My Vision

Posted on by Justin

My Vision

My overarching vision for the “Structures of Serenity” project is to curate a collection of photographs that serve as portals to moments of tranquility. I see this body of work as a visual meditation, guiding viewers to find solace within the often overlooked nooks and crannies of man – made structures.

1. Message Conveyance

The core message I strive to communicate is that peace can be found in the most unexpected places, even within the rigid frameworks of our constructed world. Each structure in my photographs will be a vessel for this tranquility. For instance, an old, weather – beaten shed in a forgotten corner of a field may seem insignificant at first glance. However, through my lens, I aim to reveal the calmness that has settled within its weathered boards and simple architecture. I want the audience to realize that these unassuming structures have stories of stillness and quiet endurance to tell, and that there’s beauty in their simplicity.

2. Techniques, Styles, and Subjects

Techniques:

 

  • I’ll rely heavily on long – exposure photography to smooth out any potential distractions. For example, when photographing a small bridge over a gently flowing stream, the long exposure will blur the water, creating a soft, ethereal effect that enhances the peaceful atmosphere.
  • Using a tripod will be essential to ensure sharpness in the structure while allowing for the long exposure times. This will also help in capturing the fine details of the architecture, like the cracks in an ancient wall or the individual bricks in a chimney.
  • Selective focus will be employed to draw the viewer’s eye to specific elements of the structure. If photographing a gazebo, I might focus on the intricate latticework while blurring the background, emphasizing the delicate beauty of the structure.

 

Styles:

 

  • My style will lean towards minimalism. I’ll avoid clutter in the frame, choosing clean, simple compositions that highlight the structure’s form and lines. This simplicity will mirror the uncomplicated nature of tranquility itself.
  • The color palette will be subdued, with earthy tones and soft pastels dominating. These colors will contribute to the calming effect, much like the muted hues of a mist – covered landscape.

 

Subjects:

 

  • I plan to photograph a diverse range of structures, from rural barns and abandoned cottages to small, forgotten shrines in urban parks. Each structure will be chosen for its potential to evoke a sense of peace. For example, a centuries – old stone barn, with its massive wooden beams and weather – worn exterior, holds the stories of generations of farmers and animals. By capturing it at the right time of day, bathed in soft sunlight, I can convey the peace and quiet that has surrounded it for so long.

Statement of intent-structures

Posted on by Justin

Statement of Intent: Structures

1. Project Title

“Structures of Serenity”

2. Audience’s Feelings

My goal is to immerse viewers in a world of profound peace and tranquility. When they encounter my photographs, I want them to momentarily break free from the commotion of everyday life. The images should act as gateways to a quiet, introspective space, much like entering an ancient, deserted chapel or a secluded garden pavilion, fostering a deep sense of stillness and inner calm.

3. Inspiration and Idea Development

I draw significant inspiration from Jim Pymer. His work often features a unique blend of natural and man – made elements. In his photographs, structures are presented in harmony with their natural surroundings, whether it’s an old barn nestled among fields or a small cabin in the woods. Pymer’s use of light and color is masterful; he often captures soft, diffused light that bathes the structures and their settings in a warm, inviting glow. This approach not only highlights the beauty of the structures but also creates a peaceful and idyllic atmosphere. I’ll study his techniques to understand how to infuse my images with a similar sense of serenity.

I also continue to be inspired by Bernd and Hilla Becher. Their documentation of industrial structures, with their emphasis on simplicity and repetition, remains relevant to my project. I’ll seek out structures with repetitive elements, such as the rows of columns in a dilapidated arcade or the evenly spaced windows in an old tenement building. These patterns can have a soothing, meditative effect, enhancing the overall sense of tranquility in my photographs.

4. Message and Photography Techniques

My message is that amidst the chaos of the human – made world, there are pockets of tranquility hidden within structures. To convey this, I’ll focus on soft, diffused lighting, much like Pymer does. I’ll shoot during the golden hour, when the warm, mellow light can gently caress the structures, or on overcast days, which offer a more even, calming illumination.

In terms of techniques, I’ll employ a slow shutter speed to blur any moving elements, such as swaying branches or passing birds. This will emphasize the stillness of the structures, making them seem like timeless, unchanging entities. A shallow depth of field will be used to draw attention to specific details, like the weather – beaten texture of an old wooden fence or the intricate carvings on a stone monument.

The subjects of my photographs will include small, secluded structures like forgotten summerhouses, old stone bridges, and abandoned sheds. These structures, removed from the hustle and bustle of urban areas, hold a quiet charm. By photographing them, I aim to capture and share the peaceful energy they exude, inviting the audience to experience a moment of tranquility through my images.

Top 5 Reflections

Posted on by Justin

Use of Art Elements

  • Line: The circular edge of the mirror is a smooth, continuous line. The faint, irregular lines in the sandy background add a sense of randomness, which contrasts with the defined circular line of the mirror. This contrast draws the eye to the mirror as the central element.
  • Shape: The perfect round shape of the mirror stands out against the amorphous nature of the sand. The geometric form of the mirror represents order, while the sand is more organic, creating an interesting visual tension.
  • Texture: The mirror’s highly reflective and smooth surface is in stark contrast to the rough, granular texture of the sand. This difference in texture emphasizes the precious and refined quality often associated with the element of gold.

Composition Ideas

  • Frame – within – a – Frame: The mirror acts as an inner frame, containing the reflection of the trees and sky. The sandy expanse serves as the outer frame. This layering adds depth and makes the viewer curious about the reflected world within the mirror.
  • Leading Lines: Although not traditional linear elements, the circular outline of the mirror can be seen as guiding the eye towards the reflection, drawing attention to the center of the image.
  • Balance: The mirror is placed centrally, and the sand around it provides a balanced backdrop. The reflection within the mirror also balances the visual weight of the mirror itself, creating a harmonious composition.

Links to Artist (Sebastian Magnani)

Sebastian Magnani often uses mirrors to create unique perspectives and interactions between the real and the reflected. In this image, the use of the mirror on the sand follows his style of integrating man – made objects with natural elements to create thought – provoking scenes.

Themes and Concepts

  • Element Representation: The golden – hued sand can be associated with the element of gold. Gold is often linked to value, rarity, and a connection to the earth. The mirror, with its reflective quality, can be seen as a tool that reveals hidden beauty, much like how gold is discovered and polished to show its true worth.
  • Reflection and Discovery: The reflection in the mirror shows a different view of the environment, suggesting a sense of discovery. It encourages the viewer to look beyond the surface, much like the process of uncovering and appreciating gold.

Camera Technique and Post – Editing Choice

  • Camera Technique: A flat – on perspective was likely used to evenly capture the mirror and the sand, highlighting their textures and the reflection clearly. A well – timed shot to ensure the reflection was sharp and distinct.
  • Post – Editing Choice: The color saturation might have been adjusted to enhance the golden tones of the sand, making the connection to the gold element more prominent. Contrast could also have been tweaked to make the mirror’s reflection stand out against the sand.

Use of Art Elements

 

  • Line: The branches reflected in the mirror create a network of irregular, organic lines. These lines contrast with the circular edge of the mirror and the rough, crack – like lines on the red surface.
  • Shape: The round mirror is a simple geometric shape against the complex, irregular shape of the red surface and the organic shape of the reflected branches. This contrast adds visual interest.
  • Texture: The smooth mirror surface contrasts with the rough, peeling texture of the red surface. The reflection of the branches also adds a different kind of visual texture.

Composition Ideas

 

  • Frame – within – a – Frame: The mirror frames the reflection of the branches, while the red surface frames the mirror, creating multiple layers of framing. This adds depth and complexity to the image.
  • Leading Lines: The branches in the reflection act as leading lines, drawing the viewer’s eye into the mirror and the image within it.
  • Balance: The mirror is centered, and the red surface provides a balanced and somewhat chaotic backdrop, while the reflection offers a more ordered visual element within the mirror.

Links to Artists

 

This image aligns with Sebastian Magnani’s style, as he often uses mirrors to capture natural elements in unexpected settings, creating a dialogue between the real and the reflected.

Themes and Concepts

 

  • Element Representation: The red, cracked surface could be associated with the “fire” element. The intensity of the red color and the sense of decay or transformation in the peeling surface evoke the qualities of fire. The branches in the reflection might suggest the growth that can follow the destruction of fire.
  • Duality and Change: The contrast between the rough red surface and the smooth mirror, along with the reflected branches, shows the duality in nature and the cycle of change, which is an important aspect of the five – element theory.

Camera Technique and Post – Editing Choice

 

  • Camera Technique: A focus on the mirror and its reflection, with a wide – enough angle to capture the surrounding red surface, emphasizing the contrast between the two.
  • Post – Editing Choice: Adjusting the color contrast to make the red surface more vibrant and the reflection more distinct, enhancing the visual impact of the image.

Use of Art Elements

 

  • Line: The branches reflected in the mirror create a series of diagonal and vertical lines. The circular edge of the mirror provides a continuous, curved line that encloses these lines, creating a sense of containment.
  • Shape: The round mirror is a prominent geometric shape against the organic, scattered shapes of the dry grass. The reflected branches also add an organic shape element within the mirror.
  • Texture: The smooth mirror surface contrasts with the dry, fibrous texture of the grass. The reflection of the branches adds a different visual texture to the overall composition.

Composition Ideas

 

  • Frame – within – a – Frame: The mirror frames the reflection of the branches, and the grassy area frames the mirror. This creates a sense of a captured moment within a larger natural setting.
  • Leading Lines: The branches in the reflection act as leading lines, guiding the viewer’s eye into the mirror and exploring the details of the reflected image.
  • Balance: The mirror is placed in the center of the grassy area, and the reflection within it balances the visual weight of the mirror and the surrounding grass.

Links to Artists

 

This image is in line with Sebastian Magnani’s approach, as he often uses mirrors to capture natural elements in a way that makes the viewer think about the relationship between the object, its reflection, and the environment.

Themes and Concepts

 

  • Element Representation: The dry grass can be associated with the “wood” element. The branches in the reflection further emphasize this connection, suggesting the cycle of growth and decay in the wood element.
  • Reflection and Nature: The mirror reflects the branches, showing the beauty and complexity of nature. It also makes the viewer consider the relationship between the mirror as a man – made object and the natural elements around it.

Camera Technique and Post – Editing Choice

 

  • Camera Technique: A top – down perspective to clearly show the mirror on the grass and the reflection. A proper focus on the mirror and reflection while still showing the texture of the grass.
  • Post – Editing Choice: Adjusting the color tones to enhance the contrast between the dry grass and the reflection, making the image more visually appealing.

Use of Art Elements

  • Line: The branches in the reflection create a complex network of lines, both diagonal and vertical. The circular edge of the mirror provides a boundary that encloses these lines, giving a sense of order. The lines in the dry grass, though subtle, add to the natural texture of the image.
  • Shape: The round mirror is a geometric shape, while the branches have an organic, branching shape. The dry grass has a more irregular, scattered shape. These shapes combine to create a natural and earthy composition.
  • Texture: The smooth mirror surface contrasts with the dry, fibrous texture of the grass. The reflection of the branches adds another texture element, with the thin branches creating a different visual feel. The overall texture gives a sense of the earthy, dirt – related element.

Composition Ideas

  • Frame – within – a – Frame: The mirror frames the reflection of the branches, and the grassy area frames the mirror. This creates a sense of a moment captured within a natural, earthy setting.
  • Leading Lines: The branches in the reflection act as leading lines, guiding the viewer’s eye into the mirror and exploring the details of the reflected image.
  • Balance: The mirror is centered on the grassy area, and the reflection within it balances the visual weight of the mirror and the surrounding grass. The composition feels stable and grounded, much like the element of dirt.

Links to Artist (Sebastian Magnani)

Magnani’s approach of using mirrors to interact with natural elements is evident in this image. The mirror on the grass with the reflected branches follows his style of creating images that make the viewer consider the relationship between the man – made and the natural.

Themes and Concepts

  • Element Representation: The dry grass and the earthy setting are associated with the dirt element. Dirt represents the foundation of life, growth, and the cycle of nature. The mirror, placed on the grass, can be seen as an observer of this natural cycle that is rooted in the dirt.
  • Reflection and the Earth: The reflection in the mirror shows the branches, which are part of the natural world that grows from the earth. It encourages the viewer to think about the connection between the earth, the growth on it, and the objects that interact with this natural environment.

Camera Technique and Post – Editing Choice

  • Camera Technique: A top – down perspective was likely used to clearly show the mirror on the grass and the reflection. A focus on the mirror and reflection while still showing the texture of the grass was important for capturing the earthy feel.
  • Post – Editing Choice: The color tones might have been adjusted to enhance the earthy feel of the grass. Contrast could have been tweaked to make the reflection stand out against the grass, emphasizing the connection between the mirror and the natural, dirt – related environment.

Use of Art Elements

 

  • Line: The branches in the reflection create a series of irregular lines, while the circular edge of the mirror provides a smooth, continuous line. The texture of the blue surface also has subtle lines from the small stones or granules.
  • Shape: The round mirror is a distinct geometric shape against the rough, irregular shape of the blue surface and the organic shape of the reflected branches.
  • Texture: The smooth mirror surface contrasts with the rough, granular texture of the blue surface. The reflection of the branches adds another layer of texture to the composition.

Composition Ideas

 

  • Frame – within – a – Frame: The mirror frames the reflection of the branches, and the blue surface frames the mirror. This layering of frames adds depth and makes the viewer explore the different elements within the image.
  • Leading Lines: The branches in the reflection act as leading lines, drawing the viewer’s eye into the mirror and the image it contains.
  • Balance: The mirror is centered on the blue surface, and the reflection within it balances the visual weight of the mirror and the surrounding surface.

Links to Artists

 

This image reflects Sebastian Magnani’s style, as he uses mirrors to create unique visual compositions that play with reflections and the relationship between objects and their environment.

Themes and Concepts

 

  • Element Representation: The blue surface could be associated with the “water” element. The cool color and the rough texture might evoke the sense of a water – worn surface. The branches in the reflection add a sense of life and growth that is often associated with the interaction between water and nature.
  • Interconnectedness: The mirror, the blue surface, and the reflected branches show the interconnectedness of different elements, which is a key concept in the five – element theory.

Camera Technique and Post – Editing Choice

 

  • Camera Technique: A flat – on perspective to capture the mirror, blue surface, and reflection clearly. A proper focus to highlight the textures and the reflection.
  • Post – Editing Choice: Adjusting the color saturation to make the blue surface more vivid and enhance the contrast between the surface and the reflection.

 

One photograph from Sebastian Magnani and How I am inspired from this photo

Posted on by Justin

Series: “Reflections”

“Red Leaves”

 

Analysis of the photo

 

What the photograph shows

The photograph shows a circular mirror placed on a dark, pebbled surface. Inside the mirror, there is a reflection of a clear blue sky with fluffy white clouds and a branch with deep red maple  like leaves.

Main focus and eye – draw

The eye is immediately drawn to the circular mirror as it stands out against the dark, textured background. The vivid red of the leaves in the reflection also catches the viewer’s attention, creating a focal point within the mirror’s frame.

What’s liked about the image

The contrast between the dark, rough surface of the ground and the smooth, reflective surface of the mirror is visually appealing. The vivid colors in the reflection (the red leaves against the blue sky) add a pop of color and a sense of life to the otherwise muted background.

Composition style

  • Framing: The circular mirror acts as a natural frame for the reflected scene, creating a distinct boundary between the real and the reflected world.
  • Contrast: There is a strong contrast between the dark, granular texture of the ground and the smooth, bright reflection in the mirror. This contrast helps to emphasize the reflection and make it stand out.

Lighting

The lighting appears to be natural, likely from sunlight. The highlights are on the white clouds in the reflection and on the lighter parts of the pebbled surface. The shadows are more subdued, but the darker areas of the ground and the undersides of the leaves in the reflection suggest soft, diffused lighting, possibly indicating a partly cloudy day or a time when the sun is not at its peak.

Formal elements

  • Line: There are organic lines in the branches and leaves in the reflection. The circular shape of the mirror creates a strong, geometric line that frames the reflection.
  • Color: The dark, almost black color of the ground provides a stark contrast to the bright blue sky, white clouds, and red leaves in the reflection. The red and blue are complementary colors, which enhance the visual impact of the image.
  • Shape: The circular shape of the mirror is a dominant geometric shape, while the leaves and clouds in the reflection are organic shapes.
  • Form: The objects in the reflection, like the leaves and clouds, have a sense of three – dimensionality due to the lighting and the way they are rendered in the reflection. The texture of the ground also gives it a three – dimensional appearance.
  • Texture: The ground has a rough, granular texture, while the mirror’s surface appears smooth. The contrast between these textures adds depth to the image.
  • Tone: There is a wide range of tones, from the very dark tones of the ground to the light tones of the clouds in the reflection. The mid – tones are present in the blue sky and the red leaves, creating a balanced tonal composition.

Achieving meaning

Magnani has used the contrast between the real and the reflected world to convey a sense of duality. The mirror represents a portal to another view of nature, highlighting the beauty that can be found both in the immediate surroundings and in the reflected image. The use of a circular mirror gives a sense of completeness and a focus on the captured moment within the reflection.

Techniques

  • Focus: The camera is focused on the mirror and its reflection, with the ground also in relatively sharp focus. This creates a clear and detailed image of both the real and reflected elements.
  • Aperture settings: The image appears to have a relatively deep depth of field, as both the mirror and the ground are in focus. This suggests a smaller aperture, which allows more of the scene to be in sharp focus(which is a technique I really like).
  • Shutter speed: Given the lack of motion blur and the well – exposed nature of the image, it is likely that a moderate shutter speed was used, appropriate for natural daylight conditions.

 

How this image inspired me

 

Sebastian Magnani’s works really inspired my own approach to photography, especially in his unique use of mirrors to frame and reflect the beauty of nature. Inspired by his series Reflections, I began experimenting with reflective surfaces, such as mirrors, in outdoor environments, in an effort to capture the interaction between reality and its mirrored double. The juxtaposition of natural textures (gravel, tree bark) and smooth, ethereal reflections in his images taught me to explore textural juxtapositions in my own compositions, namely through placing a mirror in the mossy stones to contrast organic textures with their shimmering reflections. His careful use of circular frames also served to emphasize how the act of framing an image can shape the viewer’s perception, which made me want to seek out natural frames in my shots, like arching branches or windows in buildings. And the way he contrasts color in his reflections, like crimson leaves against cerulean sky, have refined my eye toward color theory, so that I’ll seek color complements in the landscapes that might conjure emotion or depth. And lastly, Magnani’s theme of duality as a bridge between what is seen and what is reflected has inspired me to invent images that question notions of reality itself, fusing documentary style observation with a surreal, reflective perspective in order to draw viewers into a meditative conversation between what is solid and what is protected.

 

 

 

Top 3 reflection photos

Posted on by Justin

  • Top image: “Street Reflection”
  • Middle image: “Glass Self – Portrait”
  • Bottom image: “Mirror Moment”

 

Use of Art Elements

 

  • Line: The first image has vertical lines from buildings and horizontal lines from the sidewalk, structuring the scene. In the second, the glass panes’ vertical and horizontal lines create a grid – like effect, while in the third, the lines within the vehicle frame the subject. These lines guide the viewer’s eye and add a sense of order.
  • Shape: Geometric shapes of architecture and organic shapes of human figures co – exist. The rectangular forms of storefronts and glass contrast with the fluid shapes of people, adding visual interest.
  • Texture: The smooth texture of glass in the second and third images stands out against the rough textures of the urban environment in the first, like the pavement and building exteriors.

Composition Ideas

 

  • Frame – within – a – Frame: The second image uses the glass as a frame to capture a reflected scene, adding depth and a sense of layering. It draws the viewer into a multi – dimensional visual experience.
  • Leading Lines: In the first image, the lines of the building and sidewalk lead towards the people, while in the third, interior vehicle lines direct attention to the person in the mirror. This technique emphasizes the subjects.
  • Balance: Each image achieves balance. The first has the people centered with equal visual weight around them. The second balances reflected elements, and the third balances the person within the mirror’s frame.

Links to Artists

 

These images resonate with the works of Lee Friedlander. Friedlander was known for his urban street photography that often incorporated reflections, framing, and a focus on the human presence within the cityscape. The use of glass and mirror reflections, along with the exploration of urban social landscapes in these images, mirrors Friedlander’s approach to capturing the essence of modern urban life.

Themes and Concepts

 

  • Urban Living: All three images depict aspects of urban life, showing how people interact with and are part of the city environment.
  • Reflection and Identity: The second image, especially, explores identity through the reflected self – portrait of the photographer. The third image also touches on identity with the partial view of a person in the mirror.
  • Transience: The first image shows a momentary gathering of people, and the third captures a fleeting glimpse of someone in transit, highlighting the transient nature of urban experiences.

Camera Technique and Post – Editing Choice

 

  • Camera Technique: The shallow depth of field in the third image isolates the person in the mirror, making them the focal point. In the second, a long exposure might have been used to capture clear reflections, and a wide – angle in the first gives a broader view of the urban scene.
  • Post – Editing Choice: Converting the images to black and white adds a timeless quality. It removes color distractions, enhancing contrast between light and shadow, texture, and composition, making the art elements more prominent.