Week 1
This week in class we went over the basics and expectations of the subject and also looked at some examples of international Australian portrait photography. A few of the photographs that we looked at focused on landscape or nature. This is called environmental portraiture. As a photographer who is passionate about landscapes specifically, environmental portraiture stood out to me as a way to capture humans in our beautiful environment and landscape. This image specifically stood out to me. The colour and the gum trees in the background screams Australia. The tones and dryness of the grass provide warmth and elude towards the image being from summer. Another critical moment was Tom telling us that his birthday is when we submit AT2 + AT3.
Week 2
In this weeks CAVA125 class, I learnt a useful shortcut for adjusting camera settings. Holding the AV button and turning the dial makes it easier to quickly change either the shutter speed or the aperture. This is a time-saving method that simplifies the process of getting the right shot. Tom also provided a practical tip for the semester's work. He suggested that every photo we take should have a caption that includes important details. These details should cover the shutter speed, exposure level, and f-stop settings, among other technical aspects. This practice will help us keep track of the settings we've used and make it easier to replicate successful shots in the future.
Week 3
In this weeks class, we looked into the fundamentals of portrait photography. A portrait is essentially defined as a visual representation of an individual. This could mean capturing either the entire body or just the face, depending on the creative intent. While the focus is often on the subject, it's worth noting that elements of landscape and environment can also play a significant role in a portrait. Including these elements can add depth and context to the image, providing viewers with additional layers of meaning. Understanding the balance between the subject and the environment can greatly enhance the overall impact of a portrait.
Week 4
This week, our class focused on preparing for the upcoming CAVA125 AT1 assignment, which is a comprehensive 1000-word report that analyses a portrait image by a chosen artist. Our instructor guided us through a recommended structure to make the report both coherent and insightful. The report should start with a 100-word introduction that includes a brief description of where the image was sourced and the reasons behind choosing it. The introductory section should also touch upon what the artwork communicates to the viewer.
For the main body of the report, which comprises 900 words, we were advised to elaborate on various key aspects under specific headings. These headings include a brief biographical overview of the photographer, an analysis of what the title suggests about the image, and a discussion of the subject matter of the photograph. Further, the report should delve into how the photographer has managed the elements of composition and lighting. It should also consider whether the image is influenced by any particular genre or historical movement.
Technical details should not be overlooked; the report should include the type of camera used for capturing the photograph, and its format—whether it's 35mm, medium format, large format, panorama, analogue, or digital. Additionally, the scale and type of print, whether analogue or digital, should also be discussed.
To conclude the report, a reflective paragraph is recommended. This should focus on how the artist's or photographer's work could potentially influence or relate to your own practice in photography.
During our class discussion, we also took the opportunity to explore some Australian art gallery websites. I was particularly drawn to the works of Anne Zahalka, whose profile can be found on various platforms such as Arc One Gallery and the Design and Art Australia Online.
database and e-research tool for art and design researchers
Week 5
This week's class focused on street photography, which is particularly appealing to me as it merges the worlds of landscapes and portraiture. We delved into the work of Trent Parke, an Australian photographer known for his unconventional approach to portraits. His work often pushes the boundaries of what is traditionally considered a portrait, making viewers question their preconceived notions. Parke's conceptual style of creating portraits that deviate from the norm has caught my attention and will serve as an inspiration for my self-directed project. His work offers a fresh perspective that I aim to incorporate into my own photographic practice, challenging not only my technical skills but also my understanding of what a portrait can be.
During discussions, Tom also recommended some artists which have similar styles to my planned project.
- urban / staged street photography
Week 6
Tom also touched upon Tracey Moffatt's unique approach to photography. Moffatt often employs self-portraiture as a medium to weave intricate stories, a technique that strongly resonated with me. My interest in storytelling through art found a new avenue for exploration in Moffatt's work. Her ability to convey complex narratives through the lens of self-portraiture is both innovative and inspiring. This method of storytelling opens up a range of possibilities for my own artwork, offering a compelling way to integrate narrative elements into my self-directed project. Tom's insights into Moffatt's storytelling techniques have provided me with valuable perspectives that I am eager to experiment with in my own practice.
Week 7
This week's class was centred around the important task of developing a concept and crafting a statement for our upcoming self-directed projects. As part of this week's activities, we were assigned to work on our Concept and Planning Statement. The focus on concept development comes at an opportune time for me, as I've been increasingly drawn to the genre of environmental portraiture. This particular style resonates with me because it harmoniously blends two of my photographic interests: portraiture and landscape. The ability to capture the essence of a subject while also incorporating elements of their surrounding environment offers a rich tapestry for storytelling and artistic expression. As I continue to work on my Concept and Planning Statement, I'm excited to delve deeper into environmental portraiture, exploring how I can bring my own unique perspective to this multifaceted genre. I am also thinking about implementing a long exposure component to symbolise traditional photography. Will explore this over the next few weeks.
Week 8
Self-directed project plan & concept development.
Week 9
Non teaching week (no classes). Spend this week working on my concept and developing the underlying themes and storyline and started considering who i could use as models in my portraits.
Week 10
This week we defined my final project plan.
This has been updated to focus more around human connection with the land. This was due to a lack of reasoning or concept behind the Telstra phone box. Why was it necessary? Why did my project revolve around it? As a result, I switched to this new theme to better align my project with a powerful concept. I have 3/4 models booked in this week at night after 8pm for shoots across town.
My new concept explores the tension between work and personal life by capturing my friends out the front of their workplaces, but wearing casual attire at night. The night setting adds an ethereal quality to the images, challenging traditional views of identity and work. My aim is to make viewers rethink the roles they play in society and see darkness as a space where other sides of identity can emerge.
Week 11
Last week 1 of my models cancelled. So this week i'm taking 2 photos after 8pm. I'm waiting for my SD Card reader to arrive in the post (next few days). Otherwise i'll just buy one from shops in interim.
All shoots finished. Editing has begun.
Week 12
SD card reader arrived! Have started importing images and editing in lightroom and photoshop. Another one of my models cancelled. New shoot date for tomorrow (Wednesday) this week. Tom and Deniz suggested that I play around with the Tone of my images to create a warmer environment, that is less 'clinical'.
Week 13
Editing in both Lightroom and photoshop. Last week experimented with layering to make the illuminated parts of my image less washed out. Final preparations for submission being completed this week. Final touch ups on blog/journal. Created some banners to keep everything organised and pretty.
