Connecting Essay 5

Connecting Essay 5 - Landscapes

Helen Dixon's Photograph -

This image was taken by Helen Dixon who is a landscape photographer. This image captures autumn colours as well as showing trees and their form. The image can be thought to present the formal element of form and colour due to the presence of the trees as well as the autumn colours which cover the ground. I like how the use of colour emphasises the seasons and also like how the image is bright and well lit. in addition to this, I think that the way that the leaves in the foreground are not in focus helps to create a chaotic feel to the image and this could again, could be thought to portray the season.

My Photograph -

These are two images which I captured when shooting for the topic of landscape. I like both of the images as I feel they can both be used to present landscapes and seasons. I like how the first image shows the form and shape of the trees as well as the colours which are shown in their structures. I like the second image as I feel it has been captured from an original angle which adds interest to the image and I also like how the image shows bold autumn colours in the form of the leaves. I edited both the images on photoshop and increased the saturation as well as adapting the curves. 

 The Connection -

Although neither of my photographs look exactly like the photography which was captured by the photographer, I chose the two as they both show an element of the image. Firstly, the first image is similar to the photographers image as they both show the trees and their structures and shapes. The difference is however, that the photographers image was taken in the autumn so the tree has leaves whereas mine was taken during winter so as a result, does not have leaves. I also like how my first image shows pattern in the form of the trees which are in a line. I think that my second image also relates to the photographers one as the colours are very similar and both demonstrate the vibrant autumn colours in the form of the leaves which are on the ground. In this way, both the images could be considered to show the formal element of colour as well as showing landscapes. I also like the similarity which is that you are able to see the branches of the trees in both photographs. In my image, in order to achieve the bold and vibrant colours, I used photoshop and adapted the curves and saturation and this made my image look more similar to that of Helen Dixon. 

Connecting Essay 4

Connecting Essay 4 - Documentary Photography

Edward Thompson's Photograph -

This photograph comes from a documentary series by Edward Thompson called 'Cowboy Church'. In this image, I like the use of light and colour and also like the way that the subject appears to be aware his photo is being taken but still appears natural. As a single image, the photograph draws the viewer in and makes them curious about the individuals lifestyle. However, when you are able to view the entire series, this mystery becomes much clearer. The image makes it appear as though the subject is getting the horse ready to ride which helps to add interest to the image as it allows the viewer to think about the lifestyle of the individual in the photograph. I also like the element of culture which is bought to the image. This element is emphasised even further when you are able to see the full series. 

My Photograph -

This photograph was taken by myself during the documentary photography topic and used Edward Thompson for inspiration when I was shooting for it. I like the way that the light comes from behind in this photograph as it gives the horse a slight glow around the edge which therefore helps to draw the viewers eye to the main focus point in the image. I like how the individual in the photograph appears relaxed and natural, although is still aware that they are being photographed as this helps to make the image successful. It also makes the audience curious about the subjects lifestyle, although this becomes clear when the full series is viewed.

The Connection -

Although the two images are not 100% identical, they share a number of distinctive similarities. The first, very obvious similarity is the fact that they are both photos of people with horses and in both, the individual appears to be getting the horses ready to ride. Another way in which the two images are similar is that they both present bold and vibrant colour. This helps to make the two images attractive and appealing to the viewer and therefore helps to make them eye-catching. In this way, the two could be thought to show the formal element of colour, but in fact are part of a series of documentary photography. I like how the two images also appear to show the individuals in a natural and relaxed state as this helps to emphasise the topic of documentary photography to which they both belong. For my image, I used Edward Thompson's work as inspiration and also attempted to capture the bold and striking colours and interesting compositions which are present in all of his images. Both images are interesting and capture an essence of the featured individuals lifestyles, and coupled with their full series, make very interesting, eye-catching and effective images for the topic of documentary photography.

Connecting Essay 2

Connecting Essay 2 - Portraiture

Thomas Ruff's Photograph -

This image was taken by Thomas Ruff and shows portraiture. I used this image for inspiration when I was shooting for the topic and captured a similar image myself. The image shows an bold and colourful background which helps to add interest to the image and makes the portrait more eye-catching. The subjects expression in the portrait is deadpan and this stops any assumptions being made about the subjects feelings. In this way I think that this is effective as it makes the image quite thought provoking for the audience. I also like the bold background as it helps to draw the viewers eye to the figure as it stands out against the bright colours. 

My Photograph -

This is my image which shows portraiture. I like how the subject is positioned as it clearly shows their mood and feelings. I also like how the subject appears to have been caught off guard and therefore appears natural and relaxed. I edited my image using photoshop and increased the contrast as well as adapting the curves. I like the image as it is bold and striking. In addition to this, I like how the subjects clothing looks against the background as it is less attention grabbing. 

The Connection -

The two images are not completely identical but have a number of obvious similarities. The main similarity between the two is that they both present the topic of portraiture. However, they do this in slightly different ways as the subject in Thomas Ruff's photo is deadpan whereas the subject in my photo is showing a thoughtful expression. Another obvious way that the two connect is the fact that both of them have the same bold and striking background colour. I like the use of this bright background as it makes the subject and therefore the element of portraiture stand out more. In addition to this, it draws in the viewers eye and makes the subject more defined which therefore makes the two images successful at presenting portraiture. The background also makes them successful images as it stops the audience being able to analyse the subjects mood based on the background or setting and it therefore makes the audience have to study the subject to allow them to determine mood and feelings. 

Connecting Essay 3

Connecting Essay 3 - Photojoiners

David Hockney's Photograph -

This image was captured by David Hockney and is a joiner. I like the use of the many images from different angles and different scales being combines in close proximity and I think that the use of the many images looks much more effective than if there were less photographs. I like how this joiner explores the face and human form as it, in a way, presents a different form of portraiture. I like how the images are in full colour and also like the background colour as it compliments the photographs. 

My Photograph -

This is my joiner which I created using multiple images. I like the varying scales and sizes of the photographs as this makes the overall image look more effective and interesting. I like how the audience can tell that the images fit together somewhat as this helps to create a more distorted look. I like how the background colour compliments the images as I think that the white helps to make the figure stand out more in the photograph. I also like how the photographs have been lit as I took them in the studio.  

The Connection -

Although the two images are not 100% connected, they still have some very similar aspects. The main difference between the two is that Hockney's image only shows the individuals face whereas my image shows the full body. The connection between the two is that they both show multiple images of a person which are put into a photo joiner. They also connect as the images have light backgrounds which look effective as it allows the audience to see the individually placed images which helps to make the images more effective as photo joiners. Also, although my image is more simplistic in comparison to the joiner by Hockney, they still both possess some very similar properties which include the individual photographs being taken at varying angles and with different scales in order for the joiners to look interesting and striking. 

Connecting Essay 1

Connecting Essay - Reflection

Vivian Maier's Photograph -

This photograph was captured by Vivian Maier and shows both reflection and portraiture. I used this image for inspiration when I was photographing for the topic of reflection and attempted to capture a similar image myself. I like how in the image we are able to see multiple versions of the figure in the multiple mirrors which are present in the frame. In my opinion, this adds much more interest to the image and makes it more eye-catching and striking. I also like the element of black and white which is present in the image as the lack of colour helps the viewers eye to be directed to the main focus of the image which is the element of reflection.

My photograph -

This is my image which portrays the formal element of reflection. I like the positioning of the subject in the image as it also creates the feeling that it presents both portraiture and reflection. I used colour manipulation in this image to draw the audiences eye to the reflection which therefore helps to create a more interesting and effective image. I also like how in my image, the audience is able to see the subject from different angles as this could be thought to create a slight feeling of mystery.

The Connection -

The two images are not completely identical but they do show a wide variety of similar ideas which helps to connect them to one another. The most noticeable similarity is that the two images both could be thought to show either portraiture or reflection which therefore helps to make the two images interesting and intriguing. In addition to this, the two images connects they both contain the colours of black and white which helps to create a sense of mystery within the two images. However, whereas Maier's image is completely black and white, I chose to use colour manipulation on photoshop and make the reflection be in colour in order to show that reflection is the element which the image is portraying. I also like how both images suggest that the subject is curious about themselves, although this is suggested in different ways. In Maier's image, this is suggested by her using herself as the subject whereas in my image, the subject is looking in the mirror and appears to be curious. Also, like Maier's image, my image also shows multiple versions of the subject, which in my opinion makes the two images more effective at presenting the topic of refection.