Chosen images for exhibition

For the exhibition at the district council we had to choose which two images we wanted to display.

Below are the images that I chose to present, of which would be framed and displayed alongside other students work.

Image 1 - The Mushrooms

Image 2 - Gravelpit Sunrise

I decided on these two images as they are both very colourful so will stand out but both have simple compositions. I believe these two images are probably my best photographs and do show off the skills and techniques I have gained throughout the course and shows how far I have come.

These images have been framed and are ready to be displayed in the exhibition.

Choice of presentation

Reasons for choice of method

After reflecting back on the research I have carried out on presentation methods both professionally and on the high street, I feel that my best choice of presentation methods will be using my blogger website created over the term of this assignment and also by getting a couple of my photographs printed. This is not only cheap and cost effective but also puts the image on another scale. If I also then get my images framed it will make the images stand out even more.

I did consider putting all of my final images for both themes into an album but this would be more costly and would also take up more time to put together.

With the blogger page it is easy to access and to view the images and also with having a couple of prints it shows off the quality of my work and will enable my work to be viewed on a closer scale.

Preparation for Photography Exhibition

An opportunity arose where one of the students in our class arranged a photography exhibition at the South Derbyshire District Council for a week from the 6th February. 

This is a good chance for me to able to show some of my own photography in the exhibition which will form part of my presentation unit and will also give me the opportunity to get feedback from the general public regarding my work.

It has been arranged that we can also sell our photography to people that are interested in purchasing them throughout the week.

From this I decided which two images, out off all of my photographs throughout the course, I would use as part of the exhibition. For these two images we had to arrange for frames and the printing in advance of the exhibition so that we were ready and prepared. Also, this allowed any last minute changes to be made where the images were concerned should we decide that they were not as expected.

Frames

Ian, the same student to organise the exhibition also arranged to order the frames for us. The frames were from Wilkinson and cost only £8 each.

Prints

The prints were ordered through a company called 'Pro Am' which are based in Bradford. The prints cost around £2 each and arrived a couple of days after on Fuji archive luster paper which gave a nice sheen to the photographs.

Images showing image preparation

Below are some images taken of the class preparing their frames ready for the exhibition.

I found that from looking at just the prints of the images to looking at them complete and in the frames the effects altered quite dramatically. The frames and border really help to make the images stand out.

Final images - Theme 2

Fashion

Below are my top ten fashion images for my second theme with explanations as to why these images have been chosen.

Image 1

The first image was chosen firstly because of the positioning and secondly because of the shadowing. I like how the model is off centre and how she is looking out into the distance. The shadowing that filters through the trees is nice and it helps highlight the trees in the background. I think also that the models clothes fits well with the theme and the location chosen due to the neutral tones.

Image 2

I chose this second image because I like the profile shot of the model as it shows off the clothes in a different way as it would be if it was head on. I like how the tree is central in the shot as this gives alot of height to the photograph and the trees captured in the back gives the image depth, which is what I wanted to achieve.



Image 3

This image is really relaxed and quite natural in the models pose which reflects the location and mood of the shot. I particularly like the texture shown on the clothes the model is wearing. This was captured due to the lighting. I also like the angle of the shot as it isnt at eye level so this creates a different camera pospective.

Image 4

Again, I chose this image due to the natural elements and the fact that the image works well together as a whole. The textures of the models clothes reflects on that of the leaves on the ground and I like it that the bench is worn as this gives the image more edge. I deliberately chose not to have the bench absolutely central and at a slant to add to the whole rustic/edgy feel as I didn't want it to seem too 'set'.

Image 5

For this shot (as detailed previously) I took alot of inspiration from a professional photographer I had researched. I chose this one because although you can see where the inspiration has come from I still made the image my own and put my own stamp on it and did my own version. I like the relaxed approach, I like the fact that all I used was flash and I think the positioning worked really well. Also, it is clear to see what product is being sold in the image due to how simple the composition is.

Image 6

This is a very similar composition to the previous image chosen, however, the shot is slightly wider. I chose this because I like the position of the model, I like the hand positioning and I like that the models chin falls central to the image to give the shot balance and you can still see the fashion being 'sold'. I also think the lighting/flash used was successful and this helps to highlight the model and the texture of the models hair and the fence in the background.

Image 7

This image was chosen due to the positioning of the model, the lighting and the mystery. I like the way the model has positioned herself which falls central in the shot and because she is looking away into the distance it adds mystery. Again, the texture of the models hair and necklace really shows and I like the reflection of the flash in the sunglasses as this gets your attention.

Image 8

I like the fact that this shot is more playful and focuses more on the jewellery. Again, the textures of the fashion in this shot and of the models hair stands out which is what this theme was all about. I like the composition and positioning of the model, it all works well together.

Image 9

I like the wider shot here and the flash has worked well to highlight the model which makes her the main focal point. The flash reflects off the models beaded necklace really well making these also stand out. I like the contrast between the dark sky and the light reflecting from the model.

Image 10

Because the background is very dark, due to it being taken at night outdoors, it makes the composition very simple as the model is the main focal point. I like the angle of the shot and the positioning of the model and the shadowing created behind the models hand. You can clearly see what the model is 'modelling'.

Theme 2 - Night shots

 Location

For this shoot I decided to take the photographs at night outside to reflect images of photographers I have researched. I used my mum's garden as the location.

Equipment used

I have recently got a new camera so I used this instead of borrowing a camera from college. The camera used in the shoot was a Fujifilm finepix S3300 which has a 24mm wide lens and 14 MegaPixels. This was used on the manual setting so that I had complete control of the outcome.
I used flash on the camera to create the effects on the final images but there was also a small light on the side of the house which helped to get the right amount of light.

Health & Safety

The main health and safety issue on the night of the shoot was the weather. It was very cold outside so to ensure my model wasn't out in the cold for too long I ensured that I thought out the positions in the garden to use and thought out the different poses I wanted my model to be in. I also made sure that I kept myself warm throughtout the shoot.

Images chosen from shoot

The main influence of this shoot is Andres Hernandez who is one of the photographers I researched earlier in the course. I took inspiration from his photographs and tried to create my own version using the resources available to me. Here are some of Andre's images of which I gained inspiration and ideas:

Before starting out on my own images I had shown my model the photographs I had taken inspiration from so that she knew what kind of images and poses I was looking for. Below are my chosen images:

ISO-100, f/4.1, Shutter speed - 1/60

I really like this close up composition and it is clear to see what the model is 'selling' in this image. It is really natural and relaxed but it is also bold. I think the messy hair and the background adds a hardness to the image.

ISO-100, f/4.1, Shutter speed - 1/60

ISO-100, f/4.1, Shutter speed - 1/60

The next two images are similar compositions to the first image but I wanted to add angles into the photograph and to also capture a portrait shot of the model.

ISO-100, f/3.6, Shutter speed - 1/60

This image is quite effective as the background is really dark so this helps to make the model really stand out and be the focal point.

ISO-100, f/3.6, Shutter speed - 1/60

ISO-100, f/3.6, Shutter speed - 1/60

ISO-100, f/3.6, Shutter speed - 1/60

ISO-100, f/3.6, Shutter speed - 1/60

ISO-100, f/3.6, Shutter speed - 1/60

Here I wanted to bring in the use of props more by using the jewellery. I like the reflections of the flash on the pearl necklace and on the models glasses and I like how it highlights the models face.

ISO-100, f/4.5, Shutter speed - 1/60

ISO-100, f/4.9, Shutter speed - 1/60

These two images were taken above the model from a height. I like the camera viewpoint used here and also the angles of the models body, however, I do feel the first few images are more effective and look much better overall.



ISO-800, f/3.1, Shutter speed - 1/60

Here I wanted to experiment with just the flash from the camera but the colours didn't come out the way I wanted them too.

In  this shoot I wanted to use neutral tones like that used in Andre's photographs and try to capture the same technique he uses in his images. I briefed my model previous to the shoot and told her what I had in mind. This also helped to minimise the amount of time we were outside as it was very cold. I have used accessories on the model to show how you can sell products and fashion in a photograph which is also what Andre did.

In the garden there was a security light that went on and off which did make it difficult where the lighting is concered but I managed to work around that and also by combining this with the flash on my camera I was able to emulate a smiliar technique with lighting as the professional photographer. I think overall the outcome is good and I have learnt alot from this shoot as working in the dark is very different to working in the day.

Research on presentation of photography

In this blog I am going to be researching different ways in which photographers present their images and will also research how this is done on the high street to compare.

I will then also be looking at the different steps used to get to the final stages of presenting the images such as printing, sizes, colour and design.

This will then show me and give me ideas of how I would like to present my final images for the course and the steps I would need to take to make it successful.

Methods used for presenting photography

People rely alot on the visual aspects of life and so photography and how it is presented needs to have a visual impact and photographers selling their work or service need to make a good first impression. This also applies for the high street and below are some examples of how photography can be presented.

Internet -

There are many reasons why professional photographers have their own websites. Having your own website as a photographer makes you look professional, it helps sell your work, it helps to promote you as a photographer and it can allow you to earn advertising revenue.

For example, fashion photographer Sarah Bird has her own website where she displays all different types of galleries showing different aspects or her work and which also helps to advertise the fashion used in the shots. See below link to her website -

http://www.sarahbirdphotography.co.uk/fashioneditorialphotography.html

Advertising

If you click on the link below this will take you to Jason Christopher's website. Jason is another fashion photographer but here he has displayed the work that has been used for advertising which is another way to present the images.

http://jasonchristopher.com/photography/advertising

Below are a few examples of some fashion and nature shots that have been used for advertising -

These images all have a visual impact on the person viewing it which in effect sells the product making advertising an effective form of presentation. It not only sells the product but it shows the skills of the photographer.

Magazines

One of the reasons why professional photographers put their work in magazines is to give their work exposure and allows their work to be seen by many people which gets their name known. Not only is their work seen by the general public it also allows potention clients to view the calaber of the photographers work.

Wedding photographers for example may wish to combine the two elements of advertising and magazines and advertise their services in a magazine such as bridal magazines:

Wedding photographers

Wedding photographers offer lots of different packages to display your photographs in.

Looking at David Day, who is a wedding photographer based in Nottingham, he offers the below options when choosing how you would like your photographs displayed:

Albums

Contursi Reportage

Contursi

Art Editorial Service - specialist desktop publishing and imaging software

Contursi

Milano - Italian album, supplied in a brief case

See below link to David Day's website:

http://www.ddpweddings.co.uk/packages.htm

High street presentation methods

'Snappy Snaps' are a high street store which offers a wide range of photo and digital services to customers. They have stores all over the country and they strive to use the best materials ensuring they get the best results. 

Below are some examples of what services and products they offer to display photographs for paying customers....this can then be compared to how professional photographers display their work.

Canvases

Canvases are quite a popular choice of presentation for photographs as it is affordable and is a simple way of turning images into wall art.

'Snappy Snaps' can print images onto all different sizes including A3, A2, A1, A0 and even square frames.

Posters

Personalised printed posters are also offered to customers which can be taken from media such as memory sticks, mobile phones and even using existing photographs. These images can be adjusted and cropped to improve the overall appearance if needed before transferring onto the posters.

Again, customers can choose from different size posters, from the standard 'A' sizes to bespoke sizes.

Collages

Collages are a great way of displaying a selection of photographs taken from a variety of different medias and existing photos. You can also choose between the more contemporary 'arty' collages to the more 'standard' style like the ones shown below:

Photo Art Effects

Photo art effects is a more fun way of displaying photographs. They simply take an existing image and transform it into something completely different:

 Photobooks

This service allows customers to go into one of the stores with their digital media and create their own photobooks. This is a great way for people to record lots of memories and keep them in one place.

Prints from slides

This allows customers to make use of any old slide photographs they may by turning them into high quality prints with a range of sizes on offer. You can also have a choice between gloss and matt finishes.

Photo mugs and t-shirts

Photo mugs and t-shirts are very popular gift choices with 'Snappy Snaps'. They take images and transfer them onto mugs and t-shirts which are particularly popular for stag do's and hen nights.

Frames

As well as offering the service to print out your photographs they also offer a range of frames to go with your images or simply to buy individually. They also offer bespoke made to measure frames.

Albums

Albums are a great way of presenting your images and you can choose from lots of different styles of albums and different sizes to fit your photographs. You even have spaces inside the books for notes so that you can jot down memories and facts about the photos.

Digital Printing

Digital printing is referred to when you print from a digital based image onto a variety of media (like the examples researched above with 'Snappy Snaps') and first came into use in the early 1990's. It is normally achieved by using a large format or high volume laser or inkjet printer. This method of printing has a higher cost per page than the more traditional methods such as, offset printing (from a plate to a rubber blanket then onto the printing surface), but there are less costs where labour is concerned.

Digital printing takes up less space than the traditional methods, the machines do not have to be manned, there are no plates and yet they can still produce high volumes of print for when professional photographers work is in demand.

The way they work

Laser or inkjet printers deposit a pigment or toner onto printing surfaces such as, paper, canvas, glass, metal and photo paper. It assembles the image from a set of numbers and mathematical formulas, so is quite technical. These images are then 'digitised' which means they are captured from dots, or pixels as they are better know. This is then used to determine and control the deposition of ink, toner and exposure.

This should then give you a clean and sharp image.

Inkjet printers on the market

Canon PIXMA iP4850 - £69:
- Photolab quality 9600dpi and 1pl
- 10x15cm photo in 20 seconds
- Produces detailed full coloured photographs

HP PhotosmartA532 - £149:
- 100x150mm
- 130x180mm
- 600dpi

HP DesignJet Z2100 - £1,920:
- 2400 dpi x 1200 dpi
- colour inkjet printer

After looking at the different inkjet printers on the market you can see that they vary in price by quite a bit. Even some ink cartridges cost more than the printers itself but what cartridges you choose depend on the printer you have and how much the printer uses on one print.
The next thing to consider is the type of printing paper you can use to print your images. Below are some examples of what is on the market.

Types of printing paper

HP Advanced glossy photo paper -

100 sheets

100 x 150mm

Cost = £6.81

Colourway A4 Matte photo paper 120g -

100 sheets

Instant dry

Cost = £2.99

A3 Satin photo paper -

25 sheets

210 gsm

Cost = £23.50

(This is also known as Pearl Satin or Lustre Paper)

Now that I have explored the different types of printers, presentation methods, costs and paper types this will now help me consider how I would like to present my own images for this course.