In a change to the first project where all of my photographs were done using black and white 35mm film I intend to use digital SLR photography throughout this work. This will be my first time using a digital camera and I am very keen to see how the use of related software (such as Photoshop) can enhance the images I create. Although I am going to continue to produce my pictures in black and white (I believe this gives an image impact and clarity to the message I am trying to purvey) I am very interested in using the features available in the editing software to introduce colour to the final images (for example adding colour to one section of a print to add effect)
I am going to use still life as the main focus of my project and in my research for it I am going to look at the works of two photographers who (although they are known for other types of photography e.g. portraiture and landscapes) are also famous for their still life work - Irving Penn and Edward Weston. I intend to compare and contrast their work in order to formulate my own ideas and thoughts. I want to look at the techniques that they have used (such as composition, use of lighting etc) in creating their photographs and use the knowledge learned to help me with my images. Along with looking at the work of still life photographers I will also look into the work of installation artists such as Tracy Emin and Damien Hirst, who although they may not be photographers do have to look at similar composition and the use of lighting in their work to express their meaning. I believe that understanding exactly what makes good composition will be the key to me producing effective work and so feel that including artists as well as photographers will be of benefit.
The reason I have chosen Still Life photography is that I am keen to explore more the use of composition in my images (and the use of my subjects to express thoughts or ideas) and am able to control this more through this medium. Using different subjects for example objects from the natural world (such as leaves or plants) or manmade items (such as cutlery or plates) I hope that I can create photographs with expression and impact. I believe that in Still life photographs (more than any other type of photography such as portraiture or landscapes) you are able to express feelings and mood within an image through your choice of subject. Through careful selection of my subjects I intend to express different statements regarding modern life, shared experiences and the world around us. I believe that I will be able to use the techniques that I have learned so far (such as differential focus or shutter exploitation) to very good effect in still life photography and the photographs I produce.
I would also like to explore the use of scale within still life pictures. I am interested in exploring the effects I can get by using larger items in my photographs (as opposed to the majority of still life work that seems to use smaller subject matter) to make them different and more interesting. In contrast to that I plan to utilize different filters for example a macro filter to enhance and enlarge a smaller object (thus giving a different view point on something commonplace and making the minute large) which will contrast or compliment the larger subject matter. I will also be able to control the use of lighting in still life and learn how it can be manipulated to create highlights and shadow in a picture to add contrast and depth. Along with external lighting depending on the subject that is chosen I also hope to use reflected light from surfaces and shadows cast by textures etc to add extra dimensions to the final picture.
Although I do intend to use the studio we have available at college for some of the work I would also like to look into different locations for the pictures. As said I am interested in creating some of my pictures with larger subject matter and will have to decide where the best locations for my compositions will be (there is no rule that still life have to be internally based).
Although I know that creating effective still life photographs can be difficult I am very interested in starting this project and will keep a diary as I progress. As with the earlier project I see this as a learning experience and so am hoping that my progression will be shown from my early ideas, through my research and continue up to the printing of my final images. Through my still life work I intend to make (rather than just take) photographs.
BRAINSTORM SHEETS
Over the next few pages you will find my brainstorm sheets.
As this was my first experience with Still Life photography I wanted to ensure that my work had direction and so wrote down my ideas for the work I was about to begin. These included everything from potential subject matter, locations, themes, and techniques. As these were created at the very start of the project they contain every idea I had (no matter whether they ended up being submitted as part of my final work or not). I have split these into Still Life – General thoughts, Subject – Ideas for items in the photographs and finally Themes – ideas for the type of message I want my photographs to express.
