LINKS TO BLOG POSTS W7-W12
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12
LINK TO ASSIGNMENT #4 SHAREPOINT FOLDER
LINK TO ASSIGNMENT #4 GOOGLE SLIDES
Assignment #4 Presentation
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Ijq7MHsGvirQBLvpEN9tLrJ86PAynlIgGcOq-bazDhQ/edit?usp=sharing
Release Form
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-cEbl6ucpbmmWuVMVyBQl0qMl2neGY2ewy_Xai_8DbI/edit?usp=sharing
Assignment #4 helped me broaden my experience with Photoshop. I am so happy that I chose a unique style of Colour Splash to help expand my skills and help me critically analyse themes and areas to take photos based on the need for isolation of colour. During pre-production, I ensured to plan some poses and props that could be used to highlight and center the attention on. Small objects really stand out amongst a greyscale backdrop when coloured. The sketching process helped me think of designs and pre-planned things to bring on the day as well as the outfit my model, Grace would wear on the production day. I also formed a few photo boards from Montsalvat to get an idea of the facility and know what is definitely there as I had never been.
I like to plan ideas as I used to create storyboards for media projects as a visual guide to follow. I didn’t follow along with 2 ideas as the grounds were wet and the sky wasn’t as clear as I had hoped. But we moved along and during the production and being at the colony, ideas swarmed in my head.
The production stage was great! Grace was an amazing model and followed directions very well, she understood the main focus there whilst still enjoying the visit. We have been best friends for over 10 years so it was a great relaxing day with someone I trust. The facility had lots to offer with various plants and miniature objects with unique character to them. Some sculptured faces and various paintings and strange yet beautiful architecture. The facility held a farm area that has been renovated into living areas, a church, gardens, graveyard, cafe, art gallery, swimming pool, and the best part the grand palace area which is where a lot of weddings are hosted. I couldn’t recommend this place more, it has a wonderful history of an almost 100 year old continuous art colony.
Moving onto post-production which I haven’t touched upon in my other reflections. This took some time to complete. I had to learn how to implement colour splash style. This involved Photoshop which is something I have never been confident in with its various functions being a little overwhelming, however applying this feature was a breeze thanks to a few YouTube videos
The first image displays how I had to create a black and white layer on top of my original image. The layer you choose is based on the portraits, you choose black and white and switch to the layer that is black and white rather than the curves. This ensures when you colour you are removing the overlayer of the portrait from the background. You select the paintbrush tool and make sure the colour is set to black to make sure there is no filter added with the removal of the portrait. Then you simply colour away as if it’s a colouring book, and you can turn it on and off to track where else you need to colour. Since I wanted to highlight the rose, I ensured I got all the corners to make things very precise and not catch any of the pavement behind it. This was relaxing to do mostly, other than the really small corners that were hard to get an exact lining on. I could change the size of the brush by simply right clicking my mouse which was something that I wish I had known on my first few photos. This took a few hours, to say the least as I had around 50 photos chosen out of the 330 that I took that day. That’s how beautiful the place is, and I also took so many from different angles, arguably too many.
Moving on from Photoshop was Lightroom, I used Lightroom after applying Colour Splash as it was going to be more accurate to the colours and there wouldn’t be previously applied filters that might be forgotten from switching to black and white instantly. Plus I wanted to create different shades of black and white to experiment with the tones and moods the photo was replicating based on the colours highlighted. I am familiar with Lightroom so it wasn’t anything confusing. I mainly used vignette to get a black ‘sphere’ encasing the photo to try and isolate the center from the background. I also wanted to switch between the dark and cinematic types of filters. I tried to change exposure and contrast, however, I felt that those features blurred and grained the images due to the intensity of the black and white. I instead switched to focusing on the clarity and de-haze functions, as well as trying to make the colours on the images as bright as they could be to really stand out.
These photos visually display the different types of colour splash styles I was experimenting with. The left being without vignette and is a lighter stone-type grey, and the right is a lot darker with shadows prominent, surrounding the orange pots with vignette. I didn’t choose these photos in the end though because I felt that there was something lacking and I didn’t really understand the purpose in association with my concept. Out of the 50 photos I chose 22 in the end, I felt it was a comfortable amount considering the amount I had shot originally. I didn’t want to minimise it anymore with my selection.
A key learning experience from Assignment #4 is the evolution of my style. I think I enjoy focusing on the darker tones in photography, as for Assignment #1 and #2 I used darker areas to capture the bright, highlighted aspects of the image. I think they provide a great focus for the eyes to follow and gravitate towards. Maybe next year when I invest in a professional camera, I’ll be able to focus on light beams through photography, as I find them equally as pleasing and something I’d like to experiment with. My style isn’t subjective to location, as I can find a memory to photograph anywhere, though I definitely find myself using the black and white filter on my phone as I believe it shows a great contrast and really displays the details in fine quality. This assignment made me realise how much I use the feature of vignettes on my photos to help enhance the focus. This assignment has helped me learn the importance of conceptual thinking in my work. Concepts help guide my work and how my photos correspond to one another when it comes to themes and environments. Purposely I had my model be Grace as she is a part of youth, and she is about to commence in the busy student life. I chose a beautiful art colony as those places provide the experience of appreciating and noticing our surroundings without hurrying the journey, and trying to reach the end.
If I was to repeat this assignment, I would want to change the style of photography. I really enjoy experimenting and I admire the colour splash style, however, I also miss some of the colours from the images as the place is historical. I could have used a style that felt more vintage and explored warm tones. I didn’t change the style because I wanted to learn skills in Photoshop and because I still think the style is appropriate for the location. I love the outcome of my photos, and if they truly didn’t turn in my favor then I would have changed my original pitch.
The strongest concepts covered in class that have left an impact on me were Week 1 and Week 4 where we listened to ‘The Decisive Moment’ and watched the ‘Finding Vivian Maier’ documentary that focused on street photography and the ethical propositions. Firstly, ‘The Decisive Moment’ left an impression as I enjoyed the idea of capturing a memory and how taking a second photo creates a new memory, even if it is the same location and same ‘experience’ as the first photo. Trying to capture the perfect image can mean missing out on opportunities for photos that you can take in the moment without waiting. It left an impression on me to not overthink when taking photos, but to also know what I am looking for and why I take photos of certain things and reject others. It lets me think about what’s important to me in photography which helps guide my style and the themes I capture. The idea of creating a memory in a photograph is interesting and definitely true. I also really liked Henri Cartier-Bresson’s narration about spontaneous acts in the essence of representing an event through photography. It makes me feel like I am documenting important memories for people or for myself.
Vivian Maier has become my favourite photographer, I absolutely adored the documentary about her, and I truly think her work is remarkable. It made me reflect on whether she wanted her photos to be released publicly, though I don’t necessarily think that the act of releasing them was wrong. In the end, she captured those photos for a reason, and she wouldn’t have held over 150,000 in her collection just to burn them for no one to see. Her described personality is intriguing, she seemed very closed off from everyone even if she was entirely involved in their lives as a nanny of sorts. I love her street photography and portraits deeply, and I hope to incorporate her style into mine when I get a professional camera.
The idea of street photography is difficult to master, as I believe that if you are out public then it is not an invasion of privacy if someone photographs you, depending on reason as well. Unfortunately, we live in a world where everyone is documenting their lives in some way, taking videos and photos everywhere. It’s inevitable that you are unintentionally on someone’s phone in the background somewhere. I think that if there is a direct photo based on your person then the right thing to do is to ask for permission if it is posted publicly, though if you are in the background I believe consent isn’t needed. There are many ways that consent can be brought about, but the best way is to ask and record their permission to document their consent. Street photography won’t go away, but the ways people go about it are way less invasive than Vivian Maier who would sometimes photograph troubled events that are inappropriate to capture.
Overall it has been a great semester of photography and I have grown tremendously in my skills since I have not taken any previous photography classes, only experience with my own day-by-day photo taking.
Week 11 Reflective Post focuses on Assignment #4 Progress
This week I was completely invested in finishing the production stage of my assignment. On Wednesday I scheduled a time to talk to my model, Grace, to discuss what she would wear and what to bring. Considering the weather, I ended up choosing a white blouse with her new orange plaid patterned skirt. They fitted beautifully together, almost like a cottage core style aesthetic. She also brought along her denim jacket to add some more variation, but most of the time it was without. We then established what to bring for the shoot. On my end, I brought along a picnic blanket, a red mug, a red umbrella, a necklace, and a diary. Grace brought along 2 books, another diary, and her necklace with a huge pendant attached which complimented her skirt perfectly. Ready for the next day, we meet at 10:30 to head to Montsalvat.
Here is her outfit before moving on
It was a wonderful morning and the sun was out. The building was just as I’d imagined, brick walls and old framed windows. The center invites you into the latest artwork created by the people who live in the area and are a part of the colony. When heading outside I instantly began to take some pictures of Grace until I realised that I needed to change the exposure settings. I stuck with a -1.0 or -3 (this is my iPhone) depending on the lighting. Since the place was large there was no plan for the direction we would go, we just wanted to explore and find perfect photo spots.
Here is the entry
Moving along, we walk down toward the most popular part, the swimming pool. I had Grace model in various spots around there, sitting by the stone separating wall, sitting by the wooden chairs by the tables, walking down the brick pile, and reaching for the beautiful trees that had some sort of purple flower blossoming from them. Definitely the highlight of the location, I saved most of the photos from this experience.
Next was the church, right down towards the cemetery, which we did not go to. That’s not very mindful and relaxing.
The church had gorgeous stained glass windows which I used to my advantage as a perfect light source. The sun was in the most perfect spot, and I had Grace sit along the edge of the gap in the wall and write in the diary. The colour of the stained glass and Grace using some of our props helped provide various colours to my image and I was very pleased with the outcomes.
Moving along was the garden, however, I did not save any photos from here as there wasn’t an area I could properly isolate within the selective colour style I was going for. We headed back to the castle-like building and were greeted by the main hall where the place hosts events and weddings. It was vast and felt very dark and rustic, with not much lighting. It felt cosy and ready for Christmas. I captured Grace a few times in here as the curtains were a vibrant red and again, beautiful stained glass windows. Heading upstairs was the venue where couples would say their vows and become united. Here they displayed the heritage art pieces that explain the beginning of Montsalvat and wont ever leave the facility. Overall I really enjoyed the experience in the building!
Finishing up the photoshoot expedition, we reached the old area where they used to house horses and farm animals. Not any farm animals besides a few gooses, but there was something quite extraordinary to my surprise. I hear a loud hawk coming from somewhere around me, and as I turn I am greeted by a white peacock hanging out in a little protected hut. The most majestic and gorgeous creature, we definitely took some photos and I also had Grace model around the area. It was amazing to see the people who live around Montsalvat painting and hanging out in some of the locked buildings. It helps make this place feel more wholesome and alive despite it being nearly 100 years old. Tradition won’t die in this place.
Here is the peacock
This production has been the most amazing experience for me and Grace. What a wonderful place to learn about the history and how the building was built by a man and his family and friends of artists. The photos ended up great and I am thankful that Montsalvat had a lot to offer with colour and variation in environments. It helps me establish my concept of mindfulness and relaxation. It displays how you can find mindfulness in a variety of spaces, even if they coincide into one. Grace was a very good model and followed my directions perfectly. She held confidence and didn’t let the camera distract her from feeling relaxed and in the moment. It was great to get an early start on finishing the production stage of my photos as the last weeks of uni are becoming overwhelming with assignments.
Now onto the post-production :)…
Focusing on the article ‘What Next for Photography in the Age of Instagram’ from Week 7 Readings
From the text ‘What Next for Photography in the Age of Instagram?’ written by Sean O’Hagen, the article focuses on how the unprecedented image overload on social media has changed the meaning of photography in the modern age. Statistically, the number of photographs uploaded on Facebook per day reached 350 million as of 2018, and 95 million on Instagram daily. Anxieties are provoked by the meaning of photography in this day and age and question the notion of its authenticity. Does the influx of media uploaded on the internet detour away from the craft of analogue photography and would the truth of photography become obsolete? With the overload of images uploaded on social media per day, it describes a different perspective and how individuals who use social media are more interested in the art of photography than ever as there is a rise in attentive interest. Photography is the medium of our time and it defines how we are globally connected through the digital image culture. Photography has become so popular that there are more photography festivals across the globe than ever. The interest in photography hasn’t changed, but the way we take photographs and the way we respond to them has changed. Photography in this era has become a way of documenting the world, whether it be personal or public. It’s a way to share important events through an image in an instant and can be shared globally for millions to see and be aware of. The way we are documenting through image taking can separate the ways photography is used as not only an art form but also photojournalism. For instance, photography is usually awarded through Contemporary photography which shifts documentary into conceptually driven art forms. This includes abstract paintings, sculptures, performances etc. The reason for the overwhelming desire for photojournalism is the introduction to instant photographs rather than having to wait to produce an image. Overall, the art form of photography hasn’t changed, it has simply developed more ‘types’ of photography with different purposes and uses.
REFERENCE
O’Hagan, S. (2018). What next for photography in the age of Instagram? [online] the Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2018/oct/14/future-photography-in-the-age-of-instagram-essay-sean-o-hagan.
Week 10 was a fun week, I really enjoyed the lighting activities we did and the group I worked with.
The task was to experiment with flash lighting and ambient light outdoors. Our group went around the buildings in a small eating spot by beautiful stained glass buildings and tall brick buildings with vines and plants falling overtop. I was the model for the photoshoot and it was fun to see my team maneuver around me and to see the result of how the photos turned out. We then moved to a little walkway with metal pipes across the buildings and Eric became the new model looking sharp and cool!
My location was outdoor sunny, it was interesting how the light manipulated the scene to look darker than how things were, emitting blue tones depending on the flash light source. Eric’s location was shaded and looked a lot darker, yet made his face brighter and displayed more of his skin colour.
Now moving on to Assignment #4 planning after presenting the pitch
I began to form sketches for my project and decided on a location.
I made these sketches on ProCreate and decided on them based on handheld objects I have. I used an umbrella, book, mug, and picnic blanket as coloured objects. The sketches are based on potential locations and poses I could use for my photos. I tried to imagine scenarios that could be replicated. These sketches helped me plan my model’s outfit and establish areas in my self-directed assignment.
The location I decided on was Montsalvat in Eltham. It’s close to home and where I’ve grown up and has been a location I’ve been wanting to visit for some time. It’s an almost 100-year-old artistic colony and is full of beautiful buildings and gardens. This location is incredibly important to the area and definitely a place to spend time leisurely. It’s close to home which helps with the travelling side of the assignment.
Overall I was very ambitious to start the assignment, I just needed to establish the date we were going to meet for the photos!
For my reflective post this week, I will discuss my presentation
I was ill the week of presenting, so I went with a video presentation from home.
In order to share inspiration for my chosen project, I had already brainstormed some ideas and started collecting photos. My idea was Colour Splash photography and the ways I could incorporate the style into youth and mindfulness. Due to the black and white scheme background, the isolated colours immediately catch our attention. To describe delight and enjoyment in my photos, I established an environment that enabled me to take notice of nature and enjoy the moments that surround us in our expansive world. As a way to make my photos more balanced, I wanted to use lighter and more subtle colors.
The motivation behind the pitch was a recent experience where I got to be mindful, away from the stress of uni assignments and other work-related issues. Being away to take time at my own pace was pleasurable and helped me get back on track. I wanted to use this motivation to inspire my project.
The goal was to display my work on a photo board, similar to a scrapbook, where you could flip through the pages to find visually similar photos.
For the pre-production phase, I wanted to gather more inspiration for scenes I could replicate in my work and themes. I also wanted to sketch some ideas to help me figure out some locations and poses my model could replicate. Finally, I would discuss the ideas with my friend and plan the outfit and day to meet for the shoot.
As I reflected on the pitch, I came up with some suggestions for improvement. To begin with, I wanted to narrow my concept into something more organized. Additionally, I changed the way I would use colour splash in my project and the location chosen so that they would fit together in one spot instead of multiple. Despite what I had suggested in my pitch, I wanted to go beyond miniature objects. The beautiful scenery in my work outshines the greyscale backdrop as I expand my work into the entire environment.
Week 8 of UoP invited us to explore AI-generated photography. This concept is controversial as it discusses how it overlaps with the art of traditional photography. I am no AI expert, so it’s hard for me to determine all that it contributes to into the art of AI-generated photography. Nonetheless, I still hold opinions on its use with what knowledge I hold.
From the reading, we look into the article ‘How AI Imagery is Shaking Photojournalism’. This article discusses the photographer Michael Christopher Brown in his latest work that illustrates AI experimentation within exploring historical events in Cuban life that motivated Cubans to cross the ocean. Michael Christopher Brown explains how the art pieces were created with the ‘intention to explore, analyze and discuss what AI may enable for reportage illustration’. It surfaces conversation around the work of the means of image based storytelling.
Many have critiques this experimentation photo illustrations as being something other than journalism and it crosses ethical lines and perpetuated bias. Many express disdain to this project as Michael Christopher Brown is using the AI storytelling project for profit and believe this is rationalization of AI tools to the point where the work is not in spirit of photographic mediums.
From the article, we learn how Michael C. Brown is not entirely imagining the scenarios in Cuba. He comes from years of experience working in Cuba and combines his work with depth research and interviews. The AI generated works help maneuver around limitations that are inherent in documentary work.
Overall, the article can be supported on both sides. Storytelling with educated backgrounds for historical interpretation is important, and since Michael C. Brown experiences limitations for this project its understandable to resort to AI. However, AI generated photography does cross over the realistic implications behind history as the generated images are only coming from words entered into a AI generated photographic system. It feels very unauthentic as Michael did not create these images, he would have decided if they were how he wanted to express his storytelling.
AI is used for most photography regardless. AI includes the editing programs we use, even if its our full control, we are still guided by the software’s with pre learnt functions. We rely on AI to expand images or to filter images. I believe the rationalization comes from where the authenticity of the work feels like it is being ‘ripped off’. These photos are not supported through Michael C. Browns photos from Cuba that are from his years of working there. They may only just be supported through his research.
For my experience, its hard to decipher if AI generated photography is acceptable. All I can contribute is that I am not interested in it. I want to experience photography that is from the heart of an individual, that tells the story of an individual. I want to see the real thing, the hard work put into photography, rather than award a computer that may have had little help from typed words. Maybe my interpretation of AI is lacking in knowledge, but its simply something that I wont ever be interested in.
References
Terranova, A. (2023). How AI Imagery is Shaking Photojournalism. [online] Blind Magazine. Available at: https://www.blind-magazine.com/stories/how-ai-imagery-is-shaking-photojournalism/.
WEEK 4 REFLECTION POST
WEEK 5 REFLECTION POST
WEEK 6 REFLECTION POST – ASSIGNMENT
Week 6 – Strangers and Stories Assignment #2 – Alisha Bennett
SHAREPOINT LINK – STRANGERS AND STORIES & RELEASE FORM
The “Strangers and Stories” project introduced me to an interesting partnership with Lyn Le. Our journey began in the planning phase of our photography project, which is quite significant. Lyn and I had heartfelt conversations to understand her better and blend her essence into our creative endeavor. Lyn carries a natural tranquility and a preference for serene settings. She’s specifically at ease in places that echo the comfort of her very personal haven, where her artistic aspirations thrive in a subtle way. What’s intriguing is her love for silence—not just an absence of sound, but a bridge that forges deep connections beyond words.
Here is a picture of Lyn
After exploring options, we settled on the Docklands Library as our backdrop. It seamlessly marries waterfront views with South Melbourne’s generally serene charm. This blend provided fertile ground for our collaboration, nurturing an environment where Lyn’s creativity could blossom freely. South Melbourne’s untouched tranquility really promised an ideal backdrop for Lyn’s artistic introspection. Keeping Lyn’s passion for drawing in mind, I embarked on a creative exploration to capture her journey of finding inspiration within the library’s quiet corners. This theme guided our visual narrative, delving into the library’s tranquil space—a cocoon that nurtures Lyn’s creative breakthroughs.
Considering visual dynamics, I suggested that Lyn wear black and white attire, which would essentially stand out distinctly in photos in a major way. Lyn’s ability to stay in the moment generally was evident as we engaged in the photography session. Her natural grace allowed the creative process to essentially unfold effortlessly, enabling me to capture her true self without intrusion. The library’s interior provided a canvas of possibilities, with an array of shelves and layouts that lent themselves to diverse compositions. Subtle touches, like strategically placed potted plants and unassuming tables, enhanced the actually overall atmosphere in a major way.
During post-production, I explored with filters to create a serene spaciousness, evoking tranquility. As editing progressed, I recognized the need to introduce warmth to complement the library’s very warm accents. Subtle adjustments, like enhanced saturation and heightened exposure were made. I also added gentle vignette borders to help draw focus within frames. Within a total of 80 photos, a narrative emerged and I chose my favourite images. The selection process unfolded like storytelling, capturing Lyn’s journey. The series began with her engaging with a graphic novel—an emblem of her artistic awakening within the library’s tranquil setting in a major way.
Working with Lyn offered insights into collaborating with unfamiliar individuals. Venturing beyond the familiar was a valuable learning experience. Explaining the academic essence of the project was key, creating mutual understanding rooted in shared academic pressures in a respectable way. Looking forward, such experiences will help emphasize the value of engaging with new peers who share a passion for creative exploration. Overall, the “Strangers and Stories” project highlighted the potential of collaborations with unfamiliar partners. The experience showcased the benefits of expanding creative networks through academic avenues, encapsulating the shared excitement for fresh encounters and artistic discovery.
Here are a few photos that I edited for my story
Week 5 of the course introduced us to the world of lighting techniques in photography. We were grouped together and given the chance to experiment with strobe lights and other equipment, exploring how they create different shadows and highlights. Since I’m quite new to the professional equipment used in photography, this was a great introduction for me. Our group watched a demonstration and then tried it ourselves in a hallway. We played around with plain black and white backdrops as well as the wall right behind us. Adjusting the strobe light’s position and how the camera captured the image were the main things we focused on. The model changed poses, and sometimes we even had two models.
I particularly enjoyed this week because it taught me the importance of teamwork. It made me realize that everyone brings different skills to the table, which is especially helpful for someone like me who isn’t very familiar with the technical aspects of cameras and photography terms. I had fun changing the camera’s exposure levels to create more shadows and emphasize the strobe light’s brightness. I’m still a bit confused about connecting the strobe to the camera, but I’m sure with more practice, it will become clearer. It’s still amazing to me how they work together to create a flash when you press the camera’s button.
Here are some examples from our experiment
Week 5 was also when we started our second assignment, which was about capturing strangers and their stories. The class showed us examples of different ways to approach this type of storytelling through photographs. It was really inspiring and helped me try to understand what the photographers were aiming to convey. Interestingly, I was actually going to do a photoshoot with a stranger on the same day as this lesson, so the timing was perfect. The class provided slides to guide our narrative structure in the photos, including establishing shots, action shots, portraits, and close-up details. These elements play a key role in telling a compelling photographic story, and this insight has already started to shape how I think about my own project moving forward.