Statement of Intent Theme 2 ~ People in the Landscape

Intentions/purpose
For my second theme I will produce a minimum of 10 textured images of people in the landscape as agreed with my tutor, Steve Davies.

These relate to the first theme due to the inclusion of human figures and the finishing process of applying texture to give a painterly effect.

These images can be used for illustration purposed in books and magazines or on the internet, for other printed material including calendars, t-shirts, fabrics, desk items, household linen or equipment, or as art prints.

Reasons for selection           

I have been inspired in my choice by contemporary artists, mostly through the Flickr website, who have been experimenting with different ways of presenting images rather than a photograph straight from the camera.

Using photoshop, which is a vast image editing system, many different and innovative art works have been produced and I have been trying to use the software to produce a style of my own.

Diane Gracy (Flickr)

Lasofabunny (Flickr)

I have also been greatly influenced by painters of the past including Turner the dutch masters and Gainsborough, through my many museum and country house visits which I have enjoyed throughout my life.

Equipment and medium

I will be using my Canon 5D Mk2 with a 24-70mm lens.  Since this is a full frame camera this lens will give me something towards a panoramic view of the scene.  I will also need a tripod and have available a number of filters including a polariser, which inproves colour in blue skies and cuts down glare and reflection on water, and several neutral density filters or varying degrees, which will hold back bright light such as the sun or other light sources so that detail can be retained in shadows.

I will use an internet based printing company to produce 10 prints on mat paper which I can then mount on board for display.

Technique

I will be photographing people at a distance so model release forms will not be required since they will not be recognisable.  My camera is set on aperture priority at F11 which is the optimal focus range for this lens using exposure bracketing, 3 shot bursts, set half a stop either side of the automatic exposure setting and evaluative metering, auto white balance and minimum iso.

I will process the images in Photoshop CS5, adding pre-made textures to achieve a painterly finish.

Control of light quality

To control light quality in the field, I can use evaluative metering system on the camera and combine ISO and shutter speed to give the correct exposure.  I will also have available a polarising filter and neutral density filters which can be used to hold back a bright light source or slow shutter speed to bring detail to the flow of water  or add a silky dreamy look to water.

Risk and H&S

To ensure the safety of myself and my equipment I will have a companion with me and we will travel a planned route, which will be notified to others. , we will have mobile phones and money for communication and refreshment and ensure we are dressed suitably for the conditions.  The route will follow public footpaths and highways to ensure we do not travel over private land and we will use a map and compass.  We will beware of other hazards such as triping or sliping and ensure that the tripod is set up on suitable ground and we are safe from hazard at all times.

Statement of intent ~ Assgmt 306 ~ Studio Photography

Intentions/purpose

For this project I intend to produce a minimum of 10 studio portraits.  These will form a portfolio which can be used to illustrate my skills as a portrait photogapher and will offer a number of finishes available from high and low key to textured images and selective colouring.   I can use these in printed form to advertise in magazines, newspapers, or on social network sites as well as my own website to help build a customer base.

Reasons for selection of the theme

I have been influenced by contemporary photographers using photo-sharing websites such as Flickr as well as collegues on the Level 4 course.

Flickr contact - Tracy Taylor

My influences also come from cinematic photography, fashion as well as artists using media other than photography such as Degas, Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Degas

Rembrandt

Vermeer

Vermeer

Choosing studio portraiture has allowed me to draw all these influences together to form my own style of work.

Equipment and medium to be used

This will be my first foray into the studio, however, I will be using equipment which is familiar to me, my Canon 5D Mk2.  I have completed some research into lenses and will use a 50mm F1.8 and 85mm F1.8.   . These should allow me to get in close to take head and shoulder shots without having to lose  most of the shot in cropping.  I will also use continuous lighting since these would appear to be safer since they do not heat up with use and will allow a soft even light so I can use a shallow depth of field and focus on the eyes.

Techniques to be used/conveying the visual message

To create a dreamy and romantic feel a shallow depth of field can be used, F2.5, to soften features, with focus directed  at the eyes in head and shoulder shots.  This technique is generally more flattering to the sitter and will produce a more painterly portrait.

The Canon 5D has a portrait menu setting which slightly softens the shot and I can use aperture priority to control depth of field.

Textures will be added in post processing to add to the painterly feeling and give depth and expression to the portraits.

Controlling light quality

Continuous lighting will be used in the studio.  This is as near to ambient light as a studio will allow so that a large aperture can be used for shallow dof for a dreamy portrait as opposed to studio flash which pushes out alot of light, for use with a narrow aperture and large dof.  The light is usually mounted on a boom arm for positioning over the model with a reflector placed below to counteract any shadows and give the face a soft glow.

Risk and health and safety considerations

Since I intend to photography young children as well as adults, the children will not be invited into the studio without a chaperone, preferably a parent or guardian and this adult will be in sight of the child at all times.

On arrival at the studio, I will verbally go through the health and safety policy and point out the necessary fire exits and printed notices with safety procedures, as well as requesting that the children, when not being photographed, stay in the designated area which is free from hazards.  I will advise that food and drink is not allowed in the studio and visitiors should be aware of trip hazards such as cables, lights and booms.  I will be using continuous lighting which does not get hot and will not be using studio flash, but I will advise that these are not touched or interfered with in any way, and plugs should not be touched.

We will take regular breaks so that models are not fatigued, away from the studio.

L3 Diploma in Photography and Photo Imaging

After much deliberation I have decided to work towards a Diploma in Photography and to this end I need to complete four mandatory units and two optional units as follows;

Mandatory units

Unit 205          Photo imaging equipment and materials
Unit 310          Photo image output
Unit 211          Photo image presentation
Unit 212          Working to a photo imaging project brief

Optional units

Unit 305            Photo image capture
Unit 306            Studio photography
Unit 307            Location photography

Since I completed units 211 and 305 last year, these will be taken into account for the qualification and I therefore need to complete 205,310,212, and I will choose 306, studio photography as my optional unit.

Assignment 306

Task 1a
Choose two of the given themes and produce a folio of a minimum of 10 images for each theme.

I have chosen Portraits and People in the Landscape (as agreed with my tutor Steve Davies)

Task 1b
Provide a written account for each folio of images to include;

statement of intent
information on research and influences
preparation and planning
how equipment was used to capture images
records of set construction, props and lighting
why final images were selected
relevant documentation used
risk health and safety, legal and ethical considerations

Quite a full and diverse list of requirements for this, as well as the work required for the other assignments, I am sure I will have sufficient to keep me busy for the next 12 months.