Project Topic
Throughout my self-directed project, I plan to explore the tradition labour of portrait photography mixed with modern flair. I plan to do this by taking a series of night-based photographs outside on the street. I am hoping to rely on the light which is provided by street lights and nearby light sources, maybe even the moon to illuminate my images.
Update of Topic: My photographic series explores the tension between work and personal life by capturing individuals outside their workplaces, dressed in casual attire they'd wear on their days off. Shot at night to symbolise life beyond the 9-5 routine, the images challenge conventional perceptions of identity and work. The nocturnal setting serves as a metaphorical canvas, highlighting that we are more than just our professions. The series invites viewers to consider the complexities of our roles in society and the multiple spaces we inhabit.
Significance to Me
I love the concept of long exposure photography and the use of the landscape as it is to make photographs. I love how light reflects differently at night and would love to see how lights reflect and shadows are created in a night based portrait. Night-based portraits are a new thing for me (never attempted before) so this will be a really great project to learn from.
I feel as though this series has subconsciously been created due to all the things which i have on in my life and juggling work-uni-life balance. I feel as though this is a very universal theme which lots of people can relate to. This series is a reminder that there is a life outside of work, and also a reminder to customers, that the people they're interacting with when they're in a shop, servo, real estate agency, etc. all have a life outside of business hours.
Where will I Take My Portraits
I want to take my portraits outside, in the streets at night. Due to daylight savings, I am aiming for between 8-9pm for my shoots. An idea I have had was to take each portrait with my model inside a Telstra phone box. This would frame the portrait incredibly and the coloured lighting coming off of the phone box would reflect onto my subject in a cool way. The camera and the phone was invented within around 30 years of each other, and have strong ties together. Both inventions revolutionised communication. The camera allowed people to capture and share moments visually, while the telephone enabled real-time voice communication over long distances.
Update of Location: In my series, the proximity to the workplace serves as a crucial backdrop, juxtaposing the physical setting of work with personal attire and the enveloping darkness. This deliberate choice prompts viewers to think about the spaces we physically and metaphorically inhabit, blurring the lines between professional and personal identities. I will be taking photos outside of the following locations:
- BIG W
- Aldi
- B.P
- Real Estate Agency
Who Will I take Photos Of
I am thinking of asking my friend Tiana to be my model for my series of portraits. I am thinking of just setting my tripod up at multiple sidewalks, parks and etc and taking portraits. I will try and mimic this similar theme to old formal photography where the facial expression is something neural which the subject can maintain for the length of the exposure. I think I will change the scene every image, but keep the same model. This helps my series maintain constancy and a similar element.
My overall concept is to highlight the superseded tech and process of traditional photography similar to the old, beloved phone booth. Both cameras and phone booths have been taken over by smartphones. Another cool idea to juxtapose and tie this whole concept together would be that within my phone box portrait, my model is looking at their phone and the light from the screen illuminates their face.
Update of Models: With my new concept I am hoping to take photos of my friends Tiana, Demi, Ethan and Alex.
Shooting Plan
This is a pretty experimental project, where a lot of the elements are out of my control since in shooting outside (weather, lighting, safety, etc). So I want to be organised as possible. I think I'll start getting organised this week but aim for first round of photos week 9-11. That way I still have some time to re-shoot photos if necessary. I will take the photos around the local area to me. Within local towns nearby.
Photographic Approach, Resources Needed & Production Issues
- Long exposure (3"-7" exposure) Update: 1/30sec - 1/5sec
- Stable Tripod (stops motion blur)
- Photoshop for some editing.
Maybe I could layer the portrait on the background to achieve balance of exposure, contrast, etc (do 1 photo where the subject is illuminated and in focus and then another with no false lighting and merge the two together).
Inspiration Images
