Jenna

Top 10

Top 9

Top 8

Top 7

Top 6

Top 5

Top 4

Top 3

For the Top 3 photo, I was inspired by a very interesting and fascinating phobia called Arachibutyrophobia, which is a type of phobia that fears having peanut butter stick to the roof of the mouth; thus, I visualised the feeling of fear and disgust by using various techniques and materials.  The materials I used for this shoot were just simply peanut butter and knife; however, by making the (hand) model to hold the edge of knife that seems like easily fall off towards the (face) model, I metaphorically used peanut butter on the knife as hinder or danger of someone who has Arachibutyrophobia. The emotional expression on the (face) model’s face also indicates fear and vulnerability, and this invites viewers to connect with her internal conflict, potentially resonating with fears surrounding suffocation or discomfort. The wide, open eyes suggest surprise or fear, enhancing the emotional tension in the photo. This expression mirrors the phobias, where fear can be sudden and overwhelming. Also, the low angle of the shot emphasises the (face) model’s face, making her appear more prominent and adding to the intensity of her expression.

Moreover, the sharp focus on the knife and the model’s face draws attention to the act of feeding, while the background remains softly blurred. This catches the viewer’s gaze with the central action and emotional expression of the model. The composition in this photograph, particularly through the use of negative space and balance, emphasises emotional tension as well. The isolation created by negative space highlights vulnerability, while the balanced arrangement of elements invites viewers to engage with the underlying themes of fear and anxiety. Furthermore, by using the focal point and lighting on the peanut butter on the knife, I tried to highlight the texture of the peanut butter. Not only for the peanut butter, but also the lighting on the model’s face makes a shadow on it, creating more deeper expression and emphasising the anxiety.

Additionally, I displayed and observed the reaction from my peers, and as I expected, their immediate reaction was disgust, discomfort, and even a little bit of fear. This indicates that my intention to take off the fear from our deepest mind was partially successful, as I wanted them to think of strong emotion when they see and my final sets.

Top 2

This photo was inspired by trypophobia, an aversion to the sight of repetitive patterns or clusters of small holes and bumps. Taken in the darkroom, I only used lights that slightly came inside the darkroom to illuminate the model’s face while leaving the background in darkness. This creates a stark contrast between light and shadow that isolates the model, enhancing the feeling of introspection or contemplation. Also, as I used the piercing stickers to cover the entire face of the model to visualise the trypophobia, each stickers reflect the directed light and shines back, making the fear and surface of the face appear more textured and complex. By using close-up framing, negative space, and selective focal points enhances the model’s dry and hopeless facial expression is enhanced. The tight framing around the model’s face creates an intimate connection with the viewer, for this close-up invites deeper engagement with the model’s expression and the texture of the stickers. Moreover, the dark background serves as negative space, emphasising the model, and the isolation reinforces the themes of vulnerability and anxiety. To add on, the reaction of my peers, all of them are disgusted and fearful of the little dots on the model’s face, making me inspired by other phobias to take a photo of.

Top 1

As I decided this photo was the best one among the photos from this final set, I was inspired by Claustrophobia, which is type of phobia that is afraid of being trapped in a small space, and this shoot was when I putted people inside of small of space, darkroom, to visualize the phobia through using their hands. The original plan was to use the model’s facial expression; however, because I’ve tried and used that method a lot, I attempted to try a different method from previous sets, which is using hands.

Inspired by claustrophobia, the photograph of overlapping hands powerfully symbolises the feelings of confinement and desperation associated with this fear. The hands reaching out evoke urgency, mirroring the struggle to escape a tight space. Their layered arrangement suggests a buildup of anxiety, while the dramatic shadows enhance the isolation felt during claustrophobic experiences. This visual representation showcases the emotional weight of feeling trapped, making it relatable to anyone who has faced similar fears. The use of light and shadow further emphasises the tension within the photo. The stark contrasts highlight the hands’ textures, drawing attention to their desperate gestures. This interplay not only creates a dramatic effect but also reflects the psychological aspects of claustrophobia, where the sensation of being overwhelmed is suffocating.

By converting the photo to black/white, I intended to emphasise the usage of negative space and the focal point of the hands, making the audience feel suffocated and highlights textures, shapes, and forms to make the hands more pronounced.

Editing process_Jenna Kim

  

             

 

In this final set, my objective is to delve into the fears that underpin phobias such as trigophobia by examining the interplay of light and shadow. By employing high shutter speed and directing light from multiple angles, I will create strong contrasts that accentuate the model, revealing profound fragments of their form. This will evoke the complex landscape of trauma, with shadows serving as symbols of the concealed fear of these phobias.

Furthermore, the light contrasts will resonate with the theme of duality in the first set, reinforcing the notion that fear and vulnerability coexist with strength. Through this visual exploration, I aim to create an interplay between light and darkness, inviting viewers to reflect on the nature of fear and the hidden narratives that shape our experiences.

The phobias that I chose:

-Trigophobia

-Arachibutyrophobia

-Claustrophobia

1. Alfred Stieglitz

Stieglitz is an American photographer who is also famous as the father of modern photography, as he played an important role in photography to a recognized art form, advocating for its artistic advantages alongside painting and sculpture. Stieglitz was known for his innovative techniques and commitment to capturing the emotional essence of his subjects, for he often experimented with light and composition. The reason I chose him as the most inspiring photographer among others is because of his well-presented camera techniques, like high shutter speed, abstract form of photographs, and emphasis on light and shadow. Especially, his manipulation of light and shadow creates dramatic contrasts that add depth and emotion to his photographs, and this technique aligns with the topic that I chose for this whole unit and inspired me to use the contrast to emphasise the fear which comes from certain phobias.

His photos of Georgia O’Keeffe:

The most inspiring photo: Hands of Georgia O’Keeffe -No.26,1919, by Alfred Stieglitz (American, 1864 – 1946)

The photograph utilises dramatic lighting to create contrasts between the hands and the background. This technique highlights the intricacies of the forms, making the hands appear as air or sculptural. The interplay between light and shadow can symbolise the duality of fear, mirroring my determination to explore phobias. Moreover, the sharp focus on the hands draws the viewer’s attention directly to the subject. The background remains dark, enhancing the sense of isolation and introspection, aligning with one of the phobias that I intend to take a photo of, which explores the fear of being trapped or overwhelmed. Also, the model’s action of scratching her hand showcases dynamic composition, which evokes feelings of struggle or anxiety that inspired me to use the hand as a symbol of fear for one of the phobias.

Work cited:

2. Eliot Lee Hazel

Hazel is a photographer known for his creative imagery that often explores themes of identity, vulnerability, and psychological depth, as his work frequently reflects on the experience and the complexities of emotion. Generally, his photography conveys an emotional concept that invites viewers to explore deeper meanings behind the visuals with profound editing technique. He manipulates light and shadow to create dramatic contrasts, enhancing the emotional impact of his images, and this aligns well with my intent to explore the interplay of light and darkness with phobias. Also, he often layers several photos and textures in his compositions, adding depth and complexity that intricacies of fear and trauma. Moreover, her compositions often focus closely on subjects, creating intimacy and drawing viewers into the deeper emotional depth of the photograph.

her photos:

Inspired photo from him:

The use of motion blur creates a sense of disorientation made me think of the emotional turmoil associated with fear and phobias. Also, the stark contrast between the subject and the background emphasizes the figure inspired me to use light/shadow contrast to highlight the duality of fear and vulnerability.

Work cited:

 

 

 

Top 10

editing process: cropping -> increase saturation ->increase light

Top 9

editing process: increase light -> decrease saturation

Top 8

editing process: cropping -> move to Photoshop -> I used the dodge tool to highlight the movement of light multiple times, for I wanted to emphasize the contrast between lights from Soho and the darkness of night.

 

Top 7

editing process: increase saturation -> increase light

Top 6

editing process: cropping (in Photoshop) -> using the dodge tool on the light movement to emphasise the contrast

Top 5

editing process: cropping -> using the dodge tool on the green light -> using the blurring brush on the white lights to emphasise contrast

Top 4

editing process: cropping ->move to Photoshop -> using the dodge tool on the light movement in Photoshop -> using the dodge tool on the shining part of the soho to connect the brightness of the light movement

Top 3

editing process: increase saturation -> move to Photoshop -> use the dodge tool on the light movement only

This photograph captures more than I initially intended, evoking memories of my childhood and nostalgia. Taken on a street at night, where only the streetlights illuminated the darkness, I used a long shutter speed and deliberate camera movement to capture the light and its shadow. My goal was to create a contrast, making the scene feel almost like a dream. Through the technique of long exposure, the light appears to trail across the frame, imitating the movement of fairies, which was a vision I often dreamed of in my childhood. The use of negative space, combined with the different sizes and colours of the light trails, creates a strong distinction from reality and emphasises the central themes of this set: duality and contrast. Also, the balance between light and darkness reflects the idea that opposites coexist with each other.

editing process: increase saturation -> decrease light -> move to Photoshop -> use the dodge tool on the light and its movement -> use the blurring brush on the light movement

For the top 2 photograph, I selected this image because it not only captures the overall characteristic of this set but also conveys my central message and themes to the audience. In many of the photographs from this first set, I used a long shutter speed to create the illusion of light movement, even though it is actually my movement. In this particular photograph, I aimed to blend different colours from the urban environment and residential areas, mixing two distinct spaces into a single frame. In the background, a large building dominates the skyline, while in the foreground, the apartment complex where I live anchor the composition. Although these spaces exist within the same region, their contrasting lighting visualises one of my main topics, contrast.

I used a blurring brush to enhance the movement of the lights, making the trails appear more vibrant and dynamic. The negative space created by the black background helps balance the composition because if all the window lights were fully visible, the image might have felt too bright. But capturing fewer lights at the right moment allowed me to blend different colours naturally, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

 

Top 1

editing process: increase light -> move to Photoshop -> use the dodge tool on the light and its movement -> cropping

Although there were many photographs I could have chosen as the strongest from my first set, this particular photo stands out the most. It not only connects closely to my statement of intent but also captures the most unique movement of light among all the photographs.  Taken in Soho, this photo uses a longer shutter speed and exposure than others in the set, creating a deeper motion and distinction. The flowing, wave-like trails of light reflect how I moved the camera after pressing the shutter button, making the photograph not just about light movement.  By capturing different colours and types of light, this photo represents the vibrant atmosphere of the urban environment, for the contrast between warm, soft tones and cooler, sharper lights embodies the duality present in the city.

The balanced composition, where the light falls diagonally from the upper right corner to the lower left, adds movement across space, which almost seems like a falling star. Furthermore, the negative space creates a more balanced composition and highlights the contrasting environment, as we can see that without light, there is only the darkness of night, which makes the scene more contradictory but cohesive.