STATEMENT OF INTENT
I aim to build a web page of work illustrating my thoughts, growth, elegant work and reflection based around the theme of the ‘Low Light.’ at the close of my coursework time, i'll pick up my finest Photographs and upload them in a last gallery.
For my initial research I will begin by gazing into ‘Low Light’ photographers. At the moment, I have three in intellect that I desire to look at. These are Liam Wong, Bill Schwab and Henri Prestes . I selected Liam Wong because he’s a modern photographer that documents Neon modernised night time photography and I believe I can acquire a lots of inspiration from my own work. I really like the juxtaposition of attractive settings that are documented decaying, I could assume about a Sci-fi movie too. I selected to look at Bill Schwab simple but effective photography ’ as his work focuses on the simplicity of night time photos and I feel that the natural lighting also carries out the low light but additionally sees professional and striking. It would be a excellent inequity to the other photographers and will assist me determine whereat direction I desire my work to move in. I he said he hoped that look at the task of Henri Prestes and specifically his series of ‘Isolated Art of Night Time Photography’. I feel that his work is summary and attractive and will inspire my own photography.It will additionally let me to work in ‘close-up’ and I could try utilizing a various lens.
When I selected this theme, my initial ideas were of common place Lights as an example the sky, lights, ect. After thinking about the plan headline more thoroughly I realise there exist variety more routes for my work to fall down as an example man composed Low Light , how I could blend and inequity the distinct Light tones and if I could do studio scenes along with moving exterior on region. If I get a range of distinct Lights, this will enable me to have more images to totem with and inequity, once it is refining my work in Photoshop.
To explain progression over my work I will begin by photographing the sky, man made lights such as car headlights and neon signs that I can carry into educational institution.I will then design these images furthermore by taking more thoughts from them and editing them in Photoshop. I then hope to venture from within Manchester / Stretford and accumulate Low Light images from the environment around me. I already have a lots of thoughts running over my head towards this plan which will propel me in the right direction.
The 1st thing i'll do is experiment with the resources the center of learning offers me, for instance, a manual Canon DSLR which i'll use to invent photos that are more exhaustive. I may additionally experiment with photography exterior of educational institution with a phone camera. I'll additionally get training in photoshop, comprising of how to modify the layers, build shadows, edit unwanted inanimate objects, and use lighting to make them seem more aesthetically aesthetic .To obtain an notion of what setting more importantly appeals to me, I could go to a variety of places to perceive which delivers me the finest outcomes in my photographs, for instance, I could go to the Piccadilly, and Deansgate. To acquire an notion of what setting more importantly appeals to me, I could go to a variety of places to perceive which delivers me the finest outcomes in my photographs.
I have 3 months to build my web page of work towards the fabrication of my last piece. I aim to conclude my initial research within the 3 week and begin photographing by the 4th week with the intention of deliver me the time I have to explain progression. I'll then keep going to expand my work in photoshop and be ready to move out again with my camera and acquire new images to improve my plan. When I have finished the plan, i'll choose my finest photography results and show them in my last gallery.
As my plan progresses I'll use annotations all over my homepage labelling my thoughts and advancement certainly. This will additionally assist me to meditate on the task I build. I'll largely search for advice from my Tutors and my peers on how to make my work greater, as I’m consistently aiming to shove myself to new levels. I'll additionally view tutorials and demonstrations and locate my own also to assist me design my abilities and knowledge of Photoshop. afterwards the foundation of my last portfolio I'll write a last evaluation on the plan as a complete, mirroring on what went well and what i'd do in a different way or replace delivered the time.
LIAM WONG
Composition
This is a Low Light image consisting of a modernized neon lit alleyway and shadows which are portrayed around the image. The lights are going from a light focus, contrasting with the shadows, to create a light and dark image. There is also bicycles present in the foreground, which appears to be less of a focus due to the position of the bike, allowing you to be more observant of the lights. The photograph looks fairly new as it seems as though it has been taken on a newer piece of technology due to the high levels of detail portrayed in the photo, being the contrast between the lights and shadows. This type of effect is not usually present on older cameras. The photograph has high amounts of colour, but not much range as there are mainly just neon blues and pinks for the foreground. However other may argue that if you look very closely at the floor, there is a hint of red from the colour of the bikes and combined with the neon pink, but it is very faint. There is also a small of yellow and purple for the logo. There is a hint of baby blue reflecting from the light on to the wall, which is evident but also subtle. There is a shot of jet black pf the shadow, and present in the corners of the room, which contrasts to the image entirely as the focus is manly Lights and Darks, giving a Sky fi theme to it. The fact that people are not present in this image gives a sense of isolation but quietness as you feel alone but happy at the same time, contrasting to the idea of dark and light, dark being alone, but light meaning joyful, making it seem as though it is a peaceful and safe place. Clearly rule of thirds has been utilised in this photo as the path in the middle is the sweet spot, making it the most significant part of the image, as it creates leading lines that draws you towards the end due to the objects on the sides (bikes) sort of facing the end. Another factor to add to this idea of leading lines is that the photographer has seemed to have taken the image a bit below the regular eye level, therefore making the path seem as though it stretches out further. It is also evident that a tripod has been used as the shadows of the image look very smoky, which is clear that a slow shutter speed has been used to create this effect, a slow shutter speed only works on a tripod. This use of this camera technique has made the photo look more dark which greatly contrasts to the lights of the image. The photographer may have used photoshop to colour grade this image in order to perfectly blend the deep blacks, colours and lights of the image. This allows the viewer to be more pleased when looking at the photo.
Context
INFORMATION FROM
https://beautifulbizarre.net/2021/11/01/liam-wong-interview/
https://beautifulbizarre.net/2021/11/01/liam-wong-interview/
Born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland, Liam Wong is a photographer, art director and game designer. Being an avid lover of video games since he was a child, Wong studied Computer Arts at Abertay University in Dundee and graduated in 2010. Within only two years of graduating from university, he found himself crossing the ocean over to Canada where he would go on to become the youngest director for video game company Ubisoft.
Alongside working on projects such as Far Cry and collaborating with companies including Sony, CD Projekt, Apple and Google, Wong began trying his hand at photography. A trip to Tokyo back in 2014 was the catalyst for Wong’s interest in picking up a camera. In 2015, Wong took the plunge and invested in his first DSLR, a Canon 5D Mark III and set off to Japan with his new equipment by his side. Wong’s love of video games, sci-fi, Japanese animation and cyberpunk melded together with photography inspirations including Fan Ho, Sauk Leiterbut and Masataka Nakano helping to shape his own style of street photography.
In December 2019, Wong released his debut monograph book titled ‘TO:KY:OO’. The book was a crowdfunded project which gained so much interest that it became the largest crowdfunded book in the UK. With words from Hideo Kojima and Syd Mead, Wong’s debut book allows you to explore Tokyo’s nightlife without having to leave your home. Currently, Liam Wong is working as a freelancer on a range of artistic projects within photography, film and video games and his second book titled ‘AFTER DARK‘ is currently being crowdfunded and is set to release next year.
Alongside working on projects such as Far Cry and collaborating with companies including Sony, CD Projekt, Apple and Google, Wong began trying his hand at photography. A trip to Tokyo back in 2014 was the catalyst for Wong’s interest in picking up a camera. In 2015, Wong took the plunge and invested in his first DSLR, a Canon 5D Mark III and set off to Japan with his new equipment by his side. Wong’s love of video games, sci-fi, Japanese animation and cyberpunk melded together with photography inspirations including Fan Ho, Sauk Leiterbut and Masataka Nakano helping to shape his own style of street photography.
In December 2019, Wong released his debut monograph book titled ‘TO:KY:OO’. The book was a crowdfunded project which gained so much interest that it became the largest crowdfunded book in the UK. With words from Hideo Kojima and Syd Mead, Wong’s debut book allows you to explore Tokyo’s nightlife without having to leave your home. Currently, Liam Wong is working as a freelancer on a range of artistic projects within photography, film and video games and his second book titled ‘AFTER DARK‘ is currently being crowdfunded and is set to release next year.
Connections
This photographer has given me more information on how different photographs are taken. by examining Liam, I have realised there is more to photography than meets the eye, there are so many techniques that have not utilised in my work, for instance, low light. For this project I will be following mainly Liam Wong's style and other low light photographers to utilise there techniques and skills into my own work, therefore in result allowing me to achieve greatness and get a higher grade.
Comment
What I appreciate in the photo is its bright colours and moods. I think this due to the fact that the image design is quite different from many other photos I have viewed, having a positive effect on my viewing experience. The photo has been taking very beautifully, creating strong colours for almost everything, giving the photo a Sky-fi Look. I really love this in a photograph as I believe it brings out the contrasts and adds more life to the photo.
BILL SCHWAB
Composition
This is a Low Light image consisting of a Murky / foggy city. In this photo I can see that a slight shadow effect has been utilised for the blacked out building, to create a silhouetted effect. The lights are going from light focus, contrasting with the silhouette, to create a light and dark image, therefore making the building in the middle appear more bold, resulting in it primarily being a huge focus point in the photograph. There is also windows present in the foreground, which appears to be less of a focus due to the area in which they are in, allowing you to be more observant of the shadows building. The photograph looks fairly old as it seems as though it has been taken on an older piece of technology due to the graininess and dim colours portrayed in the photo. However this photos dim colours help contrast between the light and the shadows. This type of effect is usually present through the use of newer hardware, however I believe Bill did this though the use of photoshop. This photograph has a low amount of colour, and not much range as there are mainly just hints of blacks, greys whites and yellows. Some may argue that if you look very closely at the top of the image there is a hint of gold, however it is very faint. The greys in the image to show the buildings help bring out the old effect even more as you would usually associate grey with old things. The contrast between the greys and blacks help create a heavyweight blend, therefore making the photo look more appealing to the viewer. The fact that people are not present are not present in the photo, gives a sense of isolation and solitary feeling however it allows you to appreciate the textures, lights and contrasts more in the image, being more observant on the shadow and main focus. The rule of thirds has been utilised here as the building in the middle is the sweet spot, making it the most significant part of the image. I believe the photographer has taken the image quite a significant amount below the eye level, therefore making the building on the sides appear more large as if they were overcrowding you. It is also evident that a tripod and a low shutter speed has been used to as the shadows of the image look very smoky, a slow shutter speed is only possible with a tripod. The use of this camera technique has made the photo look more dim which greatly contrasts to the lights of the image. The photographer has used photoshop to grade this image, also adding grain and other textures to make the image appear more art-like and papery. This allows the viewer to question and be observant when looking at the image, in a way possibly being pleased when viewing.
Context
INFORMATION FROM
http://www.billschwab.com/biography/
http://www.billschwab.com/biography/
Bill Schwab is an American photographer known for his emotionally charged yet peaceful urban and natural landscapes. Born in Detroit, Michigan he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Central Michigan University in 1983
Born: 1959 (age 64 years), Detroit, Michigan, United States
Education: Central Michigan University
Known for: Photography
Bill Schwab’s career as a photographer and publisher now spans over 4 decades with work in many private, corporate and museum collections around the world. He has been a pioneer in the area of online representation and branding of his photographic art having successfully managed a worldwide collector base for many years as well as consulted with other artists and galleries on the subject. In addition to his work as a photographer, through his North Light Photographic Workshops, he facilitates classes in several photographic process a year at his northern Michigan facility as well as leads expeditions of photographers to Iceland, the Faroe Islands and more. Bill is also founder and host of the "Photostock Festival", an annual gathering of photographers, collectors and enthusiasts for workshops, reviews, presentations and demos.
In 2005 he founded North Light Press with the intention of independently supporting and publishing the work of emerging as well as established photographers and has published several successful titles to date. Recently launched under his North Light Press label is a new series titled the “11+1 Signature Series”, a series of small run, limited edition books that contain 11 reproductions and 1 original print. Each case bound book is signed and numbered by the photographer in an edition of only 100. There are now 10 books in this series that is continually growing and includes titles from past Critical Mass, Top 50 photographers, S. Gayle Stevens, Clay Lipsky and Anne Berry among others.
Born: 1959 (age 64 years), Detroit, Michigan, United States
Education: Central Michigan University
Known for: Photography
Bill Schwab’s career as a photographer and publisher now spans over 4 decades with work in many private, corporate and museum collections around the world. He has been a pioneer in the area of online representation and branding of his photographic art having successfully managed a worldwide collector base for many years as well as consulted with other artists and galleries on the subject. In addition to his work as a photographer, through his North Light Photographic Workshops, he facilitates classes in several photographic process a year at his northern Michigan facility as well as leads expeditions of photographers to Iceland, the Faroe Islands and more. Bill is also founder and host of the "Photostock Festival", an annual gathering of photographers, collectors and enthusiasts for workshops, reviews, presentations and demos.
In 2005 he founded North Light Press with the intention of independently supporting and publishing the work of emerging as well as established photographers and has published several successful titles to date. Recently launched under his North Light Press label is a new series titled the “11+1 Signature Series”, a series of small run, limited edition books that contain 11 reproductions and 1 original print. Each case bound book is signed and numbered by the photographer in an edition of only 100. There are now 10 books in this series that is continually growing and includes titles from past Critical Mass, Top 50 photographers, S. Gayle Stevens, Clay Lipsky and Anne Berry among others.
Connections
This photographer has given me more information on how different photographs are taken. by examining Bill, I have realised there is more to photography than meets the eye, there are so many techniques that have not utilised in my work, for instance, low light. This photographer has altered my sense of photography and expanded my knowledge to explore the different possibilities and styles a photo can be taken for e.g. this image has an old style to it, which I will utilise in my work.
Comment
What I appreciate in the photo is its Dim Colours and moods. I think this due to the fact that the image design is quite different from many other photos I have viewed, having a positive effect on my viewing experience. The photo has been taken very beautifully, creating strong atmosphere for almost everything, giving the photo an old grainy look. I really love this in a photograph as I believe it brings out the Lights and the darks within the image.
HENRI PRESTES
Composition
This is a Low Light image consisting of an isolated abandoned car park. In this photo I can see that a slight shadow effect has been utilised for the woman in the center, to create a silhouetted effect. The lights are going from light focus, contrasting with the silhouette, to create a light and dark image, therefore making the woman in the middle appear more bold, resulting in it primarily being a huge focus point in the photograph. There is also spot lights present in the foreground, which appears to be less of a focus due to the area in which they are in, allowing you to be more observant of the women in the center. The photograph looks fairly old as it seems as though it has been taken on an older piece of technology due to the graininess and dim colours portrayed in the photo. However this photos dim colours help contrast between the light and the shadows. This type of effect is usually present through the use of newer hardware, however I believe henri did this though the use of software like photoshop. This photograph has a low amount of colour, and not much range as there are mainly just hints of yellows, blues and blacks. Some may argue that if you look very closely at the lampost there is a hint of red, however it is very faint. The yellows in the image help to show the reflection of the water to help bring out the shine and liveliness of the image.The contrast between the yellow light and black shadows help create a heavyweight blend, therefore making the photo look more appealing to the viewer. The fact that there is only 1 person present in the photo, gives a sense of isolation and solitary feeling however it allows you to appreciate the clean look of the lights and contrasts in the image, therefore being more observant on the shadow and main focus. The rule of thirds has been utilised here as the woman in the middle is the sweet spot, making it the most significant part of the image. I believe the photographer has taken the image at regular the eye level, therefore making the woman appear perfectly centered. It is also evident that a tripod and a low shutter speed has been used too, as the shadows of the image look very smoky, a slow shutter speed is only possible with a tripod. The use of this camera technique has made the photo look more dim which greatly contrasts to the lights of the image. The photographer has used photoshop to grade this image, also adding grain and highlights for the shadows and yellow lights, arguably have also added saturation. Also I the photo has been taken so that the woman is perfectly centered I believe this is to allow the viewer to be satisfied when viewing the image.
Context
Henri Prestes is a Portuguese fine art photographer based in southern Europe. His work focus on capturing cinematic fleeting moments and exploring narratives of solitude and melancholy. He’s the Gold Cube Winner of the ADC Awards in 2021 with his Conceptual Series and the Bronze Cube Winner in 2022 and 2020. He’s had his work exhibited in the UK, US, Portugal and Spain. His debut photography book ‘We Were Born Before the Wind’ will be published by Setanta Books on October 2022.
Connections
This photographer has given me more information on how different photographs are taken. by examining Henri Prestes, I have realised there is more to photography than meets the eye, there are so many techniques that have not utilised in my work, for instance, low light. This photographer has altered my sense of photography and expanded my knowledge to explore the different possibilities and styles a photo can be taken for e.g. this image , just like Bill, has an old style to it, which I will utilise in my work.
Comment
What I appreciate in the photo is its Dim Colours and moods. I think this due to the fact that the image design is quite different from many other photos I have viewed, having a positive effect on my viewing experience. The photo has been taken very beautifully, creating strong atmosphere for almost everything, giving the photo a mysterious isolated feeling and look to it. I really love this in a photograph as I believe it brings out the Lights and the darks within the image.
LOW LIGHT Moodboard
Coggle
MAN-MADE LOW LIGHT
SHOOT PLAN
For this shoot, I will be mainly focusing on outdoor photography. I will mainly be taking photos outside and in the night.
The equipment I will use is a CANON DLSR camera, Iphone camera and a tripod. I will be using effects like iso, white balance
The equipment I will use is a CANON DLSR camera, Iphone camera and a tripod. I will be using effects like iso, white balance
PHOTOSHOP EDITING PROCESS
FINAL PHOTOSHOP OUTCOMES
PHOTOSHOP EDITING PROCESS
FINAL PHOTOSHOP OUTCOMES
BEST
This photo is my best. This is because of the brightness of the image. The ISO, white balance and exposure have been perfectly set to create a perfect low light image. I know this because the sky has perfect contrast, allowing you to be more observant of the colours. The contrast between the dark ground and the sky, draws your attention to the sky as it is brighter than the rest of the picture. The colours of the sky are very vibrant, this make the photo more appealing to look at.
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WORST
This photo is my worst. This is because the image is too bright due to the high exposure. However this allows you to see more details within the sky and the background. This is bad as Low light photography does not consist of bright images however, it contains low light photos like the image on the left. If this was a standard photo, it would be great.
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PHOTOSHOP EDITING PROCESS
FINAL PHOTOSHOP OUTCOME
I believe this photo is my best. This is because I have taken this carefully, creating a background blur, focusing on one thing. The effect I am referring to is Shallow Depth of field utilised in this image. The photo also has a punchy colour vibrance due to the ISO And White balance being set correctly, therefore not lacking contrast.
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This photo is my worst however I do not dislike it. This is because I believe the photo is not taken incorrectly, however the white Balance is slightly off, messing with the colours, also the Shallow depth of field has not been applied.
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BEST
This photo is my best due to the great contrast between the light and dark parts of the image. The corrected white balance and ISO, allows the deep blacks to be more noticeable when compared to the bright whites in this image. This allows the colours to be more present and contrasted.
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WORST
This photo is my worst due to the high amounts of brightness in the image. This is because of the high white balance and ISO. This makes the colours to appear more washed and make the photo look grainy.
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Experimenting in Photoshop
As you can see in the image about I have created a design to it. The effect I am referring to is Geometric Patterns. Over the course of my photography experience, I found this effect / technique is unique and different from the others, this is mainly why I am choosing to do it for my exam. As you can see in the image above I have altered the rotation of each segment of the circle cut out. This is to portray a shard / crystal effect. This was my first time doing it, therefore it not being to great. I will obviously perfect this in time for my exam also trying never before techniques and pattern. I felt this photo in particular did not need a change of colour grade, this is because I believe the dark blacks, smoothly contrast with the lights in the image. The only thing I would think about changing is the contrast, however it shouldn't be too raised as it could mess with the detail fidelity.
NATURAL LOW LIGHT
PHOTOSHOP EDITING PROCESS
FINAL PHOTOSHOP OUTCOME
NEON LOW LIGHT
BEST
This photo is my best. This is because of the colours and the overall contrast and detail. The reason for this is because I have used a tripod to take this photo, therefore it not having adjusted white balance and ISO, due to the lack of position change during the process of the image.
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WORST
This photo is the complete opposite to the one on the left. I did not use a tripod to take this photo, therefore it being blurry. The photo lacks colour due to the high brightness. This overall creates and unappealing photo, which is why it is my worst.
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21st April, first exam, I will not add any more information or make any changes to the work above