Tag: Trees

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AGM64 Photography Research Project Stage 2 Posts

AGM64 Group Tutorial 5 May 2021

The scheduled session for the afternoon was a set of 1:1 tutorials with the course leader, Fergus Heron. What actually transpired was an inpromptu group tutorial as myself and my four other classmates were able to attend the full session from 2 pm to 5 pm. This was a wonderful opportunity to finally see and discuss our work in person rather than on a screen.

The feedback I received was very encouraging. The following is a summary for my reference and to indicate how to make further progress in forging the work for this module and my final submission pieces.

These were thought to be too ‘fussy’ and detailed. I personally like these, but I could try to simplify the configurations.

These images were thought of as too ‘literal’. Going forwards, I could experiment with this technique using different subjects.

This image was also deemed to have too much detail. However, I liked the comment from two of my classmates as to how it looked like nerve pathways and streaks of lightening. My own opinion on this piece, is that it would need to be printed on large scale to ‘open up’ the spaces between.

Other images that were considered were the Invisible Trees body of work submitted for AGM62 Photography Research Project: Stage 1. Fergus reiterated how this image has a different ‘feel’ compared to the other five pieces.

One thought was to break down the images further. By pairing these two, it shows the same tree from the opposing 180 angle. This could play on the ‘positive/negative’ aspect.

This one was also considered ‘a bit too much’. Simplify?

The image that had the most impact on the group was this one:

The play on positive/negative was received well and it was thought this configuration and concept could go further.

I will be looking at some of the images I’ve already taken that have similar aspects to the original.

These elements are trees that have an interesting presence with a blue sky background. One comment was that the clouds on the other images were distracting. I think they add a particular atmosphere to these images, but then I love looking at cloud patterns.

One artistic reference to which Fergus pointed out had similarities to this image is George Stubbs’ Whistlejacket. It is a study of a horse, but with no background details. I think this name is quite suited for this image.

There were clear lines of further developments and refining that I could follow. My next line of action will be to continue exploring this particular technique and taking it further.

After processing the group’s feedback, I completed the following configuration. I had started this before the day’s session and didn’t show it to the group.

I’ve named this piece Stag.

References

The National Gallery, L., 2021. George Stubbs | Whistlejacket | NG6569 | National Gallery, London. [online] Nationalgallery.org.uk. Available at: <https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/george-stubbs-whistlejacket&gt; [Accessed 7 May 2021].

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AGM64 Photography Research Project Stage 2 Posts

AGM64 Bushy Park 14 April 2021

At this time, I wasn’t sure exactly how to progress my body of work for Stage 2. I had a few ideas, but nothing had quite settled. There was only one thing to do, which was visit the park with the camera.

Once I arrived in the park, I first visited the tree I had experimented with back in February.

AGM64 Hawthorn Experiment 11 February 2021

The main difference this time was that it had now started to grow leaves.

What was interesting to observe is that only half of the tree was in leaf. There was one side which was still bare.

I then took some close ups of the branches with the budding leaves. These will need further experimentation.

One part of the tree that caught my eye was the top of the trunk before the branches split. I was really struck by the details.

After looking at these images when I arrived home, I created the following Black & White conversions.

When looking at the two images together, it struck me how they ‘flowed’ together. Maybe returning to the concept of building a tree with different elements was viable.

I continued through the part and was starting to realise that the hawthorns weren’t quite ready for their show of blossom. This would be at least two more weeks before any hint of pink could be seen.

What I had started noticing instead was how the leaves of these Horse Chestnut trees while they were growing from their buds. They looked so frail and fragile, like a baby animal.

I then took the following images of the Horse Chestnuts with the Lime trees behind. The Limes had yet to start growing their leaves, so give an interesting backdrop.

I tried the following Black & White conversion with a compositional crop to compare with the original colour image.

Not perfect, but something’s ocurring.

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AGM62 Photography Research Project Stage 1 Posts

AGM62 Bushy Park Hawthorns 1 December 2020

With a day of sunshine forecast, this was the time to get up early and catch the light. I also wanted to try out the 5:4 aspect ratio instead of my usual 3:2. My intention was to follow the tips outlined by Tony Sweet, Elliot Hook and Lindsay Silverman.

Sunrise was due at 7.45am, so I got to the park at 7.30am. This enabled me to both see and experience just how slow the light came up. It also made me look for the light’s direction and how it lit up my subjects and the environment.

My intention was to tryout the 85mm lens. I had returned the 105mm lens to its owner who assured me I could achieve a similar effect with the 85mm. However, I had made the mistake of not checking and packing my kit the night before. The camera had the 35mm lens on it. Annoying, but it would take me about 40 minutes to get the other lens and return to the park in time for the light.

I decided to go to Teddington Gate and start with this tree below. The last time I was in the park on 27 November, there was a large herd of deer near to the tree so this could be the time to capture it from a different angle.

35mm Images – 5:4 Aspect Ratio

These images were taken between 7.41am and 7.50am. The light was still caught behind the trees behind me at this time.

Admittedly, I was finding it difficult to get the composition and angle I was looking for. Realising I was in need of a bit of a warm up (photographically and corporeally) I walked to the patch of hawthorns on the left of Hawthorn Lodge.

The sun was gradually coming up and I took the following shots at 8.00am.

My patience was rewarded a minute later when the sun finally showed its glory.

The light was stunning – it gave a coppery glow that lit up the ferns beautifully. Again, I was having difficulty in getting low enough with the camera to get the angle I was looking for and being able to see the display screen.

These are the two images I think work best (both have been rough edited in Camera Raw. What does need work is aligning the horizon line. I was using the 4 x 4 grid that can be shown on the display screen to help with composition. So that there would be uniformity, I aligned the top of the ferns with the bottom third line as a guide. This seems to provide a good ratio of foreground, subject, background and sky.

When I shared these two shots with my classmate, Mark, he made the following comments:

“I like the way the sun is coming from the side. I think the second image works. Also, if you didn’t know, they could have been taken on safari. I would try to keep then looking the same in the frame so it doesn’t give the viewer the feeling of ‘bouncing’ in and out. Great shots!”

Will take these on board!

By this time, I was itching to use the 85mm and the light was beginning to get a bit harsh.

The decision was made to return home the return to the park with the 85mm.

85mm Images 5:4 Aspect Ratio

Unfortunately, the light had increased in harshness. Despite this, it was useful trying the 85mm lens with the 5:4 aspect ratio. The first tree I tried was this one (image below taken on 4 November 2020 using the 24mm-70mm zoom lens at 70mm and at 3:2 ratio).

These are the results.

I then walked to the row of hawthorns leading to the gap between the Woodland Gardens plantations.

I did manage to get the effect of blurring the background, which I liked. Again, I wasn’t able to get low enough and see the display at the same time.

My next step is to revisit all aspects of this project in light of the feedback and actions resulting from the Interim Review and previous Group Tutorial.

References

Digital Photography School. 2020. Aspect Ratios In Landscape Photography. [online] Available at: <https://digital-photography-school.com/aspect-ratios-in-landscape-photography/&gt; [Accessed 2 December 2020].

“Landscape”, W., 2020. Want Better Landscape Photos? First Check Your Definition Of “Landscape” | Nikon. [online] Nikonusa.com. Available at: <https://www.nikonusa.com/en/learn-and-explore/a/tips-and-techniques/want-better-landscape-photos-first-check-your-definition-of-landscape.html&gt; [Accessed 2 December 2020].

Modes, P., 2020. Personal Touch: The Art Of Z 7 And Z 6 Crop Modes | Nikon. [online] Nikonusa.com. Available at: <https://www.nikonusa.com/en/learn-and-explore/a/tips-and-techniques/personal-touch-the-art-of-z-7-and-z-6-crop-modes.html&gt; [Accessed 2 December 2020].

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AGM62 Photography Research Project Stage 1 Posts

AGM62 Group Tutorial Feedback and Actions 25 November 2020

On Wednesday 25 November, the Group Tutorial went ahead as scheduled. This was held following social distancing protocol within a University classroom. As all teaching would be online from 2 December, this would be the last in-person session of 2020.

The first aspect covered was the 1-1 tutorials due to be held on Wednesday 16 December. These would consist of 30 minutes via MS Teams. The aim of the session would be to present then discuss the current project, specially in regards to scope, the current status and any concerns.

The next session after this would be the Group Tutorial on Wednesday 20 January 2021 with the Final Review and submission of work on Wednesday 27 January 2021. At the time of writing, the Final Review is to be held at the University of Brighton and the Body of Work presented in its physical form. The required Research Dossier (in relation to Task 2 for this module) is to be submitted electronically via ‘My Studies’ on the same day.

One of these Task 2 submissions is a proposal for module AGM62, which should be a springboard to how the work will be taken forward. Our tutor, Åsa, gave a brief idea of what information should be included and how it should be written and will be sending a more-detailed template via email soon.

Åsa also went over the module course book and reiterated the key requirements and learning outcomes. The essence of this module is to absorb oneself in the intent of practice-based research. To make progress in the module, and as a photographer in general, it is key to value and appreciate the practice of ‘making’.

The key phrases Åsa said were ‘return and return’, plus ‘EXPLORE!’ (appropriately, of course).

Åsa also encouraged us to ask:

  • What is my photographic practice?
  • What will I show?
  • How will I show?
  • How will I talk about it?
  • What are the parameters of my inquiry?
  • How do I want to develop particular photographic techniques?

In addition, Åsa advised the class, at this stage of the project, to:

  • Take an explorative approach to our way of working
  • Continue making
  • Reflect on works – and what doesn’t

With regards to the Research Dossier, it would be useful to include ‘Sub Works’. These are pieces that haven’t been included in the final Body of Work, but could constitute a separate body or springboard for an alternative direction.

My first reaction to this advice was to think about my own inquiry:

  • How does digital photography relate to the images of trees?

This was sparked by my thoughts about the reciprocal relationship between photographer, equipment and subject. This will have to be explored further.

Image Feedback

During the tutorial, I presented some of the images on the large Promethean screen. I realised that during the Interim Review, the details within the images could not be seen when showing the smaller prints together. This helped in showing the details.

I also showed these following images as group to illicit a response. However, when I looked at the group, I realised that I didn’t want to create a ‘showcase’ of digital photography techniques.

One image that garnered a good response was this one. This was taken with the 35mm lens at F1.8, which resulted in blurring the background more, making the hawthorn stand out.

Again, the subject of using the Speedlight as a fill-in flash was worth pursuing. This will show the trees in detail, rather than silhouette (especially when shooting into the sun).

In general, the response was to refine my technique and focus on whittling down the images to create a cohesive body of work.

Actions

The action I need to take first is to take a ‘step back’ in light of the questions above. It is up to me to make the inquiry of what it is I am actually doing, process my answers then take action.

This has to come from the question:

How does my use of digital photography relate to my images of hawthorn trees?

Once I have a better idea of doing this, going forward I will:

  • Focus on formulating then using a particular technique and work flow
  • Strengthen the concept
  • Extend and develop my use of equipment, specifically:
    • Tripod
    • Speedlight Flash
    • Filters
    • Experimenting with Depth of Field (making the tree stand out from its environment)
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AGM62 Photography Research Project Stage 1 Posts

AGM62 Bushy Park 19 November 2020

The day after the Interim Review, I was still processing the verbal feedback. I had spent most of the day looking at ways in which to improve my Black & White conversion technique and getting to know my mirror-less camera better. To clear my head, I took a walk in the park at dusk.

It was interesting seeing some of the hawthorns in darker conditions and I thought I would try something different. I took the following images using my smartphone. The first three are without using the smartphone camera flash and the second three are without.

I later tried the following Black & White conversions. The one on the left has been carried out using Camera Raw, the one on the left using the Instagram editing settings.

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AGM62 Photography Research Project Stage 1 Posts

AGM62 Bushy Park Hawthorns 10 November 2020

After a day of being in front of the PC processing images, I had to escape the four walls of home. As usual, Bushy Park was my choice of walk. When I entered the park, the sun was already quite low in the sky. Despite the darkening conditions, the park was still bathed in a dull light and the mist was starting to form.

Part of my route involved walking along the track between Cobbler’s Walk and the gap between the two Woodland Garden plantations. Along this track is a line of hawthorns that I have not photographed or noted yet.

When looking closer at these hawthorns, the majority along this path would fit the criteria of ‘Ancient’. As the light wasn’t great and I was only armed with my smartphone, I only took the one image. This is the last hawthorn at the end of the track.

In order to tie in with the other images, I created the following Black & White conversion.

A quick comparison.

Looking at the map and thinking about this particular row of trees really did pique my interest. This path runs parallel to Macclesfield Walk running along the edge of the Willow Plantation. What was this boundary line planted for and why?

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AGM62 Photography Research Project Stage 1 Posts

AGM62 Bushy Park Hawthorns 3 November 2020

After my hawthorn recce on 1 November, I went to Bushy Park with my main camera to take further photographs of the trees I had recorded.

I started the shoot at approximately 11.50 and the sun was quite strong and high in the sky at this time of day. My intention was to walk the route I had followed on the 1 November, but in reverse.

Tree 1

The first hawthorn I experimented with was the one photographed last on 1 November (Tree 11). It was a bit frustrating as the sunlight was quite harsh. I thought the bark would have been darker, having rained the day before. Despite this, the wood was quite bleached by the light.

Another frustrating factor was the walkers in the background – there was a lot of waiting for what seemed to be a clear shot. Additionally, getting a low enough angle was quite taxing on my legs. It was also difficult to see the image through the viewfinder or on the screen on the back of the camera due to the harsh light. What I need to experiment with next is the tripod and a sun hood for the screen. Ideally, I would use a 7″ external monitor which can be attached to the camera via the accessory shoe. I should also use the virtual horizon indicator on the display to ensure I have a straight line through the image.

These are the resulting images pre-editing.

Tree 2

I then walked through Woodland Gardens to the area on the other side. This is Tree 2 from 1 November.

The aspect I focused on was the branches against the sky. I also created a Black & White conversion of this shot. I particularly liked the dramatic nature of the sky and how the branches frame and follow the lines of the clouds.

Tree 3

With this particular hawthorn, I tried both portrait and landscape-orientated shots and tried some close ups.

While editing, I thought this was the shot that looked the strongest out of these and carried out a Black & White conversion.

I then walked to the grove in the vicinity of Hawthorn Lodge

Tree 4

This is a tree I hadn’t photographed before. It is in the area near to Hawthorn Lodge. I quite liked this hawthorn’s stance. However, after looking at these shots, I think this should be reshot to get the optimum angle and orientiation.

Tree 5

Again, another new hawthorn. This could also be reshot to get the best angle.

Tree 6

A record of a hawthorn that has clearly been cut down. It will be interesting to see what is fully revealed once the ferns disappear for the winter.

Tree 7

Again, another interesting hawthorn that needs further investigation.

Tree 8

By now I was starting to tire – I’m beginning to realise that to make the most of my energy and get the best shots is to focus on one or two trees per visit. However, I perked up when I saw a couple of sparrow hawks flying around this tree and was quite chuffed to capture it on this hawthorn.

Tree 9

Again, another hawthorn to be revisited, especially after looking at the Black & White conversion below.

Tree 10

Last, but not least, this particular character. I was definitely running out of steam at this stage.

Looking back at these images, there definitely seems to be a theme starting to appear. The horizontal shots are very strong and give quite a powerful impression. A factor to be considered in further detail.

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AGM62 Photography Research Project Stage 1 Posts

AGM62 Bushy Park Hawthorns 1 November 2020

After my shoot on 29 October, I wanted to explore a different section of Bushy Park where I knew there were hawthorns. I also wanted to combine this session with a long walk in order to take my mind off the previous day’s announcement regarding the forthcoming four-week lock-down.

While on my walk, I was aware of being thankful that I took this development into consideration in relation to the project for this module. I am extremely fortunate to be able to leave the house for exercise and carry out work that I can’t do at home. The circumstances are very similar to earlier in the year – it worked then and it will work now.

In preparation in working out the different areas within Bushy Park and the hawthorns in each part, I searched for a map online. In doing this, I came across the Historic England website and discovered I could download an Ordnance Survey map. This will be very helpful in my mission to locate the trees.

The area in which I focused covered the area between the border of the Pheasantry Plantation in the Woodland Gardens, the channel of water on the bottom, left-hand side of the map and the track to the right.

I took the following images using my smartphone as I wanted to travel light and nimble. Also, rain and strong winds were forecast and I did not want to risk my main camera being damaged.

Tree 1

The first tree is on the corner near to where the two tracks converge. The paths can be seen in the first image.

What struck me when looking at the images was how this hawthorn looks in relation to the oaks. For me, it looks like the oaks are protecting the hawthorn and not the other way round. There is a slight gap in the trunk, which also adds to the character.

Tree 2

This particular hawthorn is quite spectacular. When looking at this specimen from a distance, it is quite difficult to work out which bit which. That includes the trunk/s, branches and new growth. It has the appearance of being both dead and alive, which I have discovered is quite common with ancient hawthorns.

Tree 3

This tree has a very interesting trunk which seems to be split into four. When taking photographs from different angles, it appears to be a completely different tree in each shot.

  • bsh

What also intrigued me was how the tree appeared differently depending on the angle and perspective of the shot.

Trees 4, 5 & 6

These are three hawthorns that are quite close together. Again, all with their unique features.

Tree 7

This hawthorn does appear to be dead, but I’m sure it is full of insect life.

Tree 8

Another very interesting hawthorn. Despite it being horizontal on the ground, it is very much alive. The open trunk features mushrooms and has certainly been taken advantage of by insects. What I noticed was how the tree almost appears ‘upright’ when a shot is taken from a particular angle, as seen in the last of these images.

Tree 9

This hawthorn is near to the small channel of water. It does look more ‘traditional’ than the other hawthorns, but I’m sure there are qualities that could be brought out when taking a closer look on another day.

Tree 10

This solitary hawthorn is halfway between the water channel and the fence running along the border of the Pheasantry Plantation. This one has lots of character and I need to take further images.

By now I was getting tired and needed a comfort break. After a quick pit stop in the Pheasantry Cafe, I continued through the park on the other side of the Woodland Gardens.

While walking across this patch, I noticed this following tree. The trunk is bent right over and does not touch the ground.

Tree 11

When looking at the images at home, I notice how this hawthorn looked in relation to two other nearby trees. The one on the far left was struck by lightening and is a fabulous example of how trees can survive despite a traumatic event. The one in the middle is another interesting mix of ‘dead & alive’. I had photographed it during the last winter and it appeared totally dead. I then noticed again during the summer and realised it very much alive. When put in line with the hawthorn, I thought it made a very interesting and intriguing composition – especially when converted to Black & White).

References

Historicengland.org.uk. 2020. BUSHY PARK, Richmond Upon Thames – 1000281 | Historic England. [online] Available at: <https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1000281&gt; [Accessed 27 October 2020].

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AGM62 Photography Research Project Stage 1 Posts

AGM62 Bushy Park Hawthorns 29 October 2020

On the day after the Group Tutorial and following a week of research and photographing hawthorns, I thought it best to process the outcome so far. On the morning of 29 October when looking out of the window, I was greeted by grey skies and heavy rain. When I checked the weather forecast, the rain was due to fall until late afternoon, so I adapted my actions for the morning accordingly. I made the decision to go for a walk in Bushy Park.

Firstly, walking in the park enables me to process my thoughts and engage in mindfulness. Being in that environment give me the space and time to process my thoughts while the fresh air refreshes both brain and body. I have also recently started to use Nordic walking poles. As I’m no longer able to run (I was a long-distance runner for 20 years), I’ve found it a fabulous alternative. Also, I’ve discovered that by using the poles I can walk faster and use my arms as well as legs, so am able to get to around the park and take photographs more efficiently. This particular type of exercise is proven to help with both core and arm strength, meaning I’ll tire less when out and about in the park.

Secondly, as I had recently updated my outdoor wet-weather gear, it gave me the opportunity to test it out. The last thing I would want on a planned shoot is to be either cold or damp (or both!), so I needed to make sure it would be up to the job.

Thirdly, I wanted to explore a different area of the park in which there were hawthorn trees and compare then with the places I had already investigated.

As I didn’t want to take my main camera and decided to travel light, I used my smartphone to take all of the following images. The other advantage is that I have now set my location indicator on my phone, so each image will have map co-ordinates.

I started my investigation at a corner on which I knew featured a hawthorn tree and I had photographed it quite a few times previously. When I looked at this tree and its position in more detail, I noticed a line of hawthorns nearby that ran in a line along the path.

Just along the path to the right of the tree on the corner is this hawthorn.

Followed by this one.

On the opposite side of the path, there are two more hawthorns.

What struck me was the oak tree adjacent to the hawthorns in the last image. Evidence of a hawthorn ‘protecting’ the oak.

I then made my way along the path that runs along side the fenced-off area of Brewhouse Meadows.

This path leads to a line of hawthorns along a water channel that starts in the meadows area.

There are further hawthorns opposite this line, which are on the other side of the fence.

Continuing along the path, there are more hawthorns that have been planted next to oak trees.

I particularly liked this aspect, which shows the hawthorn branches in combination with that of the oak. I also carried out a quick Black & White conversion later that day.

There is clearly a line of hawthorns along this path with trees on either side of the fence.

One difference I noted was how these hawthorns were planted in line with the oaks. Also, these appeared to be much younger trees as the trunks were considerably smoother than the others situated in this part of the park.

My next place of investigation was Dukes Passage. This is a fenced off area at the entrance of the Waterhouse Plantation in the Woodland Gardens section of the park.

Just as I suspected, it consists of an avenue of hawthorns with a fence on either side.

This avenue leads to one of my most favourite spots in Bushy Park. It really does feel like you’re in the middle of the countryside.

Dukes Passage continues to Hampton and what I did notice was the hawthorn hedge on either side of the path.

I then returned along Dukes Passage and entered the Waterhouse Plantation. Again, there is a line of hawthorns on the inside of the fence.

This line of hawthorns continues to the gate at the end of this path.

When I came out of this gate, I took a photo of the path on the other side of the fence. I also noticed on the map of Waterhouse Plantation that this path is called ‘Macclesfield Walk’.

I then made the decision to trek back home through the park at this stage. What I realised there were lots of unanswered questions to be answered and further research to be carried out.

References

UK, N., 2020. Nordic Walking UK | Instructor Training | Nordic Walking Events. [online] Nordicwalking.co.uk. Available at: <https://nordicwalking.co.uk/&gt; [Accessed 30 October 2020].

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AGM62 Photography Research Project Stage 1 Posts

AGM62 Group Tutorial Feedback and Actions 28 October 2020

On Wednesday 28 October, the class had a group tutorial as scheduled. The session was carried out via Microsoft Teams due to our tutor’s requirement to self isolate at that time.

After three weeks of working in my own isolation, it was great to see everyone’s progress and show my own concepts and process so far.

The concept of the hawthorn in connection to Bushy Park was well-received and garnered two useful suggestions by my classmate, Sofia:

  • Jean Luc Brouard’s tree portraits for a different perspective
  • A later, similar project by Simon Roberts

Sofia also stated that she thought the hawthorn connection to the history of the park was a good place to maybe focus the project. This thought was also seconded by another of my classmates, Abi.

As I had already made that decision to focus on the hawthorns before they made the feedback, I knew that I was progressing in the correct direction at this stage of the project. Our tutor, Åsa, mentioned that it was a good way of creating a case study that could be used as a model for future projects.

Åsa, also made a comment about the angle of perspective of the shots and the difference they made to the images. I definitely should continue to take photos of the hawthorns from a lower point-of-view as this makes the tree appear ‘larger than life’ and more significant in relation to its environment.

The other aspect that Åsa mentioned was the Black & White conversions of the images. I agreed that having the images in monochrome highlight the details of the trees better than in colour.

The resulting actions I will be taking between now and the Interim Review on 18 November 2020 are to:

  • Continue with my research in regards to hawthorns (folklore, ecology, the environment, Bushy Park, etc.)
  • Take further photographs of particular trees
  • Refine the Black & White conversion technique
  • Produce a series of test prints to see what works and what doesn’t
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