Work Diary - Blurring

Shoot Evaluation

Today we looked at the blurring technique.  The is a technique that I was already eager to try and looking through examples on the internet I found I loved the effects that could be created and it got me thinking about ways I could incorporate this technique into my own personal project.

I was working in the studio today for this technique - the set up was a bit harder than normal as the camera and lightening needed to be set differently, but once I had understood how it needed to be it became fairly easy.  It was difficult, again at first, when directing my model so that she stood where I needed her to in the light, but once I had established the right angle and lightening this again was easy.  I think it is a technique that needs so trial and error to begin with.

Here are two photos that I like from today's shoot:

This photo is one that I liked as the blurring effect has worked well.  I asked my model to move around in an irregular fashion - I like the way you can seeing in the effect where she started and where she moved too.  I love how the black background has really made my subject model stand out - this is valuable to me as if I chose to do this with my personal project I need to know the makeup stands out well.  You can see her face in more than one part of the shot and this has brought across different expressions and emotions.




I think that this is probably my favourite photo from today.  I asked my model to use the light on her phone as the source of movement - I got this idea looking on existing images on the internet.  I really like the effect that the light has given and he potential it has to move in a shot.  I think I would like to revisit this photo and look at possibly using more lights in the shot and keeping my model as still as possible.  I love how bright the light looks against the background and I think it would be nice to experiment with neon colours too.


How I could use this technique in my own project

I really enjoyed this technique and the effects that it gives.  However because my project is makeup I think I will I find it hard to photograph the makeup as it obviously look blurred.  This however could work well with an abstract look.  I think if I only looked at movement with light and kept my model still I could get a nice effect.  Alternatively I think using makeup itself as the subject could work e.g. photograph makeup 'falling' or 'spilling'.

Technique Page - Blurring

1.  You firstly need to ensure that you have your camera set up correctly.  You must ensure that you have the camera set on a long shutter speed (this allows the movement to be captured in the shot) as well as making sure that your camera is set to the 'white balance' option (not the usual 'flash' option).  We set it to this option so it matches the lighting source and reduces and redness in the picture.

2.  Now, you need to make sure the studio is set up correctly too (note, this a technique which could also be done outside on location depending on what you're shooting).  Using a black background, you must ensure that your background is protected from the light - you can do this using a polystyrene board.  You must also set up a continuous light source using the red light.

3.  You will now be ready to take your photos.

Image Bank - Blurring

Blurring in photography is when the photo taken where movement is present - it is not when something in the photo is taken out of focus.  As you can see from the examples that I collected the blurring effect really allows for there to be one main focal point in the image as everything becomes blurred out.  Colour can be very predominate in blurring photography as the colours in the image can blur or 'run' together, creating a interesting effect and making the colour bolder as it gives opportunity for contrast to be created.  Blurring the photo can make the picture look really busy in some cases such as the first and last image, but in other cases (like with the remaining images I found) it provide a more sterile environment which accentuates a focal point in the picture.

My favourite picture that I found is the fairground one.  I love the colour and the way the movement has accentuated this and made the colours 'run' into each other.  The centre of the ride remains the focal point as this is only still part of the image - the moving part of the ride has created the blur in the shot.  I particularly like this image as there was a lot of bright light on the ride too and this has created an illuminating effect around the ride and on the sky which looks pretty.  Because of all the lighting and colour in the shot the picture has ended up being quite busy.

Another photo that I particularly liked was the first image, which again is one of the busier shots.  I love the effect that the colour gives just like in the fairground photograph.  The image has remained in focus in the foreground and the source of movement in the image is of the bus - I like the way the bus has blurred across the entire picture.  There is also sources of light in the image too which has, again, given chance for more blurring in the shot.  I like the atmosphere and the way the bus has been photographed in a busy street in London where it would normally be found, like with the fairground image too, the movement is totally natural and not staged/planned.

Work Diary - Overlay

Shoot Evaluation

In today's class we looked at the technique overlay.  This technique is where two photos are layered on top of each other and then the opacity of them is changed so you can see the two photos through each other.  The overlay technique is a technique that allows you to add as many layers as you like to your original image, so the effects you can achieve are endless.  I think the technique is interesting as in class the way we conducted the shoot was to combine portrait shots with pattern shots, so the effect you got was really different.  I wasn't as keen on this technique and I am not sure it is something I would like to continue to experiment with as I think it can spoil a nice image on it's own - though as mentioned, I do find the effects interesting, just not to my taste.

Here are a couple photos from class:


Here is one photo that I both like and dislike elements of.  For this overlay image I change the opacity of the layers till I got the desire effect, then I used a soft edge eraser to eliminate some of the effect around the edge of my model so only her face was covered with the pattern.  I think that this is interesting however I don't think the pattern I chose perhaps was the best as it blends in with the original photo too much and doesn't look as effect as some of my other photos.

This is my favourite photo from today.  I again used a head on portrait shot like with the first photo I evaluated as well as using the eraser tool in the same way.  However, this time I also used the eraser tool to erase the effect on my models eyes and mouth - I much prefer this photo for that reason.  The eyes give a clearer focal point in the photo, this is something I felt was lost in my first picture.  I also did the same on my models mouth - because the overlay image I chose was predominately green the pink offers a nice contrast.








How I could apply this technique in my own project

I am not overly enthusiastic about using this technique again as compared to others it really isn't one of my favourites.  However, one potential idea I could use this technique for in my personal project is photographing a makeup look and the photographing some of the actual makeup itself that I used to complete the look with and then over laying these images.

Technique Page - Overlay

How to do Overlay...

1. After formatting your camera like normal, you need to take your first photo (this will usual be of a model or large subject).

2. You now need to take another photo that you are going to overlay on top of this image (usually something like a pattern).

3. Once you are happy with the photos that you have taken download them and open them in Photoshop - you are going to need to different images.

4. Change the levels and curves for each photo accordingly before dragging the second image on top of the first (in separate layers).

5. Change the opacity of the top layer until you are happy with the effect.  You can now take the eraser tool set to a soft option and erase certain parts of the overlay (again until you are happy with the effect).

6. Save and print as normal.

Image Bank - Overlay

 

Overlay is an interesting technique which two (or more) images being transposed on top of each other to create an entirely new image.  The possibilities with this effect is endless as you can really create any effect you like as there is no right or wrong with the images you pick.  I typically works well with a person or some kind of large object (as seen in the examples I have found) and then a pattern or contrast background of some sort to layer over the top.  The first photo is good too look as It has also shown a break down of all the original images used to create the final one.  I quite like the effect in some parts as it can look quite ghostly in parts (such as the third and sixth photo) but also can look very contemporary too like in the third and first photo.  The second photo sees a contrast between the human body and nature which is interesting.

 

I personally like the fifth photo that I found the most.  I love the way the bus has been photographed and then transposed on top of a car in a street.  When photographed both the vehicles were heading in the same direction and putting them on top f each other like this has mad the photo really interesting.  I love the lightening in the shot and how they contrast in both the shots, but have blended together well.  The vibrant colours makes the two photos hard to differentiate between as it looks quite chaotic and it's lacking a focal point - however, I think this makes the photo more visually interesting to look at.

 

Another of the photos that I liked was the first photo.  I love the way the photographer has taken completely contrasting images to create something really contemporary and unique.  I love the clash between the man, the buildings and nature, yet the way they combine so well together in the overall image.  I like the effect that has been used on the colours and the lightening in the shot has allowed for a focal point around the eyes of the man - this has provided some order within the busy shot.

Work Diary - Multiple Flash



Shoot Evaluation

 

This is one technique that I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about and loved the effect that it gives.  I think it would be an interesting effect to experiment with as it allows you as the photographer to capture movement in a still image.  In terms of using the camera it is one of the techniques where I have learned the most. 

 

For this technique I worked in the studio today.  I love working in the studio and was anxious to learn how to do the technique as the set-up was more complex than normal. I divided my time up equally between the black and the white background.  The effects on the different backgrounds were very different but I liked both.  Here are some examples of my work from the shoot today, one from each different background:

 This is one of the photos that I really like on the white background.  I liked the white background as, although the models didn't stand out as well on it, I think the effect can potentially be used for a more ghostly feel about an image as they end up so faded.  I particularly liked this image from today as you can really see the difference in the multiple flash where the movement has occurred.  On the end photo the light has almost completely burned out the last image, but I think this has worked well as it looks evenly gradual across the photo. I had to crop the final photo as I found photographing this difficult in terms of positioning the shot - I think this is because you need to think about each individual shot as you take them at once and direct your model.  I think it would just be a case of practice and good communication with the model.





Here is the second photo taken on the black background.  I liked using this background as the models really stood out well on it.  I think if I were to re-do this shoot I would need to guide my models more as they didn't move in synchronised fashion as I had hoped to get an even finish to the photo.  I think as an experimental starting point though I am happy with the shot.  I like the way the fading in the multiple flash here is less subtle and has remained stronger - this would give me more of a chance to capture more movement in the shot whereas with the white background I felt more limited and constrained with what I could do.

How I could apply this technique in my own project

I really enjoyed this technique today and it has got me thinking about how I could apply it in my own project.  Because the technique allows to capture movement within a still image it got me thinking about the application of makeup and how I could capture this in a shot.  It also made me think of contrasts and using two models with contrasting looks and getting them to move around each other so the looks 'blur' together to create a interesting and modern effect.  I love capturing something kinetic in a shot and I think in terms of trying to re-create something editorial this effect would work well with abstract and contemporary looks where you could add movement with paint, powders and even water.







Technique Page - Multiple Flash

How to do Multiple Flash...

1. This technique must be carried out in the studio, preferably on a black or dark background (the technique doesn't work as well on white or light backgrounds).  Format your camera and set the aperture.  Using the wheel on the back of the camera set the shutter speed to 'bulb'.

2.  Ensure your studio space is set up correctly - you need to work in darkness (no modelling or house lights on).  Use polystyrene boards to prevent or reduce light from the flash brightening the background.

3.  Taking the photo - turn all lights out.  You must ensure that you HOLD DOWN the shutter release while taking all the shots in your multiple flash image.  Get your models to move how you like after every time the flash button is pressed.  This technique works best with three flashes (otherwise the image is exposed to light too much and starts to burn out).

Image Bank - Multiple Flash

All the photos above are examples of multiple imagery.  This is an effect that is used in the studio and sees the use of the flash being changed to create this effect.  As you can see in all the examples that I have gathered, multiple imagery is something that typically works better on a black or dark background and makes the photo visually more attractive than that on a white background.  This is because the white doesn't compliment the effect as well on illuminating the intricate patterns that can be created using the effect.  It can be used to show movement in a still image or to display a the series of small events or movements.

I particularly like the last image that I chose as an inspirational example of multiple imagery.  I like the colour filter that has been used as it creates an eerie feel about the picture as well as making the model look a bit like a ghost as the flash fades out some of the photos in the final image.  I like how you can see different expressions on her face yet there still remains a focal point within the image as her eyes are making contact with one of the shots in amongst them all.

Another of the photos that I particularly liked is the card photo that I found.  In like the 'falling' effect that has been created and that way the photos really stand out against the dark background.  The 'ghostly' effect of the cards fading is again present here and personally I think this looks mysterious and adds to the idea of magic and card tricks.  The red colour on the cards makes the cards really stand out even where they are starting to fade out against the black background.

Work Diary - Multiple Exposure

Shoot Evaluation:

In today's lesson awe looked at the technique multiple exposure.  I personally really liked this technique and felt there was a lot it offer to me in my work.  I found the technique, though effective, easily went 'wrong'.  By this I mean, for example, if I took more than four photos for one final image the exposure had faded out so much you couldn't really see clearly (if at all) the subject you were photographing.  Another issue I had was keeping continuity in some of the shots.  If I moved myself or the camera or changed the zoom the background sometimes changed so much it made the final image unidentifiable and the subject got lost in amongst everything.

The positives I found in this technique though is the different effects the technique can offer.  I likes the element of movement it can add to a still photo and the way you could potentially photograph a series of events or an event happening in one shot.

Here are a couple of photos from my shoot today:

This is one of the photos I particularly liked.  I used a corridor and a friend from class to photograph her 'walking' down the corridor.  I positioned her in different areas of the corridor when taking the photo by i myself remained in the same place.  I like the way the photos fade out the closer you get toward the camera and the way it imitates the passing of time in the photo.

 This is another photo that I am not so fond of from today's shoot.  I like the idea that I had but it didn't quite go to plan and I think this is because of how I executed it.  The idea was meant to be photographing my friend from class sitting in one chair, and then in every shot after her moving one more chair along till she reached the last chair.  However, I think where I moved my hand during the shoot the photo became too 'blurred' together as the background is so similar everywhere in the image and you actually have lost my subject.  I think this shot would have worked better if i had have used a tripod.


To improve on this technique and experience its full potential I need to do some more experimenting with it.  I would quite like to do some work in the studio with this technique and have a look at combining more complex shoot ideas with this technique to show a more varied and professional finish to my final pieces.  I think using equipment such a tripod could help me to achieve a better standard of work and also able me to execute my ideas more accurately.


How I could apply this technique in my personal project:

I really liked the multiple exposure technique that I experimented with today.  I like the contemporary feel the technique gives and potential to create lots of different effects in one image.  For my personal project where I am looking at makeup I think this technique poses a good chance for me to create a really ultramodern piece of work with the influence of contemporary make-up art.  I am thinking of using materials such as powder paint which I could 'throw' over a model and capture.  The models face would be primed with sfx glue that the paint could stick to in certain areas and then I could proceed in the shoot by then photographing this.  I think capturing the movement of the paint would be a really nice way of using multiple imagery.

Another similar idea I had was using regular paint and powder paint a throw this over my subject in different colours and directions and capture each one in movement, then finishing with my model still covered in the paint.  This idea would definitely require me using a tripod to ensure the camera remained in the same place at all times and then model would need to do the same too.  I would want a sterile background so all that would be noticeable/the focal point of the photo would be the paint.

Technique Page - Multiple Exposure

How to do Multiple Exposure...

1. Set the camera to multiple exposure and make sure that the camera is set to 'P' exposure mode and not to 'auto'. Once you have done this, go to menu on the camera settings, select tab 2 and continue to the multiple exposure setting and turn it on.

2. Next hold down the +/- n button on the camera and scroll the wheel on the camera until you reach the minus numbers.

3. Now you can start by taking a picture. Options will appear at the bottom of the screen - press the next button and continue to take another picture (continue to do this until you have your desired amount of photos).  Once you have the desired amount of photos press 'OK' to record and save what you have done.

Image Bank - Multiple Exposure

The multiple exposure effect uses more that one image on top of each other to create different effects.  Some of these effects can include creating movement within the picture and the in turn can help to create erratic patterns and designs, giving a really artist and contemporary feel to the photo.  This kind of effect can be seen in the photo of the person juggling; this has made the composition of the shot more visually interesting.  I like some of the more contrast shots such as the last photo and the forth photo where parts of the body have been combined with nature shots.  I practically like the more 'action' photos in the ones that I have found as they show a small sequence of steps or moves like the sport and dancing images, or of the cat jumping.  This has made the photo more visually dynamic and given the viewer more to contemplate in the photo.

I really like the first photo that I found of the cat.  I think it looks very striking on the plain black background as the colours on the fur really stand out and the 'faded' effect you get with multiple exposure is very noticeable.  I think the shot looks modern and this is something that I want to achieve in my own work.  The ides and composition of the shot is so simple yet so effective.  I love simplicity in my work and I think this effect presents itself the perfect opportunity for me to work more in this way.

Another shot I really liked was the juggling photo.  I think it has turned out looking very weird-  this is something I like.  I again love the simplicity of the shot and it has inspired me to look at how I could adapt this idea to make it work for my own project e.g. applying makeup.  I really like how the different shots slowly fade away to nothing and this could demonstrate the change in the movement over a certain period of time.

Project Proposal

For my self assigned photography project in A2 I would like to look at makeup as being the main topic of what I do.  I have chosen this topic as it is something that I am passionate about and therefore something that I won’t lose interest in over the course of the months that this project is going to be taking place.  With makeup being something that I am passionate about I think this also means that I wouldn’t get too stuck in terms of inspiration or ideas on what to shoot as well.

I would like to use makeup as broad topic that I could link other topics into.  Every shoot that I would be conducting would have some kind of sub-topic that I could justify though through the use of makeup.  For example I might like to re-visit some of the formal element topics we look at last year like colour or lines.   I could use makeup to show this.

I am thinking that most of my work will be portrait based and therefore I plan to use the studio and things like the ring flash which I learned to use last year quite a lot.  This would work well for makeup as it is best for when you are shooting people up close.  The studio would also provide a clean and sterile background for me to work with and therefore the makeup would be focal point of all my work.  Though as said I am planning most of work to be portrait based (most likely using myself) I have had some ideas where I could shoot makeup itself as an object or item.

Makeup today is slowly becoming more and more recognised as a contemporary art and this something that I really want to bring across in my work.  I don’t just want to be photographing a model or myself wearing regular makeup, but actually explore the modern side to beauty.  This could allow me give certain shoots a theme, some examples being using only powder paint to create a look, crystals and gems or even something natural like flowers and leaves.  I want to bring out in my work that beauty and makeup don’t necessarily need to be the stereotypical definition of beautiful.  I want to show the more artistic, fun and ‘ugly’ side to makeup.

One aspect that I would really like to look at and include in my work is surrealism.  I want to work with this as a sub-genre to makeup as I really love doing special effect makeup and horror makeup.  The idea of creating characters from my subconscious is something that I want to experiment with and think it would add a different dimension to my portfolio.  Often in contemporary makeup design alternative products other than actual makeup itself is used to create different effects and looks - an example of this is things like paint and water colours (also the special effects makeup materials such as liquid latex that I said I would use above).  Any materials could be incorporated to create a look using makeup as well such as rhinestones and gems, feathers, natural materials, glitter etc.