Week #4 UOP – PB#2 Execution
All my key creative decisions were based on quite literally mimicking 5 original Carlota Guerrero photographs. I took Walter Banjamin’s quote on board as my challenge for this project: “In principle, the work of art has always been reproducible”.
IMAGES FOR MIMESIS…
I organised models, locations and props to imitate the photos as closely as possible.
However whilst shooting I soon realised that “even in the most perfect reproduction, one thing is lacking: the here and now of the work of art – its unique existence in a particular place.” I continued shooting, attempting to mirror Carlota’s framing and positioning, but also took photos using my own instincts of the best composition/use of my location. In editing/selecting the final photos, I chose ones that best communicated the ‘aura’ and style of Carlota’s originals, rather that the precise replications via technical criterion. The colour palette, subject models and types of location naturally hint Carlota’s style – this gave me freedom to then frame/capture in my own way by adopting her style (rather that replicating). In Benjamin’s wise words: “in permitting the reproduction to reach the recipient in his or her own situation, it actualises that which is reproduced.”
In the post-processing stage I focused on emulating Carlota’s lighting and balancing colour. I firstly used Photoshop to do a basic manipulation if needed (altering shapes/blurring blemishes etc.) and then secondly used Lightroom to get into the nitty-gritty colour/light editing. I used a soft vignette on all photos to create a softer light and more of a faded/minimalist look.
On a technical level everything generally worked. I hired equipment out with no mix-ups and had the right tools (Photoshop/Lightroom) for post-processing. A complication was dealing with the source of light and the type of light under shooting conditions (especially for outside shots), but thankfully in post processing I had a lot more control. On a creative level I am content with my final shots. I believe they communicate Carlota’s minimalist style and themes of femininity, packaged in my own adaptation. In starting this project I was obsessed with carbon-copying Carlota’s photos but when I embraced my own creativity and let the conditions of my shoot guide me, my photos started ‘feeling’ better .
My technical skills have improved a great deal thanks to this project (and class), I feel a lot more comfortable using a camera in manual mode (playing with ISO/aperture/shutter speed). Revisiting the camera basics really helped me improve. I also had never used Photoshop before this so I really enjoyed learning through this project. Youtube tutorial and fellow classmates were great teachers. I enjoyed unleashing my creativity in in adapting a style I usually wouldn’t try if I was just taking my own photos.
Next time I would love to hire out a studio to naturally devise lighting looks without having to change too much in post-processing.