27/09/11
Today we were asked to set three short term goals for ourselves, along with three long term goals for ourselves, which we would like to achieve during our time on the course.
Short term goals;
- Create an online gallery to display my work
- Get to grips better with the functions on my camera
- Become more organized - find a balance between my job, uni work and free time
Long term goals;
- Expand my kit, i.e. get more lenses and accessories for my camera that I can use for my work
- Build up a network of contacts, i.e. photographers/printers/amateur photographers, etc
- Be able to use a variety of image editing software such as Adobe Lightroom and Aperture for iMac
Hopefully, with work, I will be able to achieve these goals by persevering and following any advice I get from my tutors.
13/10/11
Case Study - Robbie Cooper
Robbie Cooper was born in 1969 in London, England, and currently resides in New York. He was educated in the Kenya and the UK, and studied media production at Bournemouth College of Art. Perhaps as a result of being educated in (and therefore living in) Kenya, Cooper produced work on the famine and civil war in Somalia and, because of this, won the Ian Parry Scholarship for young photojournalists and began a career in photojournalism which spanned fourteen years. This took him all over the world and therefore must have provided him with a lot of experience and knowledge.
Cooper has been extremely successful as a photojournalist as he has been popular all over the world. His work has been published in The Sunday Times Magazine, The Telegraph, The Independent, Geo, GQ and Esquire in the UK, New York Times Magazine in the USA, L'espresso in Italy, El Pais in Spain, and Libération and Le Monde in France.
Cooper has also had work exhibited. In 2002, he began a long-term project looking at the world of online gaming. This work was entitled 'Alter Ego' and explored the alternate identities people created for themselves in the virtual reality that they often play in for hours, teaming these with images of those who played the games and a piece of text written by each player. The images from this project have been showcased in London, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, Stockholm, New York and Los Angeles, proving Cooper to be a worldwide success. The project was also turned into a book in 2007.
Over time, Cooper's work has obviously changed, given that he gave up photojournalism after 14 long years of it, and began to focus on video and large-format photography. He began a project called Immersion in which he filmed ordinary people watching various scenes on a big screen, from children's programmes to pornography, and also filmed people playing video games, using the 'Interrotron' technique. This technique involves a modified autocue in which a two-way mirror plays images to the viewer whilst filming them directly through the scenes they are watching. He presented the work as both motion and stills, and this has been exhibited in the UK.
Cooper's style of photography is, generally, photojournalism and therefore appeals to a wide amount of viewers as it has a strong social and cultural context. As this style is generally based on current affairs, it appeals to those in the present as it is relevant, but could also appeal to those in the future as it is a way of documenting specific parts of our culture.
Above is an image of a woman smiling, possibly laughing to herself at something she has just seen on the screen in front of her. You wouldn't guess she is watching the torture and execution of a Zeta Soldier. Perhaps you would expect a different reaction to such a graphic film, but this is her genuine, 100% real response to the images before her. I think with these Cooper wanted to show that peoples' reactions to different things may vary to what would be expected. Perhaps he also wanted to show that they can become truly immersed in what they are seeing and forget that the camera is filming them, reacting naturally instead of putting on a front. I think this is extremely effective and interesting for viewers of his images, as it shocks them to learn what the subject is watching, and through this, gives them an insight into how absorbed people can become into different types of media, and how differently people may react to certain things.
Above is an image of a boy playing a video game. This again shows us how absorbed people become into the on-screen world, as (no offence to this boy, but) I certainly wouldn't want to be captured pulling this face! He seems to have completely forgotten about the camera and is only bothered about the outcome of his game play. I think these images are interesting as they leave quite an amount of ambiguity for the viewers to figure out what the subject is watching/doing. I feel these images are not about technical effects, such as lighting and capture, but are more about getting into the minds of the subjects and feeling the emotions they are feeling too.
Image sources: http://www.wallpaper.com/images/219_robbiecooper_jt120310a3.jpg
http://cdn.formfiftyfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/robbie-cooper.jpg
http://cdn.formfiftyfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/robbie-cooper.jpg
20/10/11
Case Study: Ansel Adams
Ansel Adams was born in 1902 in San Francisco, California. Growing up, Adams was a restless child and was dismissed from several private schools before his father decided to pull him out of school completely to tutor him personally at home, with the help of others. Eventually though, Adams returned to private school to finish his education. I believe that because Adams grew up on the heights facing San Francisco Bay, meaning he was able to observe the beauty of his surroundings every day, this inspired him and he began to appreciate nature's beauty from a young age
Mostly famous for his use of black and white images, Adams disliked to use colour, as he has been quoted in a letter as saying; "I don't like photographic colour...it's not my dish of tea!" However, he did produce several thousand colour transparencies, mostly as tests for Kodak and for other small jobs during the 1940s and 50s.
Adams did an amount of commercial work during the 1930s but didn't like it because he felt it was 'restraining to his creative work', as he wrote in a letter in 1938. He did a cover for LIFE magazine around the same time;
Whilst this would have been a big deal at the time, the image about is now cited as one of LIFE's top 20 worst covers.
In 1927, Ansel Adams created his first portfolio of work, though his first photographs were published in 1921. He believed that his photographs had “now reached a stage when they are worthy of the world’s critical examination”. The portfolio he had created was notably successful and earned him around $3,900. Following this success, he was asked to photograph those who bought the portfolio.
Altogether over his lifetime, Adams managed to publish an astounding 24 books dedicated to the National Parks around America. His first solo show was held in San Francisco in 1932, and his work has since been exhibited countless times in many parts of the world, and still continues to be heavily popularised today.
Adams' style of photography is documentary and therefore can appeal to a wide range of people through the use of aesthetics in an image, but also through the meanings behind the images and the reasons Adams took them.
Above is one of Adams’ most famous photographs – Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico, from 1941. There are many different aspects of this photograph that I appreciate, for example how the foreground shows such a small village, and how we can compare that to what is in the background, i.e. the amount of countryside behind it, and then the mountains behind that huge space, plus the clouds above those, and then the moon so high up in the sky. I believe that here, Adams was trying to show us just how big the world outside of what we live in really is. The village in the foreground seems pretty much dwarfed by the rest of what is in the picture, but it is still noticeable as a small detail. Perhaps he was trying to get us to understand just how much beauty lies beyond what we see in our everyday surroundings, and perhaps he was trying to encourage us to go and see this for ourselves so we could appreciate it just as much as he did.
Another notable part of this picture is the huge contrasts between the tones, particularly the differences between the darkness of the sky and the way the moon stands out so well on its inky background, and the way the clouds do the same. Perhaps with this, Adams was trying to put across the message that the world is still so small compared to everything that is in the rest of the universe. The moon is one of the closest things in space to us, yet it seems so small when compared with the rest of the sky included within the shot. Perhaps Adams desired to explore the space surrounding the Earth, or at least wondered exactly what lay beyond what our eyes can see.
Image sources: http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/yKEWgbg1.l4AEZ5i0op21Q--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD02MzA7cT04NTt3PTQ3MA--/http://l.yimg.com/os/152/2011/11/15/ugc1272321-large-watermark-comp_172300.jpg
http://randomknowledge.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/moonrise-over-hernandez.jpg
01/11/11
Today we went over and consolidated what the content of our blogs should be like. We were told that our blogs should be illustrated, i.e. contain images by any artists/photographers we are researching, and also contain our own images we have created through our learning during our time on the course.
We also went through what should specifically go on the pages for each module;
1. Systems & Processes - Richard Peregrine
Weekly picture project images
The theory behind each weekly picture project for each week
2. Personal Development Planning - Katy Suggitt/Martin Gallagher
Development of 'reflective practice'
Case studies
CV
Target setting (both long term and short term)
3. Contextual Studies - Chris Aughton/Katy Suggitt
Lecture notes each week
Seminar notes each week
Both going towards an essay due for completion at the end of the year
4. Objects - Andrew Farrington
Studio theory
Studio images from lessons, own experiments relating to the brief, etc.
08/11/11
CV Writing
Today we learned about CV writing and how to do it properly. We were told some basic rules to follow when writing a CV;
- Don't write 'CV' or 'Curriculum Vitae' at the top of the page
- Your CV should generally be in black ink only. However, some companies will expect you to use design skills when applying to them, but they will probably ask you for a portfolio.
- You should put any relevant links and web addresses at the top of the page along with your contact information.
- Your CV should probably amount to about two sides of A4 paper.
- You should always list your most recent qualifications, etc. first.
- You should use a clear and plain font, with no colours or imagery.
- You cannot afford to make spelling or grammatical errors.
- Use a simple layout, and make your CV easy to read and follow.
- Use good quality white paper, and do not print your CV back-to-back.
We also learned that there are two types of CV;
- Chronological CV, in which you list your information methodically.
- Skills-based CV, in which you write about your skills using the 'Personal Details' section of your CV. It has to be related back to experience and you must give personal examples.
- We learned that an 'Artist's CV' is used for galleries, exhibitions and competitions, and contains only professional artistic experience, training and achievements.
We then found out about the sections of the CV and what each one should contain.
1. Personal Details;
Name
Address
Phone number
Email address (no silly names)
Links to websites
Should take up about a third of an A4 sheet or less
2. Education;
Name of school/college/uni
Qualifications gained
Year those qualifications were awarded
3. Employment/experience;
Employer name
Town you were based in
Dates of work (i.e. from/to)
Job title
Brief outline of job role
4. Other sections could include;
Personal profile/career objective
Skills section (if you are creating a skills-based CV)
Positions of responsibility
Voluntary work
Hobbies and interests (down to personal choice)
Professional development (in-house training, etc.)
5. References;
Name of referee
Address of referee
Telephone number
Relationship to referee
Or you can just put down 'references available on request' in order to save some space on your paper
6. Power words, in order to help highlight skills and abilities without using 'I' and 'my' all the time.
We were told that some useful sites for CV writing help were;
Below is my personal CV that I have created using what I learned in the above lesson;
Louise Sharman
DOB: 13.01.93
59 Whitehall Street
Nelson
BB9 9JD
Home Tel: (01282) 601088
Mobile: 07597726810
Email: Click.Creations@hotmail.co.uk
Education
Blackburn College University Centre, 2011 – present
I currently studying for FdA Photographic Media over a three-year course.
Nelson And Colne College, 2009 – 2011
AS Levels
Textile Design – B
A-Levels
Photography – B
General Studies – C
ICT – C
Psychology – C
SS John Fisher & Thomas More RC Humanities College, 2004 – 2009
GCSEs
English Lit - B
English Lang - B
Mathematics - A
Physics - B
Chemistry - B
Biology - B
Religious Education - B
ICT - B
Art - B
Spanish – A
Employment/Experience
Card Factory
Nelson branch
Sales Assistant October 2011 – present
Expected to fill and tidy card racks, assist customers, perform health and safety checks and operate tills.
Pendle Borough Council - Parks And Recreational Services
Marsden Park, Nelson
Office Assistant 3 March 2008 – 14 March 2008
This is the job I took for my work experience. I was asked to complete a variety of tasks including archiving, filing, creating documents, etc. During my time at this job, I believe I improved my communication skills and the level of efficiency to which I complete tasks.
Hobbies & Interests
I spend most of my free time going out and taking photographs, as I am a passionate photography student. I also enjoy reading, drawing and writing.
References
Available on request.
15/11/11
Today's lesson was very short and we were given time to work on our blogs after we had a brief discussion about research.
We were told to use keywords or tags to search for images and photographers, as we could choose those which related to our own work to make it easy for us to find things that linked to our work.
We were also told to put tags and keywords onto our own images. We should search the tags/keywords we think apply first, then place them on our own work if they contain similar content.
We were also told that it is good to build up a list of contacts, i.e. sites/links we are using, people we talk to, etc. in relation to our work.
22/11/11
Burtynsky has had many exhibitions all over the world, including many in his home country such as; Oil, Landmarks, Shipbreaking. Other famous exhibitions include Manufactured Landscapes, China and Quarries - there are dozens more but listing them here would take forever.
Burtynsky's work has a constant theme; what man is doing to the world/what man has created. He strives to show people how the world is changing in our hands and perhaps therefore wishes to do something about it. His work could perhaps appeal to those who want a 'greener' world as it presents a strong message about what we as humans are doing to the planet. His images could perhaps be used in campaigns for a 'greener' world as his extremely large scale prints would certainly give the shock factor to those who need a push in the right direction on this topic.
Above is one of Burtynsky's images of a tyre pile in California taken in 1999. Because the image uses perfect hyper-focal distance, everything is in clear, crisp focus, making the image extremely effective when presented on such a large scale as Burtynsky used for his exhibition. If the sheer size and scale of the image were not to be enough for the viewer to be convinced that something must be done about the world's environmental situation, then perhaps the composition could add to the effect. Perhaps the small section in the middle represents what is left of the world's environment that hasn't been tainted by man's destruction, and the circle of tyres around the outside represents darkness closing in with no escape unless something is to be done, fast.
Image source: http://www.edwardburtynsky.com/WORKS/Oil/Oil_Book_Large/THE_END_OF_OIL/079-OTP_04_99_Oil.html
22/11/11
Today's lesson was all about reflective practice. We learned that this was first introduced by a man called Donald Schon in 1987, who said reflective practice "involves thoughtfully considering your own experiences as you make the connection between knowledge and practice, under the guidance of an experienced professional".
We learned about five ways of reflecting;
We learned about five ways of reflecting;
- Writing
- Video
- Images
- Voice recording
- Question and answer
After this we were asked to make a list of each of the following;
1. Skills you have now
1. Skills you have now
- Medium confidence
- Adaptability
- Able to work in a team/alone
- Consistent
- Responsible
- More confidence
- Better timekeeping
- Business planning skills
- Better organisation skills
- Fast adaptability
- Fast learner
- More confidence
- Ability to make contacts and hold a correspondance with them
- Better timekeeping and organisation
- Perseverance
We were then given a short, single picture project in which we had to "take an image to reflect yourself as a photographer and how university has affected you so far". I didn't have my camera with me so I used my phone to quickly take the image as we didn't have a great amount of time to do it in. I took an image of a clock, as my timekeeping skills are generally poor but also to represent the routine I have fallen into through being at university. Previously, I was always late and missing deadlines but I have resolved to use my time more wisely, plan tasks more carefully and be on time for lessons and events.
At the end of the lesson we were asked to put together an eBay advertisement to 'sell ourselves' to potential employers or business partners for next week's lesson.
22/11/11
Case Study: Edward Burtynsky
Edward Burtynsky was born in Canada in 1955. He graduated from Ryerson University in Toronto and also studied at Niagara College in Welland. Growing up in his home town of St. Catherines, Ontario, Burtynsky has stated that seeing 'the General Motors plant' inspired his work as a photographer.Burtynsky has had many exhibitions all over the world, including many in his home country such as; Oil, Landmarks, Shipbreaking. Other famous exhibitions include Manufactured Landscapes, China and Quarries - there are dozens more but listing them here would take forever.
Burtynsky's work has a constant theme; what man is doing to the world/what man has created. He strives to show people how the world is changing in our hands and perhaps therefore wishes to do something about it. His work could perhaps appeal to those who want a 'greener' world as it presents a strong message about what we as humans are doing to the planet. His images could perhaps be used in campaigns for a 'greener' world as his extremely large scale prints would certainly give the shock factor to those who need a push in the right direction on this topic.
Image source: http://www.edwardburtynsky.com/WORKS/Oil/Oil_Book_Large/THE_END_OF_OIL/079-OTP_04_99_Oil.html
29/11/11
Last week we were asked to create an eBay advert to attempt to 'sell' ourselves as people. Below is what I came up with;
For sale:
Here is a mint condition girl with a zest for life. Bubbly, bright and caring, she is capable of listening but also taking initiative when the occasion calls for it. Whether she is on her own or in a team, Louise always works to the best of her ability and will never sit back and let others do the work. She is very reliable and will always persevere to succeed in any task she may be given. At just eighteen years old, the future looks bright for this girl as she's got a smart head on her shoulders, knows what she wants from life, and knows the work required to get it.
