Top 5:
Selection Rationale: I did not choose any image from the prior takes because as explained previously those takes all had some level/degree of mistakes that was overcame during this final take.
<Disappointment>
-This imaged is named “disappointment” because of the subject’s gesture. The prompt given for expression was: “you are witnessing your family in danger but can not do anything” where the subject gave a helpless and despair gesture smashing their fist against the table hating themselves for being “useless”. However to communicate stress on a further level, I named this image disappointment as if all the negative feelings were directed to/at the viewers as if the subject was blaming them (which naturally creates stress). The lighting was also done perfectly as I had the lighting shine in at a side angle where it not only shows a clear line of contrast but also makes clear of the subject’s expression. This contrast creates an additional layer of stress because of the shadows and sharp difference in brightness. Overall this is a quite successful piece, however I could improve by removing the light reflection in the background next time by finding a better location where the light would not reflect.
<Elder’s Sight>
-This image is named “elder’s sight” mainly because of the lighting and subject structure. I created a decent lighting contrast by shining the light from slighting down to upwards on the side. This caused half of the subject’s face to be covered while the other half is exclusively focused on due to it being bright and standing out. This feature will naturally lead the audience to focus on the subject’s eyes which then follows her sight down at the direction of the lighting forming this “sight”. Overall from the subject’s facial expressions and shadow comparison I was able to effectively and successfully demonstrate and communicate my message clearly. However once again next time I should find a more solid background or different location in attempts to avoid the reflection of my light on the background.
<Wise One>
-This image is rather different from the rest because instead of communicating extremely deep message, it is a general and formal presentation of an elder figure, hence named “wise one”. At the same time, despite the absence of deep meanings, stress is still effectively communicated through the subject’s facial expression of “concern” and “worry” while the lighting contrast also added the cherry on top of this stress cake. A point of improvement would be better framing where next time I would take more time to consider a more centered or meaningful framing of the subject.
<If Only>
-This image is similar to the first image, except this this one was taken at a closer distance (two separate takes). Because this is a slightly closer shot, it reveals a different layer of stress and emotion compared to the first. The subject in this piece more of “says” that “only if I…” in terms of regrets. Following the same given prompt as the first one, this is more of a self reflection which would pressure the viewers to think back on themselves generating more stress. The light was not exclusively done to add additional effects but was still carefully taken to create an additional layer of contrast for visual amusement and darken down the environment so the audience can “absorb” the emotions better. Next time to achieve greater heights, I would make sure I center the subject a little more for a better scale and capture of expression.
<Once Upon A Time>
-This image is the most exclusive one out of all the takes. also the only black&white piece I created throughout the entire photo shooting process. I called this one “once upon a time” to reference the “history” emotion that black&white photos bring. Additionally, “once upon a time” is a phrase that will bring memories of the audience’s “once upon a time” to them secretly and silently injecting stress throughout the viewing process. The lighting contrast in this case was more “straight forward” as it is mostly just a line straight down the middle. However I believe this line is a feature of perfection because it creates an “edgy” feeling to the entire image and adds additional amusement to the seemingly vivid picture.
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All Final Takes (excludes top 5):
Main Critique: Overall there was a significant improvement from the last take because not only was I able to nail the lightings but the facial expressions were also up to standards communicating stress through the subject’s gestures. Next time for improvement, I would experiment with different photo shooting locations and backgrounds as well as considering the usage of props.
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