Overall Comments
Once again you have demonstrated a willingness to engage with a wide variety of subjects and viewpoints, even within the restrictions of the subject area of plants.
We still have to give extra attention to lighting, but this second assignment is already showing improvements in that direction. In the last feedback I suggested looking for lighting, form, composition etc., before thinking of subjects, as these qualities will reveal photographs, regardless of the subject matter you choose.
There are some good interpretations of the design elements, but others I feel are mislabelled. That is to say that they represent a quality of design well, but not necessarily the one chosen in the title. Renaming some images can easily rectify this. I’ll comment on individual pictures in the feedback below.
Some image choices suffer from being in the frame rather than filling the frame, although this has improved since last time. As Robert Capa is often quoted as saying “if your pictures aren’t good enough; you’re not close enough!”
There is also a general misconception (by most students) that the subject needs to reflect the design theme in this assignment: it is the arrangement in the frame that shows the design, regardless of the shapes in the subject. Design, which in photography is often synonymous with composition, is the arrangement of the elements in the frame that draw the viewer’s eye around that frame.
It is easy to get drawn in to looking at the subjects in this assignment, instead of their composition: For example, a small, curved subject against the sky is a single point composition, not a curved one. Similarly, a curved row of square kites would be a curved composition, because their arrangement is in a curve, not a square.
Assessment potential
I understand your aim is to go for the Photography Degree and that you plan to submit your work for assessment at the end of this course. From the work you have shown in this assignment, providing you commit yourself to the course, I believe you have the potential to succeed at assessment. In order to meet all the assessment criteria, there are certain areas you will need to focus on, which I will outline in my feedback.
Feedback on assignment
In my feedback last time I stated that ‘If you are unsure of the meaning of any of the categories in this context, e.g. rhythm (linear repetition), pattern (repetition in two dimensions), or implied triangles (three prominent points in the frame) ask me to explain them further.’ I think there was still some confusion about these categories.
In your exercise images there is a family portrait of three people forming an implied triangle. You then comment that in the natural world you found it hard to find triangles, as if looking for actual triangles...implied ones are easier to find (e.g. three flowers in a triangular arrangement).
The first image is fine, but could have been placed off-centre slightly, to improve balance. The second is a good subject; it just needed better lighting on the two points and a closer position to make the points dominate the frame. The ‘deliberate shape’ cleverly mimics the arrangement of a flower’s petals, using petals. Again, better lighting would have lifted this shot, adding shadows and textures.
The ‘curves’ are in the subject, but not in the design (see comments above ref subject versus composition). The circle shot is nice, but the lighting is quite harsh. If lighting is positioned off-centre, it gives better modelling and form (see the fourth chapter in TAOP on lighting). I assume that the tree-triangle shot is a ‘distinct’ shape. The tree’s isolation from the background by use of a shallow depth of field helps to make it stand out.
As with the curves image the leaf has diagonals, but doesn’t show diagonal composition. The first ‘triangles’ image (tree branches) shows diagonals better, although it’s not especially creative.
A pattern is a repetition in both dimensions, e.g. both across and up and down. The ‘pattern’ shot is a ‘distinct, even if irregular, shape’. Your image of the metal gate (in the exercises) is a good example of a pattern. A rhythm is a linear repetition – objects appearing in a row or a line. I can’t see that arrangement in your rhythm shot...whereas there is a clear rhythm in the row of logs (titled ‘horizontal lines’).
The horizontal and vertical lines category should be just one image, rather than two separate ones. Maybe your ‘horizontal lines’ image could fit the bill?
Learning Logs or Blogs
I’d like to see some reflections in the log of other photography that you have seen: whether in books, online or at exhibitions. Just a few sentences on each is sufficient; state what you liked and/or didn’t and why. Comment on what you think you might take from what you’ve seen, to try in your own images. List anything that you feel you’ve learned from this and anything that has stimulated your thoughts.
Suggested reading/viewing
I recommend Photography Second edition (Portfolio) by John Ingledew. I’d also suggest that you take a look at the work of Michael Kenna which I think might appeal to you. He shoots landscapes and seascapes in a minimalist style with simplicity of light, tone and form.
Pointers for the next assignment
The next assignment is about colour relationships: The subject choice is open, but images should be visually interesting, taking account of composition and lighting, as well as the colour relationships. This is a chance to be creative, taking time to find images that you really like, rather than ‘shooting to order’ on a particular title.
Looking back at this assignment, and reading what my tutor has said, I realise i have been to literal thinking upon doing this assignment. Thinking too much about the actual subject than the composition. Perhaps over thinking each shot.
There were perhaps better photographs i could have used but didn't because of this literal frame of mind i somehow got myself stuck in. Going back and changing some of the photographs i have used is something I would definitely consider doing in the future.
Although it appears i am not the only student who seems to have done this which makes me feel a great deal better about my choices.
My lighting I would agree could be better. But again is an improvement from the last assignment. It is slowly getting there.
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