Three
Every Path Leads Somewhere
Two Old Ladies and a Dog
The Same Path that Leads Somewhere
No Post Today
Stan and Bullseye
Corner Shop Dave
About Me
- Penelope Davies
- Carmarthen, West Wales, United Kingdom
- All images Copyright of Penelope Davies.
Wednesday, 29 December 2010
Shooting the Mist
As I mentioned in my previous blog today, I've been wandering the streets trying to capture an image for the competition. But as I love the light effects that a misty day brings; these are a few of my favourite shots from the day.
Tuesday, 28 December 2010
"If I die Before I Wake"
Penguin Modern Classics
I've finished reading "If I die ....." by Sherwood King and really enjoyed it. It wasn't very long, just 150 pages, once I'd started I couldn't put it down.
I remember watching the film "The Lady of Shanghai" many years ago;the book reads very much like a film script. I remembered the story, but despite this, I still found the intrigue, suspense and betrayls between characters compelling and enjoyable.
With Thanks to filmnoir.blogspot.com for providing these images.
Rita Hayworth playing "Elsa"
I bought a second Penguin Modern Classic yesterday.... Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison. This is a much more substantial read and so far it has been quite harrowing...scenes of racism, violence and incest but so well written; its another I'm finding hard to put down.
Sunday, 26 December 2010
Work in Progress ....
Work Based Learning
I've sent an email to the Marketing Dept at the college ... I'm going to enter the competition for the Summer Poster. I'm also entering the Street Photography Now Project which started a few weeks ago but its an ongoing project for twelve months and I dont feel its too late to start entering images. There's an email instruction every Friday ...this week's instruction is "Closer to Home." I've been out with my camera this morning but didn't shoot anything worth sending. I'll try again tomorrow.
I'm also trying to look into Stock Image Websites ... I'm not very confident that my images will be accepted so I'm delaying sending some. But I need to have a go so its time to bite the bullet!
As far as Interviews go .... I found an American Landscape Photographer who's work I find quite inspiring. I'm thinking of writing to him to ask for an email interview.
I think my local practitioner interview will be with one of the plot holders on the Allotment in Peverell Park Rd. I spoke to a lady called Wendy there the other day. She is at the University and is also doing a project about the Allotment, so I thought that she would be a good subject to interview. We swopped email addresses. I will write to her when the Christmas festivites are over.
Moving Stills
I am so regretting not having researched for this Assignment last term. I feel that I have wasted so much time and now I have so much work to do. I'm trying to spend a couple of hours every day during the holidays working on one of the assignments.
So far for this Assignment I have shot the final image and had it printed at college. I've researched a few Artists and Photographers with regard to Derivation and Still Life and started my sketch book. Today I am going to write up some notes on the Vermeer, Tom Hunter and Harold Peach Robinson.
I also need to set up a studio at home so that I can shoot some Still Life images using lighting from a window and using my model lamps. I need to practice this as it is also part of the Cover Story Assignment that we have just been given.
Technical Work Book
I have my notes, reflections, test strips and some contact sheets to put in my sketch book. I need to organise these.
Contextual Sketch Book
This is another Assignment that I am way behind on. I have to look at all the lectures again and redo my sketch book as I am totally unhappy with the first one I did. I really need to organise my work. I have completed one essay but when I handed it in, I knew that it didn't flow well. I need to "tweak" it to improve the overall feel of the essay.
Before I can even begin the second essay, I need to complete my sketch book because I know that the research I do will inform my essay and make it much simpler to write. I have not thought about which aspect of Visual Culture I will write about.
The Christmas Project
This is a project that I could have well done without. I am already overloaded and overwhelmed with the amount of work I have to do ... finding a line from a Christmas Carol and intepreting it in an image is almost pushing me over the edge!! I've listened to some Carol's but I think this will have to be a project that I am not going to priorotise, but that I will do when I find some inspiration and near the end of the holiday when hopefully I will have some time.
Cover Story
Although we have just been given the brief for this Assignment, I am determined that I am going to start work on it immediately. Last term I didn't do enough work and I am now paying for it! I've started to read a book written by Sherwood King titled "If I Die before I Wake." Its a story of murder and intrigue and I'm really enjoying it. So far though, I haven't read anything that I feel I could use for my covers....unless I choose to take portraits. Its very much about the relationships between the characters. But there may be something more to come yet.
I have looked a little into the history of Penguin Books and I've started my sketch book. I want my Sketch Book to be a work in progress as it should be. I've also been searching for articles on Cover Design and thinking about chiaroscruo lighting. I love the look of Film Noir and the posters etc.
I need to find out about the author too.
I may read more titles ... see how my time goes!
I've sent an email to the Marketing Dept at the college ... I'm going to enter the competition for the Summer Poster. I'm also entering the Street Photography Now Project which started a few weeks ago but its an ongoing project for twelve months and I dont feel its too late to start entering images. There's an email instruction every Friday ...this week's instruction is "Closer to Home." I've been out with my camera this morning but didn't shoot anything worth sending. I'll try again tomorrow.
I'm also trying to look into Stock Image Websites ... I'm not very confident that my images will be accepted so I'm delaying sending some. But I need to have a go so its time to bite the bullet!
As far as Interviews go .... I found an American Landscape Photographer who's work I find quite inspiring. I'm thinking of writing to him to ask for an email interview.
I think my local practitioner interview will be with one of the plot holders on the Allotment in Peverell Park Rd. I spoke to a lady called Wendy there the other day. She is at the University and is also doing a project about the Allotment, so I thought that she would be a good subject to interview. We swopped email addresses. I will write to her when the Christmas festivites are over.
Moving Stills
I am so regretting not having researched for this Assignment last term. I feel that I have wasted so much time and now I have so much work to do. I'm trying to spend a couple of hours every day during the holidays working on one of the assignments.
So far for this Assignment I have shot the final image and had it printed at college. I've researched a few Artists and Photographers with regard to Derivation and Still Life and started my sketch book. Today I am going to write up some notes on the Vermeer, Tom Hunter and Harold Peach Robinson.
I also need to set up a studio at home so that I can shoot some Still Life images using lighting from a window and using my model lamps. I need to practice this as it is also part of the Cover Story Assignment that we have just been given.
Technical Work Book
I have my notes, reflections, test strips and some contact sheets to put in my sketch book. I need to organise these.
Contextual Sketch Book
This is another Assignment that I am way behind on. I have to look at all the lectures again and redo my sketch book as I am totally unhappy with the first one I did. I really need to organise my work. I have completed one essay but when I handed it in, I knew that it didn't flow well. I need to "tweak" it to improve the overall feel of the essay.
Before I can even begin the second essay, I need to complete my sketch book because I know that the research I do will inform my essay and make it much simpler to write. I have not thought about which aspect of Visual Culture I will write about.
The Christmas Project
This is a project that I could have well done without. I am already overloaded and overwhelmed with the amount of work I have to do ... finding a line from a Christmas Carol and intepreting it in an image is almost pushing me over the edge!! I've listened to some Carol's but I think this will have to be a project that I am not going to priorotise, but that I will do when I find some inspiration and near the end of the holiday when hopefully I will have some time.
Cover Story
Although we have just been given the brief for this Assignment, I am determined that I am going to start work on it immediately. Last term I didn't do enough work and I am now paying for it! I've started to read a book written by Sherwood King titled "If I Die before I Wake." Its a story of murder and intrigue and I'm really enjoying it. So far though, I haven't read anything that I feel I could use for my covers....unless I choose to take portraits. Its very much about the relationships between the characters. But there may be something more to come yet.
I have looked a little into the history of Penguin Books and I've started my sketch book. I want my Sketch Book to be a work in progress as it should be. I've also been searching for articles on Cover Design and thinking about chiaroscruo lighting. I love the look of Film Noir and the posters etc.
I need to find out about the author too.
I may read more titles ... see how my time goes!
Walking Through the Park
Wednesday, 22 December 2010
Still Life
Still Life influenced by Sir Anthony Van Dyck, Nicholas Poussin and Jean Honore Fragonard.
James and I managed to get our still life image taken on the 5 x 4 Camera before the end of term; this is my effort. Unfortunately I am only now beginning to research for this assignment and I know that if I had been motivated to do this first, my still life would have looked a lot different. I'm having to work backwards which is not really a good idea. I'm thinking I might own up to this in my sketch book as having now researched some artists, I'm finding some really interesting stuff!! If I had realised before the tutorial that we could take an image in the landscape, instead of in the studio, I would have done that. Its probably my own fault for not reading the brief carefully enough.
Anyway onwards and upwards as they say .... !
Tuesday, 21 December 2010
Pablo Picasso
I have just finished reading "Picasso My Grandfather" by Marina Picasso. It confirmed for me what I have always felt about Picasso. I see the genuis in his work, but I have never been a great fan of his because the emotion aroused in me when I viewed his work was that of discomfort. Something about his visual style always makes me feel uneasy.
Having read his Grand-daughter Marina's account of her life, I feel a little justified in how I react to Picasso's paintings.The story of a man completely obsessed by his own greatness, and a man who had no regard for the feelings of others. Picasso's eyes stare at the world full of anger, cruelty and arrogance.
The man behind the art was, for me, despicable in every way. His only loyalty was to himself. He had no regard for his family. His son, Pablo, seemingly spent this whole life seeking approval from his father, which he never received. His grandchildren waited for him to show them a crumb of affection, which was never forthcomig . His wife Olga, was thrown aside, once Picasso had finished with her, though she never appeared to her grandchildren to resent this.
If this is a true account of Marina's childhood, and that of the people around her, it is a harrowing tale of emotional cruelty.
Marina with her mother, and her brother Pablito, lived in poverty, while her father Pablo, who worked for Picasso, had to beg for money owed to him. Picasso begrudgingly parted with it. Picasso seemed to delight in the power he inflicted on his family, and to whom he undeservedly treated with contempt. The only time he would do anything to help his family was if his own reputation was in question.
The world revered Picasso as a genuis, but having read Marina's story, I have no respect for this man who used his gift to inflict such pain and suffering on those he should have cared for and who, even though they suffered at his hand, still desperately desired his love.
The name Picasso became a curse on the family; Pablito while still a very young man, committed suicide so that his sister who he adored, could have a better life. Pablito wanted the world to understand the true nature of his grandfather Picasso. Or to shame Picasso into helping his family out of poverty and misery. Pablito wanted his family to be freed from the poison that Picasso inflicted on them.
I know that when I read accounts such as this, that I have to question the motives of the writer, to understand their perspective and to not accept all of what is written without questioning it. But reading Marina's story saddened me and I cant help feeling empathy towards her, and I mourn the loss of her brother, a young man who in desperation took his own life, and who did nothing to deserve such a fate.
Having read his Grand-daughter Marina's account of her life, I feel a little justified in how I react to Picasso's paintings.The story of a man completely obsessed by his own greatness, and a man who had no regard for the feelings of others. Picasso's eyes stare at the world full of anger, cruelty and arrogance.
The man behind the art was, for me, despicable in every way. His only loyalty was to himself. He had no regard for his family. His son, Pablo, seemingly spent this whole life seeking approval from his father, which he never received. His grandchildren waited for him to show them a crumb of affection, which was never forthcomig . His wife Olga, was thrown aside, once Picasso had finished with her, though she never appeared to her grandchildren to resent this.
If this is a true account of Marina's childhood, and that of the people around her, it is a harrowing tale of emotional cruelty.
Marina with her mother, and her brother Pablito, lived in poverty, while her father Pablo, who worked for Picasso, had to beg for money owed to him. Picasso begrudgingly parted with it. Picasso seemed to delight in the power he inflicted on his family, and to whom he undeservedly treated with contempt. The only time he would do anything to help his family was if his own reputation was in question.
The world revered Picasso as a genuis, but having read Marina's story, I have no respect for this man who used his gift to inflict such pain and suffering on those he should have cared for and who, even though they suffered at his hand, still desperately desired his love.
The name Picasso became a curse on the family; Pablito while still a very young man, committed suicide so that his sister who he adored, could have a better life. Pablito wanted the world to understand the true nature of his grandfather Picasso. Or to shame Picasso into helping his family out of poverty and misery. Pablito wanted his family to be freed from the poison that Picasso inflicted on them.
I know that when I read accounts such as this, that I have to question the motives of the writer, to understand their perspective and to not accept all of what is written without questioning it. But reading Marina's story saddened me and I cant help feeling empathy towards her, and I mourn the loss of her brother, a young man who in desperation took his own life, and who did nothing to deserve such a fate.
Monday, 13 December 2010
Developing and Printing 120 Film
I'd taken the Mamiya out for the weekend as I wanted to continue my practice using the Medium Format Camera and 120 film. Today I developed the film and it only took me 10 mins in the "Loading Room" to wind the film on to the wheel, a record time for me! There hadn't been a Light Meter at the stores when I borrowed the Camera, so I had to make educated guesses about the Aperture and Shutter Speeds. I'm very happy that all my images appeared fine on the film, not all perfect but pretty good!!
It was fun in the print room today, there were quite a few of us in there. I have my final print for my Formal Intervention but I enjoyed printing new images. These are the two that I printed today.
It was fun in the print room today, there were quite a few of us in there. I have my final print for my Formal Intervention but I enjoyed printing new images. These are the two that I printed today.
These are some others from the Weekend's Shoot.
The Formal Intervention deadline is this Thursday, I have to write up my final Reflections and Evaluations and I have a few notes to write up in my Sketch Book. I'm not completely happy with my Sketch Book but I'm determined that next term I will work harder to make it more creative and interesting.
Thursday, 9 December 2010
Tutorial - Work Based Learning
The tutorial has left me feeling more poisitive about this Module. I wasn't at all sure if Work Based Learning was relevant or appropriate for me, as my reasons for being at Art College are not work driven. Its not that I don't want to earn an income as a photographer in the future, but I didn't want to feel pressurised to do this. I want to achieve a Degree, and I do want to develop my skills, but I want to take my time to decide what I will do in the future and leave my options open.
As a result of talking to Jane this afternoon, I now feel that tailoring the Module to suit my own needs is very relevant and appropriate. I am intending to continue with my Allotment Project over the next 12 months, and after leaving the Tutorial I had the idea that I could ask the Allotment Trustees if I would be allowed to Exhibit my Images on site. There is quite a large Shed there which is used for Meetings and Social Events. I can only ask.
In order to fulfill the Assignment Brief I need to research into Stock Libraries and Book Publishers, seek out a "Practitioner" to Interview, one local and one International. I have to take a Portrait shot of one of the Interviewees and will need a Model Release Form for this. I also have to enter one competition.
I feel that all of this is possible by the February deadline and I am going to enjoy researching my options.
As a result of talking to Jane this afternoon, I now feel that tailoring the Module to suit my own needs is very relevant and appropriate. I am intending to continue with my Allotment Project over the next 12 months, and after leaving the Tutorial I had the idea that I could ask the Allotment Trustees if I would be allowed to Exhibit my Images on site. There is quite a large Shed there which is used for Meetings and Social Events. I can only ask.
In order to fulfill the Assignment Brief I need to research into Stock Libraries and Book Publishers, seek out a "Practitioner" to Interview, one local and one International. I have to take a Portrait shot of one of the Interviewees and will need a Model Release Form for this. I also have to enter one competition.
I feel that all of this is possible by the February deadline and I am going to enjoy researching my options.
Presentation Formal Intervention
My presentation went better than I had anticipated .... I'm very happy to say! Mine may not have been the best or the most interesting or the most exciting, but I did it. I felt a little shaky to begin with but once I got going I felt fine.
I did enjoy listening to the other students presentations, there were some great ideas and some great work. Simon is very enthusiastic about his photography and that shone through in his presentation. Nancy's idea was I felt quite original, and it was easy to tell that she has thoroughly enjoyed the Assignment.
When everyone had finished, I felt that having not been as motivated as I was last year, and not having engaged with the work as well as I could have this term, that I have missed out. The process reminded me why I am here, why I decided I wanted to study a Photography Degree, and that the only way forward for me now, is to start enjoying the course again and to actively engage with what I'm doing. We are given lots of opportunities and those opportunities will only last as long as I am here.
Next week is the deadline to hand in our Sketch Books, photographs and other Research. We have a "Mini Exhibition." I am not completely happy with what I have done so far, and it is too late now to do much more. I can only finish off my research and sketch book, and write my final reflections and evaluations.
My final Image is going to be a Cabbage. For me it epitomises the Human Intervention in the Allotment. The cabbage seems to be the most popular vegetable grown in the Allotment and it also fulfills the Formal Elements criteria.
I did enjoy listening to the other students presentations, there were some great ideas and some great work. Simon is very enthusiastic about his photography and that shone through in his presentation. Nancy's idea was I felt quite original, and it was easy to tell that she has thoroughly enjoyed the Assignment.
When everyone had finished, I felt that having not been as motivated as I was last year, and not having engaged with the work as well as I could have this term, that I have missed out. The process reminded me why I am here, why I decided I wanted to study a Photography Degree, and that the only way forward for me now, is to start enjoying the course again and to actively engage with what I'm doing. We are given lots of opportunities and those opportunities will only last as long as I am here.
Next week is the deadline to hand in our Sketch Books, photographs and other Research. We have a "Mini Exhibition." I am not completely happy with what I have done so far, and it is too late now to do much more. I can only finish off my research and sketch book, and write my final reflections and evaluations.
My final Image is going to be a Cabbage. For me it epitomises the Human Intervention in the Allotment. The cabbage seems to be the most popular vegetable grown in the Allotment and it also fulfills the Formal Elements criteria.
I've added this Image as it is one of my favourites from the Medium Format 120 Film Shoot
Wednesday, 8 December 2010
Sunshine, Shadow and Frost
AN INTERLUDE
After working at home today writing a CV and composing my Covering Letter, I took my camera and walked through the park and on to the Allotment. Even though it was well into the afternoon, the frost still lay on the leaves, twinkling in the sunshine.
There was no sign of anyone working at the Allotment, though I did notice today that there has been some activity since my last visit. Chairs have moved, vegetation has been covered in mats, nets and plastic, and some soil has been turned. Human Intervention has taken place but now devoid of any human presence except for my own.
Tomorrow I have to make my Formal Intervention presentation. I have tried to practice today and hope that I can avoid any stress or nervousness that may prevent me from making a good presentation. I hope I've prepared well enough.
Saturday, 4 December 2010
Still Life
James and I managed to get our Still Life images done on Thursday ... it took three hours! Ellie wasn't able to attend as it had snowed badly, the roads hadn't been gritted and she was unable to drive into College. We had booked the Small Studio well in advance, but unfortunately it had been double booked, so we had to use Rm 315. We managed ok though.
After setting up the "Still Life" which consisted of blue satin material, Ivy, A Bible, Cross and Urn, which all reflected our Artists, we set about getting all the equipment in place. My contribution was the material as my Artists Anthony Van Dyck was a colourist, and used vibrant colours and materials in all of his portraits.I chose colour as I too have a love of colour. One of Van Dyck's main subjects had been King Charles 1 who dubbed himself The Divine King, so my focus for my image had been a picture of a King in the Bible. The bible also represented my faith.
James and I placed the 5 x 4 camera at an angle in front of the Still Life; one light with a snoot attached was placed on the right to shine through the Ivy, the other light with a medium size reflector attached, was placed on the left of the Still Life.
We first used fibre based paper at ISO 5 to practice our shots. We shot two images, one at F11 using a 4 second shutter speed and the other at F11 using a 30 second shutter speed. Taking the paper to the Dark Room and using the chemical trays to develop them, we found both shots were successful. The 4 second being the better of the two. The 30 second image was too dark but visible. James has taken these to scan and revert them at home.
We then decided to use our film. We loaded the film in the Loading Room taking our time. Then proceeded to shoot our final images. The film was a 100 ISO, we used F9 at 1/30 of a second, re focussing to shoot our individual shots. On our third attempt, unfortunately it proved a disaster. We had loaded the film incorrectly and when we tried to put the darkslide back, the film was pushed out. At this point, it had taken us three hours to complete our task and both of us were tired and had had enough. So we decided to pack up at this point and return everything to the ERC.
I have the darkslide here with me and I will take it to Spectrum on Monday to have the film processed. I had intended to take them yesterday but due to being unwell I wasnt able to do this.
I am looking forward to seeing the results and hope very much that we have been successful, as I dont relish the thought of having to do them again. I am not a great fan of working in the studio and find the process quite laborious.
After setting up the "Still Life" which consisted of blue satin material, Ivy, A Bible, Cross and Urn, which all reflected our Artists, we set about getting all the equipment in place. My contribution was the material as my Artists Anthony Van Dyck was a colourist, and used vibrant colours and materials in all of his portraits.I chose colour as I too have a love of colour. One of Van Dyck's main subjects had been King Charles 1 who dubbed himself The Divine King, so my focus for my image had been a picture of a King in the Bible. The bible also represented my faith.
James and I placed the 5 x 4 camera at an angle in front of the Still Life; one light with a snoot attached was placed on the right to shine through the Ivy, the other light with a medium size reflector attached, was placed on the left of the Still Life.
We first used fibre based paper at ISO 5 to practice our shots. We shot two images, one at F11 using a 4 second shutter speed and the other at F11 using a 30 second shutter speed. Taking the paper to the Dark Room and using the chemical trays to develop them, we found both shots were successful. The 4 second being the better of the two. The 30 second image was too dark but visible. James has taken these to scan and revert them at home.
We then decided to use our film. We loaded the film in the Loading Room taking our time. Then proceeded to shoot our final images. The film was a 100 ISO, we used F9 at 1/30 of a second, re focussing to shoot our individual shots. On our third attempt, unfortunately it proved a disaster. We had loaded the film incorrectly and when we tried to put the darkslide back, the film was pushed out. At this point, it had taken us three hours to complete our task and both of us were tired and had had enough. So we decided to pack up at this point and return everything to the ERC.
I have the darkslide here with me and I will take it to Spectrum on Monday to have the film processed. I had intended to take them yesterday but due to being unwell I wasnt able to do this.
I am looking forward to seeing the results and hope very much that we have been successful, as I dont relish the thought of having to do them again. I am not a great fan of working in the studio and find the process quite laborious.
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
Jamie House
Pinhole Photography
Jamie had discovered a love of Pinhole Photography at the age of 11 years when he attended a workshop at Chepstow Castle in South Wales. He mentioned how Cubism and Analytical Cubism has influenced his work, and how he became frustrated with the idea of the "Decisive Moment."
He wanted to work in a conceptual way and decided to contact Art Magazines asking people to receive pinthole cameras in the post, and to send them back to him. He was overwhelmed with interest from people all over the world. After two years he decided to Exhibit the photographs in a London Gallery. It has been a successful project.
He has continued with his work using pinhole cameras to photograph several faces of strangers, and he now has a project using discarded cans to recycle as pinhole cameras as a creative expression.
Pinhole Photography does not particularly interest me. The images are quite interesting but personally I think as a style of photography, it is quite limiting.
Jamie had discovered a love of Pinhole Photography at the age of 11 years when he attended a workshop at Chepstow Castle in South Wales. He mentioned how Cubism and Analytical Cubism has influenced his work, and how he became frustrated with the idea of the "Decisive Moment."
He wanted to work in a conceptual way and decided to contact Art Magazines asking people to receive pinthole cameras in the post, and to send them back to him. He was overwhelmed with interest from people all over the world. After two years he decided to Exhibit the photographs in a London Gallery. It has been a successful project.
He has continued with his work using pinhole cameras to photograph several faces of strangers, and he now has a project using discarded cans to recycle as pinhole cameras as a creative expression.
Pinhole Photography does not particularly interest me. The images are quite interesting but personally I think as a style of photography, it is quite limiting.
Sunday, 28 November 2010
Berlin
Arriving in Berlin for me was like taking a step back in time. The atmosphere is seeped in history, both old and new. I felt the fight for the struggle for freedom everywhere I went.
We took a "Tourist Tour" of the city walking to Brandenburg Gate, The Holocaust Memorial, The Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie .... and many other famous landmarks. It is an incredibly interesting place to visit and made me realise how very lucky I am that I live in the UK.
We stayed in East Berlin where the landscape is filled with derelict buildings and apartments, and graffiti everywhere... it still looks very run down. Construction is taking place, there was scaffolding, cranes and diggers in abundance though this was mostly in the West.
We visited several Galleries, my favourite was the Street Photography in a small gallery in a house. We saw prints by Henri Cartier Bresson, Metzner, Claire Stone, Bill Brandt and many others. These were totally inspirational, the skills of the artists took my breath away.
After arriving home, I looked at my photographs and I am very disappointed. I think the freezing cold conditions were not condusive to my getting a good shot of anything!
It was a long and very tiring trip, we walked what seemed like miles each day in the freezing weather. I've come away with the impression of a city still healing itself and the feeling that the people there are still trying to make up for their past.
Sunday, 21 November 2010
Work Base Learning Task
Answering the Question – Why am I here? – Why am I studying Photography?
I had been employed in various posts for the 30 years prior to enrolling on the Photography Degree Course. I had reached a point in my life where I was no longer satisfied being employed in work that gave me no satisfaction or personal reward. I began to think about what I wanted from life. I enrolled on the Extended Degree Course in 2009, a year which for me turned from the worst year into the best year.
My life experience has taught me that we are here for just a short time, this gave me the realisation that it is important to find something to do that you love.
During my working life I had learned many skills; I had been employed at British Telecom, Solicitors Offices, Temp Agencies, Mount Gould Hospital as an Auxillary Nurse, in the Retail and Bakery Private Business Centre, and I had achieved City & Guild Teaching Qualification in Numeracy and Literacy. I was employed as a Tutor/Facilitator at South Devon College teaching students with Learning Difficulties. The skills I acquired from these jobs ranged from communication to organisational skills, interpersonal to time management skills, administration skills of accounting to filing, time sheets to budget predictions, invoice preparation, customer services and teaching on a one to one basis and small groups.
I have always been a creative person, my music had been an outlet for this and I had been interested in crafts and photography. But I wanted to develop my creative expression further. As I have always enjoyed photography but have no formal art background, I felt that this could be my stepping stone.
After completing the Extended Degree last year I achieved one of my goals, and that was to write a Photographic Journal. This resulted from the final work I had completed for our Exhibition and was an extension of it. My first book is called “The Gift of Peace.” It is an account of my journey to Remember a friend and her baby daughter, and the lives taken with them in the disaster at Lockerbie on 21st December 1988.
I now want to continue to develop my photography skills and combine this with writing. I am here to gain knowledge and skills to increase my confidence in my chosen field and to seek opportunities towards my gaols.
I am hoping that by the time the course ends that I will be confident enough to earn an income from photography and to continue to come up with ideas to write more books. At this stage I am not sure what other disciplines of photography I will be drawn to, I am at Art College to find out what opportunities there are. I am keeping an open mind.
I had been employed in various posts for the 30 years prior to enrolling on the Photography Degree Course. I had reached a point in my life where I was no longer satisfied being employed in work that gave me no satisfaction or personal reward. I began to think about what I wanted from life. I enrolled on the Extended Degree Course in 2009, a year which for me turned from the worst year into the best year.
My life experience has taught me that we are here for just a short time, this gave me the realisation that it is important to find something to do that you love.
During my working life I had learned many skills; I had been employed at British Telecom, Solicitors Offices, Temp Agencies, Mount Gould Hospital as an Auxillary Nurse, in the Retail and Bakery Private Business Centre, and I had achieved City & Guild Teaching Qualification in Numeracy and Literacy. I was employed as a Tutor/Facilitator at South Devon College teaching students with Learning Difficulties. The skills I acquired from these jobs ranged from communication to organisational skills, interpersonal to time management skills, administration skills of accounting to filing, time sheets to budget predictions, invoice preparation, customer services and teaching on a one to one basis and small groups.
I have always been a creative person, my music had been an outlet for this and I had been interested in crafts and photography. But I wanted to develop my creative expression further. As I have always enjoyed photography but have no formal art background, I felt that this could be my stepping stone.
After completing the Extended Degree last year I achieved one of my goals, and that was to write a Photographic Journal. This resulted from the final work I had completed for our Exhibition and was an extension of it. My first book is called “The Gift of Peace.” It is an account of my journey to Remember a friend and her baby daughter, and the lives taken with them in the disaster at Lockerbie on 21st December 1988.
I now want to continue to develop my photography skills and combine this with writing. I am here to gain knowledge and skills to increase my confidence in my chosen field and to seek opportunities towards my gaols.
I am hoping that by the time the course ends that I will be confident enough to earn an income from photography and to continue to come up with ideas to write more books. At this stage I am not sure what other disciplines of photography I will be drawn to, I am at Art College to find out what opportunities there are. I am keeping an open mind.
Thursday, 18 November 2010
Wednesday Lunchtime Lecture
Jamie Beeden now lives in Brighton though he previously lived in London for fifteen years. He spoke of his experience and his work. When he Graduated from College, he Assisted Rankin for three years gaining photographic skills that led to a decision to become a Freelance Photographer.
He showed examples of his work; the first being a relaxed photograph of John Peel using natural light. I have seen this image and felt that it is a very accurate portrayal of the man. I too had listened to John Peel's radio broadcasts and followed his life until he sadly died a few years ago. (The image can be found on Jamie's Website shown above)
Jamie has travelled to many countries photographing Bands and other Famous People. He has quite a contemplative style and effectively captures images of his subjects that are truthful and uncomplicated.
After the first half hour Jamie addressed the issues that are important to succeeding in the industry. He said that being prepared is crucial to getting a good shot. Time restrictions, weather conditions and unwilling subjects can be very limiting and frustrating if you are not flexible. He pointed out that you should always be prepared to change your ideas. What might have seemed a good idea in theory will not always work in practice. He also said that the key to a successful shoot is that you should never panic but stay calm at all times and deal with any problems with professionalism. Keeping the client happy is paramount, using interpersonal skills, being friendly, approachable and collaborative will make the shoot run smoothly. As the Photographic Industry is very competitive, this was sound advice.
Jamie's address was useful and interesting. One of the main points that stood out for me was the importance of "Personal Work." It is very important that a Portfolio should have a variety of themes and styles. If your work is mostly portraiture, including wildlife, landscape, still life, abstract or any 'different' images in your portfolio will keep the Agents or Clients interested in your work. The element of surprise is important as it will make your work stand out from the crowd. Even at College, it is very easy to concentrate completely on our Assignments because sometimes it feels that there is no time for anything else. But I agree with Jamie that a Personal Project will always be beneficial, especially if you challenge yourself. Working on something that is out of your comfort zone is a good way of increasing confidence. I have to remember this!
Sunday, 14 November 2010
Using a Large Format Camera
I enjoyed Friday's workshop setting up our Still Life. It was unfortunate that we had everything completed and were ready to take our photographs, but both the tripods we had were faulty. It was very frustrating. We did manage to take some shots of our Still Life, but unfortunately only ended up with one successful print. But it is a very satisfying feeling seeing a negative from the Large Format Camera because it takes so long to set up!
I'm not a great fan of Studio Work, I find it quite laborious. But I do understand the need to learn the process to improve my photographic skills and I am assured that when I see an actual film print shot with this camera that I will see a difference in the quality of the image.
I'm not a great fan of Studio Work, I find it quite laborious. But I do understand the need to learn the process to improve my photographic skills and I am assured that when I see an actual film print shot with this camera that I will see a difference in the quality of the image.
Getting Familiar with the Space
I have been trying to return to the Allotment as often as I can. I enjoy the space more and more and find many aspects of the Allotment interesting.
There are the recycled wares from plastic bottles to baths to tyres; there is the vegatation in its various stages of growth or death , the saplings, the fully formed, the dying and the dead .... every cycle of life, vegetables, plants and flowers; there are the discarded wheel barrows and implements; the benches and chairs and the dedicated leisure spaces, now completely empty, telling of thewinter months that lie ahead.
I am thinking about all these elements and need to focus my concentration on one aspect so that I have a series of images that will tell a story. For the Assignment I need one photograph that will sum up
I have thought that I will continue with this project for a 12 month period because the changing seasons will bring more interest and highlight more aspects of the Allotment Space. I may also see some people in the Spring! I know that there must be people working on their plots because there are winter vegatables growing in several of the plots, and soil has been turned in several areas, but I am yet to meet them!
The following images were taken with my Digital Camera.
There are the recycled wares from plastic bottles to baths to tyres; there is the vegatation in its various stages of growth or death , the saplings, the fully formed, the dying and the dead .... every cycle of life, vegetables, plants and flowers; there are the discarded wheel barrows and implements; the benches and chairs and the dedicated leisure spaces, now completely empty, telling of thewinter months that lie ahead.
I am thinking about all these elements and need to focus my concentration on one aspect so that I have a series of images that will tell a story. For the Assignment I need one photograph that will sum up
I have thought that I will continue with this project for a 12 month period because the changing seasons will bring more interest and highlight more aspects of the Allotment Space. I may also see some people in the Spring! I know that there must be people working on their plots because there are winter vegatables growing in several of the plots, and soil has been turned in several areas, but I am yet to meet them!
The following images were taken with my Digital Camera.
Friday, 12 November 2010
Summer is Over
Using 120mm Black & White Film
This was my fourth attempt using the Medium Fomat Camera and at last I had some success. The Allotment has an abundance of photographic opportunities. I am still shooting the landscape in full view, and some of the details to capture texture and tone. I am noticing in particular the benches and chairs that are scattered around the space. People use their plots for leisure as well as for work. Now that the Autumn is here the seating spaces look a little forlorn, in the summer sunshine I can imagine people sitting to enjoy viewing the achievements of their toil. But the Summer is over and it is very seldom that I see anyone working there. The Benches and chairs signify the emptiness of the space as a whole.
Sunday, 7 November 2010
Revisiting the Allotment
It is only returning to a place that I can become familiar with it, and I find in the familiarity of that place I am able to take better photographs.
I have taken some film shots but they haven't been of a high enough standard to use for my assignment. I am now going to return to the Allotment every day with Digital Camera in hand until I am ready to take further shots with the Medium Format Camera.
Lecture Series at Plymouth University
MARCO BOHR
This is an image from Marco Bohr's Website http://www.macobo.com/
From the Series Observatories
He began with work from his No Ball Games series shot in Glasgow. This was an observation on children growing up in an impoverished area of the city. It was the relationship, as Bohr saw it, between the architecture and the subjects. The architecture was brutal and yet the subjects, the children, were as imaginative, curious and playful as any you would find in any city, rich or poor. The imagination does not diminish because of poverty, in fact it shone through even though the children had very little to work with.
It was refreshing to see work that was not pretentious or perfect. Bohr was very humble in his address, he was willing to share work with us that he considered was not his best work, but a process of experimentation and learning of his craft. His later work, shot for his BA, he said, was work that was not from him but from someone else. This work reminded me very much of Gursky.
However as he developed as a photographer his work began to express his individual style. He showed us his most recent work, shot in Japan, this was amazing. It showed a considerable number of layers, it had depth and insight, and from his earlier work I could see the process that had enabled him to reach this more recent work. It became obvious to me that the process is indeed more important than the final outcome and that without the process, there will not be a final outcome.
I am now much more inspired, excited and motivated about my own work. I had lost the meaning of what I am doing, but now feel that Marco Bohr has rekindled my enthusiasm. This is something that I am celebrating. I realise once again that I need to actively interact with my own working processes. I had known this, but I had temporarily forgotten it.
Bohr's work of observing people who are observing, I find fascinating, as I too have spent time observing either other observers, or what is being observed.
It was very satisfying to listen to an Artist talk about thier work with such passion and insight. The interesting narrative that accompanied the images for me, was an important factor in the enjoyment of the work. I am glad I was there.
Wednesday, 3 November 2010
Practice
Experimenting with black and white film for our Formal Intervention Assignment.
At this juncture I was experimenting with ideas and shooting with film to practice exposure. This is the technical skill that I have the most problems with. On Digital it is so easy to take several shots to get the exposure correct, but with film the decisions about which Aperture and Shutter speed to choose are vital to a well exposed print.
I am also finding that with a Medium Format Camera, getting the right focus isnt easy either especially with Depth of Field. Using film is a process of slowing down. I'm finding it a frustrating and disappointing process.
As with everything, it is only practice that will improve my skills as a photographer.
Saturday, 30 October 2010
Formal Intervention
After experimenting with some ideas, I have decided to concentrate on Allotments as my Formal Intervention. A space in the City where people plant vegetables, plants and fruit. Having visited one on Peverell Pk Road and finding it an interesting space to study, I could see that the lines and shapes of the vegetation, the array of implements, the recycling of household goods, could be just what I was looking for. In fact I have thought that I could expand on this project to make it a possible subject for my Work Based Learning Assignment.
These are a few experimental shots on Digital, taken in colour and converted to Black and White. The actual images will be taken on Black and White 120 film.
These are a few experimental shots on Digital, taken in colour and converted to Black and White. The actual images will be taken on Black and White 120 film.
For the actual images I think I will have to focus more on contrast and textures. Its all a learning process!
Sunday, 17 October 2010
Introduction
One of our Module's this year is 'Work Based Learning' and for this we have to write a professional blog. So this is mine!
Digital photography has been abondoned and we are learning to use Medium and Large Format Cameras. Yesterday I took the Hasslblad out with me and drove to Cothele where I shot some images on colour film. I'm hoping that there will be at least one or two successful prints, but until the negatives have been developed I wont know.
I'm not sure what my 'Work Based Learning' will be but I need to look at the list we've been given to decide which Photography discipline I want to focus on. But I am keen to experiment with different disciplines and dont want to limit myself at this stage of my development.
The following are images I shot on 35mm film.
Digital photography has been abondoned and we are learning to use Medium and Large Format Cameras. Yesterday I took the Hasslblad out with me and drove to Cothele where I shot some images on colour film. I'm hoping that there will be at least one or two successful prints, but until the negatives have been developed I wont know.
I'm not sure what my 'Work Based Learning' will be but I need to look at the list we've been given to decide which Photography discipline I want to focus on. But I am keen to experiment with different disciplines and dont want to limit myself at this stage of my development.
The following are images I shot on 35mm film.
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