Planning process Evaluation

This unit is my most painstaking, from finding inspiration, drawing ideas, buying props, designing makeup, clothes, and hairstyles, adjusting lighting, and experimenting. It took a lot of time, and I learned a lot of skills, such as body painting, adjusting lights, how to use a macro camera, and using Photoshop software.

At the same time, I once again reinforced what I learned in the previous unit, such as high angle and low angle. I think the reason for the success of this unit is my preparation stage. Before the formal shooting, I had taken at least two experimental shots. Although there was no real lizard, it made the formal shooting much easier.

Photo Evaluation:

The lighting in my photo combines red and yellow tones, carefully chosen to replicate the atmosphere of the red desert habitat. The red lighting I used adds a sense of danger and mystery, while the warm yellow tones complement it, adding depth and richness to the visual palette. This deliberate lighting choice enhances the overall impact of the image, evoking specific emotions in the viewer.

To further enhance the visual impact, I positioned the red light from a sideways angle. This strategic placement emphasizes the outline of both the human and lizard subjects, creating a striking contrast against the balck background. By accentuating the outlines, the lighting adds a sense of definition and articulation to the photograph, ensuring that the distinct features of each subject are highlighted.

The composition of my photo is carefully constructed to capture the faces of both the human and lizard subjects. These two pairs of eyes, symbolizing wildness, ambition, and aggression, create a captivating and intense gaze that grabs the viewer’s attention. The strong emotional impact of the image is further intensified by the direct eye contact with the viewer, creating a powerful connection and inviting contemplation.

This particular photo aligns perfectly with my artistic vision and statement of intent. I aim to delve into the complex and multifaceted concept of female identity, with a specific focus on highlighting the strong and potentially dangerous aspects of women. By combining the intense gaze of the human and lizard subjects, my image embodies the strength, ambition, and assertiveness that can be associated with femininity. It challenges traditional notions and invites viewers to contemplate the diverse nature of female identity.

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Experimenting Elements

Contact Lenses

By acquiring contact lenses that resemble lizard eyes, I introduced a unique and captivating element to my project. These lenses can transform the appearance of the human eye, creating an otherworldly and reptilian aesthetic. The intricate details and colors of lizard eyes can add depth and intrigue to my photographs, enhancing the overall impact of my work.

Red Lighting

Incorporating red lights into my setup contributes to the atmosphere and mood of my project. Red lighting can evoke emotions such as intensity, mystery, or even a sense of danger. It can enhance the reptilian theme by evoking associations with reptile habitats, infrared vision, or mythical creatures. Experimenting with different lighting angles, intensities, and placements can help me achieve the desired visual effect and amplify the overall ambiance of my photographs.

Camera and Macro Lens

Through my exploration of different camera types, I determined that using a macro lens camera is the most suitable choice for capturing the intricate details of the lizard-like eyes. A macro lens allows me to focus on close-up shots, enabling me to highlight the textures, patterns, and fine nuances that make the eyes resemble those of a lizard. The use of a macro lens enhances the realism and visual impact of my photographs, ensuring that the minute details are captured with precision.

Face Painting

My experimentation extended to face painting, where I applied scales resembling those of a lizard onto my model’s face. This technique adds an additional layer of visual interest and authenticity to my project. However, I observed that the scales appeared larger than desired. As I proceed to the final product, I plan to adjust the size of the scales to align more closely with my original vision. This adjustment will help me achieve the desired balance and aesthetic, ensuring the scales harmonize with the overall composition and create a cohesive look.

List of characteristics:

• Emotional Depth: Flach’s photographs often evoke a strong emotional response, capturing the essence and personality of the subjects, whether they are animals or humans.
• Intimate Portrayal: His images provide an intimate portrayal of animals, bringing them up close and showcasing their unique features, expressions, and behaviors.
• Narrative Quality: Flach’s work often tells a story or conveys a message, exploring themes such as the connection between humans and animals, environmental conservation, and the diversity of life forms.
• Meticulous Attention to Detail: Flach pays great attention to detail, capturing intricate textures, patterns, and nuances in his subjects, which adds depth and richness to his photographs.
• Blurring Boundaries: He often blurs the boundaries between humans and animals, incorporating human-like qualities or expressions in animal subjects, inviting viewers to reflect on the shared characteristics and interconnectedness of different species.
• Artistic Composition: Flach’s compositions are carefully crafted, with an emphasis on balance, symmetry, and visual aesthetics. He uses lighting, color, and perspective to create visually striking and compelling images.
• Environmental Context: Flach often places his subjects within their natural or artificial environments, providing a sense of context and emphasizing the relationship between the subject and its surroundings.

Tim Flach’s photography takes place in various locations depending on the subject matter and project he is working on. He has traveled to different parts of the world to photograph animals in their natural habitats, capturing their behaviors and interactions with the environment

Why did I choose him?

I’ve chosen this photographer because I want to make a connection between humans and animals, so I think his work best suits my vision.  Also, his work evokes strong emotions, which is also what I want to express.

A Quote from Tim Flach：

“When you look at an animal and it stares back at you, you can’t help asking yourself: is it aware, does it have a soul, what is it thinking about?

I chose this quotation because it suited my vision. Animals do have emotions and feelings, just like humans.

Shine city contact sheet:

Yellow:

Red:

Hutong contact sheet:

Red:

Evaluation:

The photograph exhibits a strong composition with the staircase serving as a leading line, drawing the viewer’s gaze towards the main subjects—the older people and the young man. The use of natural sunlight from the right side creates a striking contrast, adding a sense of drama and depth to the image. I used the technique of “fishing” allowed for the capture of candid moments and genuine facial expressions, enhancing the authenticity and emotional impact of the scene. The choice of location outside the restaurant, featuring glass bottles and a brick wall, adds visual interest and texture to the photograph. The image successfully evokes a poignant emotion, portraying the older woman’s need to be heard and finding solace in the presence of the attentive young man. Overall, the composition, lighting, storytelling approach, emotional resonance, and careful choice of location make this photograph a compelling and thought-provoking piece.

My vision is to capture the  juxtaposition of solitude and connection in a bustling city. By capturing the scenes of Beijing’s vibrant nightlife through raindrop-covered windows, I can convey a sense of intimacy and contemplation amidst the busy urban environment. I will take photos in the style of my previous photographer, Saul Leiter.  Different to last time, I am particularly inspired by seeing the beauty though windows with rain drops and will try to take pictures that shows Beijing’s bustling night and rainy atmosphere.