Set 1:

Set 2:

For my second set, i got inspiration from two artists, the first is Kieth Sharp, for his mirroring photography placement, and Mario Mencacci, for his photography technique . I have combined these two and created a partly mirrored picture that shows streets and building.

Chosen:

After finding inspiration from both Keith Sharp and Mario Mencacci, I made the decision to focus on clearly focused mirroring photos rather than ones with the bokeh effect. While Keith Sharp’s technique of strategically positioning mirrors allowed me to capture captivating reflections and add depth to my compositions, Mario Mencacci’s street photography inspired me to showcase the unique character and energy of urban environments. Through the use of clearly focused mirroring photos, I aimed to present a visually engaging exploration of urban life, highlighting the interplay of mirrored perspectives in street scenes and architectural settings. By placing a mirror at random corners of the lens, at a place of streets and building, living on a high level building, i got to  aim the lens at the street below and used the mirror to get the buildings on top, making the photo see both cars abd building with the help of the mirror and placing

Bokeh photography creates visually pleasing out-of-focus areas, adding a dreamy touch to images. To achieve this effect, use a wide-aperture lens and position subjects against reflective backgrounds or lights.

Traffic mirror photography captures distorted reflections in convex mirrors placed on streets. Experiment with angles and perspectives to find intriguing compositions within the distorted reflections.

Clear lens ball photography involves using a spherical glass object to capture unique reflections. Place the ball strategically in compositions to add depth and intrigue.

River reflections type photography focuses on capturing reflections on the surface of calm rivers. Look for interesting landscapes or structures that can create captivating reflections.

For mirror photography using a mirror under the camera lens, I will position the mirror on the ground or a surface beneath my camera. This will allow me to capture captivating reflections of my subject or the surrounding environment from a unique perspective. I will experiment with different angles and positions to achieve the desired compositions. This will open up new creative possibilities and enable me to create visually compelling images that stand out.

SET 1: Keith Sharp 

Keith Sharp He is from Chester, PA, United States, 1968 worked as a photographer and art teacher based in Media, PA.

• What series of photographs have inspired you?
  • Keith Sharp’s reflection project series has been a major source of inspiration for me. Through his exploration of reflection, both literal and metaphorical, Sharp delves into the depths of human perception and self-awareness, transforming ordinary mirrors and environments into captivating reflections of our inner selves.

• The name and date of the series of photographs that you are interested in
  • All the photos that are included/chosen by me are taken in the year 2020

Tree Branches and Reflection, Anthony B. Nixon Park, 2020, archival pigment print.

Field and Sky, Chester Park, 2020, archival pigment print

Grasses, Chester Park, 2020, archival pigment print.

Canadian Geese, Trap Pond State Park, 2020, archival pigment print

Lily Pads, Trap Pond State Park, 2020, archival pigment print

Pine Tree with Reflection, Trap Pond State Park, 2020, archival pigment print

• What is the image/series about? (This could be researched or your own opinion) / Explain how this work is related to the theme of reflections.

HOW DOES THE IMAGE INSPIRE?:

Explain how it has inspired you and what you will try to do in your own photos that relates to this image.

Keith Sharp’s reflection photography has been a huge inspiration for me. His ability to capture reflections and transform ordinary scenes into something extraordinary has motivated me to try my hand at reflection photography. I’ve been particularly fascinated by the bokeh effect, where the background becomes beautifully blurred. My reflection photography project, revolves around capturing the beauty of buildings and lights at night. My goal is to create a series of photos where the entire scene is enveloped in a mesmerizing bokeh effect. I want to showcase the interplay between the bokeh and reflections, as lights dance and shimmer across the frame. Experimenting with different angles and compositions

Keith Sharp’s placement of a mirror at the bottom of this specific photograph has become my favorite aspect of his work. The way it adds depth and a unique perspective has inspired me to attach a rectangular mirror to the lens of the camera, allowing me to capture intriguing reflections in my own photography. Sharp’s creativity has motivated me to explore new ways of incorporating reflections with my Bokeh vision.

Research the named artists and concepts highlighted in the starting point.

• Comment on context and influences
• With photography intention:
• Compare and contrast
• society, time, culture etc.

Lee Friedlander reflects in the wing mirrors of cars and shop windows:

Driving across most of the country’s 50 states in an ordinary rental car, Friedlander applied the brilliantly simple conceit of deploying the side view mirror, rearview mirror, windshield, and side windows as picture frames within which to record the country’s eccentricities and obsessions at the turn of the century. These pictures really show how society was changing with the rise of cars in the 50s and 60s. His casual snaps pack a lot of insight into how neighborhoods were evolving from your classic main drags to a way more car-centered and commercial setup. It’s a really interesting glimpse into what American life looked like back then. in other words, Friedlander aimed to casually capture everyday American scenes from his car window, offering a fly-on-the-wall look at the 1950s/60s culture unfolding organically during road trips.

Naoya Hatakeyama used reflections on water:

Antonio Gutierrez Pereira distorted images through glass:

Working in late 1970s Spain, Gutierrez Pereira was influenced by surrealism’s exploration of perception, which aims to revolutionize human experience. He photographed through uniquely shaped glass to blur reality provocatively under Franco’s rule, hoping distorted images might spark imagination and new perspectives. Antonio aimed to blur reality’s lines and stir the imagination. Photographing daily life through uniquely shaped glass, his works became beautiful yet unsettling portals between our inner and outer worlds. By challenging normal views of the familiar, even subtly due to censorship, Antonio provokingly questioned the very nature of perception itself.

Robert Holden’s The Burning House project:

When Covid hit in 2020, photographer Robert Holden endured lockdown isolation and losing his family home to fire. His “Burning House” project photographed the charred ruins to process this trauma through art while finding hope. By documenting one family’s renewal from ashes, Robert aimed to provide others facing uncertainty a message of resilience during life’s unpredictable falls and our capacity to rise again.

Compare and contrast: 

These photographers presented unique perspectives: Friedlander/Hatakeyama captured fleeting reflections in mirrors/water droplets while Pereira directly warped scenes with glass to blur reality under censorship. Holden confronted deep personal loss by photographing his burned home remains, drawing lessons of rebirth from ashes. Each challenged typical views in introspective or thought-provoking ways through their reflective/distorted techniques.

• Lee Friedlander has photographed images reflected in the wing mirrors of cars and shop windows.
• Naoya Hatakeyama used reflections on water to explore views of Tokyo in his ‘River Series’ Lisette Model layered reflected images through windows
• Antonio Gutierrez Pereira distorted images through glass.
• Robert Holden’s The Burning House project explores self-reflection and the conflict between what’s practical, valuable, and sentimental.

I will choose intentional camera movement for my first set. The artist/photographer that I look up to and who has my vision is Ernst Haas. Ernst Haas is a photojournalist famous for his color photography and black/white photography. Ernst Haas is also known for his intentional camera movement photography. The following pictures are some of his work and my possible vision for set #1:

His ICM is mostly street photography.