For this shoot, I plan to further experiment one last time before my final pieces, and look into one more interpretation of writing, with portraiture still incorporated.
Research
Looking further into portraiture and writing, I found the photographer Duane Michals, who captures people with simple portraiture and will write onto these photos physically.
I have further analysed his work in my blog post 'Photographer Research - Duane Michals'.
I have further analysed his work in my blog post 'Photographer Research - Duane Michals'.
Image bank
Contact sheet
Best Photos
These are my best selected raw photos from the shoot.
Photos that require improvement
For the second photo, the shutter speed is at 1/160, aperture at F
4.2, and exposure at ISO 100; flash was also used. The issue with this photo is the forced appearance of the pose on the model. In model/portraiture photography, the appearance is made to be natural and look authentic; with this photo, the pose appears forced and unnatural for the model. If I were to retake this photo, I'd either try and relax more for this pose, or keep retaking the same pose till one appears authentic. Another thing I could try is attempting to take the photo in motion, where I would move into the pose just before the camera took the shot, this is more likely to present a better flowing pose.
AO3: Record ideas, observations, and insights relevant to intentions reflecting critically on work and progress.
My Ideas
My intentions for this shoot was to challenge my typical aesthetic in my photographs; instead of taking such a serious meaning to my photos, I create something lighter in appearance and meaning. When analysing Michals' work, I found him to use obvious and simple wording to be mildly humorous, this wasn't in all of his work, but most of it. Michals' work also presents the power of what words can do to premises and photos, completely changing a presentation with a few words, I find this impact inspiration into presenting the topic writing. I believe I was able to recreate Michals' work successfully, having my photos appear less harsh, and lighter overall. The wording I used in the edits and the composition in my modeling for this shoot lacked humor the way I intended, but I believe I can work on this for the future.
Reference to best photos
This photo represents and exhaustion and misery. The facial expression appears tired and forlorn on the model. The stretching of his face suggests exhaustion and frustration. The model not looking at the camera supports further an uncomfortable atmosphere for the model, almost as if he doesn't want to be where he is, a fed up presentation.
This photo, similar to the previous one, presents exhaustion and frustration. The pulling of hair suggests a need for physical release, due to exhaustion and/or frustration. The model looking down and not at the camera suggest the model not wanting to be there anymore, avoiding the situation by looking away.
This photo presents a candid shot of the model. The model appears to be simply wondering, not noticing the camera or the situation he is in. He looks tired and deep into this thought as if it troubles him.
AO2: Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques
and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops.
Use of Camera
I used a Nikon D3400 DSLR camera and a tripod for every photo taken. The camera was in manual mode, shutter speed at 1/50, aperture varying from F4-5, and exposure at ISO 200; I also used flash since it better revealed facial details in the darkly set area I was taking the photo.
Shoot Process
Since these photos were taken of myself, I had to capture myself using self-timer while my camera was on a tripod, I used someone else to make sure all the camera settings, focus, and alignments were right. Once making sure everything was set right, I put the camera on self-timer (taking a photo every 5 seconds for 5 photos each time) and posed in various poses and facial expressions that I felt were intriguing and enticing.
Experimenting
I have not got onto experimenting with this shoot yet, but I believe I would be experimenting with the use of colour instead of monochrome photos.
Final Pieces
Firstly, I used the spot healing brush to remove any blemishes or imperfections on the model's skin to remove any distractions from the focus of the overall photo.
Secondly, I press CTRL+SHIFT+A to open up the 'camera raw' edit box. I set the treatment to 'Black & White' and continued to edit the exposure and contrast settings. I avoided using the dodge and burn method because I felt this would make the appearance too harsh on the photos like my usual work, so I made settings fit a lighter appearance this time.
Then I make the border for the photo. I decided 2cm thick borders seemed the most flattering and closest to Michals' work style. I pressed CTRL+R to open the ruler borders to then mark out where my borders will go.
Then, using the crop tool, I pulled out the size of the photo to where I marked, creating white borders around the photo.
Finally, I needed to add the text. After looking through a range of font options to best fit the photo, I chose 'rage italic' as it was one of the only aesthetically pleasing fonts that also was rough on its lines to mimic genuine handwriting.
For each photo, I wrote something that I felt best linked with the appearance of the photo.
I put a tilt on most of the text put down as it appeared more realistic to real life handwriting.
Also in some photos, I added a signature of my initials, since, in Michals' works, he will signature it sometimes.
This is the complete photo.
AO1: Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by
contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical
understanding.
My research into Duane Michals has helped me find a new aesthetic to challenge myself with. My work has been typically heavy in tone and dark in meaning and atmosphere, Michals' work light-hearted and gentle in appearance, he uses the power of words to mold his premise of the photo and removes dark suggestions. I find his work welcoming and brighter in calming, I want to try and have my work do this for my future shoots.
AO4: Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and,
where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements.
I believe I was successful in recreating Michals' work style, the aesthetic is the same with a lighter toned photo and writing on the borders. These are my final pieces.
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Progression
Looking into Michals' work, I find it challenging for me and very inspiring. I am able to recreate the direct aesthetic of his work so far, with a brighter appearance and the composition. I do not believe I met the intention of creating a more light-hearted presentation though. In all these photos I appear tired and forlorn, so I linked the writing with this, creating a depressing presentation. I plan to further my work with Michals' being my inspiration and challenge myself to create a humorous, light-hearted premise to my photos.
I am moving onto my final pieces now, I feel following the inspiration is best fit for me, since it is a challenge for me to develop my skills in aesthetics and his incorporation of writing and portraiture I find to be perfect.
I am moving onto my final pieces now, I feel following the inspiration is best fit for me, since it is a challenge for me to develop my skills in aesthetics and his incorporation of writing and portraiture I find to be perfect.
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