AQA Photography Exam 2014
Edges
MY STARTING POINT :EDGES
'I have selected the theme of 'Edges' as may starting point for the Externally Set Task. I have looked on the website of Laura Letinsky and I enjoyed looking at her photographs. I really enjoyed the way she composes her still-life images. I really like Jan Groover's studies of kitchen utensils and food items focusing on the way shapes interact with each other. what also appeals to me is the way Jan uses one solid colour in some of her photos. this was a good inspiration for me, thats why I enjoyed the task of using "Red" in some of my mobile photography unit shots. I was not familiar with the work of Jed Devine so when I had to research his work, I was surprised to see that the majority of his work is shot in Black and White. I have been a fan of Laszlo Moholy-Nagy for quite a while since I started GCSE Photography. He is a very inventive photographer who pays close attention to forms and patterns and the play of light on various surfaces. I like the way he uses Edges and Architecture in some of his work. I am keen on architecture in photography and the recent work I have done for this in Unit 3, Mobile Photography really helped me continue to develop my skills and ideas for the 'Edges' theme. I have discussed some ideas with my teacher and feel confident about starting to research in detail. |
INITIAL PLAN:
1, Create a mind map with some initial ideas 2, Look at other Photographers who photo Edges and Architecture for inspiration 3, Check the school library to see what books are available to help me 4, Take some images inspired by one of these photographers |
Mind Map
Here is my mind map of my initial plan and where I was going with my ideas.
Images (Set 1)
Evaluation:
I began by collecting together a selection of images, paying particular attention to those with edges as that was my theme. I have taken the above photos recently that seemed to relate to the theme of 'Edges'. These were all taken on my iPad which I carry around everywhere, enabling me to make these visual notes of interesting things I see. The images above where taken in Winder-mere and the city center of Manchester. One of the reasons I was drawn to this particular theme is perhaps because I am already interested in cropping the subjects in my photographs and noticing shapes and patterns, especially the space where one object or surface meets another. I am particularly drawn to edges that are "natural".
Having taken a good look at these images, I have spotted a few sub themes that I intend to pursue in subsequent sets of new images:
Having taken a good look at these images, I have spotted a few sub themes that I intend to pursue in subsequent sets of new images:
- Looking up, looking down
- Black and White
- Lines, angles and curves
- Looking through pipes
- Building surfaces
- Objects in the home
- Objects in school
- The edge of the buldings
Artist Research
Laura Letinsky : Where my idea came from...
Below are six images of Laura's work. After researching her work, I found out that she uses simple images in her photos but she also uses one strong, dominate solid colour too. As you can see, she has used the colour red to stand out in these photos. Bearing this in mind, I wanted to create this idea in my work so I also used the colour red and incorporated this into my final piece and also for the theme "Edges".
Below are six images of Laura's work. After researching her work, I found out that she uses simple images in her photos but she also uses one strong, dominate solid colour too. As you can see, she has used the colour red to stand out in these photos. Bearing this in mind, I wanted to create this idea in my work so I also used the colour red and incorporated this into my final piece and also for the theme "Edges".
Response: Reds in the style of Laura Letinsky
As part of the GCSE Photography unit, we had to go out into Manchester City Center and take photos. we were placed into groups and the group that I was with was given the colour "Red". The task was to take photos with the colour red in them as well as taking photos of edges. I really enjoyed this task as a couple of days previously, it had been Chinese New Year so there was a lot of red around the city center.
This picture shows the Chinese Lanterns that are hanging from a tree down Market Street. This photo is my favorite photo. I took it from a "Worms Eye View" and I also wanted the name of the shop in the background as that is also red and the edge of the building is very striking and definite against the clear blue sky is in the background. The angle of the photo is taken with a slight reflection to the right in the window and the edges of the door.
The slide show below shows more photos taken with the theme "Red and Edges" in them. All these were also taken around the city center of Manchester. I have tried to edited some of my picture in black and white and just kept the colour red, linking my work to the chosen artist's above. I have achieved this by editing my photos and choosing the colour scheme suitable.
This picture shows the Chinese Lanterns that are hanging from a tree down Market Street. This photo is my favorite photo. I took it from a "Worms Eye View" and I also wanted the name of the shop in the background as that is also red and the edge of the building is very striking and definite against the clear blue sky is in the background. The angle of the photo is taken with a slight reflection to the right in the window and the edges of the door.
The slide show below shows more photos taken with the theme "Red and Edges" in them. All these were also taken around the city center of Manchester. I have tried to edited some of my picture in black and white and just kept the colour red, linking my work to the chosen artist's above. I have achieved this by editing my photos and choosing the colour scheme suitable.
Response: Reds around school
As part of my research and incorporating the Artist Laura Letinsky, I took different images around my school using the theme "Red and "Edges". I was very surprised when I went about this challenge that there are so many "Reds" around the school and red edges. I like this colour, it is strong and vibrant. I think it contrast well when placed among-est others colours or even if its on its own as a can of coke. I like the pencils in the tray. This pictures shows many different edges.
Response: Reds around Manchester
The above photos are also taken in the style of Laura Letinsky with the theme "Red and Edges". These photos were taken in various locations around the city center of Manchester. There was so much Red around in different forms. I like the contrast of the different shades of red. From the dark red on the perfume bottle to the red on the plastic tubes. I particularly like the red and white pole with the red letter box and the top of the cone in the frame.
Artist Research
Jed Devine: Where my idea came from...
As you can see from the six photos below, Jed's photos are Black and White. I wanted to also use this in my work as like photos that are taken in black and white but also using the theme "Edges". To link both of these artists together for my final piece, I wanted to use one strong colour and then the rest of the photos in black and white with Edges running through them.
As you can see from the six photos below, Jed's photos are Black and White. I wanted to also use this in my work as like photos that are taken in black and white but also using the theme "Edges". To link both of these artists together for my final piece, I wanted to use one strong colour and then the rest of the photos in black and white with Edges running through them.
Response: Black and White in the style of Jed Devine
I have tried to take this picture in true Jed Devine style. Some of his work above shows edges with the theme black and white. I think that he is my favorite photographer because I like the way he captures the edges. From an image as unique as a building to the edge of a basic cup.
When I took my photos in black and white, I wanted to use a variety of different utensils and I particularly like the photo to the left of the teapots and kettle. I like the shine and the clean edges.
When I took my photos in black and white, I wanted to use a variety of different utensils and I particularly like the photo to the left of the teapots and kettle. I like the shine and the clean edges.
Response: Black and White edges around School
The above photos are also taken in the style of Jed Devine and the theme "Black and White Edges". I took all these photos in school, in different classrooms. I really like the effect of black and white because you can change the tone of the black to make it more subtle. I took these photos on my ipad. I think that the way the light contrasts against the photos shows different angles and reflections. I have tried to copy the style of Jed Devine and get a range of backgrounds with shadows.
My Final Outcome: 1
Final Evaluation
I have really enjoyed responding to the theme of 'Edges'. I had seen some incredible work by Laura Letinsky online and I had seen some of Jed Devine's work, also online. I feel as though I have been on an interesting journey and I'm pleased with my final products. I have learnt many new skills along the way and I have embraced my passion for Photography.
I have researched the named artists and each of whom has given me ideas for photo shoots. The camera I use most and the one that is always with me is my iPad. I really like the way I can respond quickly to something I have seen, editing and uploading the image directly from the device. For most the project this has been the camera I have used along with a range of apps as I have a few tried and tested apps on my ipad. This has allowed me to work flexibly and instinctively. However, when it came to my first response of Laura Letinsky, I felt I needed to use a different kind of camera. I chose a conventional SLR and film because I wanted to be able to have more control of the light and depth of field and I was interested to see if the images on film had a different kind of atmosphere. I really enjoyed using the film camera after having relied so heavily on my iPad.
I have tried lots of ways of editing and manipulating my photographs. I have used software applications on the computer such as Photoshop and iPhoto, mainly to carry out colour corrections and sharpening. I have also used a variety of apps on my iPad, some of which have had a radical effect on the images (e.g. InstaEditor). I have attempted to make a short slideshow of my pictures combining both of my chosen artist and their style of work. I feel as if I have been quite experimental in my approach and been able to refine and develop my work as it has progressed. I feel much more confident in my approach to my work and when it came to my final piece, I felt I tackled it with much more confidence than I did at the start of this GCSE.
I have tried to keep my website up to date with posts relevant to my research. My Weebly website has been the main place where I have documented my learning. I have used a combination of text posts, sideshows and galleries to share what I have learned. I have tried to share my research and experiments in a logical and coherent way so that the viewer can understand the creative process I've been through in order to arrive at my final outcomes.
For one of my final pieces, I went on Photoshop to edit some of my pictures to black and white. I then wanted to show the colour red as a background. To achieve this, I first had to make all the photo black and white then go onto edit, use a tool and painted the tray red. I carried out this procedure on the rest of the photos. The aim was to highlight something red to continue to work in the style of Laura Letinsky. Working in the theme black and white is continuing to work in the style of Jed Devine.
I have really enjoyed responding to the theme of 'Edges'. I had seen some incredible work by Laura Letinsky online and I had seen some of Jed Devine's work, also online. I feel as though I have been on an interesting journey and I'm pleased with my final products. I have learnt many new skills along the way and I have embraced my passion for Photography.
I have researched the named artists and each of whom has given me ideas for photo shoots. The camera I use most and the one that is always with me is my iPad. I really like the way I can respond quickly to something I have seen, editing and uploading the image directly from the device. For most the project this has been the camera I have used along with a range of apps as I have a few tried and tested apps on my ipad. This has allowed me to work flexibly and instinctively. However, when it came to my first response of Laura Letinsky, I felt I needed to use a different kind of camera. I chose a conventional SLR and film because I wanted to be able to have more control of the light and depth of field and I was interested to see if the images on film had a different kind of atmosphere. I really enjoyed using the film camera after having relied so heavily on my iPad.
I have tried lots of ways of editing and manipulating my photographs. I have used software applications on the computer such as Photoshop and iPhoto, mainly to carry out colour corrections and sharpening. I have also used a variety of apps on my iPad, some of which have had a radical effect on the images (e.g. InstaEditor). I have attempted to make a short slideshow of my pictures combining both of my chosen artist and their style of work. I feel as if I have been quite experimental in my approach and been able to refine and develop my work as it has progressed. I feel much more confident in my approach to my work and when it came to my final piece, I felt I tackled it with much more confidence than I did at the start of this GCSE.
I have tried to keep my website up to date with posts relevant to my research. My Weebly website has been the main place where I have documented my learning. I have used a combination of text posts, sideshows and galleries to share what I have learned. I have tried to share my research and experiments in a logical and coherent way so that the viewer can understand the creative process I've been through in order to arrive at my final outcomes.
For one of my final pieces, I went on Photoshop to edit some of my pictures to black and white. I then wanted to show the colour red as a background. To achieve this, I first had to make all the photo black and white then go onto edit, use a tool and painted the tray red. I carried out this procedure on the rest of the photos. The aim was to highlight something red to continue to work in the style of Laura Letinsky. Working in the theme black and white is continuing to work in the style of Jed Devine.
My Final Outcome: 2
Working in the theme black and white is continuing to work in the style of Jed Devine.
My Final Outcome: 3
This final piece I am particularly proud of. I took some of these photos using my ipad and some on the Canon Camera. After I created effects in photo shop, giving some of the photos a hint of red in them. These images were inspired by Laura Letinsky and Jed Devine. Ii was interested in sill objects that I found around and about school and also the city center of Manchester. I decided to shoot these photos using my iPad and the SLR. This allowed me to edit them and also experiment with the images. I also experimented with re-sizing each photo and thinking about their position on the canvas and round the edges of the canvas, keeping to my chosen theme, Edges.