For the chosen assignment entitled “The Human condition” I will be embarking on the task of developing various, distinct approaches of capturing the “Human Condition” incorporated in portrait and human based photography. In order to be triumphant and succeed with this brief, it is essential that I produce images of a characteristic manner that display contextual and commercial aspects of portraiture.
There are four classifications within this unit that will not only individually challenge my photographic abilities, but also broaden my understanding and familiarity of known photographers within the industry.
Candid Photography
Henri Cartier- Bresson
Corporate Portraiture
Headshot, London
Fine Art Portraiture
Sally Mann
Environmental Portraiture
Gene Smirnov
One of the primary features that differentiate a photographer from an individual, who merely takes photographs, is a photographer endures and achieves the ability to see beyond the genuine subject and has the capabilities to distinguish visual qualities that will construct an outstanding image. It is the proficiency to identify the existence, or lack of selected key elements that make the distinction amongst a picture and a first-rate photograph. Amongst the substantial learning outcomes that have been established for the brief, additionally I intend to develop the crucial skills I directly require to analyse my individual images with an affective approach.
Before I proceed to explore into the complexities of the brief, I need to comprehend the preliminary idea of “The Human Condition”, and in what way this can be incorporated in my photography. As this is a very unfamiliar concept for me, I will be investigating thoroughly so I am certain that I grasp the entire theory.
My Interpretation of the "Human Condition"
Following the information I have analysed both online and from books, my understanding is that the “human condition” is an exploration and journey of the human existence, and is an aspect of documenting the extensive scale and approach to life throughout the world. The human condition incorporates the entirety of the experience of humanity, exposing everyday goings-on of every level from rich to poor, from third world nations to western society, and from cheerful to downhearted. The human condition essentially is what makes us human and is ultimately incidents and occurrences detached from the ones that our body forces on us, for example smoking, drinking and drugs, as well as makeup and plastic surgery which is done out of vanity.
Whilst studying further into the human condition I located certain beneficial links not only expressing definitions and explanations but furthermore An imaginative freelance documentary photography from Los Angeles named Chris Weeks who has expressed the human condition impeccably through his images of street photography.
Beneath are a number of Chris’s images that I deem to be significant examples of the human condition, and my justifications for why this is so.
Romance is an element in life, so consequently I consider this expressive and suggestive image first-rate to portray the human condition.
Headshot, London
Headshot is a typical well-established photographic company based in London. England. The company doesn’t solely focus on shooting corporate portraiture but they have a vast portion of cliental spread over the country. The reason I have selected Headshot to symbolize corporate photography in my research is because of their particular quality and style. Their images are authoritative and of high quality and I particularly love their panache.
Below are two samples from Headshot.
Whilst studying further into the human condition I located certain beneficial links not only expressing definitions and explanations but furthermore An imaginative freelance documentary photography from Los Angeles named Chris Weeks who has expressed the human condition impeccably through his images of street photography.
Beneath are a number of Chris’s images that I deem to be significant examples of the human condition, and my justifications for why this is so.
Reflection facilitates individuals to engage in observation, questioning, speculation/assumption, and self-awareness, which expose a fundamental part in the human condition.
Addiction and obsession can be associated as a metaphor for the human experience, underlining the realistic downfalls in day-to-day lives, although some addictions can bring pleasure and contentment such as keeping up general fitness and routine.
Disability and weakness is a natural and pure element of the human condition that will affect and distress individuals at one time or another during our existence.
Admittedly whilst I have the necessary understanding of the theory aspect, I don’t consider myself to have adequate or sufficient knowledge to push the boundaries, or even the straightforward decisions such as, will I be shooting in film or digitally? How will I achieve natural raw images? Which locations are greatest for capturing quality expressional images? I’m certain from additional research I will adapt the ideal method to complement my manner. With the support of the tutors I have been presented with various renowned photographers that are incentives and inspirations that may benefit me whilst studying this specialised field.
I have formulated a spider diagram exposing my preliminary notions that I imagine incorporate the human condition appropriately.
Harry Borden
Harry Borden is a well-established portrait photographer who was born in New York but was raised and educated in Devon, England. While Harry is well recognised, he has certainly never been a photographer I have ever truly displayed interest in, but I imagine this is because of the nature and character of portraiture that he produces Which doesn’t solely comprise of the model, but the environment itself and the visual tension it generates which can imply additional reflection.
I believe from progression and development of my work, not only are my images advancing technically, but I am also becoming more permissive and indulgent to diverse genres of photography.
Harry chooses to maintain natural and effortless set-ups, with straightforward, trouble-free lighting. Borden has shot numerous celebrities with several developing to an iconic significance merely because of the environments he has portrayed them in. A magnificent example of this is the below image of Michael Hutchence, Since the rock star's premature and unfortunate death, Borden's image has been witnessed throughout the world and has been seen in both the television and in print form.
This image has captured the eyes of many; it’s not remarkably striking and doesn’t stand out to me, in fact I find it quite tedious, but purely because of the significance of the environment and surroundings.
An Additional impressive image Borden has captured is of the Duchess of York, with many options of clothing and style to choose from he selected an intense pink coat with a mink trim and principally styled her in the look of a prostitute. The finished result was superb and is still today an enormously thought-provoking image.
The location of the portrait has an ironic grandeur, with the splash of red paint, and what appears to be a large cross has a large amount of hidden significance.
Sally Mann
Sally Mann captures the heartfelt essence of childhood in her photographs of children. The playful and artful looks indicate an impression of charm and virtue. Her black and white prints have been acknowledged to be debatable and to others her effort is admired and commended throughout the art community and universally. The images are poignant, internal, and distressing but at the same instance leave the observer with a sense of reassurance.
I commenced exploring into Sally’s work after I viewed the remarkable image followed below.
Candy cigarette” is a beautiful example of Mann’s characteristic blend of cautious preparation and fortune.
At first glance the child appears as if she is somewhat lonely and friendless with a corrupt attitude, but when I studied further I you can distinctly see the portrait supports the experience of maturity, responsibility and development through the pathway of existence.
When questioning and analysing images I find it incredibly challenging to thoroughly get my thoughts, opinions and judgments down on paper. Tasks and experiences such as this never come naturally to me and it is something that I will be striving to develop throughout this particular people brief, as my knowledge is diminutive.
There is no doubt in question why Sally Mann's images of her children are believed to of cause controversy. Many viewers have testified the images to be pedophilic, while certain images appear vaguely erotic and suggestive; I believe they show innocence, inexperience, and purity.
Irena Werning
Irena Werning is an additional photographer whose effort and execution has never aroused any interest for me through her form of photography; until I came across a project that she has recently undertaken named “Back to the future.” Irina undertook a challenge that I imagine appeals to all. She has rummaged through childhood photo albums of family and friends, and generally brought infantile youthful images to life. The series is a captivating look at maturity and aging, and even though her models transform into adults they remain incredibly the same, it’s almost as if she has appointed a look alike for each separate image. Irena really went into precise detail to create such fantastic images, replicating the precise clothing and location for the shoots but it indisputably paid of. The images are a great example of capturing the human condition, revealing the unavoidable aging progression through life.
Self Portrait
To get ourselves in the right frame of mind and to start thinking imaginatively we were asked to create a self-portrait. This could be basic and simple, or somewhat more creative that reflects myself, whether it may be, mood, feeling, or something more intimate. I immediately knew what concept I would base my portrait around which was based on my makeup shade. For many years now I have wore makeup that admittedly is to dark for the colour of my skin and it has been the center and heart of much banter and jokes. It has never particularly troubled or offended myself but I know deep down it perhaps does upset me. I didn’t want the image to be to deep, so I created a representation that could also be joked about.
I know everybody perceives me as “fake”, admittedly I possibly do wear unnecessary amounts of makeup but it is something that raises my self-confidence.
Candid Photography
Tony Ray-Jones
One of the greatest commonly circulated images captured by Dorothea is the Migrant Mother, the portrait of a migrant worker with her children. The appearance of the young female is defined with wrinkles. The distressed stare. This exceptionally intense, poised image has made Dorothea an iconic figure still to this day.
Martin Parr
Martin Parr is an extraordinary photographer who was born in Surrey, England. He has obtained an international reputation for his innovative imagery and hence why I have always had great admiration for Parr, and took an interest in his style of photography. His images are entertaining and amusing, but I imagine Parr has a genuine passion for the places and the people who he captures.
Below are a number of images taken by Parr that relate to the human condition.
Ideas for Candid Photography
When questioning and analysing images I find it incredibly challenging to thoroughly get my thoughts, opinions and judgments down on paper. Tasks and experiences such as this never come naturally to me and it is something that I will be striving to develop throughout this particular people brief, as my knowledge is diminutive.
Irena Werning
Irena Werning is an additional photographer whose effort and execution has never aroused any interest for me through her form of photography; until I came across a project that she has recently undertaken named “Back to the future.” Irina undertook a challenge that I imagine appeals to all. She has rummaged through childhood photo albums of family and friends, and generally brought infantile youthful images to life. The series is a captivating look at maturity and aging, and even though her models transform into adults they remain incredibly the same, it’s almost as if she has appointed a look alike for each separate image. Irena really went into precise detail to create such fantastic images, replicating the precise clothing and location for the shoots but it indisputably paid of. The images are a great example of capturing the human condition, revealing the unavoidable aging progression through life.
The result is a combination of comedy, mockery, and reminiscence that's astonishingly captivating.
Richard Renaldi
Another impressive photographer that I came across whilst exploring the creations of Irina, is based in New York City named Richard Renaldi. He has developed a series of images named "Touching Strangers” The principle of his work is pure and unpretentious, he simply stops and invites two or more complete strangers to kindly pose in an image together, but with the additional provision that they must touch each other in some manner. I know most certainly the thought of approaching strangers and asking if I could take an image of them is extremely intimidating and occasionally somewhat demoralising. When viewing this particular set of images by Richard, its difficult to see the uncomfortable and unpleasant feelings that the selected people must of felt, its as if they have had a previous relationship or meeting with the photographer as the models persistently appear relaxed and at ease.
This is one of my preferred images from the collection, not only has he selected casual human beings from the street, but he has mixed diverse cultures and backgrounds that many are unacquainted with, and reunited the society as one.
When I view the images, I like to consider what the models were doing previously before they were invited to participate in Richards pictures, with this individual image I believe than man placed on the right was just experiencing a long walk along the beach unaware of whatever he would later soon to be participating in.
This image is similar to a typical family/friend laid-back portrait. Without knowing the in’s and out’s of the project you wouldn’t have an inkling or any suspicion what so ever that the individuals in the portrait are unfamiliar with one another.
This is a trouble-free yet exclusive set of images that Renaldi has produced that I consider would benefit myself and other up and coming photographers to encourage and strengthen self-confidence whilst creating stimulating adventurous sets of images.
Jane Brown
Jane brown has succeeded in taking outstanding portraits for the notorious newspaper “Observer for over sixty years, and anyone who has taken the time to browse through it will be aware of Jane’s exceptional ability to capture a photograph. Jane is a photographer that has been exposed numerous times whilst I have been studying photography and her distinct portraiture approach has never been needed or included in any briefs undertaken until now. When searching through the university library I came across a book of Jane’s named “exposure” which consists of hundreds of incredible images Jane has taken throughout the many years of working for the Observer, which include celebrated individuals such as Samuel Beckett, Cilla Black and even royalty photographing Queen Elizabeth II in 2006.
Samuel Beckett, 1976
Cilla Black, 1967
Queen Elizabeth II, 2006
One crucial element that truly staggers me with Jane is that each individual image has been captured with simply natural lighting from the environment; there is not one element that is artificial. She largely shoots in black and white and uses tattered Olympus OM1’s from around the early 70’s, which proves it isn’t the quality of the camera; it’s the talent and proficiency of the photographer and this is clearly shown in Jane’s collection of work.
I will also be expanding on this meticulous group of images for my research into Candid photography.Henri Cartier- Bresson
Henri Cartier- Bresson is deemed to be one of the finest photographers of all time. With photojournalism being his specialist-dedicated field he was one of the earliest photographers to grasp and enhance the quality of 35mm. Bresson was traditionally educated as a painter and this explains why he has a true sense of composition.
With Bresson shooting his images in 35mm, which was a great deal smaller and compact compared to prior medium and large format that he shot in formally, he now had the ability to capture images in ways never reached previously. Now he could secure images discreetly and unnoticed, to avoid the subject’s change of demeanor, emotion and response. This is when Bresson really came out of his shell; his image collections are genuinely impressive and are excellent examples of capturing portraiture with an exclusive twist.
Below are a few examples of Bresson’s originality and vision that he captured throughout his career. I have elected images that I consider are significant to the human condition.
Behind the Gare- Saint Lazare
This is quite possibly Cartier’s best-known image. Timing is crucial for Bresson and other photographers who appreciate capturing candid photography. This image has such charm and elegance. Bresson captured the man in mid flight with the ideal reflection making the image complete.
The emotion and sheer excitement on the small boys face generates the tremendous image created. You may ask why this image has any connection with the human condition? I Feel emotions are shaped from day to day experiences of life, whether that may be falling in love, shopping for luxuries that aren’t required to live but are desired by many, and fine dining and greed, are just a few I will name. They all produce feelings and reactions whether they’re good or bad. When an image gives of an emotion, I consider this is when the picture has achieved its purpose.
Cartier along with Robert Capa , David Seymour and George Rodger founded the huge photographic society Magnum that according to Bresson is a “ community of thought, a shared human quality, a curiosity about what is going on in the world, a respect for what is going on and a desire to transcribe it visually”.
Yousaf Karsh
Yousaf Karsh has formed countless bodies of work comprising of portraits of statesmen, artists, musicians, authors, scientists, and men and women of accomplishment. His astonishing, exclusive collection bestows the viewer with an intimate yet sensitive view of humanity and civilization.
I have nominated a number of portraits captured by Yousaf to represent what I would call a superior set of images taken by one of my personally favored photographers of all time.
Winston Churchill, 1941
This Image of Winston Churchill has become one of the greatest extensively reproduced images in the history of photography. Yousaf intentionally captured Churchill appearing so aggressive and unfriendly, with eager anticipation that his camera settings were appropriate.
I believe Yousaf has captured this image with impeccable theatrical lighting that compliments Winston’s personality and character. There is no hesitation to why this image is truly valued and has become so recognised.
Albert Einstein, 1948
Another simply fabulous image. Yousaf certainly identified and appreciated the importance of capturing individual personalities and how to depict the person within. Albert was constantly described as a humble, caring, and almost childlike man. The position chosen for this image is impeccable, displaying Albert’s modest, unpretentious attitude.
Audrey Hepburn, 1956
Audrey Hepburn is a well-celebrated sophisticated female with an appearance many had desired. The portrait expresses Audrey’s virtuous grace, which is something that is anticipated throughout portraiture.
Christer Strömholm
Christer Strömholm is one of the celebrated characters of Swedish photography. Growing up in Stockholm, he uncovered his passion for photography via graphic art and design. His photographs from are presented with solid black-and-white compositions and strong tonal ranges that feature walls, shadows and minimalist, understated locations and surroundings.
During his visits to Paris in the 1950s and 60s, he established an approach evocative of street photography, which is where he generated his renowned portraits of transsexuals at Place Blanche.
This is one of my preferred images taken throughout the history of portraiture. The image is natural and pure and the emotions are genuine. This is the type of imagery that stands out, which proves even the simplest can have the greatest effect on people physically and emotionally. Emotions can be massively effected by every day goings on that is incorporated into the human condition. Something that would be wonderful to capture in my candid imagery is true raw emotion because I visualize it being moderately testing and difficult to capture this in a simulated set-up.
On the other end of the scale is the image above, pretty distressing and emotionally challenging. Christer has formulated an exceptionally thought-provoking, challenging image and I am unsure if the two images out of the collection have been revealed on purpose with the intention to display the difficult circumstances in which people are placed in today.
Self Portrait
To get ourselves in the right frame of mind and to start thinking imaginatively we were asked to create a self-portrait. This could be basic and simple, or somewhat more creative that reflects myself, whether it may be, mood, feeling, or something more intimate. I immediately knew what concept I would base my portrait around which was based on my makeup shade. For many years now I have wore makeup that admittedly is to dark for the colour of my skin and it has been the center and heart of much banter and jokes. It has never particularly troubled or offended myself but I know deep down it perhaps does upset me. I didn’t want the image to be to deep, so I created a representation that could also be joked about.
Candid Photography
Candid photography is undoubtedly a genre of imagery I have never experienced or followed until now. Following detailed study into the field I fully understand the concept of how to define candid.A candid shot is an image captured of a person, when caught off guard, unaware that they are being photographed. The word candid is generally considered to be “free from hesitation”, un-posed and casual, direct yet discreet. Typically candid are images taken of people going about their daily lives that are uninformed and oblivious of the camera or image being taken, which is why candid is described as one of the purest approaches to photography.Ensuing the research I have studied about candid photography, it seems many people become confused between street photography and candid photography; street photography is usually candid but doesn’t always consist of the key human element.
Tony Ray-Jones
Tony Ray-Jones was a talented photographer whose life was unfortunately cut short as he passed away at the early age of thirty. Providentially Tony had already accomplished in making a significant mark on contemporary Photography. When a photographer dies at a young age, there is always an alluring desire to contemplate how his work may have furthered. Unfortunately Tony’s name is barely spoke of externally outside the photographic crowd, which is such a shame because he is one of the key photographers of that particular era that abetted to form British photography.
After reading a book about Tony, I found a very interesting phrase that I consider to be appropriate to this individual brief.
“ I have tried to show the sadness and the humor in a gentle madness that prevails in people. The situations are sometimes ambiguous and unreal, and the juxtaposition of elements seemingly unrelated, and yet the people are real. This, I hope helps to create a feeling of fantasy. Photography can be a mirror and reflect life as it is, but I also think that perhaps it is possible to walk like Alice, through a looking-glass, and find another kind of world with the camera.” Tony Ray-Jones
Much of his archive has been arranged by projects such as the English Seaside, sporting events, Markets, rock and roll concerts, New York street events etc.
Below are a number of images captured by Tony Ray-Jones that I consider depict the human condition.
Ramsgate, Kent, 1968
Tony created characteristic and highly individual images mixing both absurdity and unhappiness from the exposed moments of British Society.
I recently looked at an article by the BBC that portrayed Tony’s imagery in a fantastic way, describing that Ray Jones” turned the beach into a psychiatrist's couch. The place where the nation reclined and bared its soul. Family dramas, displays of eccentricity, dreams of love, the damp disappointments of everyday life. The beach and the seafront were the stage where these classic themes were played out.”
Glyndebourne, 1967
Tony believed there was something extraordinary and comical about the English way of life.
Walker Evans
Walker Evans was greatly admired. Most celebrated for his work for the FSA (Farm security administration) documenting “the great depression” The FSA was established in America throughout the depression to oppose rural poverty.
Evans produced bodies of work that expressed the suffering and distress caused of the communities that were the hardest hit with the financial dilemmas. His images are incredibly poignant and sensitive; ensuring he captured the exact truth and represent an essential responsibility in destroying the illusion of the American dream.
Below are several examples of Evans’s imagery, and demonstrate just how tremendous his abilities were as a photographer. 
Family and child in the great depression
The blank expressions of the family tell a story in itself, the sorrow and disappointment can be observed from the potent glare that sways the viewer instantaneously.
Two impassive images that together shriek a million words, with the effect Evan’s has generated it is no wonder why he contracted such a renowned name.
Dorothea Lange
Dorothea Lange is an additional photographer who worked alongside Walker Evans reporting on the living conditions or deficiency of, in the rural regions of the USA. She not only portrayed the desperation and suffering that the families were living through, but the pride, determination and dignity the individuals endured during the unfortunate circumstance
Dorothea Lange, Migrant Mother 1936
Matt Stuart
Matt Stuart is a contemporary photographer whose passion and enthusiasm is based around candid photography. Matt’s imagery is more to my taste and I openly enjoy looking through his archives. His images give off an impression and sense of mischief. I am intending to use Matt’s style of photography for my candid shoots, catching the humorous goings on in day-to-day lives. Matt’s images are constructed around waiting; he has a unquestionable judgment for shooting at the ideal moment.
With matt’s fanciful creativity, he was capable to transform what would be an regular image into something of a high quality that stands out in the crowd. Generally candid images I have investigated happen to be in black and white, is this a rule of an accurate candid image? I will be exploring into more detail about black and white photography and the guidelines of candid.
The individuals in the image are completely oblivious, Matt has captured a comical image of males working but obviously spotted the benefit of shooting the photograph at the particular precise moment. If the gentleman was situated otherwise, the image would have an entirely different appearance and expression that would most likely be somewhat dull.
A large Segment of the human condition is employment; to be capable of treating ourselves to “luxuries” our day-to -day lives require earning money. Martin Parr
Martin Parr is an extraordinary photographer who was born in Surrey, England. He has obtained an international reputation for his innovative imagery and hence why I have always had great admiration for Parr, and took an interest in his style of photography. His images are entertaining and amusing, but I imagine Parr has a genuine passion for the places and the people who he captures.
Below are a number of images taken by Parr that relate to the human condition.
Martin Parr - from the series Playa
This image relates to me personally, I could look at many holiday snaps from previous years taken by either friends, family or myself and find I have the same reaction as I do with this photo. For some bizarre yet strangely ordinary reason people feel the need to strip off and relax as soon as the sun comes out in Britain and every bit of dignity and pride is lost but is done so in a comical manner.
Martin Parr - from the series Playa
This picture could instantaneously lift anybody’s mood, even though this image is quite clearly candid, it feels as if it should be set-up because this is genuinely laughable and quite ridiculous with the saturated orange skin and shockingly bright white lips that have been smothered in sun cream, which is pretty ironic because if any sun damage was going to occur, it looks as if it’s to late.
This image is particularly amusing and I can appreciate why Martin recognised an obvious moment to shoot. The visible alcoholic stain on the lady’s formal dress is the crucial focal point that your eyes are instantaneously attracted to. Although you cannot see the lady’s face, you can see she isn’t concerned about the stain unlike most other women who would go out of their way to conceal it. It’s very much about stereotypes and the way we perceive people without experiencing or getting to know the individuals.
A stereotype is a general common assumption about particular social groups or classes of individuals. Stereotypes are standardised and are basic impressions of groups established on preceding assumptions.
Part of the human condition is “stereotypes” and being stereotypical, judging and perceiving individuals before you have encountered the genuine person. An instance of this is a group of young men identified as “chavs”, have been stereotyped as thugs, binge drinkers, tatty, and genuinely individuals who you wouldn’t like to “cross paths” with.
Ideas for Candid Photography
From the images I have viewed, I am planning on shooting in chaotic, hectic, towns and cities because there are many different emotions shown such as cheerfulness, weariness, and grumpiness. As the task has the extra complication other than shooting just basic candid photography, I need to attempt and achieve to capture the human condition. I have several ideas for this such as smokers, loving couples, Fast food, and consumerism.
I feel whilst I shoot my candid images, It will be a fantastic opportunity to attempt shooting in film. The idea of using film makes me very nervous, it is something that isn’t completely alien to me but I lack confidence in.
Whilst embarking on the human condition brief, I had a fantastic opportunity to visit Paris for a number of days. This gave me a great introduction to not only embark on capturing images of the breathtaking landscapes and buildings for the places brief, but likewise it gave me the ability to attempt various candid images of the unsuspecting French public.
Primarily the images I captured are somewhat lacking in energy and emotion from which I am incredibly disappointed with, all except two. Whilst roving around the city I came across a French protest that was thriving in passion purely because the people there were infuriated at the government’s response. At the time I was uncertain of what the demonstration was precisely about but after investigating and a lot of time applied translating I now have an understanding.
French -La Lucidite est une de forme de resistance!
English- Lucidity is a form of resistance
French- Notre Societe generant des handicaps sociaux il faut donner aux soigneurs les moyens de les rehabilitator! Le bon remede : un employ pur le plus grand nombre! Garant de la cohesion sociale!
English- Our company generates, social disabilities must be given to trainers to restore them. The proper remedy for employment of greater numbers! Guarantor of social cohesion!
Some of the language is lost in translation but from what I can apprehend, they are making a stand against the government, because the government are failing the people, by not providing them with sufficient jobs, training and opportunities.
This is a key part of the human condition showing the struggle for equality and survival.
Please locate below the images from the protest.
I selected to keep the image in black and white, I consider that occasionally images that have a meaningful circumstantial background have added emotion and sentiment when viewed. Often black and white images give of a silence and a sense of understanding.
I think most individuals have the vision of Paris being the city of love with the residents and locals portraying approachability and sincerity. I was generally overwhelmed by how mistaken I could possibly be. There is a large disconnection and separation of the “classes” and this can be seen in the images that follow. I have literally never witnessed as many homeless people on the streets before ,with the upper class folk not displaying a care in the world. From my understanding these images depict the human condition like no other, but regrettably the image quality isn’t superior enough as they together have crucial errors, one being the large chain that is suspended across the picture.
More Candid Images
I selected to visit the fairly local thriving town of Blackpool. The motive for my choice is because Blackpool attracts thousands of tourists in all seasons. Personally I find the place quite tatty and weary but it does contribute a sense of bizarreness. This entices many classes of individuals from the teeny tinniest to the more mature folk so I believed there would be the potential for various great images.
Unfortunately whilst travelling to Blackpool the weather made a drastic turn for the worst with heavy rain becoming an issue. I immediately realized that this would influence the shoot as the weather restrains people from venturing outdoors.
I am genuinely disappointed and disheartened with the outcome of the shoot. I find it unbelievably difficult and distressing to ensure the confidence to shoot individuals without their permission, which constraints me significantly. I can’t get away from feeling as if I am invading their personal space and it is really holding me back from taking images of a certain quality.
I concluded I would post-edit the images nonetheless because they could be applied as a demonstration of progression after future shoots.
You may detect a pattern emerging from my images in Blackpool, they all expose a disability and a struggle something that may limit them in the participation in activities etc. This is a suitable representation of the Human condition revealing the inevitable circumstances that faces almost everyone at one point or other.
The editing process was very little for these images, as I simply shifted the saturation down and tweaked up the saturation. As I have said previously I believe the purer the image the clearer the story it tells.
I also visited RAF Shawbury recently for my cousins 18th birthday celebrations. It is not very often that every member of the family is available to celebrate an important event like this as my uncle is a wing commander in the RAF and often moves to different bases and countries, never really having a place to call home. During the garden party I snapped a few images for the brief but again even with close relatives I still feel enormously imposing capturing the actions whilst they are unaware. One image that has a momentous background is the image below.
Meet Brian he’s my wonderful grandpa that is an absolute treasure. He was unfortunate to loose his mother when he was 14 and always desired a true loving family. I captured this image whilst he was observing the family in their discussions and typical catch-up. This smile on his face is crammed with such emotion and passion observing the family and generations that he has achieved throughout his life. Goals and aspirations are key to being human, and without them the world would simply not progress and develop.
Corporate Portraiture
I have recognised that corporate photography, more specifically portraiture is intensely difficult to define. Corporate photography is usually very demanding and has a strict time limit. Frequently the client has a direct idea of how they covet the images to appear. Before viewing professional specialised photographers on the web I always assumed and believed corporate images were pretty basic, tedious and dull, in fact there are some photographer’s images I have acquired that are somewhat attention grabbing and stimulating.
Most students in the group including myself have on no occasion worked in the corporate, business side of photography and as a way of facilitating us to appreciate and recognize how to create lighting effects suitable we had the opportunity to photograph tutors and staff at the university.
Before the staff arrived at there designated time slots we had the opportunity to practice with fellow students with different lighting conditions and the appropriate “example” positions.
Below are a few selected examples.
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| f/8, 1/125s, ISO100 |
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| f/8, 1/125s, ISO100 |
My tutor Andy generously informed the group that not all face shapes, and colourings flatter every style and often in shoots such as corporate, lighting setups may need to be modified. Lighting may also need to be altered between male and females.My tutor Andy generously informed the group that not all face shapes, and colourings flatter every style and often in shoots such as corporate, lighting setups may need to be modified. Lighting may also need to be altered between male and females.The example below visibly displays how a simple lighting change from low to high key can transform a standard ordinary image to something that doesn’t succeed essentially because the background doesn’t compliment or flatter my models hair colour.
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| F/8, 1/125s, ISO100 |
Below is my example taken from the staff photo shoot.
I decided the best way to get familiarized with corporate imagery was to explore into corporate professionals.
Headshot, London
Headshot is a typical well-established photographic company based in London. England. The company doesn’t solely focus on shooting corporate portraiture but they have a vast portion of cliental spread over the country. The reason I have selected Headshot to symbolize corporate photography in my research is because of their particular quality and style. Their images are authoritative and of high quality and I particularly love their panache.
Below are two samples from Headshot.
I consider what I enjoy about this image is the sophistication that is passed off. A clear simple headshot that is not only persuasive but it is someone reassuring. I particularly relish the depth of field that has been generated.
This is a moderately seductive image but preserves a professional manner. The relaxed posture and attitude of the female is very welcoming. Something I am going to look at particular is posture and facial expressions as I consider this is a vital component with corporate portraiture.Whilst researching photographers I located a great website name digital photography school which provided guidelines and advice for amateur photographers and professionals when shooting corporate images.
Imperative lighting setups are essential when shooting a considerable amount of portraits in one session. Using a simple high key ultra clean background can give professional immaculate results.
Using large exterior outdoor spaces can create your subject to stand out. From the images I have observed, pointing the camera marginally on a tilt gives of a greater impression.
Fine Art Portraiture
Using large exterior outdoor spaces can create your subject to stand out. From the images I have observed, pointing the camera marginally on a tilt gives of a greater impression.
Using props may assist in gaining a clearer understanding to what to business/establishment may be about. Positioning the prop at an angle may also attract more attention to the subject.
Coogen Photographic
I then use the selective colour tool that allows you to modify the amount of a process colour in any primary color selectively—without affecting the other primary colors. I am always aware that altering the colours in an image can transform the whole appearance but not always necessarily making the image more superior.
Below is the final edit.
Whilst I was editing this particular image I spotted the “weeds and moss” that are situated in the bottom left and right corners of the image. I have certainly never come across editing of this style before so it was a learning curve in itself trying to remove them keeping the background in tact
To do this I used the clone stamp tool and carefully lined up the markings with the brick wall.
Through exploring on the Internet I came across an exceptional photographic business that specialize in corporate imagery named Coogen Photographic. Entitled after the founder, photographer Dan Coogen has produced corporate imagery that is exclusive and has an unquestionable twist. The distinct style is something that inspires me significantly and is certainly an approach I would like to undertake with this individual brief.
Director of Environmental services
Chairman, American West airlines
I have never before considered imagery for corporate photography like the examples above. The images taken by Coogen are straight forward ,simple yet distinctive.
One of the complexities within this brief isn’t understanding each genre of photography; it’s striving to incorporate the human condition. I have noticed this is extremely difficult with this particular field of corporate photography purely because I don’t want to be too meaningful and go to deep into the subject because the more complex I make it, the more difficult it will be to succeed with a shoot. Sometimes keeping shoots moderately simple has far better results.
Initial Ideas
One of the complexities within this brief isn’t understanding each genre of photography; it’s striving to incorporate the human condition. I have noticed this is extremely difficult with this particular field of corporate photography purely because I don’t want to be too meaningful and go to deep into the subject because the more complex I make it, the more difficult it will be to succeed with a shoot. Sometimes keeping shoots moderately simple has far better results.
Initial Ideas
One idea I have in mind is to capture images of refuge collectors both in and around the area on collection days and at the local dump. The idea behind it being that we waste far to much food, rubbish, clothes and general everyday items and most certainly do not live within our means. Part of the human condition I would like to explore is greed and the lack of respect we have for the world we live in.
The UK generates rubbish fast enough to fill London's Albert Hall every two hours, and landfill sites are filling up fast. As rubbish decays in landfill sites, it produces methane, a greenhouse gas with climate change effects over 20 times more powerful than carbon dioxide.
(directgov)
Example image
Another is to capture a portrait of a large supermarket chain shop floor worker. In todays society like mentioned in my last paragraph greed is a majorly undesirable, yet almost all individuals come across avarice one time or another whether it being there selves or another individuals. Large supermarkets stock thousands of products, with only around a tenth most likely being essentials and a percentage of that going to waste.
Example image
Fast food is becoming a necessity and part of our everyday lives. Knowing myself how true this is, and how effortless, accessible, and available fast food is for all ages it is a tragedy waiting to happen. With the population increasing in size, and obesity rising considerably, there is one main component to blame, which is most definitely fast food. Our bodies were not created to be eating such rubbish on a daily basis, not only is it increasing obesity, but is also putting a lot of pressure and strain on the NHS staff levels and funding.
More than 50,000,000 people in U.S. depend on fast food. Americans alone spend over 110 billion dollars for different types of fast food that is over a quarter of Americans.
(www.myfit.ca)
Example image
I have found a corporate photographer online whose variety of images I find rather tedious, but I am somewhat enthusiastic on the approach to which he arranges each member of the shoot. Each headshot for the individual company is related and comparable, down to minor details in head poses and facial expressions. This is certainly a method in which I would like to undertake.
Studiomark.com
Studiomark.com
Further Images
A corporate shoot that was readily available to photograph was a financial establishment where my dad is currently employed. The company is combined including an estate agents and financial services. I considered that this would be an excellent opportunity to develop experience in the field whilst incorporating it into the human condition brief. Money and the financial aspect of life can be very controlling and oppressing. The common expression “money doesn’t grow on trees” is enormously appropriate to this issue. Money doesn’t just influence the way we live; it can affect and have a massive impact of individual’s moods. Money doesn’t buy you happiness but it can play a vast part into assisting you to succeed and possess a flourishing life.
The company named Atherton’s Estate agents/ Stones Financial limited required the images to be captured in the working environment so they could apply the images to their website presenting a welcoming, approachable local business in action containing staff headshots and group images both indoor and out.
Beneath are the contact sheets of the imageries from this individual shoot, from this I will now be able to determine how successful and triumphant I have been in capturing the images and which I deem to be worth editing.
When improving my images digitally, I customarily have a general routine in the way I manipulate them because I find having a routine facilitates me to keep my images to the similar specifications and styles if and when required. Exclusively with this particular brief when portraiture is incorporated I commence with using the “skin smoothing” tool on Aperture that achieves a professional smooth application to the skin when preformed correctly. It’s typically a swift method to correct imperfections and flaws.
Below are to contrasting examples of how the highlight tool can affect the image.
An example of were the skin-smoothing tool can be located on Aperture. One of the advantages with using this tool is you can alter the brush dimensions and the strength and softness, which benefits me when editing diverse, skin tones and conditions.
As you can observe, I have applied the skin-smoothing tool on the right cheek, covering blemishes and imperfections compared to the opposite side where they are yet still apparent.
I then export the edited version onto my desktop ready to open and continue correcting the image in adobe Photoshop.
With further editing to apply, I employ the Image- adjustments option “contrast and brightness” and alter the tab up and down until I find the correct exposure that enhances the representation.
I then adjust the levels. Levels is a tool in which can move and stretch the brightness levels of an image histogram. It has the power to adjust brightness, contrast, and tonal range by specifying the location of complete black, complete white, and midtones in a histogram. Since every photo's histogram is unique, there is no single way to adjust the levels for all your photos. A proper understanding of how to adjust the levels of an image histogram will help you better represent tones in the final image.
Below are to contrasting examples of how the highlight tool can affect the image.
I then use the selective colour tool that allows you to modify the amount of a process colour in any primary color selectively—without affecting the other primary colors. I am always aware that altering the colours in an image can transform the whole appearance but not always necessarily making the image more superior.
I desired to utilize a variety of diverse images from the shoot for my final edits including, different viewpoints and approaches, headshots and group shots. I found it difficult and demanding whilst under pressure to preform to a high standard and take time with the shoot to make the images acceptable the first time round, as I believe they were slightly rushed because my nerves and anxiety got the better of me. This is something I would certainly like to improve for future shoots.
Please find below further edits from the corporate shoot.
Whilst I was editing this particular image I spotted the “weeds and moss” that are situated in the bottom left and right corners of the image. I have certainly never come across editing of this style before so it was a learning curve in itself trying to remove them keeping the background in tact
To do this I used the clone stamp tool and carefully lined up the markings with the brick wall.
Fine Art Portraiture
Fine art portraiture is a predominantly complex and challenging genre of photography for myself and other individuals who have never been confident with the term. When used together the two words petrify me literally. I have always had the idea that fine art is a piece of work that could be placed on the interior walls of any house for decoration, but I have recently been informed that this is false. From what I have explored into fine art, it’s very much about the concept, idea, and thinking behind the images. They might not be to everybody’s taste or liking because Fine art photography is focused on the aesthetic or inspirational value of an image regardless of any other concerns.
With my knowledge insufficient, I explored the Internet and studied books from the university library, locating photographers both acknowledged and innovative.
Gillian Wearing
Gillian Wearing is a meaningful and expressive fine art photographer who has designed and carried out many lucrative pieces of work achieved a renowned name for herself. One particular piece of work named “signs that Say What You Want Them To Say and Not Signs that Say What Someone Else Wants You To Say” has brought Wearing international recognition. The selection of over fifty colour images display the array of responses and reactions which Wearing prompted from passers-by, whom she selected casually, and requested to record their thoughts and feelings on a piece of paper.
Aline Smithson
Aline Smithson is a excellent conceptual photographer in America who’s work caught my eye. Working with four cameras nearly fifty years old including a Hasselblad and a rolleiflex she creates images she explores collocations, whether it be humor, or compassion. She is significantly swayed by the Japanese concept of celebrating one single object or item. Aline has done numerous bodies of work that I have personally found thought provoking and stimulating.
After a large amount of research I decided on shooting the images high key in the studio with the desired images being very much alike Erwin Olafs fantastic faces. I desire to capture the images close up illuminating imperfections and blemishes that will be concealed with a mask of face paint. Luckily I am closely related to a young girl who is training to become a makeup artist so she was delighted to help me out with this task as it also gives her the experience that she requires.
Erwin Olaf
Pieter Hugo
With my knowledge insufficient, I explored the Internet and studied books from the university library, locating photographers both acknowledged and innovative.
Gillian Wearing
Gillian Wearing is a meaningful and expressive fine art photographer who has designed and carried out many lucrative pieces of work achieved a renowned name for herself. One particular piece of work named “signs that Say What You Want Them To Say and Not Signs that Say What Someone Else Wants You To Say” has brought Wearing international recognition. The selection of over fifty colour images display the array of responses and reactions which Wearing prompted from passers-by, whom she selected casually, and requested to record their thoughts and feelings on a piece of paper.
Wearing professes that a great deal of her work is about handed down truths.
When I first commenced studying photography a number of years ago I found Gillian’s work dull, and indifferent that didn’t appeal to me in the slightest. Now when I view her effort and ideas, I understand and appreciate her style of work. I definitely can identify how I have matured and how unbiased and broad-minded I am becoming.
Wearing's work has inspired me to base some of my images with a basic concept such as this in future projects.Aline Smithson
Aline Smithson is a excellent conceptual photographer in America who’s work caught my eye. Working with four cameras nearly fifty years old including a Hasselblad and a rolleiflex she creates images she explores collocations, whether it be humor, or compassion. She is significantly swayed by the Japanese concept of celebrating one single object or item. Aline has done numerous bodies of work that I have personally found thought provoking and stimulating.
The series explores the human existence, motherhood, puberty, childhood, work, aging, and death. The idea behind using the masks is to create a more universal image and explore what part of a person comes through the mask, what they can and care to project.
The concept I have in mind for my individual fine art shoot is significantly comparable to Alines notion. I would like to capture images of faces, but with a slight twist, they will all be painted as variations of clowns. The reason behind this is fairly personal and significant to myself. Most women and some males tend to wear makeup to cover up flaws and imperfections. Wearing makeup encourages assurance but fleeces away the evident issue of self-confidence and a low self-esteem. I myself know how upsetting and disheartening it can feel to have and wear makeup as a necessity. So many people today hide behind a mask, and barely many people see their true natural beauty. Being inquisitive I have questioned many friends about this particular thought and discovered that a small amount of people regularly wear makeup in bed because they are concerned and afraid of what their partner may think of them stripped of makeup.
I have been exploring into diverse styles of clown makeup that I consider are appropriate for the shoot.
I have yet to adopt a location for the shoot whether it may be outdoor, in a natural setting with a comfortable pose, or a high-key headshot in the studio. If timing is on my side I will endeavor to sample both.
After a large amount of research I decided on shooting the images high key in the studio with the desired images being very much alike Erwin Olafs fantastic faces. I desire to capture the images close up illuminating imperfections and blemishes that will be concealed with a mask of face paint. Luckily I am closely related to a young girl who is training to become a makeup artist so she was delighted to help me out with this task as it also gives her the experience that she requires.
I gathered willing classmates together for the day of the shoot who were all relatively excited to see what they were going to be made into.
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| Josh having his first layer of face paint applied |
I also photographed the lighting set-up used for my images. I was aware that overexposure was a key element to overcome, and that the lighting has to be tweaked to compliment the variety of colours from the face paint.
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| The soft box was directed at the face to give of a softer more diffused lighting |
I have added the contact sheets to reveal the amount of effort needed to select the finest images.
My first considerations and tasks were going to be the skin smoothing tool on aperture to make the images look visually professional and flawless, but then I realized this would go against the whole concept behind the brief, never mind how time consuming it would to make all 8 final images flawless. I also looked at some of Rankin’s collections and noticed he had created an image of a clown sideways on with similarities to my concept. He had entitled his efforts “surface attraction” which I think sums up my idea and concept suitably.
My editing process was fairly simple keeping to me strict routine. I merely raised or decreased the contrast and brightness of the image depending on which model it was that I was editing, and used the selective colour option, which assisted in brightening and blending the vivid colour tones of the face paint.
Below are my final 8 images!
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| ISO 100, F25, 1,125S |
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| ISO 100, F25, 1,125S |
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| ISO 100, F25, 1,125S |
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| ISO 100, F25, 1,125S |
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| ISO 100, F25, 1,125S |
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| ISO 100, F25, 1,125S |
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| ISO 100, F25, 1,125S |
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| ISO 100, F25, 1,125S |
The shoot took around four hours to complete but this was due to the time it took to form the masks. I am moderately disappointed and frustrated with the outcome as I feel I could of achieved a more finer quality set of images. I will most likely be utilizing them for my final images because I enjoy the significant concept behind them. I was not entirely sure how to present the images so I have generated a canvas on Photoshop were I will place the images next to one another.
Erwin Olaf
Erwin Olaf is most famous for his commercial and personal photography. He has been authorized for advertising campaigns for largely recognised companies such as Levi’s Nokia and Microsoft. Olaf’s work is often bold, brave, challenging and confrontational. His greatest known collections include, Rain, Grief and royal blood.
I occasionally find it difficult to understand the concept behind Erwin’s bodies of work, but I imagine its presents me with more inspiration and motivation to look deeper.
Olaf has formed his images to utter perfection and I truly can’t find fault or weakness or criticize them in the slightest.
Pieter Hugo
I have lately acquired a book named “Regeneration, the 50 photographers of tomorrow”. The book is fantastic and exposes some bizarre, eccentric contemporary photographers. Pieter Hugo is a distinct photographer whose’ work has influenced me to carry out a collection of fine art images which previously I found myself lacking inspiration and creativeness.
Pieter Hugo is a documentary photographer with a passion for Africa and the developing countries. He has devoted a series of images dedicated to those with the condition of Albinism. In todays society people living with albinism are still thought of as social outsiders, with residents in Africa still claiming they bring bad luck. Hugo’s coverage was an attempt to rehabilitate the typical image of albinos and to observe how only by physical difference can it effect social positioning and have an impact on their everyday lives. With the idea of creating close up studio portraits, the viewer must confront the subject’s head on, giving back to them what is rightfully theirs, their humanity.
Principally they are possibly not the most flattering set of images, but they run their purpose. Hugo has created an intense body of work that as mentioned before had inspired me my own individual fine art shoot.
Another proposal I have in mind is capturing individuals who have Down’s syndrome. Down's syndrome is a lifelong condition. People with Down's syndrome all have some degree of learning disability, and an increased risk of some health problems. However, everyone with Down's syndrome is different, and is only a part of who they are. Before I can possibly imagine taking images of this particular condition, I need to fully understand the disorder. I have located a set of photographers whose offspring all have Down’s syndrome who have founded an organization named “shifting perspectives”. The group has focused on raising awareness of the syndrome and whilst doing this have captured what I would call various truly outstanding images
Another proposal I have in mind is capturing individuals who have Down’s syndrome. Down's syndrome is a lifelong condition. People with Down's syndrome all have some degree of learning disability, and an increased risk of some health problems. However, everyone with Down's syndrome is different, and is only a part of who they are. Before I can possibly imagine taking images of this particular condition, I need to fully understand the disorder. I have located a set of photographers whose offspring all have Down’s syndrome who have founded an organization named “shifting perspectives”. The group has focused on raising awareness of the syndrome and whilst doing this have captured what I would call various truly outstanding images
My reason for selecting to capture Down’s syndrome is a similar concept to most. Why is it people assume that living with a disability prevents them to live an ordinary typical life? Down Syndrome is not a disease yet why is it so many are victims of their own condition?
I am going to attempt to capture the images both film and digitally. As I am somewhat inexperienced with using film, the images may not develop to their full potential, but as this is fine art, experimental effects frequently appear worthier.
Environmental Portraiture
Evaluation
When I finally got round to shooting the images, I realised capturing the images in its most natural form would stretch the image to its maximum potential. With fine art its not about the technical abilities of the image its about the concept and reasoning behind it.
Meet Nicky, she’s forty years old and I have the privilege of being one of her close neighbors. Unfortunately when Nicky was born it was clear she had Downs’s syndrome that in that particular time was seen as something terrible that was hidden and was kept very secretive. Her own mother was told to leave her at the hospital but for obvious reasons her mother did not. Nicky is an absolutely fantastic women who is full of beans and generally enjoys life. When I first met her I will be the first to admit I was quite nervous and didn’t know how to react around her. Downs syndrome have major learning disabilities and there mind doesn’t ever grow up, so even though Nicky is forty she still looks and acts like a child. Generally downs syndrome individuals have a shortened life expectancy but with everything this isn’t always the case. I wanted to capture Nicky in her natural environment were I new she would feel relaxed and contented. When I visited her house ready for the shoot, Nicky was in her room and her mother told her to put on her best clothes. Amusingly she appeared in a Liverpool football shirt that she considered was her loveliest set of clothing. She was very excited about having her image taken as I think sometimes she gets pushed in the woodwork not on purpose but just because of her overwhelming, incontrollable character.
I have added the contact sheets from the shoot enabling me to select the appropriate images.
I want the images of Nicky to be distinct, I consider that one with her wig and one without will be wonderful and also natural, genuine images that capture all-out emotion.
I primarily edited an image that didn’t fit with my concept, I used the skin smoothing tool on aperture and I felt guilty because Nicky didn’t require to be flawless, just like nobody else does but it seems to be natural instincts in todays society. I have added the example to back up my argument
I wasn’t convinced that revealing the images individually would make a big enough statement so I have decided to create a trip tick and will reflect on it later.
After reflecting on the image numerous times I have come to believe that this is the ideal presentation for Nicky’s images.
Environmental Portraiture
An environmental portrait is a portrait fulfilled in the subject's typical environment, such as in their home or workplace that typically illustrates the subject's life and surroundings.
By photographing a person in their natural surroundings, it is believed that you will be able to expose their character, and therefore portray the essence and spirit of their nature, rather than simply a resemblance of their bodily attributes. It is also understood that by photographing a person in their regular environment, the subject will be more at ease, and so they would be more advantageous to communicating themselves, as unlike in a studio environment, which can be a somewhat daunting, overwhelming and simulated event.
This is yet another genre of photography that I have naturally never experimented or explored. It is something that quite excites me and I am enthusiastic and prepared to explore into this unfamiliar field. One photographer I have been studying isGene Smirnov, His work is fresh and innovative and exceptionally portrays the subject in their relaxed familiar surroundings.
This is yet another genre of photography that I have naturally never experimented or explored. It is something that quite excites me and I am enthusiastic and prepared to explore into this unfamiliar field. One photographer I have been studying isGene Smirnov, His work is fresh and innovative and exceptionally portrays the subject in their relaxed familiar surroundings.
Gene fell in love with the control and creativity that you acquire with photography and you can evidently appreciate this throughout his images.
Another resilient, influential image revealing the subjects authoritative and confident character. The Revealing overshadowing rooftops of New York are crucial to express the gentleman’s business and professional lifestyle.
To demonstrate how a slight change of environment could transform and image completely, I will be trialing diverse environments for shoots were the subject may be more apprehensive and feel more intimidated. Hopefully this will be strong evidence of how important the environment actually is.
The facial expressions and attitude of the subject are key to portraiture in this genre, revealing their character and disposition.
You may ask why these images are related to the human condition? I have selected the two above images because of their broad range to the way we live our lives. Certain individuals work to live and others live to work. Different approaches to living can have major affects such as social lives, and having friend’s health and happiness and our general temperament in the way we communicate and connect with others.
Arnold Newman
Arnold Newman was an American photographer who sadly died in 2006. He specialised in capturing portraits of recognised individuals posed in settings associated with their work Although his initial portraits focused on well-known artists, he progressively extended his subject matter to comprise famous people of all categories, including writers, composers, political leaders, scientists, and business entrepreneurs, typically modeling them in their personal area or in a space that was created to reveal their personality and characteristics.
Igor Stravinsky, 1946
One of Newman’s best-known images (revealed above) was taken of Igor Stravinsky at his piano. The simple yet affective approach to portraiture is something I am warming to significantly.
Alfred Krupp
Alfred Krupp was a former Nazi slave labor boss. Newman unquestionably detested Krupp and justifiably so, but he was commissioned to make his portrait in 1963. Arnold Newman then determined to make Krupp appear as evil and wicked as possible, and the outcome was exacly that. Supposedly, after the shoot Krupp was livid and its clear to see why as it isn’t the most flattering portrait but it is exactly how Newman perceived Krupp.
Harry Borden
David Stuart
Harry Borden
Harry Borden is a photographer who I stated earlier, his incredible array of environmental images are undoubtedly not to be dismissed. Capturing well-known recognized celebrities he certainly has an eye for photography. The picture below revealing Sir Paul McCartney exposes him in his natural environment, which in this instance is a recording studio.
David Stuart is an enormously talented photographer that I stumbled amongst whilst studying the university library collections. David has produced an unquestionable, implausible assortment of images and is essentially renowned for his surreal, humorous and almost dreamlike representations. I have found it especially difficult trying to classify David into a definite genre of photography as his images embrace an array of divided fields. David’s images from my understanding incorporate the human condition significantly showing sickness, weakness and infirmity but the overall society during their day-to-day lives.
Below is a number an images exposing David’s outstanding achievements.
Here is an image I have previously considered aiming to capture for one of my environmental images. It is quite incredible how much this image is comparable to the one I have envisaged myself capturing although I am doubtful the quality and technicalities personally will be know where near as innovative and advanced as David’s’.
After additional study I located an interview by T.K. Dalton from the “F-stop” which is a website where professional photographers can discuss and confer their ideas. Talking about his personal projects they discuss how his images are digitally touched and manipulated. It has utterly stunned me just how much you can modify, to transform an image entirely.
David shoots both studio and on location capturing the precise desired lighting for each segment of the image. Hopefully you will be able to distinguish this from the images I have accumulated below.
Stuart spent the day shooting in the studio with a 50mm 1.4 lens on the Cannon 5D at an exposure of f11 at 1/160. He lit all the studio elements from overhead with an Octabank and a Pro-7A.
Stuart spent three more days shooting. For the buildings, Stuart used a Mamiya RZ with a 110mm lens and Kodak 160vc film; for the rest of the background shots, he used a Cannon 5D with a 24-70mm 2.8 lens. Most of his exposures fell around F11/F16 at 1/200, 1/250
Stuart spent four days working post-production with Dorman, who manipulated Stuart’s images with Photoshop CS 3 on an Apple Mac Pro workstation. The final composite image combined 57 files.
Another clear-cut yet successful image, David has accomplished to achieve a contemporary stylist yet sophisticated image that doesn’t necessarily push the boundaries but accomplishes an emphasis. Another idea I considered was the idea of fast food as it incorporates into the human condition adequately, and now researching David’s work I now have a strong awareness of how the image could be captured, as this is something that has always worried myself.
Whilst shooting my candid images in Blackpool I recognized that I could possibly shoot one of my ideas for environmental. Blackpool is a typical sea front town that consists of bars, arcades and a lot of greasy fast food. Whilst walking along the seafront I noticed the perfect quiet occasion were I could capture a man preparing an assortment of food. I find when I am placed under a lot of pressure I tend to rush an image and I sense a sort of urgency which isn’t beneficial when it comes down to accuracy.
I feel I could have framed and surrounded the images clearer but I will consider how the images appear after the editing process.
The editing process for this image was very minimal, simply altering the saturation down and brightening it up softly whilst added minor shadows and highlights.
Below is an example of how adjusting the shadows and highlights tool can make the image resemble a cartoon appearance.
After observation and consideration I believe the area at the base of the image is wasted and unnecessary so I think that cropping the image may enhance the structure.
I believe these images portray the human condition in a negative and undesirable interpretation but unfortunately this is the way that people live consuming fast food on a daily basis, and instead of it being a bonus or a treat it is often a necessity and a requirement in various individuals daily routines.
A study by Paul Johnson and Paul Kenny at The Scripps Research Institute indicated that "junk food consumption alters brain activity in a manner similar to addictive drugs like cocaine or heroin. After many weeks on a junk food diet, the pleasure centers of rat brains became desensitized, requiring more food for pleasure. After the junk food was taken away and replaced with a healthy diet, the rats starved for two weeks instead of eating nutritious fare"
I decided a great image to capture for environmental would be of my Grandparents participating in crown green bowls. You may wonder what would relate this to the human condition? The reason they play bowls is to socialize with other people who are roughly around the same age. As they have grown older natural events have occurred to make them to loose many of the close friends, so they joined the local bowling club a number of years ago. It also assists them in keeping fit as obvious health and physical reasons prevent them from doing anything to strenuous.
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| ISO 100, F9, 1/250S |
I am satisfied with the outcome of the image; I enjoy the natural lighting and the assorted pastel colours. I required my grandpa to position himself in the foreground leaving the environment to reveal it’s self.
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| ISO 100, F9, 1/250S |
When comparing the two images I most certainly prefer the first image, as it looks more certified going the images I have viewed from researching. I do however enjoy how the environment and individuals around are continuing in the background.
Evaluation
I feel I have achieved and progressed well throughout the human condition brief. I consider myself to now have a strong understanding of not only the human condition, but the four genres of photography required. When exploring deeper several photographers have enlightened me with their diverse approach to capturing imagery and their concepts behind them. One photographer that springs to mind especially is Irena Werning who recreated images of individual’s youth or earlier days incorporating every distinctive feature. This is a project that I would of enjoyed to carry out during the brief if I had sufficient time to perfect every detail.
I found capturing candid images extremely difficult as I felt as if I was invading somebody’s privacy. It was very intimidating capturing images like this particularly in hectic areas. I believe this is the reasoning to why my candid images lack excitement or genuine quirks because I was simply to afraid and under confident to do so. This is a serious situation that I will need to overcome if I sought to be an established photographer, as I cannot pick and choose the type of imagery, I am obliged to capture what the client requests. My final candid images I believed depicted the human condition in a great manner, as each image had some form of disability which is an element that nobody has control of, we can take medicine and do exercises to keep us alive and as well can be but it is one of the factors that we are completely our of our depth with trying to understand.
I was surprisingly taken with the corporate aspect of the brief; at first glance I believed it was going to be mind numbing and pretty meaningless but I am willing to express that it was possibly one of my most successful shoots throughout the assignment. I may not of created the most professional corporate images but it gave me a great insight in going out to business’s and knowing how to react when given fixed images to secure. I do however struggle with finding diverse viewpoints that somehow give of a sense of power and dominance from the staff, this however is not always the reaction desired.
My final eight images have been taken from one of my fine art shoots, I thoroughly enjoyed researching the work needed for the shoot and I relished the shoot itself, I may not be completely content with my final images’ appearance but I consider that this is because I usually see flawless appearances especially when the image is so close up, but I realised that this didn’t backup my concept. Fine art was a new concept for myself, as I always perceived it as a decorative piece that could be suspended in all households, I didn’t realize how mistaken I could possibly be. I believe the images work well together especially placed together like I have on my additional a3 image.
I thoroughly enjoyed researching and capturing environmental portraits and I think it’s a genuine shame that I haven’t fulfilled all of my ideas. One of the most difficult areas of the brief wasn’t generating ideas for shoots, but trying to incorporate them into the human condition, which when I think you could possibly weave anything into it if you had enough patience and knowledge in how to connect the relationships. I especially relish my image taken of my grandpa and I am unsure if its because of his strong stance and a cheeky grin, but I have to consider would I like this image as much if it was identical but shot with an unfamiliar individual? Is it the personal bond that makes me adore it? Now that I understand what an environmental portrait involves I feel if I ever require doing this again I could and will push the boundaries a lot further.
One crucial component I very much need to work on is my time keeping abilities, all the way through the brief I tried to keep the quality of my research and images to a high specification but I wanted to push my work to the limit and I deem that maybe be attempting to do this I have underestimated the amount of work involved and maybe overlooking key essential factors.
