Initial ideas
During the research I did surrounding my dissertation, I became increasingly interested in photographs that exhibited an identity of a person without directly including them in the photograph. Examples of photographs like this are some by Nan Goldin, shown below...
Both images display emotion without the presence of a figure. The audience can get a sense of the type of person whose personal space this is without needing them there. I believe that this is a very subtle and sophisticated way of conveying the identity of a person, and am very interested in exploring a technique such as this in my own work. Other situations that are similar to the intimacy of an unmade bed are kitchen mess, clothes in a wardrobe and general things left behind by someone that show their identity.
first set of observations
In these photographs, I took them at two separate times of day, the first three during the evening, with synthetic light, and the last three during the morning using natural light. I took two sets as I wanted to see which type of lighting suited the images most appropriately. The lighting creates a completely different feeling around the photographs, the naturally lit three seeming lonely and sad, and this is the reason why I prefer them, because they evoke more emotion.
Below are two images that I edited to increase contrast and add sharpness.
What went well - I like the composition of the images, as are not completely traditional in their framing. I also like the clear contrast seen between the two different times of day. The wrinkled covers are expressive and the muted colours suit the atmosphere of the images well.
Even better if - To improve, I would take more photographs, perhaps focussing on smaller parts of the bed, how the cushions lie against each other, and the finer details of the wrinkled cover. I also would have attempted to bring further light into the room, as in some places the images are a little underexposed,
Even better if - To improve, I would take more photographs, perhaps focussing on smaller parts of the bed, how the cushions lie against each other, and the finer details of the wrinkled cover. I also would have attempted to bring further light into the room, as in some places the images are a little underexposed,
research
My research has extended now from not only the remains of a person seen through their bed, to photographs in which there are signs that someone has been in a place, such as seen below. The image captures a fleeting moment with which an identity, or at least the silhouette of one, is able to be formed. The focus on the breath, something so intimate and personal, creates an emotive image,
second set of observations
Nanna de Wilde, Kristina Stark and Terese Bolander collaborated to create these images in which a person can be portrayed through their material legacy.
my interpretation
On the rostra, lights were set up to illuminate from above, preventing shadows, so each object looked clean and sleek against the white backdrop. I asked people to empty their pockets, and in some cases (especially girls) asked them to rummage through their bag to find objects that I could photographs that would in some way be a snapshot for their identity.
In the first eight photographs, I positioned the objects separately, so outlines and colours were stark and noticeable. With this layout, it gave a clinical feel, as if the objects were being analysed, to gain as much knowledge about the identity of the person as possible.
In the second eight photographs, I took a different approach and piled the objects on top of one another, as if they were naturally poured out of people's pockets, as I wanted to capture a less clinical aspect.
In the first eight photographs, I positioned the objects separately, so outlines and colours were stark and noticeable. With this layout, it gave a clinical feel, as if the objects were being analysed, to gain as much knowledge about the identity of the person as possible.
In the second eight photographs, I took a different approach and piled the objects on top of one another, as if they were naturally poured out of people's pockets, as I wanted to capture a less clinical aspect.
What went well - The shadows are minimal, and the colours and shapes are crisp and clean. I like the variety of different identities that have been shown through these images, as there are some highly contrasting sets of objects. The mixture of technology, retail and domestic goods piled together works well to show the many different sides to a person's personality.
Even better if - Perhaps I could have photographed these images in a more natural light, such as spilling out a person's bag or on a bedside table. These images are a slight digression to my original idea, which I intend to be completely natural and spontaneous, capturing the absence of a person, unbeknown to their knowledge.
Although these images do attempt to show the identity of a person through their personal possessions, they are perhaps too staged for my liking, as the aim of this project is to produce images that give a subtle mention of an identity, through its natural action.
Third set of Observations
Traces
In this set of observations, I focussed on capturing traces that people leave in everyday life. From tyre marks in the ice, to pen scratches along the wall, images like these represent traces of human life and hold connotations behind them. The tyre tracks can symbolise a person who is rushing, and the graffitied wall can suggest someone's anger.
In this set of observations, I focussed on capturing traces that people leave in everyday life. From tyre marks in the ice, to pen scratches along the wall, images like these represent traces of human life and hold connotations behind them. The tyre tracks can symbolise a person who is rushing, and the graffitied wall can suggest someone's anger.
What went well - I like the detail that is captured in the images, and seeing as I photographed these situations as I came across them naturally, there is an element of truth in each photograph. The lighting is always sufficient, as all of the images were taken during the day. As a set, I also think they work well together as stick to a muted colour frame of cold blues and warm oranges.
Even better if - I would like to develop this 'Traces' idea into one of 'wearing away' and 'erosion', such as crumbling steps and vintage furniture. This perhaps would be more intimate than tyre tracks, which create harsh shapes which I do not think tell enough about a person's identity. I want my images to suggest subtle aspects of a person's character, ideally not through another utility, such as a car, but instead direct and spontaneous.
Even better if - I would like to develop this 'Traces' idea into one of 'wearing away' and 'erosion', such as crumbling steps and vintage furniture. This perhaps would be more intimate than tyre tracks, which create harsh shapes which I do not think tell enough about a person's identity. I want my images to suggest subtle aspects of a person's character, ideally not through another utility, such as a car, but instead direct and spontaneous.
exhibition
taylor wessing photographic portrait prize 2011
'The Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize offers a unique opportunity to see new images by some of the most exciting portrait photographers and gifted amateurs alongside that of established professionals.'
I visited the annual Taylor Wessing photographic prize at the National Portrait Gallery, as I thought it complemented my personal study very well. I visited the same exhibition last year, and thought some of the photos were incredible, but this year I didn't think the standard was as high. However, it did give me inspiration for my own work.
I visited the annual Taylor Wessing photographic prize at the National Portrait Gallery, as I thought it complemented my personal study very well. I visited the same exhibition last year, and thought some of the photos were incredible, but this year I didn't think the standard was as high. However, it did give me inspiration for my own work.
The photographs explore a range of themes, styles and approaches, and as a collection reminded me of my own project 'The Study of a Lone Figure', as experimented with many different types of photography. My favourite images were those which appeared as more candid and spontaneous, capturing friends and family.
fourth set of observations
In this set of observations I focused on capturing traces in the bathroom, like foot marks on a towel or the floor. I attempted to take some photographs of water drops on the glass and steam on the mirror, but the camera I was using didn't have a high quality macro setting, so lots of the detail was lost.
What went well - Even though the photographs weren't as high quality as I would have hoped, I believe the way I edited them complimented the feel of the images and made up for the lack of detail. Some are darker with a vignette edge which creates a mysterious feel.
Even better if - The images would have been better improved if there was suitable lighting and if I had used my digital SLR camera, so capture as much detail as possible. I would like the develop this set of observations and take some more images which capture steamy mirrors and showers. I would also like to take a set of these images in the day to present the starkly different situations that the light causes.
fifth set of observations
In this set of observations, I developed my earlier sets of observations to show the wear and tear that humans cause in their everyday life.
What went well - I tried to take these photographs from a birds eye view, as naturally as they would originally be perceived by the observer. I think the muted colours in the photographs work well, supporting the idea of the absence of any human life or presence.
Even better if - Perhaps I could improve on this set of observations by taken some more similar but using natural light, as this would help to highlight detail in the photographs, which is often lost with the low light and longer shutter speed. Often the focus is blurred because of the low-lighting, so taking these images during the day will also solve the problem. However, this may cause the photographs to lose some of their atmospheric effect.
Even better if - Perhaps I could improve on this set of observations by taken some more similar but using natural light, as this would help to highlight detail in the photographs, which is often lost with the low light and longer shutter speed. Often the focus is blurred because of the low-lighting, so taking these images during the day will also solve the problem. However, this may cause the photographs to lose some of their atmospheric effect.
Sixth set of Observations
In this set of observations I took three sets of images that I thought would show traces of a person around the home. Each focuses on a part of everyday life where humans leave remains.
'Bathroom'
What went well - The angles from which the photographs were taken was interesting, and I also like the combination of muted greys and blues. Natural light was used in these images, which complimented the scene well, especially in the photograph of the water on the floor, as the light reflects off the black colour of the floorboards.
Even better if - I would like to take more photographs of situations such as the water on the floor, as natural occurrences are the best portrayal of human remains. I also could have explored more areas of the bathroom, such as the sink, where bottles and soaps could be captured to show how people use them.
Even better if - I would like to take more photographs of situations such as the water on the floor, as natural occurrences are the best portrayal of human remains. I also could have explored more areas of the bathroom, such as the sink, where bottles and soaps could be captured to show how people use them.
'Traces on possessions'
What went well - I used a wide aperture to capture these photographs which meant that they were focused especially on the centre of the image, which gave a nice quality to the images. I think the range of objects used is beneficial, as presents many different sides to a person's character. My favourite image is the bottom middle, of the fingerprints, as this is something that I found in my room naturally.
Even better if - I would like to search my house more for small traces of humans, such as the fingerprints, as the best images are the ones that aren't staged. For example, the lipstick on the glass is too harsh, and looks fake, which isn't what I am intending to show.
Even better if - I would like to search my house more for small traces of humans, such as the fingerprints, as the best images are the ones that aren't staged. For example, the lipstick on the glass is too harsh, and looks fake, which isn't what I am intending to show.
'Reflections and remains'
What went well - The reflection works well in these images, and the contrast between the dark colours and the bright greens of outside. The lighting also works well and the focus is interesting.
Even better if - I feel that these images do not fit in well to my intentions, as seem too staged and not like natural traces that humans would leave. However, it was beneficial to take photographs like these, as it pushed me into developing my thesis, further and realising what I want to be photographing.
I think that my final development should go back to the beginning of my project and photograph beds, as this worked well showing the natural remains of a person, and I believe each person's bed can show a lot about their character. This is what I intend to photograph in my final sets of observations.
Even better if - I feel that these images do not fit in well to my intentions, as seem too staged and not like natural traces that humans would leave. However, it was beneficial to take photographs like these, as it pushed me into developing my thesis, further and realising what I want to be photographing.
I think that my final development should go back to the beginning of my project and photograph beds, as this worked well showing the natural remains of a person, and I believe each person's bed can show a lot about their character. This is what I intend to photograph in my final sets of observations.
seventh set of Observations
In this set, I am beginning to explore my initial idea of photographing the remains that exist in the bedroom, such as the way the covers have been interrupted and the slightly open curtains.
What went well - The light that I used to capture these images suits them perfectly, as is soft, neutral and slightly empty. The blue hues in the photograph support the idea of absence of a body and each image feels as if it missing something. The covers are moved as if there was a body sleeping in them and the curtains opened just slightly as if someone was peering out of them.
Even better if - The images could be better if there was more variety. To develop, I would like to take photographs of other people's beds, so suggest their identity through the absence of their body in their bed.
Even better if - The images could be better if there was more variety. To develop, I would like to take photographs of other people's beds, so suggest their identity through the absence of their body in their bed.
eighth set of observations
In this set of photographs, I decided to continue taking photographs of the curtains in my bedroom, as their effect worked well in the previous set of observations. This time, I focused on the closed curtains, and the contrasting effect that this had to the previous open ones.
What went well - I feel these images are very atmospheric, and the shadows and highlights work well to produce emotive images. They were taken early in the morning, and so the light was clean and white which worked well to illuminate and create a translucency in the curtains.
Even better if - Perhaps these images do not give enough away about the absence of a figure, as much as the slightly open curtains do. However, it could be interpreted that the closed curtains signify a slightly private character. To develop, I could take more curtain photographs at different times of day to explore the effect light has on the feeling of these images.
Even better if - Perhaps these images do not give enough away about the absence of a figure, as much as the slightly open curtains do. However, it could be interpreted that the closed curtains signify a slightly private character. To develop, I could take more curtain photographs at different times of day to explore the effect light has on the feeling of these images.
ninth set of observations
In this set of images I reverted back to the bedroom photographs I took and attempted to explore images which evoke more emotion through their shadows and colouring. Also, I photographed different beds than my own, to gain a range of 'absences'.
What went well - As a set, I think these images work very well against each other, as the muted colours blend with one another and the shapes of the covers flow. The lighting in the images was varied as I took the photographs at different times of day, and I think this works well to give a range of shapes.
Even better if - Perhaps, although the colours work well together, I could have explored more than just one colour scheme, and look for bedrooms that evoke more feeling through their colourful and patterned beds.
Even better if - Perhaps, although the colours work well together, I could have explored more than just one colour scheme, and look for bedrooms that evoke more feeling through their colourful and patterned beds.
tenth set of observations
I took two images that I thought would work well together, and which also inspired me to think about my final piece, which I would like to be an installation. My idea is to wallpaper photographs showing the absence of a person onto the walls of a room, as if they are memories left behind.
What went well - I like that the two images reflect one another, as I think the composition of this works well, and the colours and shapes in the images compliment each other.
Even better if - The top image is slightly less contrasted than the second, which creates a separation between them that could be rectified by editing in Photoshop.
Even better if - The top image is slightly less contrasted than the second, which creates a separation between them that could be rectified by editing in Photoshop.
eleventh set of observations
In this set of observations, I photographed another bed, as I wanted a variety of different colours when choosing my final photographs, as this would give me the best opportunity for an appropriate photograph.
What went well - I took these images very early in the morning, so the light was clean and white. This works well with the muted yellow and blues of the blanket, and I like the framing of the images, as vary from each to the next.
Even better if - Perhaps instead of just close ups, I could also take photographs of the whole bed, as this would show an aspect of the person who is absent.
Even better if - Perhaps instead of just close ups, I could also take photographs of the whole bed, as this would show an aspect of the person who is absent.