystery.

From Leo Berne, I learned the importance of lighting in creating atmosphere and emotion in photography. He shows how to use natural and artificial light to accentuate features and create depth. His images serve as a study in capturing candid moments with a cinematic quality, encouraging photographers to find stories in everyday scenes. Berne’s work also exemplifies how technical aspects like focus and exposure are not just mechanical choices but narrative tools that can guide the viewer’s eye and emotions.

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WEEK 1 SDL

WEEK 1: 3 Photographers

Research: What is self-portrait Photography?

Self-portrait photography is when the photographer takes a picture of themselves. It's not just about quick selfies; it's deeper. Self-portraits can tell stories, try new things, or even create alter egos. Artists like Andy Warhol and Robert Mapplethorpe used self-portraits to share their feelings and ideas. They explored topics like getting older, gender, and who they really were. So, self-portraiture is more than just a picture—it's a way to express yourself in a meaningful way.

JOEL ROBISON 

Joel Robison, a portrait photographer and Photoshop artist, is renowned for his imaginative self-portraits. He brings fantastical scenarios to life, portraying himself as a giant or endowed with magical abilities. Joel's editing style enhances the dreamlike quality of his images. His self-portraits defy the laws of physics, featuring whimsical scenes like cycling in the air or flying with an umbrella, igniting viewers' imaginations.

Each of Joel's photographs is meticulously crafted, showcasing his talent and dedication. With imaginative compositions and vivid imagery, his work leaves a lasting impression on viewers. Beyond being visually striking, Joel's photographs convey clear messages, making them easily understood and appreciated.

Those 3 photos are about books. Joel loves using natural light in his photos. Books remind him to focus on storytelling.

Lizzy Gadd

Lizzy Gadd, a self-portrait photographer from Canada, combines portraiture with landscape photography to create captivating images. Her settings are dramatic, and her scenes are bold and textured. Lizzy utilizes landscapes to highlight herself as the model, often wearing costumes in vibrant colours like red or yellow, which contrast beautifully with the natural surroundings.

I researched Lizzy Gadd about the place where she usually takes photos and this video came out. She uses self-portrait photography to feel connected to nature and express her emotions. Whether she's feeling amazed or anxious, she reflects those feelings in her photos. In her presentations, Lizzy talks about how she takes her self-portraits. She explains things like why she picks certain places, what camera gear she uses, and how she makes creative choices. This helps people understand how she creates her beautiful and meaningful pictures.

I really love her photos, the landscapes in her photos are wonderful and the natural light attractive. Her photos make me feel inner peace and longing for a better life.

Ziqian Liu

Ziqian Liu is a Shanghai-based photographer renowned for her captivating self-portraits that seamlessly blend elements of minimalism, surrealism, and serenity. Her work is characterized by a rigorous minimalist style that emphasizes order and beauty, creating enchanting and almost surrealistic compositions.

With a keen eye for detail and a talent for conveying emotion through perspective, concealment, and mystery, Liu's photographs forge a strong connection with viewers. Despite the absence of overt human subjects, her self-portraits exude a serene quality that invites viewers to immerse themselves in the environment she creates.

Her images, characterized by their aesthetic purity and balanced compositions, often feature muted colour palettes and natural light, creating a tranquil atmosphere. Through meticulously arranged fragments of her own body and thoughtfully placed props, Liu creates abstract yet evocative narratives where symmetry and order take precedence. Ziqian Liu's work represents a prime example of contemporary self-portraiture, where the exploration of form, emotion, and environment converges to create images that are both subtle and captivating.

From Ziqian Liu's work, I can learn the power of simplicity and restraint in composition, as well as the art of storytelling through visual elements. By observing her meticulous arrangement of fragments and props, I understand the importance of attention to detail and intentionality in every aspect of a photograph. Additionally, her use of muted colour palettes and natural light demonstrates how to evoke emotion and create a tranquil atmosphere without relying on elaborate setups. Exploring Liu's work inspires me to experiment with minimalist styles, emphasizing order and beauty while still conveying profound narratives and emotions.

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WEEK 1 36 photos

My first idea is Self-portrait in the mirror. I tried the mirror in the bathroom and the mirror in my room. The photos in front of the mirror in the bathroom were posted last page, I tried the different kinds of light sources in different ways. Continuing, I photographed myself in my room, lying on the bed and looking in the mirror. Also, I set my camera in the living room, rushed into my room opened the blinds.

The second idea for my photos is the sofa in the living room. I usually like to lie on the sofa. Sometimes I play the guitar, and sometimes I watch movies and TV shows and eat snacks. When I shot those photos, I closed the blinds and turned on a small lamp. This made the picture appear soft and warm, and better reflected my feelings.

My third inspiration comes from my desktop computer. I like to play games, so I have a desktop computer at home. The main light source in my picture comes from the computer screen.

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 WEEK 1

Learning task - Self-Directed Learning (SDL)

Task: Self-portrait (in the mirror)

Learning Outcomes: Lighting, reflection, camera controls

Select 2 songs to listen to as you photograph

Test the different moods you can achieve

How can you use manual settings to take a photo?

Try self-timers on your camera. Please use a DLSR if you can.

I chose two songs, Justin Timberlake's 'Drown' and Havd's 'All of the Stars,' for my photo session to test different moods. The upbeat melody of 'Drown' brought a lively atmosphere, while the slow tempo of 'All of the Stars' created a more serene ambience. Using manual settings on my DSLR, I mounted the camera on a tripod and adjusted it to the appropriate height. Employing a 10-second self-timer allowed me to set up poses and be part of the shot, ensuring stability and preventing blurriness even with slower shutter speeds

TOOLS I used for my photos

Experiences Self-portrait (in the mirror)

I spilled water onto the mirror, and positioned the camera behind me, and fortunately, my camera had a flip screen, allowing me to see my actions and position through the lens. This feature made my self-portrait session smooth. Placing the light source on my front side, I adjusted the camera's ISO and focal length to ensure that I remained the clear subject, avoiding any blurriness

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NEW PAGE FOR

The Interpreted Image 2024 S1

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Week 9 photos