Research

For assessment purposes I have created a pdf which clearly links my research to my assignment pieces and final outcomes, titled: Assignment 5 – Research and Planning.

Introduction

During my research with the framework of Context and Narrative, I have found a renewed interest in self portraiture, not only in terms of what it stands for but also how expansive the form itself takes with photography. I have also been subject to some photographers that have had a great impact on my work and also in leading me to challenge myself in a more creative way. Initially I set out plans to produce an image that I have great empathy with, and while I think there is photographic life in my first idea, I wanted to produce a project that was not only evocative for the viewer but also for me, the “operator”. My work continues to be fuelled by visceral connotations and I not only want this to continue, I also want to embrace it. I see my photography now as my chance to have something to say and also a remarkable opportunity to seek out the uneasy, the tense, the edgy, the alluring and the seductive. With this comes an element of risk and uncertainty, but this is perhaps my most intriguing finding when I look at the work of such luminaries as Francesca Woodman and Diane Arbus. For this reason I have used the project to yet further my artistic investigation, whilst continuing to challenge myself as a photographer. The candid nature of Gillian Wearing taking on the identity of others combined with the raw provocation of Diane Arbus became the blueprint for my assignment. With great intrigue it suddenly occurred to me that this was a real opportunity to become someone else, to spend a little time in a different pair of shoes. I found this idea equally liberating and interesting, the possibilities seemed rather endless. As this chord struck I hugged the idea of a new set of rules, a new set of artistic boundaries that I could explore. In the image by Diane Arbus which I found so poignant, so unequivically real, I knew I had a moment in time I wanted to be a small part of.

Illustrated evaluation

Below is a gallery of snapshots that dialogue my intentions behind the scene of the shoot and also the process of becoming my character. I used my Nikon D800 mounted on a tripod with a shutter release cable. I used my 85mm 1.8g lens, which I felt knew would work well for portraiture. As can be seen from my contact sheets my ISO remained low at around 100 to 350. I used an aperture varying between f/1.8 to f/8 to experiment with depth of field, I knew I wanted to isolate my character, but also wanted detail which led me to a final f/4.0 for the final image. My shutter speeds ranged from 1/4sec to 1sec and I was more than happy with this. For the final 1st image I did not intend to use flash, my only light source was to be from the ambient light which can be seen in the corner of the image. The only change I made to the illustration was to move the light source to the right of the character, more in keeping with the lighting of the image by Diane Arbus. The flash setup was intended for my second image, which eventually became a short series of images.

It was no coincidence that I placed myself within the corner of the room for the project and this has been something that has interested and intrigued me, particularly after researching the unique work of Francesca Woodman. I felt that this “squeezing” of the character into a small space would help in achieving the intended context within the frame, feelings of isolation, loneliness, confusion all mixed together in quite a heady cocktail.

I had made sure that my camera set up (although relatively simple) was ready before I got into my “drag” character. This in itself was a rather surreal experience, as it was something that I had never done in my life. I have to say that any feelings of insecurity where largely quashed due to being in the safe hands of the make up artist, my wife. We had discussed the image(s) I wanted to influence the body of work, and whilst in the make up process we progressed slowly with how we wanted the character to look. Whilst having a splash of colour within the make up, we both felt that it was better to have a little restraint in terms of how flamboyant we wanted the end product. I also knew that certain colours would affect the tonal range of a black and white reproduction. I wanted the character to look as “real” as possible, I did not intend any form of comedic value within the image and I do think that we have largely achieved this.

When working on the 2nd image, where I would be in full “drag” I wanted to use flash, as I felt this would benefit the “headshot” approach I was looking for. I killed as much ambient light within the room as possible, and used natural light from the window as a fill light within the scene. I knew that I wanted the aesthetics of harsh light, more in keeping with the photographic look of the 70s and 80s, in some ways I wanted the light to look a little bit unprofessional. I wanted some high key notes, mixed with the contrast of low key shadowy effect, really accentuating those evocative connotations. Whilst I initially wanted the 2nd image (which became a separate series) to be in colour, in process I felt that black and white captured the necessary character and personality I had intended. Also in process it became apparent that the wall behind my subject had created a more warm glow within the frame and this was not the feel of the image I had intended. In hindsight I feel that for the colour shot to have been more emphatic in appearance I would have needed a pure white backdrop, and a two light setup up, similar to the setup I had, but maybe another flash to the left instead of window light. This would have help with a more “cold” light feeling which I wanted in contrast to the made up “drag” subject. In retrospect I am more than happy with my final outcome and the fact that I have produced two pieces of work within the assignment is really encouraging. Whilst I did not set out initially to create two “separate” pieces, I love the way the work took on its own organic lifeline, taking me on an artistic and contextual journey.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Contact sheets

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Dissected contact sheets

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Final Image

Reflection

Demonstration of visual and technical skills

I feel that within the assignment I have achieved the level of visual interpretation of the image that was expected. In terms of reproducing an image influenced by the one taken by Diane Arbus, I do feel I have done this and am happy that it is not a direct imitation. I wanted to use the image as a definitive guide, using aesthetics, lighting and tone similar to the image, but also put my own identity in the frame. I feel I have done this and re-interpreted the image in a way similar to how I initially digested it. When I came to shooting the image I used a relatively long exposure which in some cases captured movement. I was aware this may happen and to help alleviate this I also used a remote shutter release. Although I have added some grain to the final image I did not want to use a high ISO, in doing so I wanted to produce the best quality images as I could, then I had full control over the level of grain I wanted to use. As the subject was largely still a slower shutter speed did not affect the final image directly. I also believe it helped with the ambient light source I was using, almost spreading the warm light and creating a unique aesthetic. There were obvious issues with being the model and the photographer, mainly achieving a focus point and the correct composition. For this I used a stand in, so I could comfortably compose and focus the shot.

Quality of outcome

The outcome of the final image is one that I am happy with, and I can say that again the project took an organic twist. Although my initial idea of two images did not come to fruition, I have analysed this is post process and made decisions that have enabled me to progress and finalise the project. I do feel that my image works best as a standalone shot and by working further on the project I have achieved two sets of images, taking the assignment a step further. I am equally proud of my pursuit of becoming someone else in front of the camera and taking the project as far as possible within the limits of the assignment.

Demonstration of creativity

My goals within my photography seem to be constantly shifting and I now find myself wanting to challenge myself artistically more than ever. On assignment 3 I put myself into a largely uncomfortable scene and I have again done this on this project. I want to take risks technically and creatively and push myself as hard as I can to confront ideas and settings that I would not normally. I have placed myself into a scene where I have had to become an “actor” ( I use this term loosely) as well as a photographer and this had led me to creating this set of images. It has tested me in front, behind and in study of the camera and due to this I have continually tried to push myself creatively.

Context

The final image I wanted to produce and its context is largely been achieved. I attempt to capture the scene of a male “drag” getting ready for whatever is coming next. This concluding information is left to the spectator. I have had to work closely with props, setting, makeup, lighting and camera settings to contextualise the image. I want the scene to represent a context similar to that of Diane Arbus , with my character asking questions by using specific lighting, props and expressions. I wanted the scene to be largely confusing in terms of how the character is portrayed, creating a context of uncertainty, denial and in some ways highlighting the isolation and loneliness such people often (unfortunately) face. The image itself is not about what can be seen but more about what cannot be seen, repressed feelings, emotions and thoughts. I wanted the context of the image(s) to be provocative, even having sexual connotations and I feel my artistic choices have led me to achieve my desired outcomes within the project.

Second set

Whilst I am happy with the final image, I also wanted to take the project a step further. My initial thought of constructing an image very much in the style of Gillian Wearing did not exactly work. Whilst I don’t think the lighting worked for a colour set, they seem to gel together well in black and white process. I have created a story which to me almost looks like a photo booth set of photographs, where a story unfolds that may or may not have wanted to be told. It starts out with an image that suggests not quite being ready for the camera, then a moment of reflection, a sort of “what the hell am I doing” not from “me” the model, but from the slightly confused character. A glimpse of a wedding ring fills the images with connotations and challenges the viewer to digest more of the unfolding scene. A flick of the hair, a blink and the final provocative, sultry look that was intended is finally caught.

Images

Reflection

I have chosen to keep this 2nd set of images separate from the main image as I did not want to detract form the power of the main shot. This was a testing set of images in many ways, and took me well out of my comfort zone once again. I wanted to get into that seedy world that was so evident in Diane Arbus’ work and I largely think I have done that. I have also created a new identity and tried to emulate and provoke feelings with light, expression, context and minimal composition. I am pleased that I have taken the assignment a step further and it has my biggest challenge to date. I look at the images and am proud that I have approached such a topic and am happy with the results. Another challenge was condensing the images into a set, but I do think 5 images suits it well. It is short, concise and to the point, almost squeezed and claustrophobic by its own nature. This in turn fuels the sense of isolation, drama, sexuality and provocative context which is further enhanced by the use of a heavy vignette in post process.