Edward Weston, 1886-1958, a 20th century photographer in America, was called “one of the most innovative and influential American photographers.” He photographed landscapes, still lives, portraits, and highly detailed images. I chose to research Edward Weston because of his high detailed images. I am really interested in the outcome of his images, showing the specific, intricate parts of each object. Using a studio Edward focused on composition lighting and form, this is something that I would like to experiment with in my photography.
This image of the vegetable leaf was shot using studio lights to create the black background and shadows which accentuate the texture of it. Because of the techniques used, it creates an image that captures the eye, causing it to question what it could be. I also feel that it makes you appreciate the finer details of every day objects that you may take for granted. The denotations shown through this image show the intricacy of life, the parts of the plants that go unnoticed. The black and white mask prevents the eye being drawn to the obvious, the plant is green, and the view is forced to look deeper at the everyday, well known object to see how much more there is to life.
This image, of a pumpkin was also shot in a studio using artificial light. the image, shot in black and white, allows a common object to be viewed in a way that would not be seen normally. Again, it forces the viewers to look deeper, into the parts that are often over looked, the individuality of each image, without becoming distract and bored by the obvious easily noticed parts.
this image, allows for individual interpretation. Although the object was a pepper, due to the clever positioning and lighting, the object could be viewed as many other things. Weston, by using these techniques in most of his images, especially in the four that i have chosen, makes you realise that nothing is ever looked at any more. the most well known parts are picked up yet the more interesting parts, the parts that make the plant individual are over looked.
I feel that Edward Weston has influenced me to try shooting within a studio. to experiment using the lights and different settings that are required to be used on your camera in order to capture the best images. I haven’t had much experience within a studio before and do not feel very comfortable when shooting however, I am open to trying to familiarise myself better with it. His work has made me more aware of what i should look for when choosing a subject, in order to make my work more original and individual instead of something that everyone else could create or easily reproduce.
Neil Mcintyre
I chose this photographer because I feel that Neil’s style of photography is similar to mine. I think that in his nature photography he has managed to capture the untouched and simplistic settings of the Scottish highlands.
Images
I like this image because it shows the wild animals in their natural habitat, but comfortable with the photographers presence. The image has captured the grace and elegance of the four stags showing their amazing ability to endure the coldest, harshest of weathers. The majestic ambience of the stags is conveyed through their proud and fearless stance that is shown to the photographer.
I like this image because of the simplistic colours that are used, along with the inquisitive deer in main focus, it creates a perfect image. Again, the image has captured the grace and elegance of the three stags showing their wild and inquisitive nature. The majestic ambience of the stags is conveyed through their proud and fearless stance that is shown to the photographer. this image also shows the untouched, innocent nature of the deer along with other wild animals.
For Neil’s work, he uses a Canon 1DX II, alongside two lenses, a Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS II USM and a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS II USM. he also uses a tripod with a flexline ballhead, which allows horizon levelling to be quick and easy and is a good addition to the gear that is used when taking telephoto and macro shots.
Before seeing Neil’s work, I had not thought about how, just a photo of a couple of deer (for example), can make a landscape image so much more impacting. I would like to incorporate some of the techniques used by Neil Mcintyre as well as the subjects that he has used. I think that by incorporating this into my work, it will give my work an extra special touch.
George Logan
George Logan’s images are clearly not ‘natural’ and ‘untouched’ and are not my usual style of photography, however, Logan’s work shows such a high level of skill when it comes to both photography and editing. Although the photos would never be real, the level of editing makes it look so natural, so much so, it is impossible to tell that they weren’t real.
Images
This image, shows an adult hippo and a baby hippo on a wooden pier. The baby is sitting down, whilst both are looking intently into the water. The overall colour of the image is grey, with grey tones coming from every aspect of the image. This image, created by Logan, could be implying the effects of humans inhabiting almost every corner of the planet. There is little amounts of places that have no sign of humans, so much so, the animals are becoming acclimatised to it. Instead of being in the water, where they are usually found, they are looking down into the water, just like a human mother and child would do if they were looking for animals. The grey tones are to back up the emotions that come with the retaliation of the fact that we, as humans have ruined this planet, not only for ourselves, but for every animal too.
This image shows a chimpanzee sitting on a pavement, in what looks like a city such as London, with a McDonald’s box next to him and a cup. there is also a sign made out of cardboard, saying “Thousands of animals are made homeless every month. Help keep wildlife in the wild at bornfree.org.uk”. The chimpanzee looks sad and uncared for. In my opinion, the denotations of this image,conveyed by George Logan is to raise awareness of both homeless as well as the animals that are taken from captivity every day and brought into homes and cities, leading to animals suffering and becoming extinct. Again, grey tones are used to convey the severity of this subject and to set a sad and ‘down’ tone to the image.
This series of images produced by George Logan has really influenced me to experiment within Photoshop and improve on my editing technique. The level of skill that has gone into producing Logan’s images are really inspiring due to the quality of the images produced. I would like to incorporate some of these techniques into my work, in order to improve my confidence around using photoshop in this way as well as improving my technique.
Lee frost
I chose Lee frost because his images are so well framed and the colours within the images are astounding. I think that Lee has a very good eye for spotting the perfect locations for his images as well as getting the composition of the images spot on.
Images
I not only love the colours of this image, the blue tones of the ice and ocean contrasting the deep sky, but I also like how such a simple landscape can make such a powerful image. The isolated piece of ice could have been photographed in order to raise awareness for the current global warming situation that is occurring. with this in mind, the ice is juxtaposed by the great expanse of water behind it, which could have once been completely frozen, showing how serious the matter is.
this image was cleverly taken in order to make the water look soft and light, almost mist like. This then juxtaposes the harsh edged rocks, complemented with the soft sky. together, this photograph captures the eye instantly. The pure setting, accompanied by the soft clouds create a heavenly and angelic atmosphere. the pink sky also complements this as it is a sight that is rarely seen.
Lee Frost has influenced me to experiment with bringing out the colour within my images to really bring them to life. As my style is nature photography, I tend not to touch the colours very much, however, Frosts work has really showed me that altering the colours within your images, if done carefully, will not ruin your image but will actually bring out its full potential.
I would like to incorporate some of Lee’s techniques into my own photography because I think that this would improve my final images significantly.
Kate Watson - A Level Photography 