DREAMS AND REALITY:
The theme for this project is Dreams/Reality. By researching artists and photographers, you are to produce a set of images which show an experimental approach, and investigate the line between dreams and reality. It’s an opportunity to get creative and use your imagination!
Use the photographic techniques you have learned during the past two terms (either studio or location) to produce a set of around 5 photographs. You are expected to develop a body of work which explores and analyses materials and techniques.
This unit was based on dreams and reailtiy. In this unit I had the opportuntiy to explore a number of various photographers, and surrealismg artisit. This unit was about creating imaged, out of the box, it was about being creative and imaginetive, alongside exploring the different sents of camera teqnqiyes that be applied when photograhying creative images.
The idea ‘dreams’ to me visualize something which can is dreamy, beach water in an unusual area or location, creating a paradise pool in an office, rainbow which appears in the sun something which appears unreal, and on the other hand reality – which does exists. Dreams also reflects on the idea of surrealism – the idea creating narratives under illusion, stressing on the subconscious idea and thoughts. Many photographs and art artist – introduced surrealism in painting and in photography such as: Philippe Halsman, Anka Zhuravleva (distorted reality) ,Brooke Shaden – The Dream State and many more, and painters such as Picasso Pablo, Salvor Dali, Rene Margritte, Frida Kahlo.
This link will show you the top 10 surrealism photographers. http://www.photographyoffice.com/blog/2014/9/top-ten-surreal-photographers-you-have-to-know
My objective: To explore the mystery bend the journey of a cycling bikes.
My goal: To capture a range of creative series, using longer exposures, focusing on reflections and capturing detail attention. In this unit I have demonstrated a range of different ideas, but the end goal is to finalize a narrative sequence – focusing on quality, shallow dept of field and clarity on the story of the cycle bikes concept.
My concepts: A few ideas which I have chosen my final project on: London busy lifestyle, Fast living, beauty in a mirror, bridges and its reflections and the journey of cycles.
Task 2 (AC 2.1, 2.2) Develop your ideas of ‘Dreams – Reality’ . As you can see from each of my blog I have photographed different ideas – from all ideas I have decided to select the cycling bikes
Task 3 (AC 2.3) ( Experiment with materials alongside your development of ideas recording your observations and tests )
Task 4 (AC 2.3, 2.4) – Reflect upon peer feedback received in the class.
Task 5 (AC 2.4, 3.1) – Assess your outcome ( Observe and annotate all health and safety considerations as you work on the project. )
Task 1 (AC 1.1, 1.2) – Research of Artists :
In the class – our tutor (Zig) has demonstrated a few photographers, artist and also explained how to incorporate the surrealism into photography. Looking through a list of artist and photographers there was a few which really caught my eye. Below I will explain the photographer/ Artist which portrays the theme of dreams and realism and had helped shaped my idea for this project.
Duane Michals: – America Photographer – who has used innovative use of photo sequences – which often portrayed emotion and philosophy.
Michal photographed his images in narratives, blending images with text in a format of sequence. ‘I used photography to help me explain my experiences to myself’ Michal reflected – I believe in imagination, Michal was influenced by great leading artist: Andy Warhol, Rene Magritte and Marcel Duchamp – often making his prints with poetic writings and observations about the subject he had photographed.
The Fallen Angel
Alice’s Mirror – Sequence
Saul Leiter – Photographer
Saul was also one of my favorite photographers. Leithe started his career photography black and white street photography in New York and started training as fashion photographer and collaborate in Harpers Bazaar magazines.
Leithe leisured , impressionism style using Kodachrome colour -his famous quote – ‘I like it when one is not certain what is sees. I was really inspired by Leithe’s style of creative photographs which certainly fit the concept of dreams and reality.
There are many other creative artist/ photographer who has clearly demonstrated the theme and narrative behind dreams and reality.
Mac Adams: who had created still photographs also creating story telling mysteries using set of 2 images – which reads a narrative yet a creative suspense in his images. Some photographers created a series where is the cat, or to be or not be. One of Adams prime mystery photograph series was captured below: The girl in a dress and the man getting rid the same dress.
Adam created space his is photographs he had come to terms of implementing the use of ‘Narrative void’ – (which is defined having space between the images. Adams style also reflected the concepts of dreams and reality as his style adapts a semiotic approach with narrative, which has been demonstrated in most of his images. Adams photographs also demonstrated a figurative shadow, which was used under certain light conditions to create shadows. I enjoyed researching on Mac Adams, Adam has a very creative approach, using shadows and mysteries into his work. Defiantly reflect the ideas of surrealism.
Example of photographs shown below using – Mac Adams approach
For the below set of 3 images taken – the concept was about a girl getting ready in a fast pace moving world . It shows a mystery and brings up questions to the viewer – where is the girl? where is she going? what is the reason behind the make up and who is being the female taking photographs… leaving a set of mystery in this sequence on 3.
I wanted to created a ‘shallow dept of field’ in order to focus, solely on the mirror and features of the female, leaving the background blurred in order to enhance the mystery to the location. Camera Settings: F/4.5. 45mm (focal length), shutter speed; 1/50 (to capture the ambient lighting.) ISO: 1600.
After researching through a list of different creative artist who had clearly defined the narrative and sequenced – I have also my series of photographs on a list of series (the list can be seen in my blog under – The final project where I have selected my photographs and have remonstrated the reason behind the chosen images.)
UAL2photography 