With the deadline looming, it was time for the class to share their final images for review. This was the opportunity to see each other’s work plus give and receive feedback on what was presented.
While looking at and listening to the presentations, it gave me the space to think about my own work. Two aspects came to mind:
- My final images are a ‘whisper’, not a shout’
When looking at each piece, I realised that they drew the viewer in. The details of these images are very delicate and reminiscent of early photographic prints. The size of each final image I’d prepared when printed would be 9″ x 15.2″ without a frame. If I chose to have these framed, the method I would choose would make each final piece 10.5″ x 16.2″.
- Stuck in a moment
The images were a representation of the current lock-down situation. The repetition between images is like the passing of days – there is no real delineation between the days of the week.
When it came to my turn to present my images, I was unsettled about what I wanted to convey. I realised that I was still processing the concepts and essence of the images and the creative process behind them.
My classmates and tutor, Fergus, gave some very constructive points regarding both images and the processes involved.
Firstly, was the process of construction – there is a clear delineation between the three images comprising each final image. There is no attempt to blend or disguise this aspect. This is the effect I wanted to achieve.
Secondly, there is a clear difference between some of the images. For example, there are ones that are like a tree portrait (Moments I), one that highlights the absence of trees (Moments II) – as mentioned by Abi – and ones where the light source becomes part of the image (Moments VIII).
A third, and major, observation was the differences between three sets of images.
There was a strong preference for the final three. Interesting, as these were three images in the later stages of this project. There was more intention rather than chance involved in their creation.
In addition to these reflective observations, a relevant and pertinent image that Fergus mentioned was The Hunt in the Forest (c. 1470) by Paolo Uccello (1397-1475).
Fergus pointed out its relevance as a pictorial representation of woodland in that it highlights the construction of an image. Pertinent as Bushy Park was a favourite hunting ground of Henry VIII. Also, Bushy Park and the trees within are not ‘accidental’. It is a highly constructed and maintained environment where little is left to chance and the ravages of nature are worked with and not fought.
With regards to technique, one of my classmates, Ola, suggested using a tilt-and-shift lens for future experimentation. I wasn’t sure how this could be relevant at the time, but after a bit of research, I came across this art lens that could be both suitable and affordable:
According to the description, the Composer Pro II with Edge 50 Optic is a high-quality, 50mm, f/3.2 upgraded metal-bodіеd tilt lеnѕ that allows the control of the depth of field in-camera. Тhе lеnѕ attaches to the саmеrа bоdу, allowing the creation of іmаgеѕ with а ѕhаrр ѕlісе оf fосuѕ bоrdеrеd bу silky, smooth blur.
Тhе lеnѕ bоdу ѕwіvеlѕ аnd tіltѕ оn а ѕmооth mеtаl bаll-аnd-ѕосkеt dеѕіgn. This provides а fаѕt аnd іntuіtіvе wау tо ѕwіtсh bеtwееn trаdіtіоnаl ѕtrаіght lеnѕ рhоtоѕ аnd tіlt рhоtоgrарhу.
The lens is fully manual and, by uѕіng ѕеlесtіvе fосuѕ, enables the photographer to lead vіеwеrѕ’ еуеѕ оn а unіquе јоurnеу thrоugh lаndѕсареѕ, сlоѕе-uрѕ, mіnіаturе еffесtѕ, ѕtrееt рhоtоgrарhу аnd fооd рhоtоѕ. One to be investigated further.
Later that day, I revisited the Woodland Gardens to clear my mind and to help in processing the review session.
It was nice visiting my location without any pressure of taking further photographs for this particular project. The image above was taken with my smartphone. A reminder of how the light plays in this particular place.
While walking through the gardens, I came across this very cheeky chap who just couldn’t (or wouldn’t) sit still long enough to take a clear shot.
When I was editing it on my smartphone before posting on Instagram, I made use of the tilt-and-shift filter. Interesting effect.
With the above in mind, the next two and final tasks were to produce the Research Dossier and Artist Statement. These, along with a presentation of the final images, had to be submitted via Turnitin by 1pm on Tuesday 9 June 2020.
References
Ashmolean Museum. 2020. The Hunt In The Forest, Paolo Uccello. [online] Available at: <https://www.ashmoleanprints.com/image/221364/paolo-uccello-the-hunt-in-the-forest> [Accessed 4 June 2020].
Wexphotovideo.com. 2020. Lensbaby Composer Pro II With Edge 50 Optic – Nikon Z Fit | Wex Photo Video. [online] Available at: <https://www.wexphotovideo.com/lensbaby-composer-pro-ii-with-edge-50-optic-nikon-z-fit-1709295/> [Accessed 4 June 2020].
Jennie Meadows MA Photography 