statement of intent
My aim in this project is to successfully be able to promote different cultures through the art of photography. I will use different methods of action to not only educate myself but also others around me as well.
I plan to do a series of different photoshoots based on my research and at the end of each photo shoot I will end it with the best and worst of that specific shoot. This will allow me to make progress because I'll be able to see what has been successful and if I have made any weak spots that I will need to fix.
The photographers I will be looking at are Yousuf Karsh, Angus McBean and Steve McCurry. Even though he doesn't do photography revolving around culture I admire the fact that he uses dramatic lighting in his images, this creates a sense of tension/suspicion or in other words adds a cool effect to the picture. By doing this I will be adding my own hint to it and making it my own. I will be using a plain backdrop (black or white) depending on the colour of clothing. My intention of doing this is so that there will maybe be some sort of contrast between the two.
My exact location isn't decided yet but I'm hoping to just do it in the classroom. In order to do this I will need to create a shoot plan. I also hope to work with a professional photographer in a studio setting. This will improve my camera knowledge and skills and help me achieve some good images. I also hope to use different coloured lights and backdrops, having different colours will inspire me to use different styles of photography.
There are many different styles of portraiture for example, school pictures, family portraits and in some cases wedding pictures. However, my theme is mainly focused on faces/facial expressions and clothes/jewellery. To top my work off I will begin to do a bit more in-depth research to expand my knowledge on different cultures. My first thoughts on this theme were that they caught my eye as it was something I've not done before. It also is something that I have an interest in because it includes a variety of things. Some photoshoots I intend to complete are mainly indoors. This is because I would like a plain background but not only that, the weather is usually unpredictable so I don't want to risk anything.
Equipment wise I'll be doing a shoot plan on that but briefly speaking it'll be the standard: tripod, camera and lighting etc. I will show my progress by doing a few photoshoots and over time hopefully you will be able to see some progress in my photography. Otherwise I will have my progress tracker to see where I am up to. By doing this I am doing myself a favour because I will be able to see where I need help. For my final portfolio of portraiture I'm unsure of what to do. I intend to build a final gallery of all my best images. These images have been inspired by my research and by images I have liked on the internet and I will be showing my final theme for the whole of my portraiture project. However, I might do a magazine cover or I may keep it the same. I hope to learn some new skills, for example, how to use double exposure effectively or even how to take a specific category of pictures. Focusing on one part of the body like the eye is one idea that I have which I have taken into consideration.
coggle
moodboards
inspirations
I have tried to recreate these two images as they correspond with my theme of culture/religion, I don't believe that I can edit it further/ improve it as it already looks good and look alike to the target.
yOusuf karsh (1908- 2002)
COMPOSITION
The composition of this photo is really interesting as it not only captures the man, Winston Churchill himself, but it also looks 10x better because of the background, which is a dark brown looking wall. The wall appears to me like it has hollows of texture making it look like a wooden wall that adds interest to the image and acts like a contrast to the models smooth body.
The photographer has used the rule of thirds in this image, with the top of the models head in the first third and his body in the last two thirds. This technique draws the viewers eye to Churchills face and in particular, his eyes, which are in the sweet spot.
We are looking directly into the face, this is captured by the camera being placed at eye level, not too high but not too low either. I think this means that Karsh must have used something like a tripod to capture this image. The picture was taken in 1941 which means that it can't have been a digital camera that he used since they begun to get manufactured in 1984. This means the photographer would have used film, ISO 200 and used the camera on manual settings. As this is a studio shot, I think the aperture would have been something around F14 and a slow shutter speed as the the lighting ids low.
In my opinion, Karsh has shown the use of using lighting indoors, I feel that he has used studio lights right behind the camera because I can see that the light is focused in the center and in the middle ground. The use of this light has a really good impact on the picture because without this light the picture would have been too dark. I really like the soft glow he has used around the models head and the highlights on his hands that add interest to the photograph.
Karsh has used black and white as his main colours, he has created a sharp contrast between the black of the of the clothes and the white of the shirt and handkerchief. We can also see the light on the watch chain, all adding contrast and interest to the image. It gives it a richness and seems quite powerful. There isn't much I can infer about the time of day as this picture was taken indoors,
however, I do think it took some time to get the capture the perfect picture/pose. It also appears that the bottom of the picture has been cropped to the desired length of Karsh by cropping the image, it makes Churchill seem close to the picture plane and quite imposing. There isn't much framing in this picture but there is a bit of a border in the background which act as strong leading lines.
The photographer has used the rule of thirds in this image, with the top of the models head in the first third and his body in the last two thirds. This technique draws the viewers eye to Churchills face and in particular, his eyes, which are in the sweet spot.
We are looking directly into the face, this is captured by the camera being placed at eye level, not too high but not too low either. I think this means that Karsh must have used something like a tripod to capture this image. The picture was taken in 1941 which means that it can't have been a digital camera that he used since they begun to get manufactured in 1984. This means the photographer would have used film, ISO 200 and used the camera on manual settings. As this is a studio shot, I think the aperture would have been something around F14 and a slow shutter speed as the the lighting ids low.
In my opinion, Karsh has shown the use of using lighting indoors, I feel that he has used studio lights right behind the camera because I can see that the light is focused in the center and in the middle ground. The use of this light has a really good impact on the picture because without this light the picture would have been too dark. I really like the soft glow he has used around the models head and the highlights on his hands that add interest to the photograph.
Karsh has used black and white as his main colours, he has created a sharp contrast between the black of the of the clothes and the white of the shirt and handkerchief. We can also see the light on the watch chain, all adding contrast and interest to the image. It gives it a richness and seems quite powerful. There isn't much I can infer about the time of day as this picture was taken indoors,
however, I do think it took some time to get the capture the perfect picture/pose. It also appears that the bottom of the picture has been cropped to the desired length of Karsh by cropping the image, it makes Churchill seem close to the picture plane and quite imposing. There isn't much framing in this picture but there is a bit of a border in the background which act as strong leading lines.
context
Karsh, a Canadian photographer.
-He was alive from 1908-2002
-His nationality was Armenian, Canadian
-Specialized in portraiture photography
-He was also a Armenian genocide survivor, migrated to Canada as a refugee
-Known for his use of 'dramatic lighting' in his pictures
(part information from https://karsh.org/).
As an Armenian in what's now called Turkey. In 1922 he fled with his family to Aleppo, Syria. Two years after his father was able to send him to Canada. This was where he joined his uncle who was a photographer. In the beginning of 192 Karsh began to work for his uncle. It was from here that he began to learn/ see the art and science of photography.
In this picture is Winston Churchill, a man know for many things. He would also be the longest reigning prime minister of the conservative party. If he didn't resign in 1945. He led Britain to victory in the second world war. Karsh had the opportunity to met someone so well knows. This shows that, he was quite respected and well known to have the chance to do such a thing.
-He was alive from 1908-2002
-His nationality was Armenian, Canadian
-Specialized in portraiture photography
-He was also a Armenian genocide survivor, migrated to Canada as a refugee
-Known for his use of 'dramatic lighting' in his pictures
(part information from https://karsh.org/).
As an Armenian in what's now called Turkey. In 1922 he fled with his family to Aleppo, Syria. Two years after his father was able to send him to Canada. This was where he joined his uncle who was a photographer. In the beginning of 192 Karsh began to work for his uncle. It was from here that he began to learn/ see the art and science of photography.
In this picture is Winston Churchill, a man know for many things. He would also be the longest reigning prime minister of the conservative party. If he didn't resign in 1945. He led Britain to victory in the second world war. Karsh had the opportunity to met someone so well knows. This shows that, he was quite respected and well known to have the chance to do such a thing.
connection
This connect to my work as this project of mine is on 'portraiture'. From this picture I can see that Karsh has used Black&White effect. This gives of the effect of something be simple/plain. I can also say that Churchill is someone who represented something and had a story to tell. Just like this many of my models represent their origins. Personally, I believe that everyone is unique and has their own story. That's why I chose to do portraiture in culture.
comment
I really admire Karsh's photography in not only this image but all of them. His use of dramatic lighting really does have a big impact on the pictures outcome. As my theme revolves around portraiture I might try and take some portraiture images whilst using dramatic lighting to give it a nice effect. Yusuf's eye for photography is also quite interestingly intriguing. I do believe that I will try the technique of not taking the whole photograph of someone from head to toe.
angus mcbean (1904-1990)
composition
The composition of this image is really quite interesting as it is focused as a 'close up' and the target is the model's face. The camera is so zoomed in to the point where the viewer can see the fine details in the model's face for example, the smile lines, wrinkles and facial hair. The tight cropping of the image helps to focus on the face and pull you into the image.
I wouldn't really say there is any leading lines in this picture. However, the middle/center of the model's face is quite eye catching because that is where the faces split into different worlds and different stories. If the cut wasn't placed in the center the picture would be completely different to what this outcome is. It also gives us a line of symmetry but the two halves are different which adds interest to the image.
The photoshop skills in the picture are really crucial because without photoshop I don't believe a picture like this is possible, with that cut in the middle to represent two different angles of faces. It may also have been done through the camera lens, positioning the model carefully between two shots. The photographer has used the rule of thirds to make sure the composition is strong and leads the spectators eye into the models face, with the eye being on the sweet spot.
The time of day can't really be recognized in this picture, the colours are quite dark and to me darkness resembles night/midnight. I would say the picture was taken indoors as I can see that studio lights have been used. The man's face is lit-up from the left hand side which is in contrast to the dark background. There are also soft highlights on the beard and jumper which brings out the texture. In my opinion I think the photographer has used a shallow depth of field as it is soft and blurry in the background.
The photographer really has some amazing ideas and camera/photoshop skills. The picture splits down the center but not only does McBean do that he also creates almost like an optical illusion effect. There is a bit of a shape seen in the picture, more of an outline of a face shape. Quite mind boggling.
McBean could have used a tripod to get the perfect angle for this picture.
In my opinion, the photographer tells a story with this one picture. Thigs aren't always what they seem? Don't trust everything you see? It's what is on the inside that counts not on the outside? Don't judge a book by it's cover? The picture says more than words can. The possibilities for the 'story' are endless.
I wouldn't really say there is any leading lines in this picture. However, the middle/center of the model's face is quite eye catching because that is where the faces split into different worlds and different stories. If the cut wasn't placed in the center the picture would be completely different to what this outcome is. It also gives us a line of symmetry but the two halves are different which adds interest to the image.
The photoshop skills in the picture are really crucial because without photoshop I don't believe a picture like this is possible, with that cut in the middle to represent two different angles of faces. It may also have been done through the camera lens, positioning the model carefully between two shots. The photographer has used the rule of thirds to make sure the composition is strong and leads the spectators eye into the models face, with the eye being on the sweet spot.
The time of day can't really be recognized in this picture, the colours are quite dark and to me darkness resembles night/midnight. I would say the picture was taken indoors as I can see that studio lights have been used. The man's face is lit-up from the left hand side which is in contrast to the dark background. There are also soft highlights on the beard and jumper which brings out the texture. In my opinion I think the photographer has used a shallow depth of field as it is soft and blurry in the background.
The photographer really has some amazing ideas and camera/photoshop skills. The picture splits down the center but not only does McBean do that he also creates almost like an optical illusion effect. There is a bit of a shape seen in the picture, more of an outline of a face shape. Quite mind boggling.
McBean could have used a tripod to get the perfect angle for this picture.
In my opinion, the photographer tells a story with this one picture. Thigs aren't always what they seem? Don't trust everything you see? It's what is on the inside that counts not on the outside? Don't judge a book by it's cover? The picture says more than words can. The possibilities for the 'story' are endless.
Context
- Angus Rowland McBean was born in Newbridge, Monmouthshire, Wales on 8 June 1904
- McBean attended Monmouth School and Newport Technical College, at which time he developed an interest in photography
- At the age of fifteen McBean took part in the amatuer dramatics productions at the Lyceum Theatre in Monmouth, where he was mostly involved in the creation of sets, props and costumes. Later in life he credited this experience as being the start of his lifelong interest in dressing up and performing.
- He was an influence on the young John Shand Kydd.
- In 1990, McBean fell ill whilst on holiday in Morocco, and after returning to England, he died at Ipswich Heath Road Hospital
- McBean attended Monmouth School and Newport Technical College, at which time he developed an interest in photography
- At the age of fifteen McBean took part in the amatuer dramatics productions at the Lyceum Theatre in Monmouth, where he was mostly involved in the creation of sets, props and costumes. Later in life he credited this experience as being the start of his lifelong interest in dressing up and performing.
- He was an influence on the young John Shand Kydd.
- In 1990, McBean fell ill whilst on holiday in Morocco, and after returning to England, he died at Ipswich Heath Road Hospital
connection
Angus McBean's work and my work have a connection because in his specific picture he is showing someone being two faced/ triple, depending on the angle you look at the image from. The illusion that the image gives off inspired me to do something similar but I had to make it my own so it was unique to me. This where my inspiration to do a glitch effect came from. It is quite a unique picture to because it can have millions of different interpretations to make it your own.
comment
I find McBean's photography mesmerizing to look at. This is why I myself would like to do something similar. If I do it will have the background of someone being multiplied, two faced o different angles. This is to show the two faced side of someone.
steve mcCURRY
composition
The composition of this picture is framed so that the bottom of the image is cropped a little so that the top of the picture is more spacious to capture the top of the background. This technique is known as the rule of thirds and makes the viewer focus on the face of the young girl. The vivid green eyes of the model sit on the sweet spot and pulls your attention to this spot in the image.
The holes in the girls' scarf is almost as though as if it is a pattern in the cloth. The cloth acts as a frame around the face which helps the composition, the flowing lines of the cloth softening the image. The red of the cloth is in stark contrast to the vivid green background which also makes the image stand out. The colours correspond with each other because the girl is wearing red and green and the background is also a shade of green. Because of the colours having a relationship the picture is more mesmerizing to look at as it isn't all over the place.There is soft lighting falling on the model, this shot seems like it has been take in more of an outside area. It looks a bit like a shelter as the top left of the girls' head looks a little darker/shadowed compared to the rest of the left side of the image. The time of day must be later on in the morning as it is quite bright but not the sunrise or sunset type of bright. Due to the lighting, it appears to me to be very natural. Lighting that a studio light can not achieve.
The shutter speed may seems to be set at a slow speed because, I personally don't think that a picture like this would need a fast shutter speed. It has a shallow depth of field as the background is very soft and blurry which helps the viewer not get distracted from the girl's face.
As I stated before the image seems very raw and sincere. Therefore, I don't think this photo would have been photoshopped. Although, if it was the only thing that looks a bit out of place is how piercing her eyes look and these may have been touched up in post production.
The holes in the girls' scarf is almost as though as if it is a pattern in the cloth. The cloth acts as a frame around the face which helps the composition, the flowing lines of the cloth softening the image. The red of the cloth is in stark contrast to the vivid green background which also makes the image stand out. The colours correspond with each other because the girl is wearing red and green and the background is also a shade of green. Because of the colours having a relationship the picture is more mesmerizing to look at as it isn't all over the place.There is soft lighting falling on the model, this shot seems like it has been take in more of an outside area. It looks a bit like a shelter as the top left of the girls' head looks a little darker/shadowed compared to the rest of the left side of the image. The time of day must be later on in the morning as it is quite bright but not the sunrise or sunset type of bright. Due to the lighting, it appears to me to be very natural. Lighting that a studio light can not achieve.
The shutter speed may seems to be set at a slow speed because, I personally don't think that a picture like this would need a fast shutter speed. It has a shallow depth of field as the background is very soft and blurry which helps the viewer not get distracted from the girl's face.
As I stated before the image seems very raw and sincere. Therefore, I don't think this photo would have been photoshopped. Although, if it was the only thing that looks a bit out of place is how piercing her eyes look and these may have been touched up in post production.
context
McCurry is an American photographer, freelancer and photojournalist.
Born: 23 April 1950 (age 72 years), Philadelphia,Pennsylvania United States
Awards: World Press Award For Daily Life
Education: Penn State University
This information is from https://www.stevemccurry.com/
Born: 23 April 1950 (age 72 years), Philadelphia,Pennsylvania United States
Awards: World Press Award For Daily Life
Education: Penn State University
This information is from https://www.stevemccurry.com/
connection
McCurry's work has a connection to my work as it is a photo of a girl from a different heritage, linking to my theme of culture. The angle of the photo, in my opinion is quite perfect because it isn't too high nor is it a full length, which I doubt I will do. I aspire to be able to take pictures of such a high level.
comment
In my opinion, the way McCurry has kept the colours shows that There is still a 'bright side to thing. The fact that he is quite literally kept the girl in the state she is in shows how realistic the photographer is and he isn't try do be like the media and cover up the truth for attention.
Shoot plan i
What equipment will I use?
Camera- Canon DSLR
Infinity Curve backdrop; black or white
Different coloured lighting, I can use the colourful gel sheets
- blue
- red
- white light
Studio Lights
Light Reflectors
Infinity Curve backdrop; black or white
Different coloured lighting, I can use the colourful gel sheets
- blue
- red
- white light
Studio Lights
Light Reflectors
What props am I using?
Jewellery
- earrings
- head piece
- rings
Makeup
- eye makeup
Headscarves
- different colours
- different materials
Coloured clothes
- south asian clothes
- western clothes
- earrings
- head piece
- rings
Makeup
- eye makeup
Headscarves
- different colours
- different materials
Coloured clothes
- south asian clothes
- western clothes
Do I need models?
As I will be needing models therefore I will be using my classmates and other students as my models. This means that I will be needing to have them come in in their own clothes and I will bring props for them to model/wear. It is necessary that I inform my models beforehand so that they can be prepared.
How many photos do I need to take?
I don't really know how many photos I need to take but I would say approximately 30 or more just because I feel that it is necessary to have good amount of options in case some of the pictures don't turn out as I would expect/like them too.
Why am I taking these photos?
I am taking these photos to show others of my culture. In a way its like showing off my heritage, background and homeland. This shows that I am proud to be apart of my culture and not only that but also my religion.
How does it link to my research, mood boards and 4C's?
I will be using the rule of thirds to correspond my work with photographers that I have researched about.
PORTRAITURE shoot
best |
worst |
This picture is my best as it captures the models jewelry. It also looks like the model is posing.
|
This picture is not my best as I made the mistake of not going close enough. The picture does not match my mood boards so I will re do the the photo shoot. However, I might try and edit these pictures to bring them up a lot closer so that it then fits in with my mood board.
|
Shoot plan with justin
With Justin we used:
- Reflectors
- Manual light
- Tripod
- Backdrop/Infinity Curve
- Stools/Chairs
- Manual light
- Tripod
- Backdrop/Infinity Curve
- Stools/Chairs
snips for the filter
edited outcomes
shoot plan ii
What equipment will I use?
what props am I using?
Do I need models?
I will be needing models. maybe like 2-3. I will be using my friends to help with this project.
How many photos do I need to take?
I will be needing approximately 30 pictures all together for both of the targets.
why am i taking these photos?
I'm taking these pictures as they relate to my mood board and they can be quite accurate.
how does it link to my research, moodboards & 4c's?
This links to my project because they are both relative to portraiture.
Coloured
best:This close up picture is my best because the models facial expression is perfect for how i wanted it to be, the colour of the hijab stands out, the infinity curve is perfect as you cant see any background.
|
worst:This picture is my worst because firstly, the model is smiling when the mood for the picture was meant to be `drained`. Secondly, you can see part of the chair which wasn't necessary and lastly the left side of the models face is way too dark.
|
Three pictures, one story.
This is an end product of my portraiture shoot, I have created the end piece the way it is in order to show no matter where someone comes from we are all ourselves and unique in our own ways, each person has their own story that makes them who they are today.
B&w
TWO FACED
This picture is my best picture because it came out just like my inspiration. Both models faces look perfect, the texture on the front models face was just perfectly captured by the camera. The lighting is being shone on to both faces just fine.
|
This picture is my worst because only one model is in frame and the lighting wasn't right. There was also a reflector needed.
|
i am one.
Kushi pictures:
outcome:
shoot 2
equipment
Camera
The camera we used was linked to the laptop. This meant that even though it was on the laptop it was still as if we we were using the camera manually. The laptop had all the same features as the camera the difference was that on the laptop you just had to click the mouse and it would take the picture.
Background
The background we used was a navy blue pop up type of thing. Although we did have some trouble with the lighting we did get there in the end. This just helped the background be darker.
Coloured Gel
We used coloured gel/sheets to add a filter onto the pictures. We did this by using studio lights and covering them with the sheets. I did this on two lights, one light had a blue gel and the other had red. For a few shots we used a purple sheet too.
Clothes
Just a plain black shirt at first. The silver chain added a hint of colour to the picture too. My model later changed into a white hoodie. This gave me a way to use light and darker colours.
The camera we used was linked to the laptop. This meant that even though it was on the laptop it was still as if we we were using the camera manually. The laptop had all the same features as the camera the difference was that on the laptop you just had to click the mouse and it would take the picture.
Background
The background we used was a navy blue pop up type of thing. Although we did have some trouble with the lighting we did get there in the end. This just helped the background be darker.
Coloured Gel
We used coloured gel/sheets to add a filter onto the pictures. We did this by using studio lights and covering them with the sheets. I did this on two lights, one light had a blue gel and the other had red. For a few shots we used a purple sheet too.
Clothes
Just a plain black shirt at first. The silver chain added a hint of colour to the picture too. My model later changed into a white hoodie. This gave me a way to use light and darker colours.
blue/red light
|
end product
don't look back
outcome:
purple/blue light
This is my best picture as the model's pose is perfect.
|
This is my worst picture as the model wasn't ready and the lighting isn't how I wanted it to be.
|
Hadia snips
This is me, edit
Final gallery
evaluation
What was the project theme and what did you think of it?
My main theme was different because I chose portraiture. However, I ended up exploring different things whilst staying on track with my theme. Such as, new photoshop skills, new methods of changing lighting and how the camera can be set up on different devices so that you can witness the model but with a bigger screen. This means that you get to use fine focus a lot easier and can capture many more details. I think this theme was good because it meant I got to take picture of things I am interested in. For example, representing where me/others are from. I believe this them also allowed me to use my creativity which I quite enjoyed. I feel that I got improve my physical photography skills.
2. What part of the project did you enjoy the most/found most interesting (taking photograph? Photoshop? etc.)
My favourite part of this project was the last photoshoot that I did. I believe that shoot really gave me more options with things I can do further in photoshop. My second favourite part was setting up the location. It would feel as though I'm part of the behind the scenes of something and I found the whole setting up process quite intriguing. Learning new ways of how to take pictures on the camera without having to physically touch the camera was a whole new experience.
3. What new techniques have you experienced?
A new skill I have learnt is how to create a glitch effect on not only people/pictures but also text. This has really improved my photoshop skills.
I used: https://youtu.be/1Ibreg9T168 to help me with the glitch effect.
I used: https://youtu.be/1Ibreg9T168 to help me with the glitch effect.
4. What technique would you like to develop further?
I would like to develop my skills more in photoshop with practicing my layering skills and precision cutting. For my next project I would like to have taken enough pictures so that each outcome I get us a new outcome. To do professional photoshoots you need professional studio lights, a large backdrop/infinity curve, tripod, camera and a model.
5. Which photographers did you research through this project?
I researched about: Yousuf Karsh, Angus McBean and Steve McCurry. These three portraiture photographers relate to my project/theme of portraiture as they all have something unique about them. McBean uses different angles to show the two faced side of a person, Karsh represents famous people and ordinary people. McCurry shows the conflict that the world and media doesn't show and he promotes vanishing traditional cultures. For example, he is most famous for his picture of an Afghan girl with piercing green eyes. I believe I mixed all three of these photographers work and made it my own.
6. How have they influenced your photographs?
These photographers have influenced me to use some of their work in my own to better it.
7. Which technique did you enjoy the most?
There wasn't a technique that I enjoyed the most. However, the most interesting one that I learnt was the gel sheets on top of the studio lights. This was quite interesting as it was a lot less simpler than I had imagined. In my opinion, it made my outcomes look 10x better even without having to use photoshop.
8. What do you feel is the most successful part of your project and why?
I learnt a new technique of how to set the camera up and connect it to a second device in order to enlarge the screen so that you can, firstly, take the picture without needing to touch the actual camera. Secondly, getting to zoom in onto the model one again without having to touch the camera.
9. Did you encounter any problems in your project?
I only found some parts in photoshop difficult because it was my first time doing something new like having to add one picture on top of the other and layering. Besides that I feel that I did good.
10. How did you learn and how did that affect your final images?
Whilst doing my own project I feel that I have learnt some new techniques, unintentionally. But these can help me hopefully in the future. I have also gained general knowledge from my research on the photographers.
11. What would you do differently given the chance to complete the project again?
One thing I would do differently on this projects is work faster on my theory work so that I can have a little extra time on my practical work. So just time management.