Unit 1 (all tasks): Playing in the Dark

AC 1.1: Identify and assess contexts and approaches to photography

In this project we focus on showing the use of depth of field and of long exposure in different shots. While doing this we make sure to understand the importance of the Exposure Triangle and how it can affect your shots.

For my tasks, I wanted to try things out of “my confort zone” while shooting (I love to shoot architecture and landscapes in a very sharp way, no people in sight or portraits). Playing with the long exposure and with the deph of field was a nice experience to know more about my camera and equiptment and to see a new side of myself throught the lens.

We learnt about Michael Freeman and his ten different types of shadows. Coming myself for an art background was a nice experience to see it with his eyes.

As I stated before I love clean and sharp photos, but learning more about shadows with the Freeman guide was quite and experience and it really pushed me to try to see if I can shot one of each. After this course I feel that now I’m in control with my camera and helped me to feel more confident while shooting outside with people around me.

Task 1: Depth of Field, Selective focus (AC 2.1, 2.2, 3.2)

Present a series of 3 images in response to the title using the depth of field and/or selective focus.

Image 1

 

Canon PowerShot G7X Mark II 1/25s, f/2.8, ISO 800 27mm

One of the things I love to photograph is my cat Cleo. She loves my monsteras plants and enjoys playing hide and seek with them. She was playing with the leaves when she sat still and I shot a couple of nice photos of her. 

The light in this photo comes from the window behind her back and touches slightly the leave. I was sitting still while I took this shot as I didn't have my tripod with me. I focus the camera on the leaf to produce a soft Bokeh effect in it. While you can still see Cleo, you can tell that she is a bit blur.

Image 2

 

Canon PowerShot G7X Mark II 1/1000s, f/4, ISO 125, 280mm

This one is one of my favourite shots during spring time. I went for a nice walk with some friends, cameras on hand and we saw this beautiful tree blooming.

I like how the Bokeh effect is reflected on the shot while you can see the open shadow difference on the tree at the back. It was a windy day so I believe it helped with the blur on the shot.

Image 3

 

Canon EOS 250D 1/80s, f/4.5, ISO 100, 34mm

Cleo is one of my muse ( I got two cats) and when I saw her sitting at my window I could not let the shot to go away. As the sunset came and the light went down on that cloudy day I use my AP to get this beautiful shot of Cleo with Kingston University on the background. The Bokeh effect on this photo is one of my favourites I shot.

Task 2: Shutter Speed (AC 2.1, 2.2, 3.2)

Task 2: Present a series of 3 images in response to the title using slow or fast shutter speed techniques. Techniques to consider: Multiple exposure, Movement or Painting with Light.

For this exercise I decided to use the long exposure technique to create a light trail at night and I wanted to see the effect that can happened during daylight. I used my tripod to have the photos as still as I could.

Image 1

 

Canon EOS 250D 30s, f/25, ISO 100, 25mm

I took this image in the evening on a footpath bridge. I set up my tripod to capture the trail lights but I decided to twist the lens to get this effect of the lights crossing each other (it was a straight road). I'm really happy how this experiment turn out. I learnt that for more trails I want to shoot in places with more "street lamp".

Image 2

 

Canon EOS 250D 0.8s, f/29, ISO 100, 46mm

I took this image at the Kingston College roundabout just before sunset. I set up my tripod and I waited for the buses to come and turn on the roundabout to try to catch this ghost effect. At the beginning I started with a quick Shutter Speed (less than a second) to see how it will affect the shot manteining the ISO at a 100.

Image 3

 

Canon EOS 250D 1s, f/29, ISO 100, 30mm

For this image I decided to set the shutter speed on a second. Because it was at sunset time there are no really visible shadows but I did learn a lot about this experiment of shooting vehicles during daylight. What I like from this shot is that you can still see the art piece from the roundabout where the bus is. We can see this because of the "ghost" effect that produces.

Task 3: Final take (AC 3.1, 3.2)

Present a series of 5 images in response to the title using photographic techniques chosen by you. You can use any techniques you are familiar with. You can research and apply in and off camera manipulation.

 

Image 1

 

Canon PowerShot G7X Mark II 1/30s, f/1.8, ISO 400, 9mm

I took this photo while I was at a Zoom lesson. One of the things I learnt during this course is that we were two taking it. This shot is a great example of the Bokeh Effect on the background while Cleo is the main subject of the photo. The light came from the laptop making her fur to have different shadows on her left side.

Image 2

 

Canon PowerShot G7X Mark II 1/1250s, f/2, ISO 125, 9mm

I took this shot while walking around Kingston upon Thames. This beautiful art piece from David Mach is a good example of repetition and Aperture Priority making the background blur. You can also can appreciate the shadows at the bottom of the phone boxes very subtle.

Image 3

 

Canon PowerShot G7X Mark II 1/1250s, f/6.3, ISO 125, 18mm

The calm before the storm, I shot this from my window before the storm came. I like how the blue sky is frame in between the dark clouds and Kingston Uni. With this shot I was trying to catch different types of shadows, as Michael Freeman show us before. 

Image 4

 

Canon PowerShot G7X Mark II 1/30s, f/2, ISO 125, 9mm

Happy birthday! As the previous photo I was testing and trying to get different types of shadows as Michael Freeman talked about. In this case I was trying to get a "receding shadow" and I think I manage to capture it with this shot. All the lights were turn off and the only light source were the candles on top of the cake. As they are on the left side you can see more of the table while on the right side everything is on shadows. I also love how the candle lights hit the skeleton decor on the cake making more shadows in it.

Image 5

 

Canon EOS 250D 13s, f/7.1, ISO 100, 50mm

I shot this picture at class while one of my classmates was posing as a model. I was trying different Shutter Speeds and in this one in particular I decided to move the camera while shooting it. I used my 50mm lens so I moved the camera upside down to gain this effect on the shot. It was a really interesting experience as I was testing that lens properly for the first time.

Safe Working Practices (AC 4.1)

The first safe working practice that I needed to be aware of is myself. As a disabled person I always need to make sure that I don't compromise my safety for a shot. While I take photos at night I always take in consideration a couple of things. If there is traffic I either stand on the side, away from the road (in case I have a seizure I'm not at risk), or I choose a place with no traffic. When I choose the busy roads I always check if I can take it from above like in a footpath bridge or I wear a Hi-Vis so I'm visible to the traffic coming my way.

When I shot on a pedestrian road I'm always aware if I need to move out of the way of other pedestrians or if a vehiacle needs to pass next to me. I always make sure that while I'm out shooting to carry my ID's, emergency contacts and medical info in case of need.

I always make sure to ask for permission while shooting and to no trespass on private lands.

Declaration

‘I confirm that the attached portfolio is all my own work and does not include any work completed by anyone other than myself.'

Barbara Carozzi Bermejo

 

Shadowland and depth of field…

Unit 1: The camera - film or digital
Task 1: Shadow and depth of field
 

Michael Freeman

 

"One of the most widely published photographers worldwide, Michael Freeman has worked for most major international magazine and book publishers in a long career. An MA in Geography at Oxford, which included Anthropology, set the course of his reportage work, much of which has focused on Asia, including extended studies of cultures such as the Akha and Pathan, while a few years in advertising straight after university inspired a very different specialisation in studio still-life.

A leading photographer for the Smithsonian Magazine for three decades (more than 40 assignment stories), Freeman has also published 147 books on subjects as varied as Angkor, Sudan, ethnic minorities in Southeast Asia, the Shakers, and contemporary Japanese design and architecture. His 67 books on the practice of photography are standard works, and have sold over 3 million copies in more than 20 languages (4 million for all his books). London-based, Freeman travels for half of each year on shooting assignments, principally in Asia."

Michael Freeman counts 10 different types of shadows which they have their own purpose and needs.

1. Basic Rich-  Most of the image is dark (about 75%-90%). Lots of your shots will be this type especially if you are shooting at night.

2. Backdrop –  The photo will have a hard black background that frames the objects.

3. Receding – The shadows recede from the centre light out to the edges. This technique makes the centre part of the shot emerge out from the dark, highlighting it’s importance.

4. Volumetric –  Produced by side lighting that gives a beautiful soft edge to the corners also adds a three dimensional perspective.

5. Reflective – shadow that at an acute angle to the camera in the view that goes toward a brightly lit area. So what you see are reflections of the brightness beyond. This shadow need its range stretched and processing is quite usual for this type of shadows enhanced by lifting the white point

6. Open –  These types of shadows are very light, most of our shots are like these.

7. Smooth graded – smooth transition without shadow edges from the lit parts of the scene towards darker but not necessarily black

8. Chiaroscuro – origininally from Italy (light-dark), is a dramatic use of shadows with black bold shapes and patterns. Artist as Rembrandt or Goya are known for using this technique.

9. Cast shape –  Is what we generally call casting a shadow. The shape of the object is projected on to a light background and there are two types:

TYPE 1

In this shot only the man in the hat’s shadow is shown. Not the man.

TYPE 2

In this shot the Holy cow and the shadows are shown.

10. Silhouette – it is the reverse view from a cast shape its mirror image; the simpler brighter background the more readable and effective the silhouette. Silhouettes need to be very deep, even black and the smaller they are the blacker need to be.

I shot the following photos and labeled them according to Michael Freeman’s guide of shadows.

Cast shape

 

Canon EOS 250D 1/250s, f/5.6, ISO 100, 23mm

I took this shot at the link bridge in Bentalls, Kingston upon Thames. The shape of the bridge is projected on the ground by the light source, in this case by the sun. The shadows on the floor have hard lines and the straight lines on the floor guide your eyes torwards the black center of the photography.

 

Silhouette

Canon EOS 250D 1/200s, f/5.6, ISO 6400, 55mm

I took this photo while I was on a break during a zoom class. The view is from my bedroom window and you can see the Courts buildings in Kingston upon Thames. In this photography the light comes from the sky (it was sunset). To get this type of effect I focused on the sky to catch the colours and to blackout the building. Making that I manage to capture the diffrent shades of pink the sky had and to show the silhouette of the court building.

 

Unit 2: Task 4 (AC 2.3, 2.4)

Project summary

I think I changed my Project at least 6 times. I always felt that it was not quite there until I finally decided to express myself a bit more with my shots. COVID hit me close to home, my sisters are essential workers in a supermarket, so I knew I had to pay some tribute with my shots.

For my Project I tried to show what was Covid at home but I also wanted to show how it was outside. In order to be able to do that I decided to brave the lockdown (following all the safety requirements and wearing a facemask) and try to represent i ton my photos.

My Shot

Canon EOS 250D 1/60s, f/4, ISO 1600 24mm

I chose this shot as “my shot” because it combines the best of my Project how covid affects at home and how was outside. The shot shows my sister at work, she is an essential worker at Sainsbury’s and while working she got Covid. I decided to turn the shot in black and white cause I felt like it was the kick missing. In the shot you can see how she is picking a customers food shop and at the same time the background is more like a scenario as you can see lots of gaps in the produce.

For many maybe, this will be a common shot, but for me represents everything. How covid affected my family, how it affected the world and how it change it for ever. 

Home sweet Home: Outside edition

Canon EOS 250D 1/60s, f/4, ISO 1600 24mm

I went for a walk to Kingston upon Thames and it was a huge difference. It was the first time I saw my hometown empty. The market place is such a beautiful landmark and its always busy and full of life but seeing it empty was a shock. No food stalls, no human interaction, just silence.

Canon PowerShot G7X Mark II 1/1250s, f/5, ISO 125 10mm

After so many months in lockdown, during my stroll I saw lots of shops permanent closed. Covid hit hard retail this last year and sadly the closed stores made the town even more ghostly. What I like about this shot is the shadow of a beautiful historic bulding casting over the closed stores.

Canon PowerShot G7X Mark II 1/1250s, f/4, ISO 125 9mm

Have you ever seen Clarence Street so empty? Even that the essential shops were open, Kingston was ghost town. As I commented on my previous photo, covid hit hard on the main street too. Even now we can see lots of empty shops with the to let sign on them.

Canon PowerShot G7X Mark II 1/30s, f/2.8, ISO 125 9mm

I took this photo when I went to take the shot of my sister at work. Here you can see how it affected my sister workplace, even that it was at opening time, most shelfs were empty.

Canon EOS 250D 1/400s, f/3.5, ISO 100 23mm

When takeaway was the only option, this beautiful corner of Kingston with all the coffee shops was like a desert. I really love this photo, how empty it is but at the same time the umbrella is standing there like the protagonist of the shot.

Canon EOS 250D 1/100s, f/4, ISO 100 24mm

At the end of my stroll I passed by my job at Bentalls. I wanted to see how they put the safety measures and I was surprised by how quiet the centre was. After I talked and asked permission to one of the security guys I shot this image where no one is in sight except the social distancing signs.

Unit 2: Task 2 (AC 2.1, 2.2) Home is...

 Unit 2.2 Photographic images - Documentary photograph

Home is...

I think if you ask this question to a group of people everyone will come with a different answer. I started to move non stop since 2002 when I left Argentina. Every year or two years I moved sometimes even country! 

So my concept of home change a lot same as I was moving. At first I thought Home was where my stuff was, now after so many years I realized that Home is where I feel safe and my family is. 

During this lockdowns I got the time to enjoy my home. I learnt new recipes, played a lot of games, read lots of books. Even that my stay at home was nice I got some downfalls in my life. 

In my Home is I tried to document a bit of the ups and downs of Lockdown.

1. Come in

My entry way became the cleaning point, sanitize yourself and protect the rest. For more than a year my sideboard keep holding hand sanitizer, facemask, a lint roller and my keys. I'm allergic to Aloe Vera so I'm use to carry bottles of sanitizer with me just in case.

2. Banana nana na

One of my favourite things about lockdown is that I got more time to cook and experiment more in the kitchen. Banana Bread is the staple cake that everyone made around the world on lockdown. While my sister was isolating with covid and my brother in law couldnt leave the house, my mum and myself baked them cakes and cook them comfort food dishes to try to help them and support them. Banana bread with chocolate chips and walnuts was their favourite.

3. Home test

Sadly even that I rarelly left my home (due to health conditions) I got a few scares with Covid-19. During this year I got hometest done and a couple more at the hospital. My last one was in a walking testing site and it was a quite curious experience and it will be a future story for sure!

4.Zooming Zoom

Zoom lessons, teams meetings, skype calls, you name it. Sometimes life and family get in the middle. In my case I'm lucky my cats kind of behave most of the time... I think the trickiest part for me was taking my BSL lessons because as you sign the cats tend to like to play with your hands. 

5. Moving time

So, I moved out! Life got hard and complicated. Imagine being surrounded by boxes and try to take nice shots when you got stuff all over the place. 

Here are two of my favourite extras shoots:

Cleo and Toast made my lockdown 100% way better. I was so lucky to be able to spend more time with them during this pandemic. I have to say they are getting more comfortable with the camera been around them.

My sister Denise got Covid and was quite bad, it was one of the most scary things ever. After spending 3 weeks ill and 2 more isolating when she got the all clear, she went back to work as she is an essential worker. Even that she was tired she kept working during the whole pandemic. 

Unit 2: Task 1 (AC 1.1, 1.2) Home Sweet Home

Unit 2: The Photographic Project - Research

Learning Outcome 1 (LO1): Understand photographic research

 

Carry out research for a photographic project (AC 1.2)

Research other artists’ work. Analyse the way ideas, materials and techniques can be used to inform your own practise.

Photographers in Isolation

"PHOTOGRAPHERS. A lot of us are used to working in isolation so let’s use this time to continue our work and respond to this situation that we are all facing TOGETHER. I’m asking all photographers, wherever you are to join me in documenting your time in isolation using the hashtag #photographersinisolation So let’s stick together, spread the word, share your work and let’s begin 📷 #photographers #artistsupport"

Photographers in isolation  was founded by Rachael Munro-Fawcett at the start of the pandemic. I choose to showcase this Instagram page as it shows differents photographers from around the world on how the pandemic reflected on their lives and shoots.

stefaniabonfiglio
Mamma ma domani vado a scuola?

@billie_charity Saying goodbye 😢 January 2021

@heunjungkim 'Baek il' event in South Korea

                               Rachael Munro-Fawcett

Rachael Munro-Fawcett is a UK-based photographer whose work examines the relationships that exist between people and their environment. With a strong social and environmental focus, her practise is driven by an ardent belief in the power of photography to facilitate discussions that initiate positive change within societies. Her work explores a diverse range of cultures, communities and landscapes, broadening the scope of conversation to include worlds that exist beyond her own socio-economic and geographical boundaries. 

Funded by Arts Council England, her long term project To Walk In Your Shoes was an insight into the daily plight of asylum seekers and refugees living in the UK. The project partnered with City of Sanctuary Manchester and PAFRAS Leeds (Positive Action for Asylum Seekers and Refugees) and was widely exhibited across the north of England. Her two year project Hollin Lane WIP is a documentary exploration of a local allotment community in the North of England. 

Rachael lives in Leeds and in between projects freelances as a portrait and commercial photographer. She received a BA Hons degree in Photography from Leeds Metropolitan University in 2007 and is the founder and curator of Photographers In Isolation. 

Peter, Hollin Lane Allotments.

Mary, Hollin Lane Allotments. 

Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina

Tam Coc, Vietnam

Identify photographic resources to complete a photographic project (AC 2.1)

Living on a fast pace society and going in three lockdowns during a year has been a challenge. During the first lockdown we had the retrospective of our lives and have "all that time to do the to do list". My Home sweet Home project is being changing and evolving since day one as my own life is changing.

I plan to challenge myself and go out of my comfort zone. One of my main goals is tro try to incorporate all the techniques learnt before during this project.