Final Project

Surface/Texture

My reasoning for developing this theme is simple; I feel that macro-style photographs of surfaces capture a lot of detail. These details are the ones that are always there, but that most of us never notice. For example, have you ever stopped to look at the intricate detail on the surface of a rock?

Moss on a Tree


To me, this photograph fits seamlessly into the theme. This is because, the detail of the  tree bark and the moss come together to form an immaculate combination.

Graffiti on a Rock


The reason I chose this particular photograph for this theme, is because it shows how humans have altered the surface of this rock. I tried to keep the graffiti in the photo, but i also attempted to make it a very minimal part of the image.

Wet Pavement


Though pavement may seem like a very ordinary surface, It is actually very interesting. This is because, pavement has a very random surface, which is perfect for my theme. In addition, since the pavement is wet from the rain, you can see the detail with ease.

Pathway at CHS


Pebbles, or small rocks are amazing for close-up photos like this. The reason is that the random dispersion of them has been shaped for a long time, by the shoes of countless people.

Water


In my opinion, water has to be the most interesting surface of all. No other textures can even compare to the one of water. I love how water droplets look, because they are both transparent and reflective. In fact, this is because how the light reacts when it comes into contact with the water.

Wooden Bench


This photograph is my favourite that i took regarding this project. I really like the colour in this photo, and surprisingly not much editing was done at all! Another reason why i like this photo is because it showcases two textures in the same photo. These textures being the naturalness of wood, and the metal tag that has been shaped by humans.

Photographer Research Project

Michael Woloszynowicz

Michael was not always an award winning photographer, his background is in computer science. He also has an MBA in corporate finance. He got interested in photography through his father, who let Michael take his camera downtown. This started michael's interest in architectural photography. The reason he likes to take pictures of buildings and people because he loves the creativity involved. Michael uses a Nikon D800 along with Nikkor zoom lenses. When editing, he uses a Macbook Pro with Adobe Lightroom 4, Photoshop CS6, and Nik Color Efex Pro 4. Michael describes his style as being very far away from photojournalistic. In addition, he says, "...I strive to present my subjects as the best version of themselves through a mix of camera technique, multiple exposure blending, lighting and post processing. Furthermore  he likes to produce images with a good deal of contrast and depth.

Below are some of his images:

To me, Michael's work is amazing, this is because you really notice the time and effort  that he puts into every one of his images. Also, the colour in all of his photos is second to none. Personally, I cannot see any weaknesses in Michael's work, every image is very well thought out.

My Work:

Urban Camouflage

"Leaves"

In this photo, "Leaves" I taped leaves to Evan that mach the leaves he is lying in, therefore making it quite difficult to spot him. I like this photograph because it truly was a camouflage. It resembled somewhat of a ghillie suit. My inspiration for this image was in fact, a snipers' ghillie suit.

" Faces"

In this photo, "Faces" the camouflage was only, printed pictures of the image in the background. My goal was to cover up Evan's face with the other faces, as if he is unknown to us, (like most of the other grads). So, the camo works in two ways, physically and psychologically. My inspiration for this photo was one of Aaron Larney"s  urban camouflage photographs, where he stands in front of a bulletin board with newspaper on him.

Black & White

In this photograph, "Black & White" the camouflage was simple,  a light grey shirt and dark grey pants. Though simple, the camo was effective because of the ideal background. One of the reasons this background was ideal, was because it was the effect height for me to stand in front of. My inspiration for this photo was one of Aaron Larney's Urban Camouflage photographs called "graffiti."

Aaron Larney

     Aaron Larney recently from Central Saint Martins, in North London where he was born and raised. He graduated with first class honours in "BA Graphic Design." Aaron has done many different styles of artwork, of course, including "Urban Camouflage." With a simple look at Aaron's website you can see the true diversity in his work.

This photo is a logo for a restaurant that Aaron made. I like the lighting that he used in this photo, it helps the vegetables pop. I, also like how the words are burnt into the vegetables instead of being edited in.

In this photograph, Larney created the 3D effect by moving his camera at a 45 degree angle from the lcd text, he does this at a set distance. I chose this photo because it shows some interesting things you can do with a camera and without photoshop.

I like this picture because of how it resembles Jan von Holleben's "Dreams of Flying." I like how you cannot recognize this object as a DVD case. In addition, i like the scale of this photo when his hand is next to the object.

One of Larney's Urban Camouflage Photographs, titled "Graffiti" 

Aaron Larney is works hard to make sure that he gets the photo that he wants, this is apparent in "The Fat Lady Sings" Restaurant logo that he made. Furthermore, Aaron Larney has a very interesting style, unlike many others, his photos always have an interesting twist, which will inspire me to do the same with my "Urban Camouflage" Photos.

My "Dreams Of Flying" Photos

"Handstand"

The inspiration for this photograph is simple, being able to do something you never could before, because, to me that is what Jan von Holleben's "Dreams Of Flying" is all about. Because there are no props for this image, it was very easy to capture. The only challenge was finding something to do the handstand on, but still being able to take the picture from above. In photoshop, I cropped the image,  adjusted the Hue, Saturation, Contrast, and the Shadows/Highlights.

"Falling Off Chair"

My goal for this photograph was to show a humorous, yet common incident in our lives. To compose this image I positioned a plastic chair on the ground, so it looked like it was tipping over backwards over the floor (red stripe). Then, Evan sat in the chair, leaned back as if he was falling, and raised his arms as if he was trying to catch the can of pop. In photoshop, I cropped the image so there wasn't any large, vacant areas around the edges of the photo. Then, I lightened the image, and adjusted the contrast. 

"Diving Catch"

To me this, photograph fits perfectly into "Dreams Of Flying." This is because, it depicts a dream of many people, which is playing their favourite sport in a top league, and to make a big play. The only prop for this image was in fact, the football, meaning that this image was quite easy to create. All I did, was place the football on the ground, in a way to make it look like it had been thrown, and I had Evan lie on the ground to, as if he was catching the ball. In photoshop, I cropped the image to hide any other objects. Then, I adjusted the Hue and Saturation to my liking.

OTHER IMAGES/TEST SHOTS:

"Dreams of Flying" By, Jan von Holleben

"The Diver"

In this photo by Jan von Holleben, uses his photographic knowledge to make a boy appear to be scuba diving. I like this photo because of how simple, yet effective all of the props are. For example, the blue tarp makes excellent water with a few wrinkles. Also, i like how he used the lighting to make the boy "pop out."

"The Pirates"

In this photo, the photographer, Jan von Holleben uses the scale of his props, and his angle of view to make it appear as though the boats are further apart. The props in this photo are very minimal, but they do their job perfectly. In addition, all of the props are household items, making it seem as though the boys are playing.

"The Strong Men"

  In this photo,  Holleben had the two children  posing as if they  are throwing a boulder to each other. But, they are actually just lying on the ground beside some large rocks. Jan von Holleben even made it look as if they were on a mountain, using the angle of which he took the photo. There is actually quite a fair amount of thought put into this photograph.

Brief Biography - Jan von Holleben

Jan von Holleben

           Jan von Holleben was born in 1977 in Cologne, Germany. He started photography when he was 13, using his fathers camera. Eventually, after a year of studies in teaching children with disabilities in Freiberg, Holleben moved to London to pursue a career in photography. In London, he studied the theory and history of photography. After earning his degree, Holleben had many opportunities open for him within the photography world. He has set up photographic collectives, Young Photographers United, photodebut, and Photographer’s Office. Jan von Holleben’s work is now displayed and published worldwide.