Project Image Bank

This image is photographed of a plant, however due to the lighting in this image and how it's framed the plant appears to be a building. The jagged pattern on the plant is only slightly seen, as the rest of the plant is in darkness, this may suggest that the plant is attempting to hide, possibly from a predator, or this could also be suggesting that the plant is trying to hide its true identity- like many humans may do. The masculinity in this image is demanding, due to the lines being crisp and bold and catching the viewers attention. 

This image is significant as it symbolises pollution in the form of rubbish, and how this affects everyday activities, or how we may ignore this effecting our lives. Despite there being lots of rubbish in the sea (which could potentially harm the surfer) he still continues to surf in all of the rubbish, showing how we may chose to ignore the effect pollution is having on our lives. The colouring of the rubbish contrasts directly with the lighter blue of the sea, allowing the darker coloured rubbish to stand out, and be noticed more by the viewer.

The viewer cannot see who the individuals are behind the rainy window, creating a sense of curiosity/ ambiguity as to who these individuals may be, it's not even evident if the individuals are male or female. The rain on the window is a barrier between the photographer, and the individuals, this may suggest that the photographer feels distant to society; this idea corresponds with the fact that you cannot see who the individuals are, implying the photographer doesn't even recognise society anymore. 

This image is a photograph of mushrooms, they appear to be strategically placed in an almost floral pattern, with the curved edge of each mushroom appearing to be a petal-like shape. The lines on the mushrooms create texture and detail within the image, as the shadowing that's created adds depth to the image, allowing the viewer to see how some mushrooms are placed behind others. The black background may show how nature is slowly becoming segregated, due to issues such as pollution and deforestation. 

This is a photograph of lightbulbs hanging by string, a narrow depth of field is explored in this photograph as the background is blurred, contrasting the foreground which is in focus, allowing the viewer to easily see all the details of the raindrops on the bulbs. I believe that the light bulbs being off is significant as it links to the theme of death- this theme of death is also explored by the raindrops being on the lightbulbs, as we are frequently told how electricity and water do not mix well, however in this picture they're combined. Moreover I believe that the lightbulbs hanging by string represents humans, implying that humans are controlled by electricity and this determines our lives. 

This photograph is of a dead bird, who's body parts have been strategically placed by the photographer in order to make it appear as though the bird is made up of the 'rubbish' that we throw on the ground. The fact that the bird appears to have a variety of rubbish in his stomach implies to the viewer that the bird has eaten this, showing how when we throw rubbish on the floor this really does affect the environment and the animals around us. 

The linear effect in this image draws the viewers eyes into the image, carrying them to the background whereby the peaks of the mountains can be seen. The tonal differences between the whites and greys highlights the tone, texture and shadowing within the image. The black and white effect used within this photograph draws the viewers attention only to the structural shapes within the image, not allowing us to focus on bright colours in the image with may detract attention away from the meaning behind this photograph, which is to preserve nature. 

The bright, eye-catching colouring in this image immediately draws the viewers eyes to the photograph. The red contrasts the yellow colour at the centre of the flower; whereby the photographer has strategically placed this, in order to satisfy the rule of thirds, were by the main focus of the image is central. Moreover, the curved lines in the centre of this image take the viewers eyes on a journey, which contrasts the more straight lines which make up the petals on the flower; these straight lines symbolise power, which is not a trait usually associated with flowers although in this image the bright red colour corresponds with this as it's extremely bold, again symbolising power. 

This photograph is taken by Nadege Meriau, this image is a hellish scene created using organic objects. The dark lighting within this image creates a mystery as you cannot see what is lurking in the background; due to the hellish connotations associated with the aesthetics of this image the viewer will make the assumption that if anything is hidden it will not be pleasant. The light that is coming in from the ceiling onto the object symbolises hope, which contrasts the idea of 'hell' which is linked with this image. Moreover, the fact that Nadege has placed this light high up could suggest this is a god-like light as it's coming from the sky, also this light could be associated with heavenly connotations. 

This image of water drops on a tiny bug is extremely interesting, as due to us humans being significantly bigger than the insect the raindrops seem like nothing to us; however, the raindrops in this photograph cover the whole back of the insect, and only a few rain drops are needed to do this, highlighting the sheer size difference in us and them. A narrow depth of field is shown in this image as the insect is in focus, whereas the background is completely blurred; this allows the viewer to focus solely on the bug, and the detailing there.

This photograph is shot by Edward Weston, the denotation of this photograph is that it's an image of a shell; however, the connotation is much deeper as shells are often considered feminine, but in this photograph a masculine presence is elicited due to the black and white colouring, and how the lighting is positioned within this image. The curves of the shell carry the viewers eyes onto a journey around the different areas of the shell, these curves represent muscular curves that you may find on a man's arm, this again symbolises a contrasting masculinity. 

This image is a macro photograph of a leaf with water droplets on it. The leafs surface is smooth, simultaneously with the surface of the water droplets. By the photographer using a macro lens it allows us to see this scene in a way which we are not used to in every-day life, this makes the overall image interesting to the viewer. The angle which this photograph is taken makes the viewer feel as though they are looking down the length of the leaf, this also acts as a leading line taking your eyes on a continuous journey. I would like to photograph a picture similar to this within my shoot, in order to explore leading lines and different angles in my shoots. 

This image allows us to see the cat in a closer way than we would have ever been able to before, the cats glass-like eyes are really emphasised in this image as their curved surface is imminent, allowing the viewer to be able to slightly see the reflection in the cat's eyes. the detailing in the whiskers coming off the cats face enhances the image as a whole, and although they're not fully in shot it's still evident how long they are. Moreover, the fact that the cat is placed looking up to the ceiling may suggest that this animal is looking for help, as looking to the sky is often considered spiritual, or holy. 

This macro image of an insect allows us to see the detailing on its eyes, with millions of little dots clear to the naked human eye, which would otherwise not be visible to us. The insect is placed in the centre of the image, looking head-on to the camera, this creates the feeling that the viewer is looking eye-to-eye with the animal; the fact that the photographer has placed the bug like this symbolises that we're looking at it on a personal level, as the viewer is forced to look into its eyes. 

The red tulips in this image stand out from the blurred background due to their popping red colour, and the fact they're in focus. A narrow depth of field in this image forces this viewer to look at the tulips, and not anything else in the background; this may have been done by the photographer to symbolise how humanity needs to look after and care for nature, otherwise it will all be come blurry like the other natural objects in the background of this image.

This photograph is taken by Edward Weston, this image is of a cabbage leaf, shot in a studio. The cabbage leaf is ambiguous as it's not clear initially what object is photographed in this image, this is effective as it makes the viewer think about the image, and ask questions. The folds in the leaf of the cabbage creates shadowing which adds texture and detail to the image. The cabbage leaf looks limp, like it has given up on life, this could be representative of the photographs feelings at the time when taking this photograph. 

The pastel blues and violets in this image create a soft tone throughout this photograph; this soft tone implies that nature means no harm to humanity, despite humanity destroying it needlessly on a continuous basis. The flower is placed in the centre of the image, satisfying the rule of thirds, which grabs the viewers immediate attention, drawing their view into the image. The background is blurred in this image therefore a narrow depth of field is explored, due to the foreground being in focus and the background not. 

This image is a stereotypically a 'nature' photograph as it shows an innocent animal (butterfly), and a beautiful flower; this corresponds with the soft blues shown in the image which again signify beauty and calmness. The light blue links to the connotation of an ocean, which is calm and still, unlike a dark blue ocean which would link to connotations of an angry and aggressive sea. The background is clear in the image, making the viewer focus on the two objects in the image, and not anything else in the background. 

This photograph is taken by Edward Burtynsky of a river; this river has sub-rivers branching off it, which when looked at from a high point (likewise to this image) make it appear tree-like, as it looks like there's numerous branched in this image. The pale, dusty looking floor around the river suggests dehydration, contrasting the lush green water in the river. The photographer may have contrasted the lush water with dry surroundings in order to highlight the issues in today's society, whereby humanity loves to appreciate nature, but ignores the harm that can be done to it through factors like deforestation, pollution, and hunting. 

This image carries your eyes on a journey through the use of a leading line, taking your eyes to the back of the image whereby mysterious fog lies. The fog in this image creates a mystery in the viewers mind, meanwhile creating questions as to why the fog is there? Fog often symbolises dark connotations, and is often associated with places like grave yards; subsequently, the viewer will feel as though this place is negative and creepy due to these associations. The dark colours that are displayed within this image again link to negative connotations in the viewers mind, as fun and happy environments often have bright eye-catching colours, unlike this area. 

This image is aesthetically appealing as the autumnal colours work effectively together, creating a warm feeling in the audience. The raindrops on the leaf emit a smooth texture, contrasting the rougher appearance of the rocks behind this. Only three points of the leaf are seen in this image, despite this the viewer can still understand that the leaf is a lot bigger and continues on after this image; implying that nature is bigger than the photograph itself. The raindrops on the leaf are organised, likewise to the stones in the background of the image, implying that nature is organised and has its own system- common to our society , representing how humans and nature are both similar to one another.

The curving line in this image shows how nature can create its own beautiful natural patterns; the scatter of raindrops also appears like glitter within the leaf, showing that it is important- as we often associate glitter with celebration and importance. The angle which this image is taken makes the viewer feel as though they're looking down a tunnel, as there's a leading line carrying the eyes to the centre of the photograph where the curve ends. Moreover, the lines that are twisted on the leafs surface again create a leading line, taking your eyes into a journey through the tunnel of the leaf. The tunnel may imply that this leaf itself is going on a journey, as tunnels are associated with long car journeys on the roads. 

The reflection which is shown in the lake is identical to the real image above it, implying that the trees are happy with what they see in their reflection; this may be questioning how when humanity looks at itself in the mirror, can it be pleased with its reflection? The autumnal colours within this photograph are effective as they all work well together and create continuity within this photograph. The image almost appears as though it is a piece of artwork, and not a photograph this is significant as this may be applying that this environment is 'almost too perfect to be real', due to the surreal tones within this photograph. 

The lines in this image are extremely bold and striking, they also act as a leading line taking the viewers eyes to the background of the image, which is in line with the bridge itself. The outline of the city in the background allows the viewer to understand that this is a built up, and heavily populated town, hence the reason that the bridge needs to be in place. The two shapes on the brigade are again striking and bold, due to their huge size. The sun set can also be seen trough some clouds in the distance, this gives the sky its orange tone implying warmth into the audience, despite the bridge being in darkness.

This image looks as though it's been taken from a film, due to the harsh colouring within the image; the dark colours in this image create negative links in the viewers mind, combining with the orange sky in the background which appears like the town below is on fire. The angle which this image is taken is extremely unique, as it's an image from a plane in the sky, looking down the leading line of the wing of the plane. The lake in the centre of the frame breaks up the image as a whole, this is symbolic of nature as the rest of the photograph is built-up man-made buildings.

This photograph is extremely powerful and symbolic. The brick wall with the word 'this' written on it implies the photographer is frustrated with the wall, which symbolises man-made structures. Furthermore, the fact that the word 'this' is written in capitals gives the word an angry connotation, which again links to the frustration felt within this image about pollution and destruction of nature. 

This image is photographed by Ansel Adams, this image symbolises nature as Adam's was  an environmentalist who photographed American landscapes in order to champion its preservation, and protection from issues such as pollution. The twist of tree takes the viewers eye on a journey up to the top of the tree, due to this being in the foreground this is the first object which grabs the viewers attention. the black and white colouring of this image portrays seriousness, linking with the clouds in this image which appear angry and as though a storm is brewing. The landscape is only made up of natural objects, this implies that this environment may be Adam's ideal world.

This leaf appears to have a crispy texture, almost as though it is decaying; furthermore, the black and white colouring within this image links to the decaying and death of the leaf as this associates to negative connotations, meanwhile highlighting the tones and shadowing on the leaf. The leaf is central in the image, meaning that it's the first thing the viewer will notice, also linking to the bare background of this photograph, which again focuses the viewers attention onto the leaf itself.  

The bright green colouring of this leaf suggests that it's healthy, combined with the visible veins on the leaf's surface which imply that it has a sufficient supply of oxygen carried to it. These lines that are on the leaf are jagged, not smooth which implies that the leaf may be frustrated or angry; as the jagged lines on the leaf almost look like veins on someones head that come to the surface when they're angry. This is a macro shot of the leaf, as it's extremely close-up allowing the audience to see this surface in a way which they would not have prior to this image. 

The sky in this image is a deep blue, this holds the connotation of linking this to the sea and the deep blue colour which this holds, the sky appears to be calm likewise to a calm ocean. The clouds are extremely bold and powerful in this image as they surge from the right-hand side; the clouds almost appear God-like as most individual's look to the sky for hope, or holy reasoning therefore this links these clouds to God in the audience's minds. The clouds take up the majority of the frame, which again suggests they're unanswerable to anything else, and they own the skyline. 

Shoot Seven - Overall Essay

Shoot Seven:

My shoot was a progression of my previous shoot number 3, whereby I photographed images of clouds specifically in the sky, whereas in this shoot I focused on the whole skyline. In this shoot I wanted to capture the beauty of a simple form of nature- the sky. My aim was to capture the beauty of the sky because many people often don't look up, and appreciate it's beauty. By capturing images of the sky, I also feel as though I'd be highlighting the issue of global warming, with the burning of a hole in the Ozone layer. I conducted my shoot outside, and I captured images of the sky in various places, not just one place in order to show how the sky changes constantly, and that no two areas of the sky are the same. I used a tripod in order for there to be no blur in my images, additionally I adapted my camera settings to the dark environment which I photographed my images, this involved me using a low f stop in order to let as much light as possible into my lens. In addition, a low shutter speed also allowed more time for light to get into my camera lens.

For this shoot I was inspired by Stieglitz's images of clouds, likewise to my shoot 3. Stieglitz photographs clouds seizing the movement and pattern of the clouds within the image, giving a closer insight into the actual surface of the cloud, which not many people often pay attention to. Initially  I though just focusing on the sky would be boring, however after I saw Steiglitz's photographs I realised that I can create interesting images, using whats above me (the sky.) I chose to develop my shoot 3 by focusing on the whole skyline, not just a few clouds like my shoot 3 did. 

I photographed my images both outside my house, and at a local park. I'm happy with the overall outcome of my images, as the bright colours are clearly visible and I believe my aim to highlight the issue of global warming, through the beauty of the sky was achieved. I am especially pleased with the colours in the images, as I believe the colours show the emotions of the sky itself. 

In my next shoot (shoot eight) I will be developing my idea of macro photography, which was previously explored in shoot number 4, I will be shooting the objects of peppers again, however this time I will be shooting inside the pepper, not from the outside of this organic object; also, I will be experimenting with low key lighting to see how this affects my images. 

Shoot Five - Essay Overview

Shoot Five:

In this shoot I wanted to combine images of humans and nature in order to show how we can work well together, I used the technique of multiple exposure to do this, I previously explored multiple exposure before I started this shoot, to ensure I knew how to conduct this shoot correctly. I also wanted to conduct this hoot to suggest that humans are 'made up of nature' as this is what the outcome of the images look like. 

In order to create my multiple exposure images I ensured I had 'spot metering' switched on in my camera settings, then I ensured that my images were going to be slightly over exposed by making the F stop higher, to let more light into the camera lens, once I shot both my images of people, and of nature outside the studio I then opened all my images in photoshop. Once the images were opened in photoshop I dragged the image of nature over the top of the individual, whilst changing the photoshop settings on the left side from 'normal' to 'screen'. If after this if I wanted to edit my images further I would select the images specific layer, and change the curves/levels... 

I am pleased with the outcome of my overall images, as they are interesting due to the individual appearing as though they are made up of nature, I wasted to do this to demonstrate how us as humans cannot live or survive without nature. 

For my next shoot (shoot six) I will be focusing on images of landscapes, and how beautiful they are to encourage our preservation of this. My shoot will be heavily influenced by Ansel Adam's use of black and white, and landscape photography. 

Shoot Four - Overview Essay

Shoot Four:

In this shoot I wanted to create abstract images using only a pepper, I wanted the viewer to not be able to guess what the object might be. I chose to conduct my shoot in this manor to show how an everyday fruit (pepper) can be transformed into different things, or be seen entirely differently to what it actually is, likewise to Nadege Meriau. I used the technique of macro photography, using a macro camera in order to get extremely close to the pepper, to make it harder for the viewer to tell what the objet was as a whole. I also used a tripod to control the camera, and reduce and shaking in the frame, as this would have made a vast difference as I was so close to the pepper. I also used a light meter to measure my lighting, and I used studio lights to light up my pepper effectively. 

I was inspired by Edward Weston, as he shot his images of various vegetables in a studio, his images are not entirely abstract but they do cause the viewer to look at the object differently to how they would have before. Moreover, I took inspiration from him to convert my images into black and white, in order to highlight the different tones and textures within the image itself.
Nadege Meriau also inspired my heavily as she photographed images of organic objects in the studio, turning them into a new image/environment in themselves. Nadege's images are extremely abstract and don't look like the object they actually are. In my images I used Nadege's technique of being close-up to the object in order to create ambiguity within my own images, I believe this worked within my images as they are extremely abstract. 

I photographed the images for this shoot in the college studio, I used a soft box, back lights, a table top, tripod, camera, reflector and a light meter in order to capture my images.  I am happy with the overall outcome of this shoot as the pepper doesn't look like a pepper in the photographs, it appears to be something else which was my main aim. I took inspiration from Weston to convert my images into black and white, and inspiration from Nadege in order to get up really close to the object, to create ambiguity in what it was. 

In my next shoot (shoot five) I will use the technique of multiple exposure to combine images of nature and people, to create one final image showing how us as humans and nature can work together, also to demonstrate how we are 'made up' of nature, and it helps us to survive. 

Shoot Two - Overview Essay

Shoot Two:

In this shoot I wanted to explore how rain falls differently on both man-made and natural objects. Initially I was going to show the contrast in natural objects in the rain, and then contrast this with humans in the rain; however I felt it was better to explore man-made objects, as these are specifically made to go in the rain, whereas us as humans are not specifically made to withstand rain. I believed that by doing this it would allow me to show how nature needs rain to survive, and how nature is made to enhance rainfall, in comparison to man-made objects which can sometimes be ruined by rain. 

inspired by...

I photographed these images in my back garden one rainy afternoon, it was hard to plan when I was going to photograph my shoot as it obviously had to be just after, or during rainfall. I shot my images just after rainfall, as I found during rainfall I would get raindrops on my lens which would ruin the overall image. I found it easy to do this shoot in my garden as I have both plants and man0made objects at easy access, whereas if I went out on location I would not have as much of a choice of the man-made objects. I'm pleased with the overall outcome of the shoot, as my images are aesthetically pleasing and fit my aims of the shoot. 

For my next shoot (shoot three) I will be focusing on the simplistic object of a cloud in the sky, I have decided to explore this idea due to inspiration from Stieglitz's images of clouds. I will be exploring how the clouds move, and obtain patterns in this next shoot. 

Shoot One - Overview Essay

Shoot One:

My aim for this shoot was to show how peaceful and tranquil nature is when left alone; I wanted to explore this by photographing images of numerous objects, such as flowers, trees... Within this shoot I also wanted to show how different nature is abroad, to what it is here in the UK, this is why all of my images in this shoot I shot whilst on holiday in Gran Canaria. 

My inspiration for this soot was National Geographic magazine which I explored, and spoke about in my illustrated project proposal. The magazine has been around for 128 years, it was founded on the 1st of January 1988 by Gardiner Greene Hubbard, and is a non-profit educational and scientific magazine. The National Geographic magazine is not a photographer in itself, however it's a magazine which holds the images of many photographs, all shot in a similar fashion. The National Geographic magazine primarily focuses on images of landscapes, or animals and are big projectors of animal rights and protecting nature, this is shown through their stunning images of landscapes, displaying how we should protect these beautiful landscapes and not ruin them by carelessness (pollution.) The photographs in the national geographic magazine are bright, colourful and eye-cathicng which helps to engage individuals into the image initially, before getting them to think about the issue they may be targeting. 

I photographed my images in Gran Canaria, Spain. Nature in Gran Canaria varies vastly from the nature in the UK, as it's more bright, and colourful. I found it extremely interesting to photograph things in which I and never seen before/ wouldn't see in the UK. Additionally, it was extremely bright a lot of the time due to the sunny weather; therefore I had to adjust my camera settings a lot in order to control the lighting that was coming into my lens. I am happy with the outcome of my images, as they are bright, colourful and eye-catching, whilst showing the beauty of nature which was my aim for this shoot. 

For my next shoot (shoot two) I will be focusing on how rain appears different on different surfaces including both man-made objects, and natural objects. 

Glossary

Lenses: 

• Zoom lens- a lens whereby the user can change the focal length
• Standard lens- a lens with a focal length of 50mm is deemed 'normal' this type of lens gives a view similar to that of the naked eye, as this lens doesn't magnify or reduce the image. 
• Prime lens- this focal length is fixed, therefore the user cannot change this
• Telephoto lens- a narrow field of view occurs, whilst magnifying the image as this lens obtains a larger focal length in comparison to a standard lens. 

Technological terms:

• Wide angle-  a short focal length creates this angle, giving a wide field of view also. 
• Macro- a close up image of an object, which is also of high quality. 
• Focal length- the distance between the centre of the lens and the subject/object.
• Field of view- this is what can be seen

Analysis:

• Denotation- the explicit message of the image.
• Connotation- the implied message of the image.
• Stadium- the overall sense of the image, this may include lighting or the overall aesthetic. 
• Punctum- this is the one thing in the overall photograph which makes the image different, this could be a portrait with a spider in the centre of the individual's face.