After spending some time researching photographers such as Cartier-Bresson and Tom Hunter, I visited my local park with camera in tow to shoot my own “Square Mile”.
My initial aim was to document the landscape, architecture and people in the area. I hoped to emulate the work of Cartier-Bresson when it came to shooting people and the work of Hunter for landscape shots.
I began by photographing the entrance to the park using a large aperture (f2.8) to focus on the foreground. This allows the eye to be drawn towards the sharp, oppressive chain fence and on to the contrasting soft rounded architecture of the main gate.
Once inside the park I sought to replicate the work of Cartier-Bresson. I chose to use a model whom I posed in such a way that it gives the viewer the impression that the shot is candid. I could have improved this image by using fill flash to better illuminate the model’s face, allowing for more detail in the eyes.
Continuing along the main path, I documented the landscape around me. The majority of my images used the rule of thirds as a base for composition and contained lead-in lines which I love for the simple reason that they draw ones eye toward the main subject and create layers within the image.
In order to vary the images, I incorporated close-up shots of the trees as I admired the abstract patterns naturally occurring in the bark. The dull tones of the rotting leaves scattered on the ground document the time of year in which the images were created. This could be accentuated by increasing the level of saturation in post production.
The last images were based on the work of Hunter. I set my subjects against a dramatic backdrop of threatening, rain laden clouds and allowed the sun to create striking lens flares. I believe that one should always attempt to break the ground rules of photography (such as never shooting in to the sun) in order to create the most unique and uninhibited images. In this case, my techniques gave the images a majestic and powerful aura. Again, post production could be used to emphasise this by bringing out the vibrant colours and increasing the contrast to give greater depth to the images.
Overall I am pleased with my final set of images. Upon reflection, some additional equipment such as a tripod and ND Grad filters would have allowed me to add more drama to the landscape shots. Furthermore a separate flash gun would have allowed for sharper portrait images.
I have now received feedback from my Tutor on this assignment. Overall the response was positive. It was however made apparent to me that I have focused very heavily on the technical analysis of the images and neglected the deeper meaning of the images and as a result they do not sit perfectly together. By doing this I have failed to convey my true feelings and emotions about my “Square Mile”, instead I became side tracked by my attempts to mirror the works of Cartier Bresson and Hunter.
Upon review I can clearly see where I went wrong and will use this insight to better my future work; looking at my images from a personal and artistic stand point and not just using them to demonstrate my technical knowledge.
PH4 Expressing Your Vision - Learning Log 