WELCOME to the AS Photography course.   You are expected to record all of your work in the form of an electronic blogger. The course requires you to record visual material and to annotate your work. An analysis of how photographs were taken using appropriate terminologies is required. You will learn this as the course proceeds.    Below is an example of what you can do when discussing images.

William Klein.

The above photograph entitled "Gun" was taken by William Klein in 1955.  The photographer shot the image using a 35 mm black and white film camera in New York.   The image appears grainy and slightly blurred.    What makes this photograph important is that it was shot on the street where the photographer had little time to capture the events that unfolded around him.  Klein worked with a 35mm camera in order to capture the candid moments.  My research has shown that Klein's photographic approach differed from the conventional practice as indicated in the extract below;


 Klein’s images broke away from established modes through his use of high-grain film and wide angles to create his often out-of-focus black-and-white prints. “I feel like I'm showing something other people haven't shown,” the artist has said of his practice.  from artnet


In viewing the image the main figures grimaced face, half closed eye and pursed lips imitates the action of gunman, a gangster or perhaps a cowboy.  With gun pointed towards the viewer we feel as if we are part of the action.   The boy at the left hand side is somewhat younger his face is directed towards the older boy and his expression implies a sense of awe, the young boys wide eyed expression act echoes (symbolises) the action of many young men at the time whose hero's were Hollywood stars.


NOTE in the above description we have analysed the image in a systematic manner. there are elements of context (e.g. when the photograph was taken and by whom) and an interpretation of what the picture means to the viewer (connotation) as well as an objective description of who  is in the photograph and how the image looks (denotation).   You will develop your skills in describing images as the course progresses.

Colour Image Bank

Colour Image Bank.


Here you will post 4 examples of images that inspire you..

Colour Straight Images.

Colour Straight Images.


Here you will post the best 5 pictures taken from your day's task

Colour Work Diary

Colour Work Diary

Here you will post images from your shoot... you will need to post a minimum of two images, however you may post more.  The work diary records what you have learnt from the exercise therefore you should consider identifying your best photograph and the image you least like.   You will need to annotate what you have created.


You will need to annotate the camera settings and any techniques you used to achieve the photographs. 


Describe the visual outcome  using a critical language e.g. use the formal elements to describe your picture, does your picture confirm to a compositional rule, etc.


THE WRITTEN CONTENT OF THIS POST WILL AFFECT YOUR FINAL GRADE... 














Progression


Here you will outline how you might improve and refine your work if you had additional time.   You must again critique your work objectively... e.g. if your work is slightly out of focus or the composition is unbalanced say so.    where possible repeat elements of a shoot to show the examiner and your tutor that you are learning from your mistakes and developing your photographic and aesthetic expertise.   


THIS IS AGIAN IMPORTANT AS IT LINKS TO THE ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES (SUSTAINED AND  FOCUSSED.... )

Colour Definition.

Definition:
(noun) - Colour is the element of art that is produced when light, striking an object, is reflected back to the eye.


There are three (3) properties to colour.


First is hue, which simply means the name we give to a colour (red, yellow, blue, etc.).


The second property is intensity, which refers to the strength and vividness of the color. For example, we may describe the color blue as "royal" (bright, rich, vibrant) (highly saturated colour) or "dull" (grayed).  Photographers prefer to use the term Saturation




The third and final property of colour is its value, meaning its lightness or darkness. The terms shade and tint are in reference to value changes in colours.




My definition of colour is: (annotate your own interpretation here).


Colour theory.




Define analogous colour (in words) here:

Annotate your definition here:


Annotate why analogous colours are important in the visual arts.


Define Complimentary colour (in words) here:

annotate your definition here


annotate why analogous colours are important in the visual arts.


An example of Colour photography.

here is a photograph taken by Tom Hunter entitled woman reading a possession letter, the photographer used "muted" or subdued (low saturation) colours and dark tones to create an impression of gloom.

Here is a photograph of Britney Spears taken by the renowned photographer David LaChappele.   Britney is portrayed in saturated colours, wearing a pink top with a bike.   Saturated colours are often linked with "fun" whilst the clothing and colours has connotations of innocence and childhood. The imagery is quite controversial as it conveys a narrative of sexualisation  and childhood.