PHOTOGRAPHIC PRACTICE

PROCESS - PLANNING - REFINEMENT

Research and ideation

Began my research by finding artists with similar visuals to my own. I find it easier to ideate and generate ideas for my own works by annotating the works of artists.

Here I drew inspiration from their concepts, compositions, subject matter and aesthetic qualities.

For more in depth artist research visit:

Research

Complex Simplicity, Johnathan Knowles, 2017

The Relationship of Object Connectivity & Interdependence in Forming a Sculptural Whole, Sharon Radisch, 2020

Photoshoot Planning

WOrk in progress Shoots 1 & 2

“Anything is breakable if it falls from high enough” - Steph 2025

The next steps from this shoot would be to explore other objects but focussing in on making compositions that portray and build tension and anxiety. Making ones that are more precarious. The balloon with the rubber band is a good example of this vibe.

My thoughts:

I worry about the inconsistencies regarding the lighting. It has been challenging to illuminate the front of the table without leaving shadows on the background or distracting highlights on my objects.

Feedback: 17/6/25

Research: Sian Bonnell
Reconsidered shooting the falling action of the compositions, instead allowing the viewers imagination and anxiety to build around their obviously precarious nature.
Don’t need to iron out the backdrop, the roughness and texture adds to the emotions and feeling behind the works.
Find more objects to explore.

LIGHTING SETUP

Strip box = Flood the background and fill shadows

Octagonal SoftBox = Key Light

Speed Light = Fill the front of the table
(The shadows here were a big problem)

BOOK COVER RESEARCH

WOrk in progress 3 - Studio shoot

Next steps from here are to find a happy medium between the two shoots, and shoot all of the following images in the same lighting for consistency.

My thoughts:

These images have a more dramatic, and cinematic appearance which differs a lot from the original, more ‘rustic’ and organic shoot. The image’s colour temperatures are also significantly warmer, feeling less clinical to the others. I am undecided as to whether these are good things or not.

Feedback: 1/7/25

Investigate the idea of including the sketches within the book.
Decide which location to shoot in, and do so consistently.
This outcome has a more refined look to it.
Potentially experiment with photographing the sculptures in different states. So take a variety of photos of each re-arranging things slightly between.

Idea generation

White Balance trialling

Lighting comparison

WOrk in progress 4 - Studio shoot

Next steps from here are to use the same lighting setup as this shoot and build upon the number of images as well as try to reshoot previously successful ideas taken in other lighting setups for consistency.

My thoughts:

This lighting is far more successful than the previous 2 rounds. I am happy with the balance between the wrinkles and folds on the fabric and the smoothness.

Feedback: 1/7/25

Experiment with the idea of removing the foreground - removing it as a distraction from the image.
Look at different aspect ratios. Maybe 4x5

Foreground analysis

WOrk in progress 5 - Studio shoot

Next steps from here are to continue shooting and reshoot some of the images shot with the previous background setup.

My thoughts:

Despite using the same exact camera settings, the white balance of these photos is slightly pinker, which will need adjusting. Using the same camera setup and lighting equipment worked well though in terms of the consistency in light across the backdrop and subject matter though.