They also manifest what Emerson regarded as the essence of photography — its
ability to present a naturalistic image, from life. To him, that meant
replicating the way the eye registers a scene, with the object of chief
attention in sharpest focus and the rest more softly defined.
Sharply focused with softly defined edges. The light is also important. These are the areas I wish to explore and interrogate in my own work.
Tuesday 19 October 2010
Poetry
"Man must become refined when he is constantly living before such exquisite pictures... Nature is the great refiner, the poor man's poet and painter."
Readings
I have started to read Newhall's Aperture Monograph on P. H. Emerson. The images follow on from the work of Stieglitz, incorporating a more contemporary version of pictorial photography.
What is it that makes these pictorial? Is the pictorialism a subjective viewpoint. Are we forced to consider them this way, because we have read so or are there distinguishing characteristics which make the image pictorial?
His image entitled "Gathering Water Lillies" circa 1880s is special in terms of the water reflections and the light. The faces are important in this image, as the focus of light was not concentrated on the figures. This image still has the appearance of being a landscape and does have a 'soft' quality about the composition, much like Stieglitz, but what ,akes it pictorial?
My aim is to create a pictorial landscape image by trying out different methods at different lights and times of day, month and seasons. There is the possibility that only one good image may come of this.
What is it that makes these pictorial? Is the pictorialism a subjective viewpoint. Are we forced to consider them this way, because we have read so or are there distinguishing characteristics which make the image pictorial?
His image entitled "Gathering Water Lillies" circa 1880s is special in terms of the water reflections and the light. The faces are important in this image, as the focus of light was not concentrated on the figures. This image still has the appearance of being a landscape and does have a 'soft' quality about the composition, much like Stieglitz, but what ,akes it pictorial?
My aim is to create a pictorial landscape image by trying out different methods at different lights and times of day, month and seasons. There is the possibility that only one good image may come of this.
Monday 11 October 2010
Preparation for shoot 1
The first shoot will be on Friday 15th October in Devon.
I will be using both digital and analogue with filters to maximise the dynamic range present as a digital camera may not suffice.
The digital camera will be a useful aid in metering and ascertaining exposure times needed with filters used. The camera also has a HD video which may be used to record footage and/or sound which may be included with the images at the final exhibition.
I have taken advice from Steve Godfrey about this method as he has some experience himself in this field but not with 10 stop filters. I have been using these for the last two years on digital, so they are familiar to me, but not yet with analogue. I also will shoot monochrome and colour as the golden hour, prior to and following the sunset is the time I will be filming and solely using monochrome may inhibit the variation of light at the scene.
I will be using both digital and analogue with filters to maximise the dynamic range present as a digital camera may not suffice.
The digital camera will be a useful aid in metering and ascertaining exposure times needed with filters used. The camera also has a HD video which may be used to record footage and/or sound which may be included with the images at the final exhibition.
I have taken advice from Steve Godfrey about this method as he has some experience himself in this field but not with 10 stop filters. I have been using these for the last two years on digital, so they are familiar to me, but not yet with analogue. I also will shoot monochrome and colour as the golden hour, prior to and following the sunset is the time I will be filming and solely using monochrome may inhibit the variation of light at the scene.
Friday 8 October 2010
Post-discussion thoughts with lecturer Barry Roberts
The original images by Kosoff may be too simplistic.
I am considering trying just one location as opposed to multiple ones, over the 8 month period the project runs, which will include three seasons.
The aim is to focus on interrogating light and the changes it has on the landscape, over a period of time. The images will seek to explore the beauty and romantic side of nature, using soft forms and light to enhance the pictorial qualities found within the landscape.
Post-production will aim to create a pictorial photograph. I previously planned to use colour, but feel this may now affect the pictorial quality of the image and may consider monochrome or sepia.
My first planned photo-shoot will take place on Friday/Saturday 15/16th October 2010 in North Devon.
The images have a deeply personal aspect, in that my Father taught me to view beauty in the landscape from as young as 4, prior to this I cannot remember any visits. His death still affects me greatly and always will, but it is at these locations, and only during these photo-shoots that I feel as I did when he was with me; alive, safe, loved and contented. This feeling can only be achieved in solitude, which is why I have chosen this subject matter as opposed to portraiture.
The landscape is a means of recording a moment in time. Visiting the same location at different times, days and seasons may produce variations in the imagery.
I have photographed coastlines regularly over the past two years, covering much of the Jurassic Coast and Devon. I am hoping that the project will consolidate the work I have already undertaken and produce some meaningful images, that others can enjoy escaping into, with dreams of retiring to the sea, and being at one with nature, to revel in its beauty. The process of re-visiting the site and exploring different light forms within the landscape is one of the few things in life which I truly enjoy and feel at peace, escaping the responsibilities that face us all as adults; in short I feel as I did when I was a child again. It is for this reason, I doubt I will ever give up this process of recording the world's beauty to share with others.
Monday 4 October 2010
Start of Project - Day 1
The work focuses on water, clouds, light and mountains.
Much of the work is black and white, but mine will be colour, paying particular attention to the time of day and colours that varying times produce in the landscape.
Aesthetically pleasing scenes to me; include the shimmer of sunlight on water and rocks, and mesmerising colors in deep shades of orange, pinks and purples during a sunset/sunrise.
Minimalist? May not be feasible in every image.
Square or letterbox format? To be determined at a later date.
Pictorialism - Founders = Alfred Stieglitz with elements of Ansel Adams. Contemporary pictorialism which will be in colour.
Method used= 3 images taken. Merged in photomatix to utilise pictorial aspect. Problems = software adds noise and misaligns where movement occurs.
Main Influence: Brian Kosoff
Much of the work is black and white, but mine will be colour, paying particular attention to the time of day and colours that varying times produce in the landscape.
Aesthetically pleasing scenes to me; include the shimmer of sunlight on water and rocks, and mesmerising colors in deep shades of orange, pinks and purples during a sunset/sunrise.
Minimalist? May not be feasible in every image.
Square or letterbox format? To be determined at a later date.
Pictorialism - Founders = Alfred Stieglitz with elements of Ansel Adams. Contemporary pictorialism which will be in colour.
Method used= 3 images taken. Merged in photomatix to utilise pictorial aspect. Problems = software adds noise and misaligns where movement occurs.
Main Influence: Brian Kosoff
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