UPDOWNALLAROUND
My research into the three artists (William Eggleston, Ernst Haas, Alex Prager) together with my visit to the Martin Parr exhibition (Only Human) influenced me greatly. I enjoy all of their uses of vibrant colour and drama applied to everyday subjects. I then set about finding very ordinary objects around the house with which to experiment. I photographed a remote control, some measuring spoons and a fluffy gnome. I placed the first 2 on an unused canvas and photographed them all from as many angles as I could as well as close up and a little further away. Below are a selection of the results.
1.
2.
3.
I quickly found that I was unable to create the more interesting shots I was looking from either the remote or the gnome, but wanted to take the measuring spoons further. I photographed them on the canvas both inside using a flash and outside using natural sunlight. In spite of its changing nature I found the results from the natural sunlight more satisfying as it gave softer shadows thanks to the diffusion from the light cloud cover of that day. The same effect could possibly have been achieved indoors with diffusers and soft boxes. I also found that the best shots were achieved when the spoons were fanned out and not stacked or angled.
In spite of their very mundane nature and use I found that some of the shots were interesting and even dramatic! This was my intention and together with some work in Lightroom arrived at what I thought the two best results below.
I’m pleased with both of these shots. Together they display very contrasting images of the same object. In the first the spoons are fanned out upside down on the canvas and the shot was taken at an angle to them with the soft shadow coming towards the viewer. I used a wide-angles lens at f4 and so limiting depth of field. The ring and the first spoon are in clear focus whilst the fourth larger spoon is not in clear focus. Visually I like this effect as it adds to the infinity of the canvas background. I also think the pronounced texture of the canvas adds to shot in contrast to the smooth metallic spoons. Again the texture of the canvas fades away into the background of the shot. In the second shot taken with a 100m macro lens and aperture of f2.8 I managed to get up close with a narrow depth of field. Both the ring and the pans are little blurred and only some of the writing is in focus. The ring and therefore the fan is slightly to the left of shot. This gives a completely different image of the spoons and hopefully even a little drama to the shot.
The Dud
This photo I found the least effective. Firstly in terms of set up the spoons are angled resting on top of each other. This didn’t work well visually made worse by the fact they are obviously different sizes. This latter factor works well I think when they are fanned out and not overlapping. Secondly taking the shot with the pans in the foreground does not work. The best shots were definitely from above or with the ring in the foreground, then moving along the handles to the pans in the background. In this shot the pans and their handles appear compressed into eachother.
Safe working Practices (3.1)
As always with photographic projects maintaining good health and safety protocol is paramount. Simple rules must always be followed.
Oneself – always maintain and check for personal safety. Most of these shots were taken at home away from traffic, other people and hazards. Nevertheless whilst taking photos above, below etc be aware of slip, trip hazards and make your surrounding space safe.
Equipment– Camera equipment is generally expensive and often delicate and hard-edged. Protect lens with UV filter and lens caps and also return to protective covering. Sensors can get dirty and need to be cleaned professionally on occasion.
Other people and property – In this project these were not a factor, but should always be born in mind. Ask permission to photograph people in order to avoid offending them. Private property is off limits without permission to photograph. This often includes railway stations, office complexes etc.
Tripods – tripods are angular and awkward. Always be aware when using them of tripping and falling as well as hindering others.
Trip hazards – these can be numerous depending on your environment. Wires, cables, tripods again, all can cause accidents and injury. Always work in a safe space.
UAL Level 2 -Andrew 