Form Straight Images / Work Diary -

Form -
These photographs are from the formal elements sub-category of form. 

This image shows the form of the human face. The viewers eye is brought to the centre of the image due to my use of shape the focuses attention in that particular area; the reason that I used the circle is because I wanted to experiment wiht the ideas of 2D, the circular shape, juxtaposed to the 3D human form. To improve this image further I would carefully alter my composition and edit it in photoshop possibly in black and white to create tone and depth to emphasise the contours of the facial form.

This image also shows the human form. However, I am currently not satisfied with the overall appearance of this image. The image is not straight and if I was to take this image again then I would reposition the model, select a monochrome coloured outfit to add to the contours of the form and edit the image into black and white to add tone and depth which in turn helps to emphasise form in the 2D medium of photographs.

This image is interesting as it studies both shape and form at the same time. Shape and form are often confused as the two are very similar but one is 2D and the other 3D. However, as photography is a 2D art medium form and shape can easily become mixed. The subject of the image is my shadow which in itself is 2D and therefore shape rather than form however the shadow is created by my body which is a 3D form. This image could be improved by adjusting it in photoshop and altering the contrast to emphasise the highlights and lowlights of the image and therefore make the photo better.

This image, much like the one above it, studies both shape and form and the blurred line between the two. An outline would normally be considered a 2D shape but this outline has been created by drawing around a hand which is the 3D human form. I am happy with the outcome of this photograph and believe that I would not change anything if I was to take this image again.

My final image is again a study of the human form and this is because it is one of the easiest to access and to frame in a picture. I like this image as the figure is almost silhouetted in the scene although I do believe that I could improve this by positioning the model more carefully and possibly adjusting the lighting to help exaggerate the 3D form which should be the central focus of the entire picture.

Progression - 

This photoshoot is aesthetically pleasing although not necessarily conforming exactly to the formal element. Form is hard to depict in the 2D medium of photography so instead I employed the idea that the implied shape could be used in reference to form and that variants in tone could also depict the formal element. If I was to re-shoot then I would focus on a medium of photography that more explicitly depicted form such as portraiture in the style of low key lighting.

Form Contact Sheet -

Form Contact Sheet -
These images were all taken using the formal element of 'Form' as our focus.

Form Image Bank -

Form Image Bank - 

Imogen Cunningham - 
Imogen Cunningham studies the illusion of form in a 2D material. The subjects in the images are photographed and edited in black and white which adds to the depth and tone thus focusing on the formal element of form. Cunningham mainly photographs the female form and flowers which are often regarded as closely related.

Pattern Straight Images / Work Diary -

Pattern -
These images are my favourite photographs that I have taken whilst studying the formal element of pattern.

This image is a favourite of mine as the pattern is clearly depicted on the cigarette. The pattern featured in the image is a prominent and recognisable one that an audience could spot and name relatively easily and therefore serves the brief of 'patterns'. The pattern is also separate from the norm of plainer cigarettes around them; this could, therefore, serve as a metaphor for the individuality of people. 

The pattern in this image is the same featured in the above photograph and shows the same iconic pattern. Another reason that I like this image is because of the composition of the image in relation to the rule of thirds. If I were to improve then I would edit the background ,using the selective colour tool, to ensure that all focus is automatically drawn to  the pattern of the subject and not the background.

This image, like all of the above ones, shows man made patterns. I like this photograph as the outcome is rather abstract eventhough it is of a simple subject. To improve this image further I would re-take the image on a clearer day and then I would proceed to edit out the paint flecks to make the image cleaner. 

The subject of this image is a lampost which appear very plain but upon closer inspection consistd of a pattern that is reminiscent of camo print. I do not believe that I could improve this specific image any frther either by re-photographing the image or by editing it in photoshop. 

My final image is the odd one out when it comes to pattern as it is the only natural pattern that has not been man made. This image shows the pattern found in nature and particularly in plant life. The leaves of many plants, like this one, all contain patterns. I am pleased with the outcome of this photograph as the vibrant, highly saturated colours emphasise the patterns of the leaf very well. Therefore I do not believe that this image can be improved through editing in photoshop.

Progression -

To progress from this photoshoot, which I am extremely happy with, there are only a few minor changes that I would make. For example, I would complete two different photoshoots; one of natural patterns and another from urban landscapes and objects. I would also change the camera settings employed for some photographs where I would increase the ISO value to make the images brighter.

Pattern Contact Sheet -

Pattern Contact Sheet - 
These images were taken for the formal theme of pattern and are both examples of organic and man made patterns.

Pattern Image Bank -

Pattern Image Bank - 

Adam Gibbs - 
this photographer studies the organic patterns found in nature in comparison to the man made patterns within modern day society. Gibbs' photographs often depict another formal element such as highly saturated colour which gives his images a chaotic quality that attracts and holds the viewers attention.

Texture Staight Images / Work Diary -

Texture  -
The below images are my interpretations of texture based upon what was available within the nearby area.

I like this image as it displays texture in a way that is different to the others. The texture of this image is smooth and this can be seen due to the light reflection on the leaf and the raindrops. If I was to improve this image then I would change the composition to a more interesting angle. 

The above photograph is one of my favourites within texture as it displays natural texture which is rough and the composition also is eye-catching and creates a surreal appearance due to the obscured close proximity to the subject. 

This photograph is another of my favourites as it is very reminiscent of Aaron Siskind's work on peeling paint. The tone of the image is aesthetically pleasing with a high contrast between the light and dark regions. 

I do not really like this final outcome; this is because the composition is lacking and the subject is not made interesting for an audience, for example, by zooming in and obscuring the wider image to provide only the detail of the texture. This image dies however contain two textures, one which is smooth and another which is sharp. 

This final image is again joint least favourite of the straight images with the one above. This particular image is lacking in hue and saturation, the tone does not vary greatly and the the texture is not distinguished by any hight contrast. 

Progression - 

To improve from this photoshoot I would choose a better day with more vibrant colours rather than the dull weather. The subject matter is somewhat lacking, also, with only two images being up to my standard. The third image reminds me of Aaron Siskind's work urban landscapes such as peeling paint and my work makes use of the dull environment to create a pastiche of this. However, again, to increase the aesthetics of my final outcomes I would shoot in more locations, choose another day and employ a tripod to ensure that images are precise and crisp.

Texture Contact Sheet -

Texture Contact Sheet - 
These images are photographs that I have taken based on the formal element of texture.

Texture Image Bank -

Texture Image Bank -

Lucy Shires -
This photographer studies the abstract idea of texture and most images also feature two other formal elements such as tone or colour.This photographer studies mainly man made textures such as peeling paint but does occasionally feature organic images such as he first in the selection below.

Colour Straight Images / Work Diary -

Colour - 
The images seen below are my favourite selection  that I have recently taken for my AS-Level photography course.

This image is a favourite of mine as it demonstrates a highly saturated primary colour over  the significantly contrasted, and dark tonal, muted background colour. Additionally, this image also depicts another formal element 'lines'.

This image also depicts colour well due to the rich red hue contrasted to the pale white shade background.  Not only does this image demonstrate colour but also texture.

This  image is my favourite of all the photographs taken on this particular day as it is an example of many formal elements but also of my most enjoyed style of photography; street photography. This image is an example of five formal elements: colour, line, tone, depth and form. Specifically within colour it is also an example of highly saturated colours, muted colours and contrasted shade between the shadows and well lit areas.

I have also selected this image as one of my favourites as it displays colour, tone, line and shape. The viewers eye is automatically drawn towards the centre of the image due to the two saturated yellow hues that assert dominance over the photograph; to enhance this even further I may edit the picture in Photoshop and use selected colourisation so only the yellow hues remain in colour.

This is my final image as again it depicts two primary colours that are intensely saturated compared to a tonally dark background.

Progression - 

If I was to progress from this point then I would change the camera setting to shoot in a larger file size, or even in raw, so that the image, and specifically the colours, are crisper. Also, given the opportunity I would re-shoot on a brighter day to ensure that the colours are more vibrant and highly saturated. Furthermore, my understanding of composition was lacking at this point and thus I simply took photographs that depicted the subject matter without regarding the aesthetics of the work. Finally, I would also further edit these images in Photoshop where I would increase the 'Brightness/ Contrast', increase 'Hue/ Saturation'  and 'Vibrance' to give the impression of a more colourful image that conforms to the brief. 

Colour Contact Sheet -

Colour Contact Sheet -

The images below were taken recently as examples of colour and are my favourites of the selection that I took.

Colour Image Bank -

Colour Image Bank -

Ciril Jazbec -

Ciril Jazbec uses colours that are either very vibrant of tonally rich. Jazbec also focuses mainly on portraits and the colours of personality and character.

Lee Towndrow -

Lee Towndrow also uses vibrant colours whilst combining them with portraits which creates individual and creative photos.

Line Straight Images / Work Diary

Line -
The images featured below are my favourite five taken from the photography session based on the theme of 'Lines'.

I like this image as it shows curving, vertical and diagonal lines. Additionally it demonstrates colour, tonality and the subject is a road as I enjoy street photography. Initially discovering the best way to organise the composition was difficult especially when under a pressured environment but after multiple sits I managed to take a picture that I was satisfied with.

This image is a very vibrant image with multiple lines. One line is the bollards which form vertical lines, the shadows are horizontal whilst the road marking is a curving. Therefore this image demonstrates multiple different forms of lines which all come together to form a larger depth of field thus drawing the audiences eye into the image. To improve this image I would have placed a figure at the end so that it could also demonstrate a leading line that would give the image more of a subject.

I am especially pleased with this image as the subject was a simple wooden crate but the final photo is a very artistic interpretation demonstrating horizontal lines. Additionally, the subject is very similar to that of Aaron Siskind who has photographed many images of flaking paint. To improve this image further I would edit it in Photoshop and possibly turn the image black and white like the work of the previously mentioned photographer who served as inspiration for  my own images on 'Lines'.

This image demonstrates horizontal and vertical lines whilst showing depth. To adapt this image I would edit it and adjust the horizon line slightly as it appears to be off balance. Also, if I was to take this image again I would instead use a wide-angle lens to give it more depth than presently.

This final image is one of my favourite five as the use of multiple lines is very aesthetically appealing;  this is due to the central focal point that depicts vertical, horizontal and diagonal lines which lead the eye into the centre. Furthermore, this image also brings in the other topic of colour and tonality.

Progression - 

To progress from this level I would practice using compositional techniques to ensure that all images are precise to my original ideas. For instance, the bottom two images, whilst being the most eye-catching in my opinion, are both somewhat off centre which could be mended in Photoshop given the time. Additionally, the architecture in Harlow is limited to stark lines, which for this subject is apt, although I would like to experiment with various other line formations such as curved lines to develop this idea further.