Framing
Statement Of Intent
The project that I am going to be looking at is Framing. I am going to be planning to look at different role models that have played a good part in this area of framing. The framing I have looked at so far is looking through a mirror to get an effect this is on my mood bored and also I have made a coggle showing all the photographers which can give me support on this project. This can be very useful because it can give me the ability to give me better chance to compare and contrast my work in the different areas I think this is a really good project as it makes you to be more creative in your own way. for example I am going to be looking at photos of mirror objects through circular and square shapes. Also in my opinion I think that this project is going to be fun and enjoyable.
The photographers and artist that I am going to be looking at are Alex Webb, Irving Pen and Laura Letinsky this is because they relate to my project of framing and have inspired me to keep looking deeper into framing. Also I am going to do my 4Cs on them because they are amazing and can help me in the future of this project The reason why they inspire me is because they all relate to my photography and they all really stand out with there photography skills like for example Alex Webb is good at taking photographs with color and shadow and also Irving pen does the same with darker photographs the reason why this is good is because it stands out a lot more and shows me how you can turn one photo into amazing photo by making it darker. Also the good thing about all of these photographers is that they all use a good background for example Laura Letinsky uses a white background all around and it matches with the mood and light and makes all of the colorful objects stand out.
At first my initial thoughts were that I just had to get a frame and put something inside of it and see what effect I would get from it and also I thought it was something to do with mirror as well. AS I started to look into it more deeply I have realised that there is a lot more to look forward to. There are soo many different things you can do with framing for example you can frame a human, table, objects and animals. The different things I thought that this would consist of is get a square shaped cupboard and take photos. As I have looked into it you can literally open a door and get a very good shot and and effect. Also you can make things look supper nice by stretching it like a curtain. Photography consist of a lot of different
things to learn, for example learning how to use a manual camera and how to apply it in your photos.
The photo shoots that I want to complete is that is mirror and framing shots. The reason for this is because I want to then try another part of framing which is taking outside shots in such a way which can make them look very interesting. The reason being is that this will make my work look a lot better. Then the next steps of this will be me taking my skills to another level by taking shots in different areas .
I am going to be using a school camera which is called a cannon DLSR. The reason why I am going to be using this camera is because I only do my photography in school which makes it better cause I have everything I need. All my photography relates around school the reason being is that I do not have the correct equipment at home for example background, studio lights, reflectors and a model. Another way I am going to be experimenting is by using photoshop in a more professional way this is because I want to experiment a different design. I think that this is a really good idea cause I want to explore different things. I am going to be using my phone to do homework for photography. I want to achieve how to do layering.
I only have 3months to do my personal project (framing)
I will show my progression by taking photos of a mirror and a object or a model then I am going to do it with a frame and that will make it more better. I will also bring objects from home to school and take photos. I will make all of these photos better by editing them and make them more creative than they were before and get them to have different outcomes. I can show my progression by reflecting on my progress and set new plans so I develop my ideas.
I am going to be annotating my work by labeling all my ideas in my shoot plans and galleries o I learn from each shoot, this will allow me to develop a new aspect to my work. The way I will show my journey and my outcomes is by putting them up on my Weebly page and make a little check list. The way I am going to get help is by asking my teachers to help me because they can make my work improve by giving me advice. I am going evaluate my project by improving my Photoshop and start to get better results and achieve different ways to use Photoshop and extend my outcomes. Also I am going to be watching tutorials on how to edit in Photoshop and Photopea so I become more creative and confident using it. Once I finish this then I am going right a reflection to say what went well and what was wrong and put my final images into a gallery.
Research
Alex Webb
Context
I have been researching Alex Webb on the internet and his interest in street photography and framing the everyday scenes. This is the information I have found below
"Webb’s talent is most noticeable in his ability to photograph an array of subjects within a single image. This multi-layered effect is perhaps the most defining attribute of his work, as he showcases chaotic scenes with incredible grace and balance. For instance, his acclaimed photo book, Istanbul: City of a Hundred Names, presents a place where ancient history constantly competes with modern realities, all within the same frame. In a 2013 interview, Webb explains his photographic philosophy: “I take complex photographs because I experience the world – particularly more and more as I get older – as a very complicated and ultimately inexplicable place. My experiences in the world, my travels as a photographer, lead me to believe that there are no simple solutions, no easy answers, just a lot of difficult and perhaps unanswerable questions.”
https://urth.co/magazine/alex-webb-street-photography
Composition
Alex Webb utilises framing techniques to take his astonishing pictures which make them truly stand out. He does this by using shadow, light and architecture to create an interesting composition. The pattern that has been used in this photograph is a circle of light in the background that frames a father and daughter silhouetted in black to make them stand out. WE can also see a strip of white light on the right hand side that acts like a frame for the two people in foreground. The sharp side of the book frames the man's head but also adds colour to the image. In my opinion I think he utilises the contrast between light and dark to symbolise different people within their own frames.
Looking at this photo I think he took it slightly on the left hand side and at eye level. So the impact from this draws the viewer in and makes you feel part of the picture.
I can also see that he has used the composition of technique as he has foreground, middle ground and distance. The people at the front have been tightly cropped to bring them to the front, in the middle we have the silhouette of 2 people and in the distance some green doors. This creates depth to the image. In this picture I can see that he has captured lots of vertical leading lines, in the doors in the background, the background wall, the right hand edge and the lines in the comic. This makes the photograph interesting to look at and leads your eye to lean around the picture. I don't think he uses the line of thirds but the silhouetted figures create a focal point to look at.
Also the time of day is very important because it could have had different effects on the camera lighting but it looks like it has been taken in full sun shine as there is contrast between the light and dark shadows.
This looks like it has been taken outside due to the fact that it seems like a natural scene and from my research I know he does street photography. Because I think he has taken this image as he is walking around, he would have to check his exposure and shutter speed. As it looks like it was a bright day I think he would need a far shutter speed and the ISO about 100. He may have used a 50mm lens as this is good for portrait photography.
Looking at this photo I think he took it slightly on the left hand side and at eye level. So the impact from this draws the viewer in and makes you feel part of the picture.
I can also see that he has used the composition of technique as he has foreground, middle ground and distance. The people at the front have been tightly cropped to bring them to the front, in the middle we have the silhouette of 2 people and in the distance some green doors. This creates depth to the image. In this picture I can see that he has captured lots of vertical leading lines, in the doors in the background, the background wall, the right hand edge and the lines in the comic. This makes the photograph interesting to look at and leads your eye to lean around the picture. I don't think he uses the line of thirds but the silhouetted figures create a focal point to look at.
Also the time of day is very important because it could have had different effects on the camera lighting but it looks like it has been taken in full sun shine as there is contrast between the light and dark shadows.
This looks like it has been taken outside due to the fact that it seems like a natural scene and from my research I know he does street photography. Because I think he has taken this image as he is walking around, he would have to check his exposure and shutter speed. As it looks like it was a bright day I think he would need a far shutter speed and the ISO about 100. He may have used a 50mm lens as this is good for portrait photography.
Connections
I decided to look at Alex Webb due to the fact that he is really good at framing photographs and is able to do it in different styles. He relates to my work as well which make it better for me. I also find that he can take different pictures in amazing angles also the camera techniques he uses. This shows that he is very talented when he does photography. The camera techniques that he uses are very high leveled skills that he uses in his photography.
Comment
I admire Alex Webb's photography due to the fact that he has inspired me to do this project and also I think he is amazing inspiration to everyone if they want to do photography framing. Also he is using his techniques very well.
Irving Penn
Context
I have been researching Irving Penn on the internet and below is the information I found about the photographer.
"Irving Penn (June 16, 1917 – October 7, 2009) was an American photographer known for his fashion photography, portraits, and still life's. Penn's career included work at Vogue magazine, and independent advertising work for clients including Issy Miyake and Clinique.
Family: Arthur Penn (younger brother); Matthew ...
Born: June 16, 1917; Plainfield, New Jersey, US
Died: October 7, 2009 (aged 92); Manhattan, ...
Occupation: Photographer"
This is the website I used:
https://www.google.com/search?q=irving+penn+information&source=lmns&bih=789&biw=1600&rlz=1C1GCEB_enGB991GB991&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjJ0qHq_db3AhUE-4UKHVScDyIQ_AUoAHoECAEQAA&safe=active&ssui=on
"After the Second World War, as Penn quickly developed a reputation for his striking style in still life and portraiture, Liberman sent him around the world on portrait and fashion assignments. These were formative experiences, which confirmed Penn's preference for photographing in the controlled environment of a studio, where he could trim away anything that was not essential to his compositions and hone in on his subjects. Separate from these assignments, Penn undertook a major personal project, photographing fleshy nudes at close range in the studio and experimenting with their printing to "break through the slickness of the image." It was a new approach to photography that stemmed from profound reflection on earlier art historical models, but the images were deemed too provocative and not shown for decades."
https://irvingpenn.org/biography
"Irving Penn (June 16, 1917 – October 7, 2009) was an American photographer known for his fashion photography, portraits, and still life's. Penn's career included work at Vogue magazine, and independent advertising work for clients including Issy Miyake and Clinique.
Family: Arthur Penn (younger brother); Matthew ...
Born: June 16, 1917; Plainfield, New Jersey, US
Died: October 7, 2009 (aged 92); Manhattan, ...
Occupation: Photographer"
This is the website I used:
https://www.google.com/search?q=irving+penn+information&source=lmns&bih=789&biw=1600&rlz=1C1GCEB_enGB991GB991&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjJ0qHq_db3AhUE-4UKHVScDyIQ_AUoAHoECAEQAA&safe=active&ssui=on
"After the Second World War, as Penn quickly developed a reputation for his striking style in still life and portraiture, Liberman sent him around the world on portrait and fashion assignments. These were formative experiences, which confirmed Penn's preference for photographing in the controlled environment of a studio, where he could trim away anything that was not essential to his compositions and hone in on his subjects. Separate from these assignments, Penn undertook a major personal project, photographing fleshy nudes at close range in the studio and experimenting with their printing to "break through the slickness of the image." It was a new approach to photography that stemmed from profound reflection on earlier art historical models, but the images were deemed too provocative and not shown for decades."
https://irvingpenn.org/biography
Composition
Irving Penn uses in this picture a foreground and a middle ground, I can see the seated figure is close to the picture frame and the middle ground is quite close and he is in an angled room. The foreground is quite tight and so this makes it look like the image has been framed. It is also tightly cropped which adds to the idea of framing.
He uses a wide range of different shapes to make the image stand out, for example, I can see that the picture zooms in as there are strong leading lines either side of the figure that goes to a vanishing point. He has also used the rule of thirds as I can see the head is in the top third and the rest of the body is in the next two thirds. This makes the model stand out and is quite powerful. I can also see the model is seated on a line of symmetry, both halves of the body look the same and makes it interesting to look at.
He also is really good at setting his camera to a certain point, we are at eye level with the model which draws you in.
In my opinion I think that the a ISO is on 100 and the white balance creates contrast because it has shades of light to dark that makes the model stand out.
I think that he has taken the shot in a studio and the lights are coming from each corner so that the face and hands are lit up.
Connections
The reason why I actually started looking at Irving Penn is because he has a creative mindset and a positive approach to all of his photos. This shows that he is a amazing photographer and is helpful to look at. One thing I might take from his work is the idea of tightly cropping an image to make a frame. I might also use black & white to create a contrast. However, I am not going to take photos of people but I think I might take photos of buildings in Manchester.
Comment
He is an inspiring photographer because he uses different camera techniques to take his photos, such as : ISO, white balance and different lens. Also he changes up the images he is taking to look different and to stand out. He links to my work of the way he takes photos and he also takes them in random areas and studios and also has models in them
This is an image I found on the internet, I really liked the image but could not find the photographer
Composition
In this picture the thing that stands out to me is the contrast between the black and white, the black background acts as a contrast to the models white face, that helps you to focus on it and nothing distracts from the main theme.
The other thing that they have done to make this picture stand out is using the rules of third, they have done this by putting the hands in the bottom third, with the mirror and the face of the model in the middle and at the top third we can see the models face. This strong composition helps to frame the shot and makes the image flow, drawing your eye across the photograph.
They have tightly cropped this image, we can just see a section of the models face in the top left hand corner, this tight framing adds interest to the image and makes you feel that you are very close to the model holding the mirror.
In my opinion I think the shot has been done in a studio because you can see the light reflecting off the mirror from a studio light. As the background is so dark, I think this had to be controlled in the studio, we don't see any natural light source. In my opinion this picture has been taken on manual camera, Fstop 11, with a medium shutter speed as the light is quite low. They have also set their white balance to auto or 200 to make their picture in focus and in Sharpe contrast.
I think that they have also used a tripod to get the camera to be as still as possible.
The shot has been taken in a way that they had to face down to get the face of the model so the camera has an angle to the face, but it is at eye level which help to draw us into the image.
The vanishing point in this image is the model's face, going into her eye. This makes it stands out, I can also see strong leading lines going around the mirror frame that creates a strong circular shape against the harsh black background,
The other thing that they have done to make this picture stand out is using the rules of third, they have done this by putting the hands in the bottom third, with the mirror and the face of the model in the middle and at the top third we can see the models face. This strong composition helps to frame the shot and makes the image flow, drawing your eye across the photograph.
They have tightly cropped this image, we can just see a section of the models face in the top left hand corner, this tight framing adds interest to the image and makes you feel that you are very close to the model holding the mirror.
In my opinion I think the shot has been done in a studio because you can see the light reflecting off the mirror from a studio light. As the background is so dark, I think this had to be controlled in the studio, we don't see any natural light source. In my opinion this picture has been taken on manual camera, Fstop 11, with a medium shutter speed as the light is quite low. They have also set their white balance to auto or 200 to make their picture in focus and in Sharpe contrast.
I think that they have also used a tripod to get the camera to be as still as possible.
The shot has been taken in a way that they had to face down to get the face of the model so the camera has an angle to the face, but it is at eye level which help to draw us into the image.
The vanishing point in this image is the model's face, going into her eye. This makes it stands out, I can also see strong leading lines going around the mirror frame that creates a strong circular shape against the harsh black background,
Connections
I think this image really connects with my idea of framing as the mirror captures just the thing you want to show. It's very creative and I think will give me lots of good ideas to start my framing project. It connects to my ideas about using cropping as a framing technique and also how a pure black background can frame a model or object.
Comment
I really like this image because I like the way that the photographer has has captured the face in a round framed mirror, with a pure black background. I think it is very effective and is a good example of how you can frame an image/object in a mirror to make it stand out. I really like the black and white element, it looks professional and is something that might inspire my own work.