Assignment 2: Elements of design

Incorporating all the design elements studied in the previous section into a set of photographs of one particular subject. Initially my plan was to make this subject "The Beach" and I had some ideas to work with as I packed my suitcase for my holiday. Unfortunately it rained persistently for all but one of the days we were at the resort so I had to abandon that plan and pick up the subject of "Street Details" instead. Living on the edge of a major city made it the obvious choice for me.

Photograph 1 : Single Point Dominating The Composition.

Photograph 1

When I originally selected this scene it was to demonstrate the curves element of design. However, the curve in itself appears rather bland and needed something to spark some life into it. So I waited for a passer by to appear. This created a strong single point, the eyes immediately taken to it by the  long curve.

Photograph 2 : Two Points

Photograph 2

In this scene the stark contrast between the blue plaque and the red wall initially draws the viewer in. The eyes then turn to the window. I decided to shoot from this angle and leave just a little of the darkened room on show giving the picture a slight sense of mystery. "See who lived there. I wonder what it's like inside? If only I could draw back that curtain."

Photograph 3 : Several Points in a Deliberate Shape.

Photograph 3

I struggled with this one a bit. Eventually I found these little walkway fountains near City Hall in London. Initially the large implied triangle attracted me, then the two opposing implied triangles.


Photograph 4 : A combination of vertical and horizontal lines.

Photograph 4

I had walked through this tunnel previously and liked the look of it. Trying to make a diagonal picture proved a little messy due to the cluttered ends of the tunnel. Eventually I found a point of view which highlighted both vertical and horizontal lines in the composition. The photo was taken from ground level with the camera on a beanbag.


Photograph 5 : Diagonals

Photograph 5

Leaving an underground station I was struck by many things here. The succession of vivid blue screens contrasting with the woman's shock of red hair. The perfectly even spacing of the three pedestrians. I quickly took my camera from my bag, selected a slightly longer shutter speed to emphasise the movement, and took the picture.


Photograph 6 : Curves

Photograph 6

I took a few shots representing curves but didn't get one that I really liked. This one was taken at dusk at the side of the A23. All the lines in the shot lead the viewer into the one direction, the right of the frame.


Photograph 7 : Distinct, even if irregular, shapes.

Photograph 7

Obviously rectangles are the shapes I went for. I was drawn to the overkill of multiculturalism in this scene as well as the colours.


Photograph 8 : Implied Triangle No.1

Photograph 8

The three elements making up the triangle in this shot are obviously the three black shapes. I had tried the previous day to compose an image involving three people but it didn't work out.


Photograph 9 : Implied triangle No.2

Photograph 9

Taken on a recent holiday, the two towers represent the sides of the triangle. The less obvious apex is the light from the buildings being reflected back off the clouds.


Photograph 10 : Rhythm

Photograph 10

A row of bicycles, all pretty much identical is a scene that lends itself perfectly to rhythm  in Photograph 10. You could almost imagine yourself hopping from one rear mudguard to the other as you make your way through the frame.


Photograph 11 : Pattern

Photograph 11

A reflection shot of a building that in itself is rather bland makes Photograph 11 just a little more interesting. Tight framing has kept most of the edge from view. Lack of an accessible position meant I had to include a little of two corners.


 

Tutor Report Form

Student name:	Robert German
Student number:	507010
Course/Module title:	Art of Photography
Assignment number:	2

Overall Comments

You have matched the themes required in almost every case, with many images showing creativity and imagination. Some have turned mundane subjects into good images by considered application of viewpoint, light, line and form. Your exposures are noticeably improved from the first assignment and there are also interactions with people and some uses of movement to good effect.

When pointing up or down, you appear to level one side of the image, leaving the other side tilting. Keeping the camera level is the best option, or correcting the angles with software. But failing these, just aligning the centre of the image with a vertical would produce a more pleasing symmetry, so that both left and right sides appear similar.

Feedback on assignment

Single point

The curves of the wall are a good location. The figure is a clear single point, satisfying the theme. As you noted, the area needs something to lift it as it is a sea of grey. The figure does give a definite focal point but is too far to the left edge and tilts to the left (as does the building behind). A crop/rotate would cure the tilt but I'd prefer the man on the 'thirds' (between the trees) and better still, what the location needs is some light from the left to add light and shade to the walls and paving.

Two points

The plaque and window balance each other and I like the colour combination of the red wall and blue of the plaque too. Although you create a story in the text, I don't find it is necessarily communicated by the image, in fact, after reading the plaque, I'm looking around for more interest in the shot .

Deliberate shape

The set of miniature fountains have enough action and sparkle to catch the eye and hold attention for a while. If more regularly arranged in the frame (along with the stone blocks) they would be a candidate for 'pattern'. As they are, I can see implied triangles but not an overall deliberate shape drawn around the points.

Vertical and horizontal

I'm guessing that the dominance of the (bright) ceiling in the composition is due to the fact that you wanted to include the maximum of vertical and horizontal lines. The images are the important aspect of the assignment and the theme is secondary - just a context for the subject. The viewpoint lends itself more to the diagonals you mention, as does the wide angle lens, but there are enough horizontal and vertical lines in the walls to satisfy the theme. This reminds me of the first image but I find there's a lot more of interest in the walls and architectural features. You have also placed a small, but significant, figure at the end of the perspective lines to good effect. This man is engaged with the scene and looking in to it, unlike the 'single point' man.

Diagonals

The creativity in this image sets it at a point above the rest of the assignment images. That it was a grab shot is impressive as you have captured a really dynamic composition with both subjects, structure and movement in a diagonal direction. I like the blurring of the blue signs as they would be too dominant if sharp. The escalator's blurring takes the eye from what is a large part of the scene. Just a little steadier panning on the lady would provide some sharpness in the scene (a definite focal point), but that's probably nit-picking.

Curves

Another good shot with movement and great use of light and colour. The timing is just about right to balance the sky and ambient light on the road and trees. Sky, grass and red tail lights provide a good range of colours in what is really a night shot. There is a gap to the traffic trails on the left, that unbalances the shot a little, although that is filled by the white lines. I can see why you chose this location as the multiple signs emphasise the tight bend (curve) to good effect.

Distinct shapes

The rectangular arrangement and its juxtaposition is slightly odd as you note, as the drawings don't seem to relate to the newspaper holders. It is bright and holds attention for a while, but I'm left wondering if a person, or another element, could be included as a focal point and to keep interest for longer.

Implied triangle

The black 'shapes' are an implied triangle and do form a significant part of the image. Being black, though, they do recede in the image compared to the white stone of the memorial. This isn't really a problem as such, as the memorial stone is (roughly) triangular itself. Again, as with the previous image, I'd have liked another element, just to create more interest, as well as better lighting to add some colour and texture to the scene.

Implied triangle 2

This is a fine architectural shot (Petronas towers?) with carefully controlled exposure to get the maximum detail from the scene. The perspective has produced the diagonals you required for the implied triangle, without the cloud. I don't see the cloud clearly on my screen and wonder if an earlier shot would have been clearer, with some light still in the sky (as in 'curves')? Or perhaps you could just lighten the cloud in Photoshop Elements or a similar software package?

Rhythm

Bicycles aren't really interesting by themselves, nor adverts for Barclays bank, so what makes this image stand out as dynamic, focused and uncluttered? I'd say a combination of viewpoint and very careful framing. The triangualr arrangement leads the eye off to the top left corner (away from the bright pavement to the right), as does the the repetitive row that provides the rhythm in the shot. The only criticism would be the lighting, which isn't on the subject. Nevertheless it is a good shot produce by your own efforts from potentially dull subjects, that really fits the theme well.

Pattern

The choice of a reflection of a pattern of windows adds more interest than would otherwise result from a straight shot, and the slight movement adds a painterly quality to the scene. I think that a bit more exposure and more colour saturation could lift the image even further.

Learning log

Don't forget to update your log with any activities, plans and thoughts about your work. Add also your research and thoughts on other photographer's work that you've read about or seen online or in exhibitions. In particular, relate your reflection and developing thoughts about what you see to your own work.

Suggested reading/viewing

I recommend reading 'Approaching Photography' by Paul Hill

Conclusions and targets for next assignment.

There is evidence of a clear progression from the last assignment. The next assignment is about colour relationships. Once again, the colour relationship is a theme, part of the image, not the subject. Subjects can be of any scale and often work better if they are relatively simple. Continue to look for the light, line and form to produce better images, as you have in this assignment. The next assignment is not just 'colour' themed, the relationships you have used in this assignment (and exercises) are equally valid to be included e.g. pattern, rhythm, single point etc. can be very strong compositional tools. In fact 'colour accents' are usually a 'single point' composition.

Tutor name:	Derek Trillo
Date	22/04/11
Next assignment due	01/06/11

Again I have sought to re-shoot some of the images considered weakest in the assignment. In some instances I have adjusted the original picture according to the feedback received from Derek.

Photograph 1 : Single Point Dominating The Composition

Photograph 1

This scene as shot has been difficult to revisit. I have therefore re-processed the original raw file and straightened the image as required. I so wish the gentleman had been wearing a brightly coloured shirt!







Photograph 8 : Implied Triangle Number 1

Photograph 8

The original image submitted for assignment was difficult to re-shoot as the subject always appeared to be in a shaded area. So I decided to substitute it with this image I took at the Basketball event at London 2012. I really like that all three figures are animated in some way.












Photograph 10 : Rhythm

Photograph 10

More light. Well I left it too late and despite HOPING for some sunshine I have no choice but to "add some light" in Photoshop, not something I really enjoy but the difference in the two shots is marked.








Photograph 11 : Pattern

Photograph 11

As suggested by Derek I have boosted the contrast and colour in Photograph 11. I have also cropped out some of the distractions in the corners of the frame.