Research Log

Edward Burtynsky-

I have chose to study Edward Burtynsky as I believe his images explore nature, and how us humans affect this. His images usually appear extremely industrial, which is an asset of his images which I would like to carry through into my own images. Additionally I also believe the muted colours in which Burtynsky uses is another element of his images which I would try and reflect in my own. I believe through Burtynsky's images he is showing how man-made objects affect, and destroy nature (e.g. roads, cars), I will also be aiming to centre a shoot around how man-made structures take-over, and eliminate nature, therefore I find his images extremely useful, and inspiring.  

This image is a clear demonstration of Burtynsky's intentions to show how landscapes are altered by industry, the beauty of this image contrasts the compromise of the environment it's in. Edward would have used his typical large format camera to shoot this image, I do not have this camera although I could still shoot a wide frame image like the one above. The fact that Burtynsky is positioned at the top of the heap may imply he is looking down on those who run, or condemn this area. Moreover, by him positioning himself at the top of the tyres, this creates the effect of a sweeping circle, almost like a portal/bowl, drawing your eyes to the centre on the image, whereby no tyres are present. 

This image was taken on the 22nd of February 1955, as part of Burtynsky's oil project. Due to this image being faced on oil, and how it ruins our environments when we retrieve it, this image is perfect for my 'nature' project, as I will also focus on how we destroy our environments. I like how the muted colours work together, I would hope to recreate something similar in my images; however, I would find it hard to get in the air to photograph this type of image, as Burtnsky is in the air when he shot this image, in a helicopter. Within this image the viewer can easily see the different terrains of the ground below, this implies that this image is photographed over a vast area, highlighting the fact that the oil industry has taken over this particular piece of land.

This image interests me due to it's urban feel, I could take inspiration from this image and shoot images of roads, in order to show how both cars, and the building of roads affects and hinders our environment, due to cars contributing greatly to CO2 emissions. This image also holds a pattern, the roads appear to be neatly organised almost in an overall diamond shape, corresponding with this the centre of the diamond, where all the roads meet is located in the centre of the image (rule of thirds), this may suggest that cars are the heart of everything for people these days, and without them some people would feel lost. Additionally, the few patches of unhydrated green grass really emphasis the fact that nature is becoming more sparse. 

The above image highlights the issue of flying, and the effect this has on the environment, the horizon which is seen in the background is small in comparison to the plane Edward may have done this to show where humans priorities lie in life. Man people worry about getting an annual holiday, however they wouldn't necessarily think about the effect that all of their air miles have on the environment. 

Edward Weston:

I have chosen to study Edward Weston as I believe his images are abstract, and make the viewer think; in my images I would like to incorporate this abstract feel as I believe it will make my photographs more interesting, I would also convert my images into black and white on photoshop in order to achieve this effect. I admire his work due to the use of natural objects he uses to create his final piece.

This image is of a lettuce, the viewer can evidently see all of the layers inside the lettuce, and how they fit together, this interests me as it shows a how a pattern has emerged in the middle of the vegetable. Moreover, you cannot evidently see that this is an image of a lettuce, the viewer has to think about this slightly, as it's more abstract, as we usually see the outside of this object, not the inside. I admire how the image is in black and white, as I believe if this photograph was in colour, then it would be easier to see what the object was, the lettuce appears dirty which I also like. 

The lettuce in this image looks like a ball gown, draped over the floor, it makes the vegetable look classy and clean, however at the ends of the lettuce leaf you can see how it becomes slightly more textured and worn, this again adds interest into the image, as the two different lightings (lower and higher key) are explored here. The layers of the leaf overlap each other which shows texture and form, due to the shadowing. This image may be suggesting how even the simplest, everyday objects of nature can be beautiful if we look at them differently. 

This image is extremely feminine despite the low key lighting, this is a photograph of a shell; however due to the angel of the image this is not clear initially. The shell is extremely smooth, and polished which I admire as this image is different from all of Weston's other images. Moreover, the lighter tone of the shell contrasts the darker tone of the background, making the smooth curve of the top of the shell clearer and more precise. When photographing my images I will use various angels in order to portray my fruit in a more abstract manor. 

This is an image by Weston of a pepper, the pepper appears to be masculine, when we would usually associate this type of object to be shiny, and smooth therefore portraying a more feminine image. Weston has used low key lighting in order to achieve this masculine effect, as the pepper appears to be bulging, twisting and turning. Through doing research I found that Weston created his image of this pepper by placing it in a clear tube, this would then allow him to direct and control the lighting to create a more masculine atmosphere.

William Eggleston:

Eggleston doesn't directly explore nature in his work, however his images relate to my topic of 'nature' as he photographs objects such as cars, roads and petrol stations which all cause pollution, or damage in some form to our environment. The colours used in Eggleston's work also intrigue me, as he uses brighter colours than some of the other photographers I have researched. 

This image subtly contrasts farming life, and industrial life, the fields in the background contrast the advertisement sign which is in the middle of the image. Eggleston may have framed this image in this way to show how industrial work, and farming can be so close, yet worlds apart. The colours in this image are not saturated and are subtle, which I admire, moreover the advertisement sign is slightly higher in the image than the field, which may suggest that industrial work is at the forefront of peoples priorities here. 

This image is significant to me as there's nature shown in this picture, through the farming fields, however going directly through these fields is a road, which symbolises how man-made structures (like roads) can rip through nature. Farming machines are also seen in the background of this image, this shows how technology can aid nature. I admire how the road is a leading line, drawing your eye to the back of the image.

The red 'Gulf' sign stands out from everything else in the image due to its bright colour, in comparison to the rest of duller colours in the photograph. The company 'Gulf' is a petrol company, this pollutes our environment when put into cars, this is why I have chose this image as it shows how pollution occurs through mans use of everyday objects, like cars. I may photograph images of petrol stations in my shoots, in order to highlight the issue of pollution. The 'Gulf' sign is directly in the middle of the image, which draws the viewers eyes in. 

The angle which this image is photographed interests me as it's not a usual angle, Eggleston has got down extremely low to the ground, looking up at the vehicle. The use of this angle makes the car appear like a monster, as the two head lights look like eyes, and the car appears bigger than usual because of the angle. Cars pollute out environment, which may be why Eggleston chose to photograph a car, to highlight how us humans can cause pollution. 

Ansel Adams:

Ansel shoots landscapes and converts them into black and white in order to subtly show how we need to look after the most beautiful thing we have to earth: nature. I believe his passion for nature is shown due to how he shoots beautiful landscapes, all with hidden meanings, his work highlights how people will admire and appreciate beauty, but not try to prevent it from being ruined. 

This image is in black and white which highlights the different tones in colours, Ansel Adams may have converted this image into black and white as it would take the viewers interest onto the win subject of the image, not allowing them to be distracted by colours, I would like to use this as inspiration in my images. The darker shadows of the image contrast the lighter areas, this may have been done to suggest that nature has good (growth, food, beauty) and bad sides (pollution, hunting, extinction.)   

This image shows workers farming to gain food, Ansel may have photographed this image to show how us humans rely and thrive off nature, be it through food or work, and this is why it's vital to sustain nature, and protect this. The mountain tops in the background really show beauty in this image, again this photograph is in black and white likewise to many of Ansel's images. Moreover, the crop lines in the image act as leading lines, drawing the viewers eyes into the back of the image.

This image is of a derelict town, whereby it's evident that buildings have fallen. The crosses in this mage are significant as they portray a holy and hopeful atmosphere, suggesting that people hope for some form of nature to return, as currently there's no nature in this image (e.g. flowers, trees, grass...) The jagged pattern of the roof of the buildings interests me, as the initial pattern in the foreground catches your eye, before you see the similar pattern in the background. 

The reflection in the water almost tricks the viewer into thinking this image may have been flipped, and that there's no water there; however once the viewer looks closer you can see the water reflecting the landscape behind. This image is beautiful as you can see a variety of raw nature: mountains, trees, a lake. The vast variety of tones also makes this image have more depth as the viewers eye is drawn to the darker toned trees in the background. 

Nadege Meriau:

Nadege Meriau's images interest me greatly as she doesn't show nature in a conventional manor, she takes an abstract approach by shooting images inside a studio, getting extremely close up, so that the viewer no longer recognises what they're observing. Meriau makes her own photographs out of other, more recognisable objects (e.g. pumpkins, jelly, flour...) I'm inspired greatly by Nadege, and will use her work in my own images (shoot four.)

This photograph by Nadege Meriau elicits a winter atmosphere, as the jelly cubes are covered in powder, which appears to be snow, corresponding with the background of the image which appears as though there's mountains. The colourful jellied cubes remind the viewer of the northern lights. In this image it appears as though there's a light under this image coming up through the ground, lighting up the 'snow' like environment. This image is extremely surreal, which I personally admire and would like to recreate in my photographs. 

This photograph is inside a pumpkin, the inners of the pumpkin are hanging from the roof of the pumpkin, making it appear gruesome and mysterious, due to the saturated orange colour of the pumpkin. The inners of the pumpkin also appear like lava, oozing down from the sides of the pumpkin. In addition, the hole in the pumpkin roof has been edited to appear like a night's sky, this reminds me of the film 'Jame's and the giant peach.' I would use this image as inspiration for my shoots, whereby I will photograph fruit and/or vegetables in the studio.

This image is extremely mysterious, vague and abstract. The blurred edges of the object almost appear to look like smoke, this gives a slightly edgier atmosphere as smoke is usually associated with negative connotations. The various green tones in the image make it stand out from the jet black background, additionally the white colours do this too. In my shoots I want the viewer to be perplexed at what the object is that I've photographed; however, I would like them at least be able to guess at what it is, whereas in this image it's hard to tell what this object is at all.

The sun shining through clouds is how this image looks aesthetically, the brighter and darker areas of yellow demonstrate how the sun has not broke through all of the clouds yet, as it's still partly being blocked. The object I believe Nadege has photographed is sponge, as the object look soft and like it's easily ripped. The high control of lighting that's needed to photograph this image means that  it would have been shot in a studio, the overall outcome is effective as it leaves the viewer guessing as to what she has actually photographed? 

Justin Kiner:

Justin Kiner photographs built-up city landscapes, which occasionally are of buildings and nature combined- but mainly of just of man-made structures. His work influences me as in a section of my shoots I will be focusing on man-made structures (buildings) and how they dominate skylines, blocking out nature. I will shoot my images of cry structures in London as this is an extremely built-up region. 

The road at the bottom of the image acts as a leading line, which carry your eyes to the orange glow in the background, this almost looks as though it's culminating the 'end of the world.' The fact that the buildings are in the background, and the trees are in the foreground suggests that nature is still around, but struggling to be seen as in comparison to the buildings the trees are significantly smaller. I admire the colours on the buildings, as they're realistic, not surreal which sometimes can appear too fake, however this works perfectly in this image. 

The yellow undertone of colour creates almost a cinematic feel to the image, as the colours are not vivid it almost appears as though the image is dream-like and slightly surreal. The iconic building of the Eiffel Tower is located in the background of the image, this enables the viewer to know that this photograph is taken in Paris, therefore giving the viewer some knowledges just from one object in the image. The hustle, and bustle of Paris is demonstrated in this image by the cars stuck in traffic and the vast amount of people on the street corner.

Trees and buildings are combined in this image, the photographer may have done this to demonstrate how nature and buildings can work together and create beauty, as this image is beautiful and eye-catching, as usually when there's big built-up city areas no trees, or other forms of nature are present. The colours in the image again make it interesting and eye-catching, and allows the viewer to deduce this image was photographed at night. The blur of the car lights creates the feel of chaos in the city, suggesting this is a busy city which 'never seeps' working with that fact that the image is photographed at night. 

The bright yellow lights, combined with the blue tones are complimentary colours meaning that they combine to make black, or white, making them work well together as they are on opposite sides of the colour wheel. In the foreground there's more detail, the viewer can see the detail of the road markings on the ground; whereas, in the background just a city skyline is in view, no detail is shown as the buildings are all grouped together. The angle of this image is clearly from up high, as the viewer is looking down below onto the city.

Justin Hofman:

Justin Hofman photographs images for the national geographic, he focuses on the idea of animal environments, and how they're becoming ruined (e.g. icebergs melting, the coral reef dying...) His images inspire my work as this focuses on how nature is being destroyed, and how its beauty is taken for granted. The blues, and greens in these images are analogous colours, meaning that they are next to each other on the colour wheel, making them aesthetically work effectively together. 

This image allows the viewer to see the lush green environment above the ground, which is what human's most commonly see, contrasted with the dull, and dying coral reefs under the surface of the water- this shows a polar opposite of how something can look fine, and healthy (the trees above ground), but there are deeper issues (coral reefs.) Humans only focus on what they can easily see, rarely do humans look deeper into the issues. The line through the middle of the image, which is due to the water cutting across the image, creates a direct contrast between the two different environments (above sea levels, and under sea level.) 

In this image the viewer can see the iceberg above and below the sea, this image is highlighting the issue of global warming, and how the ice is melting as in this photograph the viewer can see the product of the ice melting- the sea water. The penguins appear stranded on the iceberg, due to all of the ice melting, therefore this creates sympathy in the viewer, as people don't want to see animals struggle, but they won't change their actions to help them. 

Again, in this image similar to the one above it's highlighting the issue of global warming, and how the ice is melting, it's evident how the penguins are stranded and have not much ice to go to. The sea is also violently crashing into the ice, creating a vicious image which again will create sympathy in the viewer, as they will not want the animals to suffer. The deep blues suggest depth in the water, and that the penguins cannot see what is coming for them, implying that they may be hunted. The icebergs are in the middle of the image, meaning that Hofman has tried to controls the viewers attention to the big issue of the icebergs melting. 

In this image there is a penguin alone swimming in a deep blue ocean, the viewer may question why the penguin is alone. The use of a waterproof camera to shoot both under, and above the water at the same time is extremely clever, as it gives the viewer a holistic picture of the environment. No icebergs are seen above the water, implying that there may not be any around, and that this penguin is trying to find somewhere to rest, but due t global warming he cannot. In my images I would also like to highlight big issues like global warming, and pollution. 

Arthur Chang:

Arthur Chang's images combine nature, and man-made structures (the bridges), his images are extremely aesthetically pleasing due to the mixture of complimentary colours. The bridge is always going through the centre of the image, with nature around this (mountains, sea, trees...) 

This image displays to the viewer how tall the mountains are, as the clouds are surrounding them, this almost appears as though the clouds are smoke which is engulfing the moutons in its presence. This image is slightly different from Chang's other images below, which are all of bridges. The mixture of muted colours suggests this photograph may have been taken early in the morning, before the sun had rose completely. This image inspires me as it's a beautiful landscape, demonstrating how tranquil and effortless nature can be. I would like to photograph an image similar to this for my project, however I would have to be up very high in order to get the effect of clouds over mountain peaks. 

In this image you cannot see the top of the bridge, but only the underneath of this; the shadowing from the bridge is seen slightly in the water, and the bridge becomes smaller the further into the distance it travels- which shows depth. Moreover, the bridge acts as a leading line, which carries your eyes into the distance towards the mountains in the background. The red, and blues are complimentary colours which contrast each other, in order to show the clear division between the man-made bridge and the natural sea. 

This image photographed by Chang shows a side profile of the bridge, with a rock blocking part of the viewers view. The lights along the bridge reflect in the water, demonstrating how the sea could be used as a mirror for the bridge. Furthermore, the city in the background of this image gradually becomes smaller, showing depth. The fact that the rock is partially in the way of the image may suggest that nature is still trying to battle against industrialisation of the city. Overall, this image is striking and beautiful with a hidden message about the impact of industrial matters on nature. 

The blur of the lights shows movement and chaos, in contrast with the stationary trees at the side of the bridge, the photographer may have done this in order to demonstrate how nature is, and always will be tranquil and calm; in contrast with the hustle and bustle of ever-changing city life. The oranges and blues in this image are complimentary colours, meaning they are opposite colours on the colour wheel. The city line cuts across the end of the bridge, showing that it may be the end of nature possibly, as one side of the bridge is surrounded by trees, with the other end of the bridge being surrounded by city lights, and buildings. 

Marc Adamus:

Marc Adamus' images are surreal, due to the exaggerated colours and environments. All of his photographs are edited in order to create the surreal effect he is known for. This surreal factor to Adamus' images makes his photographs extremely interesting and eye-catching for the viewer. 

This image simulates heaven due to the light from the sun in the background almost looking like a portal, carefully placed by Adamus in the middle of the mountain peaks. The bright pink colours of the flowers suggest this place is lush and full of nature, combing with the fact this place appears to be 'heaven' suggests that Adamus feels as though heaven would entail a lot of nature, suggesting this is the only good in the world, as nature is all the viewer can see in this image (flowers, grass, trees, mountains...)

The mountains appear to be cut and sculpted, like glass, due to the shiny blue colours which are evident on the sides of the mountains. The fact that the mountains are not the usual ones the viewer would be used to seeing perfectly demonstrates Adamus' surreal element that he brings to his images, as this image is not realistic. 

The dark red, and oranges in this image resemble fire, implying this is hell, due to there being no lush nature, only a minimal amount of ice. The minimal amount of ice in this image may be demonstrating the issue of global warming and how all of the once is melting, this factor of the image is shown through the lake which cuts through the image, showing how the ice is melting. The jagged edges of the mountains again suggest this is a hellish place to be. 

The rainbow in the background of the image is surreal as you can see both ends of the rainbow, moreover this fits perfectly over the tree, which realistically wouldn't happen. The purple and yellows are complimentary colours which draw the viewers eyes into this photograph. Nature is shown in this photograph to be 'perfect' as there's noting malicious, or wrong in this photograph, this may suggest that nature is innocent and that us as humans ruin it needlessly. 

John Shaw-

This photograph shows how the emotion 'love' exists in animals, and therefore pain will also, implying that when humans hunt or hurt animals they can feel this, similarly to how we would too. A narrow depth of field is demonstrated in this image, as the giraffes are in focus, with the background being blurred. Form is also explored in this photograph due to the shadowing on the animals neck. Overall, this image merely shows how innocent animals can be, and how they do not deserve to be hunter, or hurt.

Despite this image being quite plain, it still grabs the attention of the viewer by the blues and oranges used in this photograph as they're complimentary colours which draw the viewers eyes into the photograph. The reflection of the sky is shown in the icy surface of the floor, showing symmetry. The clouds in the sky almost look like mountain tops, peaking in various places. The little huts are placed in the central part of the image, implying that they are the upmost important object in this image.

This image is ambiguous as you cannot explicitly make out what the objects are either side of the stones in this photograph. The orange colours in this image portray warmth, contrasting with the bluer tones of the stones which cut through the image, creating a cooler colour. The leading line that the stones create take the viewers eye though the image, this line contradicts the other lines which point inwards on the outside stones, demonstrating slight confusion with the directions of the lines. 

The trees in this photograph are linear and have a pattern, going diagonally downwards. The green tops of the trees, and the blue undertones of the backdrop are analogous colours meaning they are similar due to them being close to each other on the colour wheel. Shaw would have been high up in the air to capture the way the trees are positioned. The large group of trees in the bottom left corner slope down to the right, following the pattern of the other trees; although we cannot see the outcome of their destination, it's evident where their final destination will be.