Work record- Shoot 3

Information
Date: 09/05/17
Camera Used: Nikon D5300
Camera Settings: 1/125, F10, ISO 200
Lighting set up:  Studio light x2, Soft box x2, White backdrop, Tripod

Shoot aim: 

My aim for this shoot was to produce an A1 David Hockney inspired collage joiner.  I wanted to experiment with this concept on a large scale as I felt that it would enhance the final image as well as allowing me to make an image that would work as a piece beside my A1 shoot 2 collage.

I am interested in Hockney's work with joiner images due to the way that his portraiture joiners can appear to capture a splitting of self in a way that is symbolic of ones personal identity.  I felt that this was relevant due to the fact that my connected image series is based around self identity and particularly youth identity.  I feel that an interesting way to tackle this concept would be to create one large joiner collage featuring various different people to demonstrate the fact that although youth may appear different we are all the same internally and it is our collective identity that bands us together.

Shoot plan:
My plan for this shoot is to use the studio and to shoot images of between 4-6 subjects in around an hour.  I will then edit the relevant images using Photoshop CC 2014 and begin to print the images.  My canvas will have a splatter design in the style of Jackson Pollock I will then piece the images together to make a person and stick them to my canvas in a style reminiscent of David Hockney.

What I achieved:

I achieved the final result of one A1 joiner on white mount board with a rainbow Jackson Pollock inspired design.  I feel that this incorporation of Pollocks style and it's random appearance helps to convey the chaos of youth whilst the rainbow colourisation helps to tie the piece to my other two shoots as this was the main colour scheme used throughout my project.  The use of rainbows symbolises the way in which my images are designed to represent individuality and youth and the fact that we are all the same and should be treated as equals (as a rainbow is a well known symbol of equality).

I used five subjects in total to create one larger collage and feel that I was successful in creating a diverse collage due to the fact that I used subjects of various genders, sexualities and ethnicities in my shoot.  I feel that the use of some black and white images in my main piece as well as the rainbow edited piece in the images centre help to give it a more visually stimulating appearance as they break up the tones in the image.  The black and white images symbolise the stress associated with youth and the destruction of childhood and the rainbow image symbolises the diversity and acceptance of youth it is positioned centrally due to the fact that acceptance is one of the core values of youth today.

Favourite image:

This is my favourite image due to the way that the black and white coloration achieved through the low levels of saturation has given the piece a high level of tonal contrast.  This is made particularly effective due to the fact that the subject is wearing colours with a low level of saturation making the tonal contrast much starker in appearance than what may be achieved in an image with bright colours.

Denotation:  This image features the subject fiddling with his hands at his chest as the image is being taken it is a close shot.  There is large tonal contrast present in the image which is heightened by the fact that when the image was taken the subject was wearing clothes in blacks and greys helping to make the drawings on his hands as well as his rings stand out starkly when the image was converted to black and white and contrast was increased.

Connotation:  This image carries connotations of stress from the fact that the subject is fiddling with his hands in a nervous manner suggesting the modern pressures of youth.  The writing on the subjects hands suggests an elements of rebellion due to the fact that they mimic tattoo designs which contrasts with his smart jumper and jacket.  This demonstrates the way that modern youth are breaking away from societal conventions and norms.  The use of black and white coloration suggests the dull routine of youth in the 21st century and the way that society attempts to mould us into an ideal citizen.

Context:  This image has been used as a part of a larger composition featuring images of several subjects joined together physically in order to represent the fact that youth are all the same even though we may appear different on the outside. 

Least favourite image:

This is my least favourite image due to the fact that I feel that the image gives very little in regards to representation of youth and is not particularly visually stimulating however it had to be included due to the fact that I needed an arm for the final image.

Denotation:  This image features the left arm of one of the subjects and has an increased level of contrast and saturation this gives it a more vibrant appearance and creates a higher level of contrast with the black and white images.

Connotation:  This images coloration carries connotations of the vitality of youth due to the fact that it has an increased level of saturation and contrast helping to demonstrate the energy often associated with youth culture.

Context: This image has been used as a part of a larger composition featuring images of several subjects joined together physically in order to represent the fact that youth are all the same even though we may appear different on the outside.

Final image



This is my final image which has been composed from each of the individual images found in this shoot.  The concept for this image was to demonstrate the fact that whilst as a individuals youths are different we all fall into the same collective identity.

Denotation:  The image features bright tones making it eye catching and visually stimulating.  The image is also interesting due to it's joiner style which is similar to David Hockney's joiner work.  A range of both saturated and black and white tones are used giving it a high level of contrast.
Connotation:  This image carries connotations of the vibrancy of youth which is found in the bright colours of the images background as well the idea of collective identity and personal identity being enforced by the joiner composition.
Context: This image was designed to demonstrate the collective and personal identities of youth and how we are all the same.

Work record- Shoot 2

Information:
Date: 02/05/17, 03/05/17
Camera used: Nikon D5300, Instax Wide shot, Instax mini, Disposable camera
Camera settings: 1/125, F4.5, ISO 1250, 1/125, F5.6, ISO 400, 1/80, F5, ISO 1250, 1/125, F4,5, ISO 500, 1/80, F4.5, ISO 1250
Lighting: N/A natural lighting used throughout

Shoot aim:
My aim for this shoot is to complete a series of photo shoots in order to document my life as a youth and the collective identity of youth culture.  I would like to experiment with different veins of photography such as film, instant film and digital photography as I feel that this will give my series a more unique and personal appearance.

Shoot plan:


What I achieved:
I created an A1 collage which merges three mediums of photography (digital, film and instant film).  I feel that the combination of film photography and digital photography gives the final image a sense a nostalgic appearance due to the fact that disposable film is a more historic form of photography.  I feel however that the image is kept current through the addition of modern digital photography and also feel that the addition of this more modern method allows for more computer experimentation than disposable methods may.

Progression:
For my final shoot I would like to be able to experiment with large scale collages again however would like to stick to digital photography opposed to film photography in order to allow me to experiment more with digital editing techniques.  I feel that a collage joiner may be an interesting way for me to approach this task as it will allow me to create a selection of images which feature individual editing techniques of different people that I can print large copies of and join together on my A1 mount board.

Favourite image:

This is my favourite image due to the way that the bright and heavily saturated colours used throughout help to convey the fun and energy of youth.  I feel that the shallow depth of field used gives the image an interesting appearance of depth which is heightened through the leading line of the jacket which pulls the viewers eye into the image from the left bottom corner to the shirts at the images centre.

Denotation: This image features numerous bright colours and bold patterns which makes it eye catching and striking to the viewer.  The orange and blue tones used throughout create an interesting sense of contrast whilst the use of a shallow depth of field directs the viewers eye to specific areas of the image.

Connotation: This image carries connotations of the materialistic aspect of youth due to the fact that the image has been shot in a charity shop.  The fact that image is shot in a charity shop can also link to the idea of youth subcultures and the way that Indie subcultures are currently making vintage clothing fashionable and trendy leading to an increase in charity shop purchases.  The vibrant colourisation in the image conveys the energy and excitement of youth and helps to counter negative stereotypes that youth are dark and dangerous.

Context:  This image is a part of a series focused around personal identity if youths and was shot as a documentary image of my day which was then added into a larger final composition about youth culture.

Least favourite image:

This is my least favourite image due to the fact that the subject is lit overly brightly and the majority of the tones featured throughout are muted giving the image a relatively flat appearance.

Denotation:  This image features largely muted tones which presents it from appearing overly eye catching.  The fact that subject is wearing the same tones as are featured in the images background such as beige and blue make him blend in to the images background and allow him to get lost in the image opposed to standing out.  There us a shallow depth of field in the image which helps the subject to stand out slightly however he is ultimately lost in the image.

Connotation:  This image carries connotations of age and shifting styles due to the fact that charity shops are often associated with an older generation.  The muted tones used throughout also help to convey the fact that youth are not always wild and energetic but have a calmer side as well.

Context: This image is a part of a series focused around personal identity if youths and was shot as a documentary image of my day which was then added into a larger final composition about youth culture.

Work record- Shoot 1

Information
Date: 27/04/17
Camera used: Nikon D5300
Camera settings: 1/125, f11, ISO 200
Lighting: Soft box x2

Diagram created using (www.lightingdiagrams.com/Creator)


Shoot concept:

Shoot aim:
My aim for this shoot was to create a series of mounted portrait images which related to the personal identity of those photographed.  I aimed to do this in order to gain a better understanding of the versatility present in the collective identity of youth.  I will be using a variety of materials such as paint, sequins, pens and tape and will be mounting the photographs on 1cm thick white mounting board where the image will then be collaged by the subject.

Shoot plan:



What I achieved:
I was able to create a series of 6 images each featuring the subject of the image and their personal identity through collage.  I feel that the shoot was successful due to the fact that I was able to create 6 strong connected images.  These images make a striking series and will lead on to my exploration of youth as a collective identity as well as just as a personal identity.

Progression:
In my next shoot I will be experimenting with the use of a larger collage in order to display youth as a large collective identity.  I feel that the use of a larger collage will allow for further photographic exploration as I will be incorporating a wider variety of cameras such as Instant film cameras, Disposable film camera and a DSLR in order to create a more diverse photographic experience.

Favourite image:

This is my favourite image due to the way that it focuses on a deeper level of personal identity and discusses gender identity as well as trans visibility.  The subject has also included reference to nicknames and favourite bands giving the image a very personal appearance.

Denotation:  This image features a raised image of the subject mounted on mount board which serves to give the image a sense of depth.  The image features strong pink and blue colorisation due to the colorisation of the trans visibility flag featured across the top of the image.  This colour combination compliments the subjects purple jumper as well as providing a strong social message in the image.

Connotation:  The subject has portrayed his gender identity through the inclusion of the trans flag, stereotypically male under wear, packing socks and a chest binder.  Stereotypical constructs of gender are contrasted however through the fact that the subject is wearing a flower crown and has decorated the image with silver stars.  This symbolism shows the way that youth in todays society are breaking away from gender norms as a result of feminism creating a greater level of tolerance for gender expression and sexuality.

Context:  For this series the subjects of the image were asked to convey their personal identity using a selection of craft supplies presented to them.

Least favourite image:

This is my least favourite image due to the fact that the subject has chosen to sparsely decorate the image however this minimalistic style is a part of his personal identity meaning that the image is still successful.

Denotation:  This image features the subject mounted using mount board the image of the subject has been raised.  The image features a range go colours which draws the viewers eye around the image.  The subject has chosen to list things that he likes and is passionate about such as foot ball and drumming.

Connotation:  This image creates a stereotypical picture of youth due to the fact that football and is a hobby often associated with youth culture.  Drumming adds a more personal aspect to the image as it is a less common hobby the use of the sticker stars in vibrant colours suggests an interest in famous rock musicians and their often extravagant and glittering costumes and sets such as David Bowie who the subject is interested in.

Context:  For this series the subjects of the image were asked to convey their personal identity using a selection of craft supplies presented to them.