Final Works

• In this set of final work, I hope to create, to the best of my ability, satisfying visual presentations of objects that relates to the theme of discarded under the coating of captivating elements to which enhances my works.

Best 3:

<Wasted>

• The name “wasted” is based of the presentation. The bottle is seen laid down with sand coming out of it, which represents gunpowder and the dusted bullet shells represents that they were just used, which is how this connects to the theme of discarded. I wish to communicate the feeling of dusty and scrappy to the audience. I aim to do this by adjusting the focus onto the bullet shells which I purposely bathed in sand to add a layer of visible dust onto. By using the closeup skill, I allow my audience to focus their attention on the details of the bullets which helps the audience pick up my intention better. Overall, I believe that I successfully explored the theme and message as I planted various details in the photo to represent the theme of discarded alongside enhancing the details with techniques to project my message. If I had another try or chance, I would want to add real fire in the background or perhaps find a better terrain to improve my work.

<Idle>

• The name “idle” is based off its arrangement. The bullet is seen standing directly in the center of the frame. I purposely went against the rule of thirds here using a reverse technique and center the bullet to dictate it as my subject. This allows the audience to confirm their center of attention which helps transfer my intent. The two glass bottle mouths on the sides are “decorations” that helps create a symmetry within this image. This symmetry helps direct the attention onto the subject and convey the theme of discarded. I also used focusing on the sand where the bullet is placed on to show its details which helps enhance the general visual presentation. If I had another try or chance, I would want to rotate the angle of the camera to show more background that has elements bettering the symmetry.

<Lapse>

• The name “lapse” is based off the term time lapse which is a form of filming where an extended length of b-roll footage is fastened into a short duration for the sake of presentation or convenience. The subject is the clock shaped by sand and built by bullet shells as its hands. This connects to the theme of discarded in three ways. First, it is built by sand, which (sand) has the characterizes of easily lost and unable to be held together, representing the passing of time. Second, the bullet shells which symbolizes builds the hands, which means the waste (bullet shells) points to what time it is, representing the wasting of time. Third, the clock built by lose and wasted items that can not be held together overall represents the lost of time. These three points together shapes the theme of discarded and lost, which is enhances by the use of negative space and composition. The entire background is left as basically negative, with no additional elements representing waste. The subject being framed on the bottom half of the frame allow the audience to focus on what is “in front” of them and not “behind” (in the future). Overall, though I admit the showcase of the theme and message here is abstract, the entire piece is artistic indeed which makes up for the slight distortion and abstraction that the audience may feel. If I had another try or chance, I would want to have additional bullet shells to build the numbers around the clock and better the image.

Special Set of 3×4

• This is a set of photographs that bases off the previous project that I did. What is special about this set is that it mergers the characteristics and techniques from the reflection photographs, combining 4 images together to form a new one. Though this set leans into more of an experimental type that illustrates shapes, the whole intention makes the use of this technique meaningful. In these images, I intent to form shapes that is built by discarded items to capture the whole theme, in which case is bullet shells. To improve this set, I should go acquire different angels of the same setting which should create more complicated shapes as the current ones are basic. Though compared to the other works these seem more sketchy, it is worth noting that these did indeed take multiple tries to complete which is why I believe they deserve to go alongside the other final works.

Additional Creation of 1×3

• This is a new attempt that builds off the previous one. In this attempt, I used one image repeatly 3 times vertically instead of 4 times in a square fashion. This image attempts to communicate the message of continuity throughout whats wasted. I achieve this by using a high to low angel above the subject to illustrate the distance. The long wiggly line of discarded items (bullet shells) pulls this to the theme of discarded while creating a line. To improve on this, I can follow the same steps as the previous one which is to add more complex structures and combine them together to form more complex results. For this one specifically, I think I should add additional elements in the negative spaces to enhance the visuals.

Final Set of 36

New Statement of Intent: Through the lenses of nature and humanity, I wish to communicate the beauty of bullet shells under the theme of discarded items.

• This is chosen as my new statement of intent because the advices and feedbacks I have received shaped my decision to focus on the projection of my discarded subjects instead of the theme behind it (though also important).

<Practice 1>

Best 3

• This is an image taken in the studios with the subject being a group of bullets being placed vertically in the center and shot with a blurry frame on purpose. I used depth of field in this image combined with framing as I purposely centered the subjects to create a sense of focus in contrast with the blurry frame alongside placing them backs to create a difference in distance. I also purposely used warm lighting to enhance the copper texture which has a original color of bronze/yellow. These techniques allow the subjects to glow in the dark and create a warm imagery simulating night lights. To improve, I should consider how the background could be changed more to strengthen the contrast and imagery of the subjects and light bulb.

• This is an image taken in the studios of the subjects being dropped onto the ground and bouncing up simulating the ejection process of bullet shells. I used a high to low angle in order to project the difference of size between the bullet shells and the floor. I also had my camera focus at a point on the ground (also a queue) before the bullets were dropped to capture this half focused framing on the bullet shells. This make the bullets look very shaky which enhances the image of them falling and bouncing. These techniques allowed the creation of a “lively” imagery full of “action”. To improve, I should consider putting more elements on the ground which could help with bettering the imagery of “lively” and “action”.

• This is an image taken in the studios of the subjects falling onto the ground behind a gun barrel. I used depth of field explicitly in this image and located the two subjects – the barrel and the bullets – in a fashion that it looks like the barrel is shooting out bullet shells against a way where instead it is just bullets dropping behind a barrel onto the ground. This combination of techniques achieves the effects of abstraction as bullet shells are usually the discarded ones resulted from firing yet the roles has shifted in this image. I should improve by expanding the image to add more elements that can help present this idea.

Set of 45

• This set of photos focuses on the imagery of war under the theme of discarded. The set is taken inside the studio mainly because the requirement for lighting and background (black) to represent the theme of war and discarded. There was also prop safety and convenience considerations. Overall the set turned out to be relatively successful as the first experiment and it also surfaced some issues such as camera focuses/iso and possible errors such as timing and quantity (amounts/size of bullet shells needed). A major point of improvement summarized is to add additional elements, best if nature related, to decorate the background and create contrast by doing so. A side point that needs attention is adjusting the focus properly before taking photos.

<Practice 2>

Best 3

• This is an image taken outside the studios of two bullets sinked in sand. I used closeup on the subjects to capture the details of the sand around it which enhances the visual aspects of the photo. In addition, the composition of the subjects were intentionally set directly in the center to expand the emptiness around it which is how the theme of discarded is projected. By having the bullets shells thrown in the middle of nowhere, it brings the feeling of vacant and wasted, exactly what the audience needs to feel. The color of the bullet shells blends perfectly with the background because being similar in tone, though just a bit darker makes the bullets stand out while also merged with its surroundings. To improve, I should attempt to add some additional foreground/background to coat the loneliness.

• This is an image taken outside of the studios of one bullet shell pouring sand into the other. This scenery leans more into the visual presentation and interpretation than the actual intent. Through simulating one shell as the whine bottle and the other as the glass, I intend to express beauty through what is considered waste by people. This slightly abstract idea is inspired by a random video I watched of someone pouring whine in a stylish fashion. Aside from framing and composition, there is not much technique used on this image to specifically enhance the idea, however they do help coat the overall presentation such as using natural lighting and focusing on the subject. To improve, I should take this inside the studio instead because it lies more to civil instead nature.

• This is an image taken outside of the studios of bullets falling out of someone’s hands alongside with sand. Originally, the bullets is suppose to fallout as well however after many attempts I came to the realization that it is almost impossible to capture that moment since the chances are completely random and moved on. The central focus for this is to represent the lost of time and how time can not be held. Discarded relates to this topic as it is the literal lost of time. I used the closeup technique to capture the dropping sand as its details can illustrate the lost presented in the image. To improve, I should find methods to time the bullet drop perfectly and capture the original intended scenery.

Set of 35

• This set of photos focuses on the addition of natural elements. Following this, the location of this set has been chosen take place in the ES playground instead of the studio. Aside from feedback that suggests this decision, another major influences is the sand. For many reasons, sand or its larger form deserts always has some sort of relationship with the idea of wasted/discarded. I decided to use this connection because it can significantly increase the work’s relevancy to the topic therefore meaning that I can experiment more freely on ideas that I have planned earlier. A major point of attention overall to improve this set is to be aware of the background/foreground making sure that they are “necessary” and related to the subjects since the location is no longer a studio meaning that there is less control in those aspects.

Discarded Items:

<Steve Geer Photography>

• This is an art gallery found online on the theme of “Discarded” by Steve Geer. Based on information provided, Steve Geer is a middle-aged photographer living in Chicago. Steve believes the true beauty of photography is the connection of feelings between the taker and the viewer as he quotes: “When I look at a photograph, I like to imagine. I want you to imagine too.” His ideology inspires his artworks to be purposed with feelings and messages that he wants to build into a connection with the audience. I personally found this aspect of Steve fettering with mine as I often communicates varied messages through my work. Therefore, I choose him to my first artist to research.

• This set of Steve Geer’s photography focuses on a presentation of “trash” as subjects placed in a puddle of clear water under a black&white lens. This set projects the ideology of discarded in a literal way by having the subject as real trash. In the addition to this, this set also creates a depth of field between the background and the subject by using the puddle as a mirror that distances the two elements (background and subject) upon reflecting. This distancing of space enhances the feeling of left out which leads to discarded. A noticeable detail is that the subject is always placed in the dark part of the background which is made up of urban reflections. This decision is most likely to project the subject more clearly and possibly create a contrast with the background.

(1)

• The subject of this image is a piece of wasted cloth lying in a puddle of water mirroring the building next to it. The subject reflects the literal meaning of discarded  while the mirroring on the water coats it with the idea of reflection. The cloth communicates an abandoned imagery and the scene created by the water, being slightly distorted, adds illusion to the sensation. This image uses black & white color tone to bind oldness and outdated to the theme of discarded. This technique creates a balance in depth of field and tone as it balances the distances of the subject and the reflection with the absolute equality in color (things are set to only black or white with about the same amount of both).

(2)

• The subject is a wasted glove put on a string and a ballon in water which reflects the background and sky. The positioning of the subjects makes it look like as if the glove is holding the ballon. The subject suggest childhood through the presentation of the ballon which is suppose to mimic our old desires. Together with the black & white tone which adds an aged feeling, create the theme of lost childhood. In a way, our childhood is one of the major “items” we discard in our life which makes this imagery connecting yet distant from the audience. The black & white color tone creates a depth of field between the subject and the background setting the two apart where the subject is bright sitting in front and the background is dark sitting in the back.

<Anthony Gerace>

• Anthony Gerace is a “UK-based” artist and illustrator who mainly does photography and publishing. He has collaborated with many organizations and artist, two of the most known ones are the Washington Post and The New York Times. These two works that I have chosen are his concrete mediums of the “evolving methodology geared toward the exploration of historicity, the passage of time, and the experience of being outside of oneself.” I choose him as my second artist of research because I found his style- though distant from my theme and focus -to be so abstract to an artistic point where it makes sense when thinking with distorted logic. On a plus note, he was introduced in the page of discarded items on DX therefore it must be fitting in some style.

• This set called “There Must Be More To Life Than This” is a set of abstract American 19s style portraits constructed by grids. This set of images is presented in more of a painting style than actual photographs, yet this perfectly illustrates the distortions, abstractions, and imperfections this set clasps. Understandably so, this set of images illustrates the theme of discarded through the different grids that constructs the image. Looking closely, it is obvious that there are blank grids on that puts random negative spaces in the image making it incomplete, this forms the idea of discarded as these grids represents un-wanted parts of the image. This explanation though does seem forced, it is undeniable however that artistic lenses are meant to be abstract and “forceful” which is what establishes this rationale.

(1)

• The subject is a uncompleted image of a 19s American artistic style lady. The theme of discarded items is presented in the missing squares of the subject. The missing blocks on the lady suggest that they were left out/discarded from the whole/original image. This communicates almost a message of confusion because the connection mentioned seems really forced yet it makes sense. This imagery of discarded is achieved through color tone where the author created a clear contrast between the colors of the lady and the background to make the squares seem extremely “left out”.

(2)

• The subject is half a face a lady presented on a piece of blank paper in a cubical format. This communicates a feeling of “left out” which represents the theme of discarded. The subject resembling a piece of “random” paper and being laid on a blank sheet of background suggests that the subject has been abandoned. Rules of thirds is used to position the subject just slightly to the right for a sightly view to the audiences. The use of negative space contributes significantly to the compositional aspects as it leaves the subject “alone” in the middle. The blank space and the seeming “small” (compared to the whole image) subjects suggests that it is discarded.

Citation:

https://stevegeer.com/gallery-3.html

https://www.anthonygerace.co.uk/

<Mind Map>

• A list of elements that connect to my theme. Each of these elements will contribute to the aspects my of final photo

<Mood Board>

• There is a lack of bullet shell photographs in an artistic manner. More examples are to be added later.

<Statement of Intent>

• “I want to inflict the terror of war through the showcase of cold artillery coated with discarded subjects insinuating the suffering of innocent ones during the process”
• I believe weapons are cool and “fun” under the context of peaceful use however, war is something that is malicious and constantly disturbing humanity. Though it is impossible to end all wars, raising awareness in attempts to save those whom are innocent is always what should be aimed for.

After weeks long of repeating experimenting, revising, and serious decision making, below are all the updated and final aspects of my final photography piece.

Idea: I will take 4 separate pictures of a scenery each representing different sub-themes which will then be put together into a 1:1 frame demonstrating the different perspectives of one view, reflecting the divisions of reality that exists within it.

• This idea is heavily inspired by a creator on Douyin by the name of 昼漾. He is an artist who creates satisfying and grand photos. One of his most popular works is of 4 photos of urban structures and sky combined together looking like as if the sky was surrounded by the buildings, and the alter which looked like the earth is literarily a square.
• To demonstrate reflection and my own personal uniqueness, I will follow the general image structure except the 4 photos will be taken of the same subject/scenery each with different sub-themes, for example different time of the year or day (season and time). This will show the different aspects that scenery and with all put together it will look like one is reflecting the other.

Statement of Intent: Through the vision of civilization, stands the perception of existence across the imagery created by the diversity of untouchable reality.

• “Through the vision of civilization” indicates the inclusion of urban elements that suggests humanity.
• “Stands the perception  of existence” means the general idea or theme that the photo communicates.
• “Across the imagery created by the diversity” proposes the multiple details or parts leading to the main aspect.
• “Of untouchable reality” specifies natural elements such as time of the day or season of  the year.

Artist: “昼漾”

• Without much public information about “昼漾”, his bio suggests that he is a male 20 year old photographer from Anhui China. 昼漾’s style follows almost a format of landscape/scenery on the bottom half of the frame while the sky, sometimes followed by exclusive lighting, serves as a background on the top half.

Artwork: “Dreamland”

• The video was titled, “终于找到了 像梦里的场景“ (finally found it, the scene just like in the dreams), which I translated and titled his work as “dreamland” because it fitted the theme of dreaming and reality.
• The image is made up of 4 smaller images, each being the dusk sky and urban structures. The twilights of the sky combined together creates a diamond shape of golden hours. The colors are relatively similar, binding with each other yet also reflecting the light of the alter sky. Thus creating reflection.
• The final composition of the big image uses perspective. Although this does not coexist within the smaller images, when they are combined together, the line which separates the sky and land on each image creates a spiral, forming perspective. This skill directs the audience’s attention to the center and then outwards, making it seem like each image is reflecting the image across.

Sources:

• Douyin Video
• Artist Page
• “My Way”

Mind Map:

• A simple graph of the plans and reminders of what needs to be done

Mood Board:

• A compilation of photos by others whom followed the same idea/template

Experiments:

• These are experimental ones I did just to ensure the function of the idea as well as getting experiences for the final piece
• The first two are made of images from 昼漾, the later 4 are ones I took and edited myself. I did this to make sure just incase either one fails, I know that it may be a problem of the photos themselves and not the idea. The results turns out that both works well.

Final Sets

• The final set is made up of 4 sets, each set having its own sub photos. Set as final photos and sub photos will each be explained separately regarding its theme, technique, and effects.
• Set 3 is an experimental set with photos that are not taken during this course, therefore the explanations will be slightly differed.

(1/4)

• The theme of this photo is the presentation of distorted humanity.
• On the left image, all of the sub photos are reflected and positioned inwards. This creates a visually stunning picture of a spiral made up of the buildings resembling a fan blades. The message that this communicates is the inner reality of humans as the inwards buildings point towards the distorted center of humans, represented with buildings that we live in.
• On the right image, all of the sub photos are reflected and positioned outwards. This creates a visually “wobbly” picture where the buildings look bent and “smooth”. There is no exact message that this is suppose to communicate, it is a opposite reflection of the previous image where one was created for experimental purposes to see which achieves a more sustainable effect.
• The techniques I used for this set is photo shopping. I start with importing the 4 photos into a square 2×2 collage template. Each photo is then rotated to the degree necessary to achieve the shape. This skill I used allows the establishment of reflection in my photography and create the imagery I need to reflect my theme.

(2/4)

• The theme of this photo is a visual feast upon the framing of dawn clouds.
• On the left image, the images are reflected inwards. This creates a multilayered sky that looks like boxes topping off each other. This creates a perfect frame of symmetry and shapes, communicating the message of order and reality.
• On the right image, the sub photos are reflected outwards. Such composition makes the trees part look like a spiral island in the middle of the seas of clouds. This communicates distortion and extension of which assembles nature, creating and gifting humanity.
• The techniques I used for this set is photo shopping. I start with importing the photo into a 2×2 square collage template. The photos are then rotated to the degree that matches the intended composition creating these imageries. This skill allows the audience to experience a visual feast, seeing the beautiful down clouds 4 times.

(3/4)

• A combination of very different themed photos, the theme for this set is patterns and textures. I intended this to be an experimental set using “random” photos creating a complex imagery. There is no exact message but instead I aim to present a collage of different elements and textures of nature and humanity. The skills I used in this photo resembles the first one, achieve similar effects.

Individual Photos

(2/11)

• The first image is taken very early in the morning. It is a view that consists of urban structures and the sky. This resembles the features of my intent.
• The second image is taken mid-day. It is also a view that resembles the first image. This is suppose to echo the composition of the first image to help create reflection int he final image.
• I used the perspective technique when taking these. This technique directs the audience’s focus into the center of the

(3/11)

• This image is taken of the dawn sky. Its a satisfying view of a hurricane-like cloud in the distant painted by the sun. The small bits of plantation and lamp on the bottom sides companies the scenery.
• I used lighting technique on this photograph as I looked for a perfect lighting angle during the right time to capture this imagery of the sun. This skill allows the audience to develop visual satisfaction over the warm sun that shines upon the skies.

(7/11)

• Image 1: Taken at the ISB pool, this is part of a practice set early on in the unit
• Image 2: Taken at night, the tree part is suppose to represent the ground as the moon companies it, creating a mini horizon
• Image 3: Taken during the summer break, this photo reflects the sun on a beach and scales the size of the rocks into mountains
• Image 4: Taken in 798, this was originally part of the texture sets I did for photography 1

<Refined Statement of Intent>

I want to present the reflection of reality through the presentation of enfolding imagery.

• My initial statement of intent ended up failing so I turned to this idea instead. In simple terms, I will be using distortion within my subjects to demonstrate the enfolded and abstract reality that exposes within them. Aside from angles, this will require photo editing techniques which I hold with confidence.
• My inspiration came from artist Antonio Gutierrez Pereira and an internet trend where posters would photoshop their faces with stars and galaxy elements.

<Artist Research>

Antonio Gutierrez Pereira is an artist from Vigo, Spain. She does not have a specific series of photographs, instead all of her photos are focused on the used of distortion and abstraction through the creative positioning of glasses. Her technique of glass placements characterizes her work by making the subject’s eyes appear bug-like. Her ways of expression deeply inspired me and I also see the distorted reality within her work. Despite having different intentions, she truly enlightened me on this new idea.

“Casa Branca” by Antonio Gutierrez Pereira

• This photography shows a tilted view of the subject. The camera is centered on the combination of the glass and the subject with negative space and a reflecting surface on the sides. Although the table does have reflecting surfaces, it is arguable that the reflection is not the main focus, instead it is the subject because otherwise the table would have been in frame more. Antonio uses a square composition which creates a symmetrical feeling, generating a contrast to the shifted subject. Black&white coloring is used most likely because Antonio wants to dictate a neutral tone, allowing the audience to focus on the subject rather than sub elements like color or emotion. Overall this piece was chosen to be written on because it is Antonio’s “most famous” piece, also what initially inspired me.

<Source>
http://leahfinebergalevel.weebly.com/exam-project-truth-fantasy-or-fiction.html

Experimental Takes (1)

There is not much technical issues with these photos however it does not reflect my intensions. The original plan was to have the light located behind the subject present the subject in a projecting way. However, this failed because the lights were unable to project the subject’s shadow effectively which completely kills the plan.

Experimental Takes (2)

These more follow up experiments taken at home because I thought the projection problem was caused by the oversized subjects. However, it turns out that the problem is most likely because the concept of shadow projection does not work. I did attempt different angles but none of them turned out to be effective.

Complete Failure (1)

This was an attempt with the normal light coming from outside of the pitch black studio but it ended up being completely black because the iso was lower than 100 and it appears that something is blocking the camera

• One major lesson I learned from this is that I should always test my ideas early on incase it fails. When I do this early on the in the process, I would have more time to reorganize and come up with new plans.

<Mind Map>

• This Mind Map shows my thinking of what my final piece would look like. In the mind map I showed different aspects and elements of my intended final piece.

<Mood Board>

• This Mood Board shows a compilation of references and inspirations of my final pieces. A lot of the pieces also represents elements that I intend to include in my final piece.

<Statement of Intent>

Statement: I aim to present a visually amusing imagery through the creative use of lighting and shadow work, demonstrating the divergency within a person.

• By presented my subject in a visually amusing way, I intend my audience to receive the meaning of divergency and how it is reflected within a person. I aim to achieve this by using lighting and shadow work to enhance the imagery of divergency on my subject.

<Artist Vision>

• The idea is based of and inspired by the character Kayn from League of Legends. Kayn in LOL is a character who is possessed by his own weapon, which creates a split personality within him. In-game, he is able to transform into his personalities making him one of the most special characters. Based of this, my idea for divergency is born which I aim to communicate through lighting and shadow world since those elements can create the most contrast.

• This set of photographs are the 12 best ones taken under the concept of “reflection” and by deep inspirations of Sebastian Magnani
• The concept of reflection is the main focus in this unit of photography. Reflect may be presented in many forms, wether it is straight forward or not. I personally choose presenting “literal” reflections because I favored its ability to convey emotions directly without making “twists” which can cause a deeper impact to my audiences. I achieved this point by using a literal mirror as a tool to help convey the subject within my photographs. I used lighting and contrast of subjects inside/outside the mirrors to demonstrate the subject as one differ from the environment.
• Sebastian Magnani is a Switzerland Photographer well known for his “intimate portraits masterfully utilizing light and color to create emotional scenes”. His works deeply inspired me because for a second I was able to see a sperate world within his picture, a world of difference and unknown.

(1) – Golden Hour / Top 1

• The name is a reference to the song Golden Hour by JVKE. I found the song and the image as a perfect pair of harmony, and just like the song, this image captures a golden moment.
• I used a high to low angle to show additional reflections of the mirror and has the lights shine in from the top left corner. The lighting tone was then edited to look golden which ends up in this composition.
• To improve, I should be more creative with how the background is displayed along with the golden moment to achieve greater heights.

(2) – Galaxy / Top 2

• This is named galaxy because of the space reflection on the subject’s mask. The idea originated from Michael, whom was inspired by a previous internet trend which had people photograph themselves in fishbowls while space was reflected on it to make them look like astronauts.
• This photo used a high to low angel to present the subject in a “weak” composition as it stands true when compared to the vast space. Lighting was used in a way where it was stuck extremely close to the subject to generate the natural reflection of the lights.
• To improve, there should be more suggestive elements in the background to show that the subject is in space.

(3) – Old Times / Top 3

• This is named Old Times due to its black & white tone, which projects a vintage emotion.
• This photo followed Sebastian’s inspiration of mirroring subjects within the foreground. I used reflection as a skill to creatively present the subject as differ. The comparison between two types of plants in two settings (inside and outside the mirror) communicates a conflicting emotion.
• To improve, the photo could be cropped more on the top right corner to erase extra foreground which frees up more space and make the comparison tighter.

(4) – “Hi” (taken by Michael, edited by Thomas)

• This photo uses symmetry to create a pattern on the doors. This is then combined with a perspective shot to make the entrance look dramatic which enhances the shadow as the subject. The door was purposely opened a bit to seem like the shadow is entering the hallway. To improve, the shadow could be make more obviously while the line of symmetry could be raised more.

(5) – Blue Life

• I used a high angle on this photo to frame the grass alongside the mirror together in an orderly fashion. This achieves the effect of a clear presentation of my subject, which is the mirror. I edited this photo by putting slight blurs on the picture while adding a few blue butterflies on the side to combine them with the background. To improve, I could use the rule of thirds and reposition my subject more to the left side.

(6) – Sahara

• I used a side angle on the subject mirror to show both its composition and the refection at the same time. This allows the subject to be focused on by the audience while the composition is also clear as day. This photo is heavily inspired by one of Sebastian’s photos where he put a mirror on a dirt road while the sky was reflect. The two elements in this photo – sand and sky – creates a clear contrast of dense and clear, which I find amusing. To improve, I could focus on the sand more so the contrast is more obvious.

(7) – Mirage

• The intent of this photo is to showcase time in a wasteland. The wasteland is represented by the mask that is half drowned in sand while time is symbolized by the mirror. These two elements create a time look feeling and combined with the shadows enhances this photo. To improve, I should clear out the sand to make it look more smooth.

(8) – Wasted

• I used the water as a reflection to create a symmetry line which splits the photo into 2. This perfectly replicates the theme reflection as the water’s content is exactly what is above it. The natural background that the photo offers relaxes the audience. To improve, I should have photoshopped the blue wall in the background into trees or jungles to complete the theme of nature.

(9) – Inversion (taken by Michael, edited by Thomas)

• This photo purposely uses “bad” lighting to generate a dark environment. It also creates a line of reflection where the subject of each side alters. The reflection in the shadow and the empty space above the pool creates a perfect contrast of absent and present. To improve, there should be more hints towards the contrast that the audience is suppose to realize.

(10) – Reflect

• I used the contrast of texture and color in this photograph. I put the mirror on top of the towel to compared the two elements, one is white yet furry, the alter is colored yet smooth. This almost achieved a quadruple comparison and communicates change. To improve, I should lay out the towel more so it is completely smooth without curves.

(11) – Pool

• I used a curved plastic surface as a “filter” and creates this distorted imagery of water. The theme of distortion ties to water because when reflections in water are affected, it usually become twisted. The elements of aquatics along the lighting turns both the reflection and the actual poll into half clear image. To improve, I should section of the distorted part of the photo for more effects which may create stunning visuals.

(12) – Basket

• This photo used a high to low angle on a mirror which reflected the bottom of a basket with patterns. I also used comparison in the photo since it always generates a differ emotion. This photo compares the basket, which is patterned, to the floor, which is smooth. Such comparison brings attention to the subject which is the mirror as if it was some “door” for the transitions. To improve, I should pan the camera out more so the view is not forced upon the subject.

Citation:

• https://www.sebastianmagnani.com/ (Artist)

<Lee Friedlander>

• Lee’s artist style follows a black & white color tone with city elements in the background. For this set of photos specifically, Lee uses a driver’s first person perspective to demonstrate the driver’s view of city. Due to its composition and placement of photo shooting, Lee seems to lean into natural lighting, although it won’t matter as much for black & white photos. In addition, Lee also creatively used the side mirror on the cars to generate a reflection, making it look like a separate frame within the original photo.
• In comparison with the other photographers, Lee shares a similarity with Naoya in their subjects, which are city objects. Lee also shares a similarity with Lisette in color tones, both bring black & white. Lee’s photography is also rather different as its main expression is to present a perspective of city scape while other artists such as Naoya or Lisette lean more into expressing the beauty of lighting or abstract human expressions.
• Unfortunately, Lee shares little to no connection with Robert as they have completely different subjects, perspectives, lightings, and meanings. Lee uses city views, first person, natural lighting, and expresses visual experience while Robert leans into studio setups and presents what he favors.

<Naoya Hatakeyama>

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• Naoya’s artist style follows a blurry pattern with lights “shooting out” into the camera. In this set of Naoya’s pieces, a repetitional occurrence of blurry windows stained with rain drops can be seen. This is used to enhance the illustration of the subject, which is the blurred yet obvious objects behind the “windows”. Although these subjects differ from streets all the way to towers while shot in different perspectives, they all share this one common similarity and that is lights. Aside from these photos, many of Naoya’s other photo’s indicates that Naoya has an obsession with explosions, literally. Although there is no actual explosions in these pieces, that would explain why the lights, or better known as the subjects are “shooting” lights out as if it was an explosion of lights.
• Naoya does not share much in common with the other artist, he has a very colorful tone and does not use cities or human as subjects. However, when compared to Robert, it is visible that both artists use sets of different colors to present their subjects, differing them from the background. In addition, Robert’s subjects are placed out on a surface, which to some degree looks like the aftermath of an explosion, where things got blown everywhere. Although this idea is very abstract, it indeed is a connection shared between Naoya and Robert.

<Lisette Model>

• Lisette has a very different artist style compared to the others. Lisette likes to take black & white tone portraits of people, with some being slightly “abstract” or “weird”. This style of hers shows no literal “reflect” of one self but instead has the subject be the reflection themselves. This in a way can be understood as looking at oneself look at the past. The black & white tone greatly contributes to this message that is being communicated. Lisette also appears to use the rule of thirds a lot, probably due to the fact that she shoots portraits.
• Compared to other photos, Lisette’s works are rather abstract and distinct, especially her first piece presented. A major contrast visible is the subjects. Although each photographer communicates some form of reflection, Lisette’s reflection particularly focus on human as subjects and expresses reflection in a more direct manner. Overall, through abstract reflection, Lisette’s work was able to stand out in the sea of photographs on similar topics.

<Robert Holden>

• Robert is the most unique photographer amongst all. He is also the most “organized”. Robert’s style is distinct because of the way he photograph his subjects. His style brings the meaning presentation to its finest, making it as if his sharing of the subjects is all he wants. Robert uses a very interesting technique to attend his subject, spacing. He spaces out all of the objects out evenly creating almost what seems to be symmetry yet each object is different and unique. He also shows to be dexterous at spacing because he is able to control each subject’s position so perfectly that the audience is able to focus on every single one at the same time and not lose focus.
• When it comes to comparison, Robert’s pieces are definitely the most differed ones. Although both him and Naoya uses colors to present their subjects, Naoya shares a more colorful tone while Robert’s subjects generally stick with similar colors. Aside from this factor, Robert’s photos are extremely different rather it is how many and in what way are his subjects presented or the techniques he uses such as framing and camera angels. Overall, Robert presents a more organized and formally framed image compared to other artists seen. It is more of a reflection on the objects to certain themes or events.

Themes:

• Memory
• Regret
• Future

Ideas:

• Subject seeing their past
• Subject seeing their lost self
• Subject seeing an insight of the future
• Subject seeing a reflection of their current life
• Subject seeing another person within themselves
• Subject seeing an important person long lost to them

Techniques:

• Shadow presentation
• Lighting control
• Dutch tilt
• Perspective shots
• Multi-framing