For my first set of photos, I drew inspiration from the photographer Ming Thein. He mainly focuses on the urban environments of structures which I feel like I did a great job on. I purposely photoshopped my photos with a strong and deep composition, which gives the opportunity to solely focus on the structures that were captured. The strong structures of composition convey a sense of symmetry, creating a strong visual impact in these sets of photos; symmetrical compositions balance out patterns and shapes within the photo, developing a sense of harmonious feel. Additionally, these compositions also add depth and layers. Layers can add depth and complexity to the composition; this also acts as leading lines guiding the viewer’s eye through different elements. However, Ming Thein’s photos are usually black and white. In the process of thoughts, I constantly bounced between no color and color, where I felt that colored ones looked so much more visually appealing than ones with no color. These with color capture the environment as we perceive it in reality; it brings vibrancy and richness to the image, making it more captivating to visualize. Color could also be used strategically to create impact and draw attention, making certain elements stand out and become focal points within the composition. While black and white photography can have its own meaning and artistic appeal, in this case, color offers a broader spectrum and lights up the element shown in my images.

 

Mindmap-

Statement of Intent:

For this unit, I will be primarily focusing on capturing the essence of structures, drawing inspiration from the work of Ming Thein. Ming Thein has a distinct photographic style that emphasizes the architectural elements and forms of structures. In my photographs, I will explore the intricate details, lines, and textures that define different structures. Ming Thein’s approach often involves showcasing the geometric patterns, symmetry, and unique characteristics of buildings. I’ll aim to capture the visual impact of structures by highlighting their grandeur, elegance, or minimalist aesthetic. By focusing solely on structures, without incorporating reflections, I will aim to showcase the inherent beauty and artistic qualities of architectural designs. I will experiment with different angles, lighting conditions, and compositional techniques to capture the structures in a way that emphasizes their visual appeal and evokes a sense of awe and appreciation. Through this exploration, I hope to convey the significance of structures in our surroundings, their impact on the urban landscape, and the artistry behind their construction. By highlighting the details and forms of structures, I aim to engage the audience and invite them to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship that goes into creating these architectural wonders.

The photo I have chosen to evaluate from Ming Thein focuses on a black-and-white structure photo that highlights the overall composition. The shadow of the wall creates a stark contrast between the dark areas and the lighter areas of the structure. This connection of light and shadow emphasizes the texture and surface details of the architectural elements, highlighting the patterns of the buildings strutrues and forms. The black and white photo limits the visual color of the photo allowing viewers to solely focus on the structural lines and geometric shapes created by the interplay of the light and shadow. The strong composition such as the sharp edges and distinct outlines from the shadow can contribute to a more graphic and visually striking composition. One unique aspect of the photo is the positioning Ming Thein chooses to put the two people. Placing them off-center can create a more visually dynamic composition. It adds intrigue to the image of breaking away from traditional-centered compositions, making it more unique.

 

ReflectionsS2 contactsheet

For my second set of photos, I found inspiration in the renowned Japanese photographer Naoya Hatakeyama, known for his portrayal of reflections in natural environments. Drawing from his influence, I focused on capturing the relationship between reflections and the surrounding environments and landscapes. Similarly, I photographed a lake that mirrored the lush trees in the background. I incorporated a symmetrical element by featuring two individuals in the frame, further accentuating the visual harmony and balance within the composition. This symmetrical line that ‘invisibly” cuts through the middle acts as leading lines, guiding the viewers to focus more on the two individuals, and creating a strong visual presence. On the other hand, my photos are all very vibrant which captures the audience’s attention due to the intensity and richness of the color. The orange vibe of the sunset creates a contrast making the reflections stand out even more and sharpening the composition. One thing I changed from what my artist did was the positioning of his main objects. I thought it would create a pretty strong visual effect by positioning the main subjects not in the middle of the frame but instead on the side. This creates a dynamic composition by including more of the surrounding environment, it allows for negative space and empty areas providing a balance and breathing room for the composition.

 

Reflections S1 contactsheet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In my first set of photos, I drew inspiration from the photographer Lee Friedlander, who shows both reflections and street photography in his work. Similarly, I divided my collection into two distinct sections. In the first three photos, I reflected off of windows. By capturing these reflections, it adds an additional layer of visual interest, presenting viewers with different perspectives within the confines of a single frame. This not only enhances the depth and complexity of the composition but also adds a touch of abstraction, making the images visually captivating and intriguing. Furthermore, the other three photos were capturing more of the movements of people I see. By capturing people in motion, it creates a sense of realism and authenticity. Capturing every bit and parts of life can make the audience feel more connected to the images, as they portray real moments and interactions of people around us. Lastly, edited all 6 of my photos in black and white. I feel like black and white photos carry a sense of timelessness and classic beauty. With no color, the contrast between light and dark areas becomes more appealing adding depth and dimension, highlighting and emphasizing the textures and details of the photos.

1. Lee Friedlander

Lee Friedlander is an American photographer who is widely known as one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century. Friedlander began his photographic career in the 1950s and gained recognition for his work in street photography. He documented everyday life in urban environments, particularly in New York City, where he captured candid and unposed moments with a keen eye for composition. His photographs often feature overlapping elements and reflections creating complex and visually intriguing images. One of Friedlander’s signature techniques is the use of reflections and self-portraits. He frequently incorporates his own reflection into the frame, blurring the boundary between the photographer and the subject matter, as seen in the first and third photos. This approach adds a layer of self-awareness and introspection to his work, challenging the notion of objectivity in photography.

The photo I will be choosing for evaluation is the second image in the gallery. Friedlander used the still water to reflect the buildings in front of him, creating a mirror-like reflection, effectively doubling the visual elements present in a scene. This can add a sense of symmetry and depth to the composition, enhancing the overall visual appeal. Reflections from water as I mentioned earlier, could create visual layering within an image. By capturing both the reflection and the objects above the water’s surface, this creates interesting juxtapositions and compositional elements. This layering can add complexity and depth to the image, engaging the viewer’s eye.

2. Naoya Hatakeyama

Naoya Hatakeyama is a renowned Japanese photographer known for his captivating and thought-provoking work that explores the relationship between human activities and the environment, particularly in urban landscapes. Hatakeyama’s work often exhibits meticulous attention to detail and a keen sense of composition and light. He carefully considers the relationship between light, shadow, and space through reflections, creating images that are visually compelling and conceptually rich. His photographs often evoke a sense of stillness and contemplation, allowing viewers to picture the surroundings of our built environment.

The photo I will be choosing for evaluation is the first image in the gallery. This image is called “Underground”, where Hatakeyama explores the hidden world beneath the surface of cities. Hatakeyama delves into these subterranean spaces, capturing their unique aesthetics and shedding light. Hatakeyama captures reflections in the water that allow us to see the textures of the wall or the big setting of the image. These reflections can introduce a sense of ambiguity and creates a layered effect. They add an element of visual intrigue by blurring the boundaries between the actual subjects and their mirrored counterparts.

Mindmap-

Statement of Intent:

For this unit, I will be mainly focusing on reflections from either windows or glass. If Beijing starts raining, I will be using the atmosphere and style Saul Leiter has shown and performed in his photographs. Reflections usually create visually captivating images that draw the audience’s attention. It adds depth and a sense of dimension to an image. By capturing the reflections from different objects, it adds a layer more like peering into another world or seeing multiple perspectives. Furthermore, I will also be working on abstraction and fragmentation. Saul Leiter would often capture reflections from windows and water, creating visually complex and intriguing compositions. Leiter usually also likes to focus on capturing the details and textures of his subjects. Whether it was from rain-soaked streets or foggy windows, or even capturing random movements, he emphasized the visual nuances that added depth and character to his photographs from different perspectives.

 

 

 

 

In the first two photos, I intentionally captured the model’s face from a perspective that is not directly facing my camera, which I positioned the camera typically to the side. Shooting from the side can add a layer of depth and dimension to the image. It allows the audience to see different planes and angles of the face. Furthermore, the side angle can highlight the shape and structure of her face. The nose, mouth, and lips become more pronounced, enhancing its visual impact on the entire image. Compared to the other two, these are way more closed up to the face. This allows us to capture the intricate details, the freckles, and the texture that may not be visible from a distance to the camera. It reveals the characteristics of the face and highlights the unique aspects. Additionally, this close-up photography involves macro photography. Especially using a camera, it helps reveal the beauty of everything that is not easily visible to the naked eye. You are able to visualize the bits and pieces on the face, either the texture of the skin or even the eyebrows. This then has a stronger visual impact due to the emphasis on such detail, grabbing the viewer’s attention, and furthermore making the photo overall aesthetically pleasing.

 

 

In the next two photos, I positioned my model in the center of the frame, and the primary focus was on utilizing effective lighting techniques. Lighting was crucial in ensuring that the details in the images were clearly visible and well-defined. To achieve this, I employed soft and diffused lighting, which was well-blended in with the colors and created a visually appealing aesthetic for viewers. Furthermore, it also helped create depth and dimension as there were shadows and highlights. The presence of shadows added visual interest and a sense of three-dimensionality to the overall composition. This technique effectively enhanced the overall depth of the images while still ensuring that the model’s face remained prominently illuminated, and could see her freckles.

My experimental photos primarily focused on the distance between the camera and the person. The closer the camera is positioned, the better it can capture the texture and structure of each individual’s face.

 

 

Societal and Cultural Issues + Statement of Intent- The unit for this is called “Identity”, and which I immediately thought of my older sister. She has freckles on her face which makes her unique as an individual and moreover makes each person truly one-of-a-kind. It is essential to appreciate and celebrate this kind of diversity, as it extends beyond physical appearances, no matter what race you have, religion, personal experiences, etc. By doing this, we can create a society where everyone feels a sense of belonging and acceptance. My main message is that no matter what, everyone is unique and special as human beings, and I would like to express this message through my photo sets.”

Photographers-

Steve McCurry

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Julia Margaret Cameron

Mark Mann

Mood Board-