Which comes first photos or themes?
Theme 1
Built environment
South Derbyshire Community Buildings.
Intention
The intention is to produce a series of photographs that explore the diversity of community buildings within South Derbyshire.
Images will reflect the range of building style, attempting to explore how the form of the buildings has been impacted upon by function and place as well as how use has changed through time.
Reason for selection
My interest in this theme has developed as a result of the work that I undertake with communities throughout South Derbyshire. While my work has a focus on people together with their wants, needs and desires I have often been struck by how focus can change from the people of the community to the buildings that are there to support them. Does the change in form over time reflect a change in need?
Research / Photographic inspiration
Currently looking at various websites that concentrate on photographing buildings - although many of these concentrate on structures in urban areas rather than more rural location. Research will be added as seperate blog updates through out the time of the course.
Additional research from textbooks has supported this work. The following have been particularly useful -
- Photographing Buildings Inside and Out, Norman McGrath. A lot of older, mainly US images. Good for detail, perspective and use of light.
- Building with Light, Robert Elwall. Describes itself as "The International History of Architectural Photography". A really good place to start. Images cover a wide range of subject from early images of the 19th centuary to more modern times. Brief bigraphies of the photographer alongside of the image helps pull things into perspective. Has been godd at identifying potential photographers to research further.
Personal equipment is limited to Olympus Pen EP-1 + kit lens 14-42mm and an additional lens - 40-150mm.
Tripod
Giotto - MTL9351B + MH5011 Kit
| Material | Aluminium | |
| Folded Height | 71cm | |
| Min Height | 30cm | |
| Max Height with out centre column | 147cm | |
| Max height with centre column | 180cm | |
| Weight | 2.21kg | |
| Weight Capacity | 4kg | |
| Leg Sections | 3 |
Techniques
Throughout the time on this course I will be looking to develop a range of techniques and understanding supported by additional research that I will be undertaking looking at the work of different photographers. Using the equipment outlined above I will be looking to develop an undertsanding of:
- Composition - looking at the make up of an image, what can help to make an image appealing, interesting to the viewer. There are many things that contribute to this and are not unique to photography. The aim from this is to try and understand ideas / rules that will help me develop my skills.
- Rule of thirds - dividing the image into nine equal parts using two horizontal and two verticle lines. The rule identifies that it is desirable to place the subject of the picture at the intersection of these lines. It also adds balance if the overall image is divided using this rule i.e. 1/3rd land, 2/3rds sky with the horizon falling along one of the imaginary third lines.
- Diagonals - the use of diagonals to encourage the viewers' eye to move into the image.
- Framing - using elements within the image to frome the main subject. At it's simplest this could be using a doorway or arch in a building.
- Golden Ration - refers to a naturally occuring ratio that is regularly seen in nature. It has been recognised since early times that images that comform to this are attractive to the viewer. A typical example can be seen in the spiral of a snail shell.
- Patterns - links with colour and texture.
- Use of light quality
- Recognition that the same view can look vastly different under differing lighting conditions.
- The "Golden time" either just after dawn or before sunset.
- Low light photography
- Depth of field - specifically looking at how the use of different apperture settings impact on the image taken.
- Leading lines - using elements of the composition / image to draw he viewrs iye into the image in a specific way to achieve the desiered rusult.
- Colours and textures - use of colours, blending / contrast to highlight specific elements of the image.
- Tripod use
- Timed shutter release
Safety considerations
Throughout the course it will be necessary to consider health and safety, both self and others.
As both of my themes are targetting outdoor work this will include:
- An understanding of the expected weather conditions and it's impact on the need for specific clothing and equipment.
- Specific dangers related to the location - ground conditions, water, traffic, people etc.
- Use of equipment - understand how to use specific elements of kit safely as well as other considerations such as weight etc.
- Aim to minimise impact on the environment and subject. Location photography should not require damage to the location.
While exploring ideas for theme 2 I had been unable to access the reserve at Willington, South Derbyshire, due to flooding (which will have to feature as a safety issue if I am to take this forward within theme 2).
However, in spite of this it turned out to be a fortunate trip - at 6pm the light was just changing and lack of access to the reserve gave me time to look at the surrounding area including the bridge across the Trent.
Willington Bridge 3rd October 2010
18mm, ISO 200, F5.6, 1/160th
I took a series of pictures of the bridge as the light changed. I particularly liked the composition of this photograph - it has not been processed in any way, other than to reduce the size for the blog. I looked to use the rule of thirds on some of the other images, but the reflections in the river were so clear that placing the horizon at the halfway point actually gave a more pleasing result, however the end of the bridge does fall at one of the third points and this has worked better than other images where this is not the case.
The colour of the stonework appears very true to how I remember it on this occasion. The low sun has given the usually grey looking stone a golden hue.
The image could have been sharper, as you look at the stone work of the bridge the image is a little soft.
Anyway it has reaffirmed that this is an area that I would like to work in as theme 2 develops.
Theme 2
Nature
Intention
To produce a series of photographs that reflect the character of the nature within South Derbyshire and the reserves developed by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust as part of their Transforming the Trent Valley Project.
Specific focus will be placed upon Hilton Gravel Pits, a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest).
Specific focus will be placed upon Hilton Gravel Pits, a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest).
Hilton Gravel Pits, nature reserve
The aim will be to show through photographs the changes that take place as seasons change from Autumn to Winter to highlight the natural world that is accessible to all within a couple of minutes walk of major housing developments.
Reasons
The communities along the A50 have undergone a period of rapid change. South Derbyshire is one of the fastest growing Districts in England. The village of Hilton has almost doubled in size over the last 10 years with the development of a huge housing estate that would be at home as a suburb of any of the larger towns and cities of the Midlands.
All of this can be left behind within a matter of minutes; accessing nature reserves that many do not realise are there. They lack some of the drama of the Peak District, but are difficult to beat for tranquility.
Regular walks of these areas over several years have continually surprised me. The continually changing scenes, wildlife and tranquility that is so accessible.
Research
Research will be undertaken throughout the term of he course using written text, internet, presentations and general course work.
Equip
The equipment is as identified above for theme 1
Techniques
Techniques are as identified for theme 1
Safety Considerations
For theme 2 all photography work will be outside, including at water based nature reserves. These reserves have areas of rough paths, water (either deep quarry lakes or large flowing river), woodland and open scrub. One of the reserves is heavily wooded, the other is open to the elements.
The majority of the photography will be taking place at dawn or dusk during late Autumn or winter. Weather is a major consideration for either area. It will be important to pay attention to weather forcasts to ensure that appropriate clothing can be worn. Specific issues are likely to be keeping warm and dry.
Other considerations are as for theme 1.
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