Shoot Seven - Straight Images

Connecting Essay Two

This is a photograph by Andre Kertesz, Kertesz has used cutlery to make a shadow on the table beneath it, I like how this looks as the light source is directly above the fork, meaning that the shadow is very sharp and is the exact shape of the fork, rather than being slightly warped or anything. I also like how plain the image is, it isn't cluttered with lots of different objects that make it look too busy, whereas my image is slightly more warped.

I really like how Kertesz has used the bowl in this image, most of the shadowing from the fork is identical to the normal shape. However where it's leant up against the bowl. the shadow on the bowl is slightly warped, which makes the image a bit more interesting than it would be.

This is my image, I did this on a table in my house and I used a normal light, although, despite this, I think that these images are technically quite good. I was very happy with how they all turned out from this shoot, although at times the lighting was quite harsh.

In this photo, rather than putting the light directly above the spoons so that the shadows show less, I directed it to the side of the spoons, this meant that the shadows were warped to the left quite a bit. I think that this looked really good and made the photograph much more interesting as I think that it might've been quite boring before.

I think that both of these images are good and I am happy with the quality of my images. I edited my images to make them black and white as I thought that this would make it easier to see the shadows. However I couldn't get my image to the quality of Kertesz image, as the shadow looks a lot darker, I think that he must've used a brighter light which mean that the contrast was heavier.

Task list - component 2

Required by 24^th April

Mindmap – with 3 levels of detail

Create TWO mind-maps on two topics from the paper.  Generate ideas for the assignment topic….

The detailed mind map relates to the exam topic that you wish to explore, the three levels of detail relates to the primary, secondary and tertiary (branches) ideas generated within the mind map. Annotate your thoughts and opinions associated with the exam question (one paragraph length) identifying the most likely ideas that you wish to pursue as part of the exam topic.

Discussion– of exam paper (chosen topic) including artist research complete and illustrated. (Add One or two image examples from each photographer within the topic and discuss how their work relates to the exam topic) Definition -  a breakdown of the exam paper with definitions relevant to the exam and how you wish to explore the paper, also add 4 visual examples that relate to the definitions post with annotations.

Illustrated Discussion, this should include your possible approaches- .you want to explore and examples of work on the photographers within the paper

Image Bank - complete with 30 images you can use this to record pictures that inspire you or that you want to use the ideas  (this can be done throughout the period and can be updated/renewed, if the direction of your work changes). YOU SHOULD BE ANNOTATING some of the images, discussing why the images were chosen  & how they might contribute to the project.

Research Log Here you need to post 20 photographs from different photographers, adding the URL address, and critically analyzing the images (through use of denotation, connotation and context).  Briefly state information about the photographer (context) if available, what is the name of the series/concept, when was it made, how does this relate to your project? (the exam board encourages a diverse range of photographers therefore where possible include be non American or non European) (remember connotation, denotation and context)

Photographer Research (connotation, denotation and context)

   No1 why picked..... 4 photos......evaluations....... influence....sum.....

   No2 why picked..... 4 photos..... evaluations....... influence....sum.....

   No3 why picked..... 4 photos..... evaluations....... influence....sum.....

NB The next two should be non American or European

   No4 why picked..... 4 photos..... evaluations....... influence....sum.....

   No5 why picked..... 4 photos..... evaluations....... influence....sum.....

This is a more detailed level of research  (than the research log) where you need to look at 5 photographers (No1, No2, etc.).  For each photographer, you are required to evaluate each photograph, the evaluations will require a critical analysis of the photograph (denotation, connotation and context) and some contextual information on the photographer.  If they are a known photographer (e.g. Henri Cartier Bresson, Robert Frank), you can start with an intro with contextual information about them.

The influence and summary section should only be completed once you have completed your shoots and will require you to explain how the photographer research influenced the way you executed your project.   You should include an example of your own work to show visually how your work relates to theirs.  This could relate to e.g. the way you used similar lighting, composition, etc.

·       the influence can relate to the visual approach of the photographer or technical /conceptual approach.

·       technical approaches e.g. lighting, composition, camera settings, etc.

·       conceptual approach e.g. follow similar ideas.

Work Records - Shoot No 1…. Shoot No 2….  Shoot No 3….  Shoot No 4….  Shoot No 5….  Shoot No 6….  Shoot No 7….  Shoot No 8….  Shoot No 9….  Shoot No 10…. 

This is similar to the work diary component 1 but will contain sections titled

Plans for the shoot, What you hope to achieve. NB (those first two sections should be written before the shoot in order to help you clarify your ideas and to ensure you have all that you need).  This is followed up by

What I actually achieved (with two evaluated pictures - equivalent to the evaluation section of a work diary) In this section you must record how you took the photograph in terms of camera settings and the visual outcome (did you achieve the type of photographs you wanted, what are the denotations and possible connotations associated with the images)

What I am doing to do next (this might mean something that occurred whilst doing that shoot that you want to develop or maybe even a change in direction, etc).

This is an important section, where most of your marks will be gained as you will demonstrate your ability to analyse and refine your work.  

The use of screenprints, lighting diagrams with annotations is essential.  The analysis of more than one good image is encouraged particularly where you had a good shoot and the images produced have different meanings.

Computer experiments - image within image.... image and text........ duotone....overlay....selective colour....repetition.....montage... framing......

Select AT LEAST… 5 computer experiments that you wish to show. The experiments selected should in some way be relevant to your project and add “narrative”.  Computer experiments will demonstrate your ability to experiment with the medium of digital photography… This is an important aspect of the AQA assessment criteria.  You will need to label each time you make a computer experiment and explain the process used.   You can do this either visually with screen prints and text or just use text only. You should evidence the photograph before and after the computer experimentation.

 Ensure that the computer experiments are appropriately labeled in the blogger with some annotation of the working process and what the images convey the critical analysis (connotation, denotation). STUDENTS LOOKING FOR HIGHER GRADES SHOULD CHOOSE TO DO MORE THAN 5, BUT ENSURE THE WORK IS ANNOTATED AND RELEVANT.

Physical experiments - one...two...three....four....five

Select at least 5 physical experiments e.g.  scratching, painting, etc..  PRODUCE AT LEAST 5 physical images, similarly with the computer experiments; the experiments produced should in some way be relevant to your project and add “narrative”.   Ensure that the physical experiments are appropriately labeled in the blogger with some annotation of the working process and how the visual narrative of the image has changed through tcritical analysis (connotation, denotation). STUDENTS LOOKING FOR HIGHER GRADES SHOULD CHOOSE TO DO MORE THAN 5, BUT ENSURE THE WORK IS ANNOTATED AND RELEVANT.  Physical experiments SHOULD be recorded by scanning in the transformed print.  

Connecting your work to others - one.. two... three.. four....five...

Follow the same three paragraph format as the component 1 checklist… 

Contacts prep shoots- Shoot No 1…. Shoot No 2….  Shoot No 3….  Shoot No 4….  Shoot No 5….  Shoot No 6….  Shoot No 7….  Shoot No 8….  Shoot No 9….  Shoot No 10…. 

Straight images-  Shoot No 1…. Shoot No 2….  Shoot No 3….  Shoot No 4….  Shoot No 5….  Shoot No 6….  Shoot No 7….  Shoot No 8….  Shoot No 9….  Shoot No 10…. 

As with component 1 select your best images from each shoot.

Electronic portfolio (Powerpoint on blog)........... 

Select your best 30 images and then working with your tutor cut this down to your best 20.   Present the best images as a Power Point presentation.

Final pieces  In addition to your electronic portfolio students should CREATE A PRINT PORTFOLIO 1..2..3..4...5...6...7..8...9...10.... 11...12...13...14....15..... 16.....17...... 18....19....20.....  Use the recognized print conventions 300 dpi and try to maintain a consistent orientation.  You can add to this portfolio with final prints from the exam.

Preparatory shoots Straight prints - From your shoots select at least THIRTY of your best prints   ...............

Interim Evaluation.........

Here you will evaluate your progression for the preparatory shoots.

·       How has your research influenced the final series of images that you have created?

·       What new insights have you gained as a result of the project, this can be:

o    technical (learning new techniques in camera operation, shooting)

o   aesthetic (new ways of presenting work)?

·       Progression: what do you intend to take forward in the remaining 3 shoots.

·       You will also need to have a plan in place for your exam.  

YOUR BLOGGER for the preparatory shoots MUST BE COMPLETED  BEFORE THE START OF THE EXAM moderated shoots. On the 24-APRIL.  You will be asked to lock your blogger and pass on administration rights to your tutor at this point.

FOR THE MODERATED EXAM TIME. Students MUST within the available time conduct THREE SHOOTS, have a written evaluation, work records, etc. and conduct a final evaluation.    You will receive an additional sheet for how to lay-out this part of your work.  

Overall project Evaluation.........  This will be completed at the end of the exam.

Here you will need to summarise how your work has developed as a result of the shoots that you have undertaken.

·       How has your research influenced the final series of images that you have created?

·       What new insights have you gained as a result of the project, this can be:

o    technical (learning new techniques in camera operation, shooting)

o   aesthetic (new ways of presenting work)?

·       A critique overview of how successful you were in responding to the exam paper identifying areas where your work is strong and areas where you might want to improve your work further.

Shoot Seven - Contact Sheet

Connecting Essay One

This is my image that I did for everyday objects, it is from my fourth shoot, I wanted to try and do a shoot similar to Irving Penn, which I think I have achieved as the images do look quite similar. There are a few differences between each photograph as my image has a bit more shadowing, it has also got more of a plain black and white filter, whereas the photograph by Irving Penn has a bit more of a yellowy tone. My photograph has focused on the entire cigarette as we can see because it has the entire cigarette in the image. 

This image is by Irving Penn, I like this series of photographs as they are very focused on the disgustingness of cigarettes, rather than the cigarettes as a whole like mine, all of the cigarettes are dirty and disgusting, they have stains all over them. I like how in his images, you can see the ash in the cigarette, whereas in mine you can't really see this. 

I think that this photographer has a better image than mine because he probably used a macro camera that meant that he can focus on a smaller part of the cigarette like the end where the ash is, whilst my photo is more focused on the entire cigarette. 

The photograph looks much older than mine, the image was presented in 1975 in New York, this means that it is quite a recent image, it was put in black and white for a reason, I think that he did that because it makes it look extremely old and decaying.

He may have done this to mock the effects that smoking has on you, as it makes you age quicker and it can make you feel dirty.

In comparison, I think they are both good photographs technically, however the connotation and denotation in the cigarette shoot by Irving Penn is much more detail, whilst he wanted to show what people felt like and looked like when they smoked, I just wanted to take a good image. So therefore, his photo has a lot more thought behind it than my images. 

In addition, I think that my image isn't as good as his technically, although I am still happy with how they turned out. Because my camera can't get as close as his obviously could, my images show the whole cigarette, further, they are in less detail than his images.