<Introduction>

This second part of the final project revolves around my personal trip to Japan during the Christmas Holidays. The set focuses on the theme of the Journey, represented by the 4 sections of the total Journey and the title “Over-Exposed.” In the entirety of over 90 photos, there are 4 sub-themes, “Past,” “Character,” “Hakuba,” and “Tokyo.” Each sub-them represents a section of the trip with 4 best photos of each and a final set of 4 images, which consists of 1 photo from each section.

<Over-Exposed>

Initially, all photos were planned to be taken “normally.” However, it soon came to my attention that, for some technical reason, my camera’s aperture was locked at an extremely high level, which made it nearly impossible to take pictures usually, even with the ISO at its lowest. Therefore, because I could not fix the issue, I decided to comply and thus created this “over-exposed” journey series, which focuses on images taken in high-exposed forms to express a dreamy and delusional emotion.

<Past>

• This sub-theme shows my past, which was when I studied in Japan. The set contains pictures of my old school nearing the end of my trip, yet I decided to show it as the 1st “stop” in my Journey as a revision of history.

<Character>

• This sub-theme shows the people that were involved in this trip. The set focuses on capturing moments I spent with those people, whether they were remarkable or just generally good times together.

<Hakuba>

• This sub-theme revolved around the first half of my trip spent in Hakuba, Japan, skiing. However, due to the iso issues, the snowy weather limited the pictures that I could take, leaving only behind the ones where I captured nearby streets.

<Tokyo>

• This sub-theme revolves around moments I spent in Tokyo for the second part of my trip, where I experienced nostalgic moments from the 5 years I used to live here as well as magnificent sceneries.

<Presentation Sets>

• If this project is to be hung on the walls, I want these 2 to be the ones that are presented as they best represent my techniques and unique photography sights.

<Memory>

• The entire image looks nostalgic and old because of the lighting I used; this is called memory. I used symmetry in this image by splitting the frame sideways using the bridge, creating a transparent and stable pattern. The subject, the flying bird, is placed at the center of the frame to express the distances I have traveled throughout the years and the distances I will soon have to travel for the rest of my life.

<Field>

• The photo looks nearly like a painting because of the saturation and composition, the seemling field looking background is also why the photo has been named field. I used the rule of thirds to place the subject in the left center of the frame, creating a transparent yet not overwhelming presentation of the focus in this image. The blurred yet saturated background provides good coverage for the subject and leaves no negative space, making the entire photo look complete. I propose having the sunshine from the side of the field to create a bit of golden sky at the very top, which enhances the overall imagery of the entire photograph.

<Final Set of 4>

• These photos were not selected for the final set because of their outstanding technique but because of the exceptional story, they tell.

“Locked”

• The image is named “locked” because of the feeling it communicates. The subject is these iron fences, with my old school’s building heavily blurred in the background. Such composition creates a depth of field that explicitly shows the fences while the background is slightly visible but barely identifiable, similar to a distant memory. Thewalle being in front of the camera while the blurred buildings lie far in the back creates a feeling of the memory (my old school) being locked away (by the fences) and between them represented the years I’ve spent in between, experiencing new things while forgetting what happened years ago. I also added a sprinkle of warm colors by including the yellow leaves to contrast the cold and exposed tone.

“Parallel”

• This image is named “parallel” because of the subjects in the picture. In the photo, my dad is seen standing on the left, looking into the distance, while his friend, led by his friend’s daughter, runs up the staircase towards my dad. The composition of the subjects makes it look like the friend is looking at my dad, seeing how he (the friend) will be once his (the friend’s) daughter grows up. At the same time, my dad, looking into the distance, seems as if he’s recalling the times when I, as a kid, would be holding his hands and running off like a little kid, yet with those times gone, he would only be able to see what the future would be like. The connection between these two subjects brings time backward nearly 20 years to when my dad first met him and a contrast between the past and the present. The overexposed sun in the background makes the entire frame look dreamy and nearly delusional. Moreover, I also purposely centered the bar of the staircase in the middle of the frame to provoke a separation between both the subject’s situation and thoughts. Out of all the moments I have captured, those who accompanied me through this trip, this scene is what I believe to be the most remarkable and, hence, chosen.

“White Out”

• This image is named “white out” because it is over-exposed yet identifiable. Related to the term black-out, the photo is named white-out because of the snowy background and extreme exposure. I used over-expose to provoke the emptiness the snow in the background brings, which looks nearly like a void of nothing. I also blurred the trees in the background to have them line up on the sides of the path the gondola is going up, looking like it is flying through this pathway midair. The general intention of this image is to describe the experience in Hakuba, which was skiing, and hence, the emotions snow brought are enlarged.

“Memory”

• This image is named “memory” because of the nostalgic feeling it provokes. The over-exposed lighting and dusk sky created this yellow cover on the lens, which made everything look golden. The combination of color and the lack of cold colors made the entire frame look warm yet old because of the high exposure. I also used the rule of thirds to make a clear view of the river in the middle to the right side of the image, while the left side had a mix of trees and bridges. In the direct center is a rainbow formed on the waters, which is rare and beautiful, looking like a reflection of the sun, though it is not. The perfectly straight lines of the shore and the bridge create symmetry and pattern within the image. The picture’s overflow of elements, memories, and beauty perfectly describes my life in Tokyo.

<Presentation of 4>

• These photos are selected purely for my liking of what demonstrates my photography techniques.

<Complete Set of 91 Photos>

<Best 3>

[Company]

• This is named “company” based on the theme of the image. Two figurines, one white and the other pink are seen sitting on the edges of a butterfly lamp, looking at each other. This composition communicates the theme of love through positioning and lighting. I purposely positioned the figures at the edges of the butterfly, making them seemingly distant yet close as if they were “looking” at each other. This contrasts literal and imaginary distance, enhancing the connection between the subjects and their relationship. I used the butterfly light left by our previous apartment owner to my advantage, as the light created a shadow effect on the subjects, making them dark yet visible as their outlines were shaped. The light also reveals the butterfly, creating a romantic environment that magnifies the theme of love. An edit t was made by cutting the frame from 6×19 to 1×1 to remove unwanted negative space that ruins the concentration of the image. To improve, I should shine slightly more light on the subjects to make them more apparent for presentational purposes.

[Hangout}

• This is named “hangout” based on the motif of the image. The three figurines are seen sitting on “chairs” made of grapes in a triangular formation and seemingly talking (suggested by the hand gestures). Such a composition of subjects creates a joyful and relaxing environment, which dictates the calming and casual tone of the photograph. I also compared the grapes and subjects to show how tiny they are scaled to real-life objects they were supposed to represent. This, in a way, makes the scene feel “silly,” which contributes to the calming and relaxing theme. I used the rule of thirds and focusing techniques to create a focus in the image, which helps my audience break down the “motif” I have sent within the work. By joining into a side angle and placing the black figurine on the left side alone while also focusing on it, this subject stands out more to the audience, creating a point of focus and achieving my intended effect. I did not make any edits to this photo, especially not the lighting, because I am satisfied with the composition and brightness, which inflicts a dramatic visual. To improve, I should try more props to suggest each figurine’s actions more to make the scene more interesting.

[Construction]

• This is named “construction” because of the scene shown. There are 4 figurines seen in total, two of which carry the muzzle parts of the toy gun in the back, one is dragging a magazine, and the last is just sitting and watching. The composition makes the scene look like a construction site, as each worker is putting pieces together while supervised by someone. I used the diversity of color as a contrast between the figurines, so I purposely left black and white on the left side of the image while red and blue stayed on the center-right side. I had this separation of colors to make the color contrast look more organized and less “random”. I put the main focus on the blue figure at the front because it can create a shallow depth of field with the other figurines in the back, enhancing the visuals of this scene. As a result, this image communicates a busy theme as the figurines “work” together to build a toy gun. I edited this photo by raising the overall brightness to better show the colors and actions of the subjects. To improve, I should find a different angle not so distant and have the red figurewhollyy shown in the frame to lay out my subjects better.

<Final Experiments>

• This final experiment was “good” overall. I was able to overcome the issue of focusing by using auto focus and manual focus at the same time, switching between the two when needed and finding the best angles. I also made many attempts with different scales, zooms, and positions which gave me a wide pool of choices for my final selections. In the future, I should try out scenes with more elements or setups included for more interesting takes.

<Experiments>

• This set of experiments targets close-up technique, camera tilts, and lighting. Throughout the experiment, I tried different angles with different levels of zooms alongside different ISOs and lighting tones. Overall, I was able to adjust an ISO of 800 for my final sets to use under standard artificial lighting and a still angle to present my subjects in. One major mistake I will need to overcome in my final set which was exposed by this experiment is focusing. I need to make sure I perfectly combine auto focus and manual focus together to have the focus on my subjects completely and no the background.

<Change in Plans>

• To fully express my intentions for journey-themed photographs, I must collaborate with my model in a place with snow. As of the current situation, I cannot achieve any of those until I go on my skiing trip during the winter break. Therefore, after negotiating with Mr. Stewart, I have decided that I will temporarily complete figure photography to meet the proper deadline, and the Journey photographs will be done afterward. All of the Preparation will still apply to journey-themed photographs.

<Breif Preparation>

• My reference images are alined in an increase in height fashion. These are images that I have found that inspired me to undertake figure photography.
• The first image is a wide-framed photo of a stormtrooper figure on the beach. This photo used the rule of thirds to position the storm trooper in a position where it looks like the figure is actually walking. At the same time, negative space and depth of field are inflicted together to form a distant and empty feeling, conveying a lonely emotion.
• The second image is a wide-framed photo of a person napping on a rock amidst green “vegetation.” A contrast of color is used between white and green to make the subject stand out. The camera also focuses on the subject only and blurs out the rest of the background to explicitly present the napping figure, which creates a sense of harmony with the nature surrounding it. The rule of thirds is also used, which creates a negative space that shows its loneliness and communicates an undisturbed and calm emotion.
• The third image is a landscape-framed photo of Darth Vader alongside a stormtrooper.Usingf figures as subjects creates a contrast in color between black and white. At the same time, a contrast in context is also presented as a scene that would be unimaginable within the original story of which both figures are frm, is brought into reality. The swing also brings and communicates an emotion of joy.

<Theme> Journey

• I first was enlightened by my winter break plans. Before jumping into the picking of starting points, I had already summoned an idea of shooting snow themed photographs at my ski trip during the winter break. Wiggling through the list of starting points, I finally landed my choice on journey because it was the best fit for demonstrating the beauty of nature as well as documenting my trip.
• “I intend to demonstrate the commence of a journey through portraying the beauty of nature and landscapes coated with dusk and dawn lights to bring a fateful feeling to my audience.”

<Artist 1> Daido Moryiama (Main Artist)

• Daido, born 1938 Oct 10th, is a Japanese photographer who began his career as a freelance photographer. 3 years after his career in 1967, Daido won his award being the “New Artist Award from the Japan Photo Critics Association”. Daido’s journey as a photographer spiraled uphills afterwards, joining over 70 exhibitions, hosting over 30 publications, and winning 8 monumental awards. Daido is currently 86 years old as of 2024.
• Daido’s style evolves around black & white toned photography that focuses on urban and human related entities as subjects. Daido likes to frame his subjects to a side of the frame, somewhat like using the rule of thirds. He also almost always tilt the camera to a certain degree which brings a feeling of randomness and “sketchy” which is enhanced by the framing technique and color tone he uses throughout his shoots. His style inspires me because of the freedom and truthfulness (creating what he truly wants) he imposes within his photographs. I aim to express and communicate similar emotions and messages in my works under the theme of journey.

<1>

• This is a black & white photo of a lady riding a bike in the streets of Japan. The theme of journey is showcased through the vehicle and road that companies the subject. An interesting technique that Daido uses here is depth of field. He frames the picture and subject through camera height and surrounding objects to make the lady taller than other people in the frame to dictate the lady as the main focus and calls attention to her. This technique act extremely effective in this photo in particular because the black & white tone alongside with the sunlight actually makes it really hard to spot and focus on subjects, making the use of this technique crucial in identifying the subject.

<2>

• This is a black & white photo of a teenager posing (most likely dancing) on an empty street in Japan. The theme of journey is showcased through the dancing subjects and a depth of field contrast of him to the perspective buildings in the back. Depth of field is used here creating a comparison between the subject and the building/structure at the very back. This achieves an illusion that the subject has moved from the back all the way to the front, creating a motion within the image. Another technique that Daido uses in this photo is a tilted camera frame/angle. This creates a distorted image and adds to the depth of field, also syncing the image to the subject’s pose.

<Artist 2> Richard Long

<1>

• This is a presentational photo taken of an art piece Richard Long created. The image used a high to low angle and symmetry. The high to low angle allows the audience to have a general view over the piece, allowing them to fully appreciate the work. The symmetry though existing within the art work itself, has been also moved into the image to present an organized look. The art piece itself uses symmetry and texture to convey the meaning of journey. The symmetrical cross represents the crossing of paths during life and the multiple directions one could face. This is also enhanced by the cobblestone texture and structure representing the hardships one will face in those paths given and that all choice will have challenges.

<2>

• This is a photo of a thin path made by white stones extending far into the distance in a plain. The theme of journey is conveyed both through the artwork and the photo. The artwork is the path of stones. Quite literally, it creates a path, but at the same time it also stands for the infinite possibilities one could have down their own path by stretching far into the distance, out of sight. At the same time, the contrast of colors enhances this illustration and further defines the journey element within this work. The photo helped strengthen the meaning by creating depth of field and a perspective. These techniques help enhance the distance created in this image which improves the presentation of journey.

<Mind Map>

• This mind map presents the 8 aspects that I plan to merge into my final piece.

<Mood Board>

Precise Vision:

• This is a version of the mood board consisting of 9 images that reference precisely and accurately what I intend to create for my final piece/project under the theme of Journey.

Broad Version:

• This is a version of the mood board consisting of multiple images scattered across the internet. These images are a broad and general reference on what I have imagined in my mind.

<Citation>

https://www.moriyamadaido.com/en/

http://www.richardlong.org/

https://www.lissongallery.com/artists/richard-long

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.