AO1
'Develop their ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding'
Mauren Brodbeck
Mauren Brodbeck was born in 1972, she was trained in visual arts, she had also received 3 awards from her work in the field of cinematography. Mauren Brodbeck's more popular photography is in the style of her 'Urbanscape'. Mauren searches for subjects which have a strong structure. She uses the process of colour - blocking that creates a powerful photograph allowing the subject to gain full focus. |
This photograph is from Mauren's gallery of 'Urbanscapes'. Here the subject is clearly a large building, the building has been exaggerated by colour-blocking with a solid colour, here she has used blue to fill in the building, this had created more focus on the subject. The photograph is representing the significance of the building in the place the picture has been taken. I would say that even though the building is bold and it stands out, the solid colour with no texture making it took 2D gives a dull affect. Furthermore the use of turquoise makes the image more bright and lively as the surroundings are bare. This image has been taken outside and Mauren Brodbeck has used natural light.
This is another photograph taken from 'Urbanscapes'. Here the subject in a building again but this time curved, plus Mauren Brodbeck has not filled in the building with a solid colour she has used more shades in this which makes it look more 3D. She has used pink which is a uplifting, loving colour making this picture more enjoyable to look at. As there aren't many things around the building this exaggerates its size. This photo has been taken outside hence the cars and natural light being used. The brighter section of the subject shows where the sunlight has hit the building and Mauren Brodbeck has included this in to make the photo more 3D. Personally i am reminded of lipstick by this photo due to the shape and colour of it making it one of my favourites.
Recreation
Here I have taken photos from around the school site of different buildings. I have taken various photos but I think these 3 fit the style of Mauren Brodbeck's work. To create these edits in the Urbanscape style I used Adobe Photoshop. Firstly I have started with a simple solid block fill of the outline of a building, then I have further developed this by adding in different shades making the building look more 3D. My last image I have used photoshop to create a more realistic affect on the building but still keeping the different colours. The simplicity of Mauren Brodbeck's style has a big impact on these photo's and makes them unique and more interesting.
Brian McCarty
Brian McCarty is an internationally exhibited artist and toy industry veteran based in West Hollywood, California. McCarty was using toys in his photography to gain distance from reality. He allows them to look as if they fit in with the scenery as well as standing out in the photo. In 1993, he began work on The Dollhouse. McCarty's work has been praised from places such as CNN, Wired, The New York Times, L’Uomo Vogue, The Telegraph UK, ABC World News, and The Huffington Post. In 1996 Brian McCartney began his War Toys project. |
This is one photograph from Brian McCarty's toy project. This photograph represents a typical mobster crime scene, as it has been taken in an underground car park. The toy is holding a gun behind its back which connotes danger and crime in this image. The use of shadows have been used here to depict the importance of this toy in this scene that has been created. Brian McCarty captured the toy figure in a narrow depth of field blurring out the car lights in the background. The photo has been taken at night time to add to the effect of an unsafe environment. This photo makes me feel as if trouble is approaching, this is because of the use of the low lighting and dark colours used.
Here is another photo from McCarty's toy photography. In contract to his other photo I have spoke about this one has one dramatic colour with the rest being black and white. This photo illustrates a lonely character/subject in a large environment. the colour of the apples in this has been exaggerated whereas the rest of the photo is dull and colourless which connotes sadness. Brian McCraty has used a narrow depth of field on this photo to allow the subject to be in focus rather than a larger depth of field. The image has been taken outside during midday as there is less light shown. I think the photographer intended to make you feel sympathy for the toy in this as it is alone and the photo is black and white part from what it is selling.
Recreation
this is a recreation of Mccarty's work. For this i used a small mini figure and put it in different locations and took the photo close up with a narrow depth of field, for the second one i took it a slightly further way. For the first one i made the background back and white and kept the figure in colour to copy the second image of McCarty's work which i annotated above. The use of the black and white backgroud allowed the mini figure to stand out.
Lego Travellers
This is a photograph from the toy travellers in Paris. The lego minifigures have been placed in front of the Eiffel Tower appearing as tourists. The photograph represents the link between the two photographers, the lego figures reflect the photographers on thier jounrey of travellers. A narrow depth of field has been used in this image to keep the focus on the minifigures. The photo has been taken from a low angle, taken outside. The colours within this photo are quite dull, the colours are not vibrant. The only colour which stands out slighlty is the colours on the lego figures, however the saturation of these colours are still dull due to the gloomy background and weather, this leads to a murky atmosphere. |
This is another photograph from the toy travellers gallery. Once again in this image the lego mini figures re behaving as tourists, making a link between the subject and the photographers, representing the toy travellers. The background of this photo has been blurred out, the photographers have used narrow depth of field to make the mini figures the main focus of the image. This creates the illusion of the lego figures being as real as humans. The colours in this photograph are monotone, none are bold nor dim. The colours on the mini figures are bright. |
Idea Pages
For my theme I have chosen colour, have created a brainstorm and different mood-boards with various ideas to help me decide my idea for my final piece. The idea I have chosen to go with is 'Toy Town'. This will consist of large lego pieces in landscape photos, edited in using photoshop. I will be taking my landscape photos of run down, grey, dull chunky buildings. The use of having the buildings looking gloomy is so that the colour of the lego will stand out a lot more, which will make it look more playful and unrealistic. |
After experimenting on photoshop with my lego building idea i cam to a conclusion that this task was heavily photoshop based as well has naturally difficult within itself. Due to this i found a new photography duo who documented their travels with lego figure photography. After researching about their photography project i brainstormed many possible ideas. This enabled me to come up with my new and final idea which was to have lego toys as tourists/sightseers around London, looking at the various significant landmarks there are.
Mood-Boards
AO2
'Experiment with and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops'
5 Rules Of Photography Compositions
Filling The Frame
Framing The Subject
Vantage Point
Depth Of Field
Rule Of Thirds
Framing The Subject
Vantage Point
Depth Of Field
Rule Of Thirds
Vantage PointWe are not use to looking at the world from any other view than from our own eye level, so with vantage point high or low, it changes the way something is represented e.g I've taken a photo of the Big Ben from the bottom emphasising its grandness, which makes it look strong. This also makes the picture more engaging to the viewer. |
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Rule OF ThirdsThe rule of thirds is a guideline to help photographers frame & compose, a picture for the final outcome that is well balanced and draws attention to the subject. By using the grid on your camera you will find that there are 4 important intersections of the image that you should consider placing your subject as you frame your subject. As you can see on the left i have taken my own photos using the rule of thirds which creates a more balanced photo, as well as enable the viewer to interact with it more naturally. |
Filling the Frame
When filling the frame you make sure the subject of the photo dominates as much of the picture as possible. This technique is more visually appealing to the human eye. As you can see I have taken photos where I am filling the most of the frame with the main subject of the image, this allows a more clear and detailed shot. |
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Narrow Depth Of FieldA narrow/shallow depth of field is created by using less light to focus on the main object of the image. I did this by changing the camera mode to 'portrait' which blurs the background leaving more focus on the object. |
Large Depth Of FeildA large/greater depth of field is created by using more light as you are capturing more of the photo in more clarity, by blurring out another object in the scene. This was done by using the 'landscape' mode on the camera. |
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Framing The SubjectWhen framing the subject the aim is to draw attention to the subject using natural or man-made objects within the photo itself. The frame may link to the subject in some way. For this I used 'portrait' so I could find more detail on the subject of the image rather than the frame. Using a frame within the picture allows distractions in the photo to be blocked out and let the subject be the main focus. |
Test Photoshoot
Best 20
I took this photo-shoot at home using a plain white background. I took photo's of the different lego pieces from various angles, this will help me when photoshopping the lego into my other images. As well as this i captured the lego individually and combined together for a difference in size and colour.
1) Photoshoot- Buildings
Best 20
Location: Hyde park corner
Here are 20 of my best photo's from my first shoot. For this shoot i started in London, my aim was to capture various large buildings, i took a few photos of buildings which are still under construction as this could be useful when experimenting with my photos in photoshop. I am satisfied with these images as the weather was dull which is fitting for my ideas, but i will still need to venture out to find greater buildings and on a less quiet road to fit my final piece.
Here are 20 of my best photo's from my first shoot. For this shoot i started in London, my aim was to capture various large buildings, i took a few photos of buildings which are still under construction as this could be useful when experimenting with my photos in photoshop. I am satisfied with these images as the weather was dull which is fitting for my ideas, but i will still need to venture out to find greater buildings and on a less quiet road to fit my final piece.
In this image have tried to capture only buildings. I personally believe this is my most successful photo from my photoshoot. Firstly for this photoshoot i used the 'Landscape' setting to take these images. I like this photo because I have captured three different buildings in one frame. The colours and mood of this image are sluggish which is what i intended to create when taking these. I photographed this outside during the day, i chose to take this photos on this day as the weather fitted well with the atmosphere i was trying to create, which is glum. I have not exaggerated or distorted any parts of this photo as i need it how it is ready for photoshop. |
This is my second image i have chosen from my photo-shoot in my top 3. Here i have photographed 3 smaller scaled buildings besides each other. I have not exaggerated or distorted any parts of this photo. The colours in this photograph are dull colours, there are no bright colours which leads to a morbid atmosphere and a gloomy mood. The fact that the weather had been the way it is added to the mood of the photo. Further more i used the 'Landscape' setting on my camera for this photo to make sure everything is in focus. |
Lastly this photo is of one building which i personally believed was the best when it comes to its visual appearance. Once again colours in this photo are not vivid, they do not stand out as i am going to be photoshopping lego into these photos, which will then add bold colours to the image, therefore I have not manipulated any of these photos. I'd say this photo has a below medium contrast, due to the colour range we see on screen. From my perspective I would say this photograph makes me feel somewhat mellow and down. The intentions of this is correct as when the lego is edited in the mood will effectively change. |
2) Photoshoot
Location: Osterley Park
These are my 20 best photo's from my third photoshoot. I chose to take these photo's at Osterley as i felt it was a good change in scenery and could give my photographs more interest and make the images more appealing to the eye.
These are my 20 best photo's from my third photoshoot. I chose to take these photo's at Osterley as i felt it was a good change in scenery and could give my photographs more interest and make the images more appealing to the eye.
Here I have placed my lego figure on a tree, sitting on a branch looking towards the river. The link between me and the photo is purely the lego figure is seeing the scenery that I am, but we see the lego figure as he calmly enjoys the view. This image contains a lot of greens and yellows, these colours insinuate nature. I believe there is a decent amount of contrast between colours in this photo. When taking this photo I used 2 rules of the rules of 5. I have constructed my photo to consist of a large depth of field as well as framing the subject. The photograph was taken outside as we can see, I have used natural light and in no way manipulated the photo. The mood of this image is mellow and easy going. As you can see the photo gives a relaxed vibe. This was intended when capturing this as I want you to feel the same mood as the mini figure. |
My second photo is showing the lego piece to be standing and gazing at a view, which we as the viewers only see half of which is behind the figure, as the building appears to be a tourist attraction. Bold colours in this photo are greens, as a result of the photoshoot being in a park. The greens once again represent nature and relief. Adding on, vibrant colours in this are the blue and yellow on the lego figure, these colours express fun and keep the illusion of a 'toy world'. So not only does the image allow the mood to be relaxed but also light-hearted and witty. I have also use a narrow depth of field in this photograph. |
Lastly in this photo I've placed my lego figure on a wood stump, among other wood stumps. Bold colours here are yellow and blue from the lego piece, representing fun, making the mood playful. In this image one rule of 5 is apparent, which is a large depth of field. I took this photo outside using natural light, i have not manipulated or distorted this image, i have just blurred the subject. this photograph gives a calm mood, and because there is only the lego piece in the photograph the illusion of it being real continues. |
3) Photoshoot
Location: Richmond
Here are my 20 best photo's from my shoot. I chose Richmond to do my third photoshoot because it has pleasant scenery. As the river side of this area will not be busy with people it will not ruin the illusion i have created with the leggo figures.
Here are my 20 best photo's from my shoot. I chose Richmond to do my third photoshoot because it has pleasant scenery. As the river side of this area will not be busy with people it will not ruin the illusion i have created with the leggo figures.
In this photograph i have placed the lego figures on a bridge looking at the view, i have attempted to create the illusion of 2 tourists. I have used a large depth of field to create more emphasis on the river, which enhances the reflection on it. Obviously i took this photo outside, the natural lighting had an affect on the mood of this photo, as the sky is not clear it brings across a gloomy feel and atmosphere. Having said this the colour on the lego figures makes it a more playful scene. |
Here is another photo i particularly liked from this shoot, here i have taken the shot from the opposite side of the bridge. Both logo pieces are representing what i can see and also once again they represent tourists or sight seers. I have used two rules of five here, firstly i have created a narrow depth of field to focus on the lego mini figures, secondly i have framed the subject to make the image more appealing. As i said before the weather adds to the mood and atmosphere of these images, therefore colours are dim - greys, creating a gloomy mood. However this does not make the image entirely dull due to the lego figures and their bright colours to create a lighthearted and playful atmosphere. |
PREVIOUS IDEAS
A previous idea of mine which i did not pursue in this course was my 'Toy Town' idea. For this i planned to take photo's of buildings in various sizes and shapes. Then what i began to do was taking test shoots with different lego blogs, these would then be used and photoshopped into my images of buildings. The lego blocks would at as part of the building to build the illusion and bring 'toy town' to life.
Unfortunately this idea was not carried out to the end because it became too difficult of a photoshop task, and i did not want to take the risk of not putting out my best work.
A previous idea of mine which i did not pursue in this course was my 'Toy Town' idea. For this i planned to take photo's of buildings in various sizes and shapes. Then what i began to do was taking test shoots with different lego blogs, these would then be used and photoshopped into my images of buildings. The lego blocks would at as part of the building to build the illusion and bring 'toy town' to life.
Unfortunately this idea was not carried out to the end because it became too difficult of a photoshop task, and i did not want to take the risk of not putting out my best work.
AO3
'Record in visual and/or other forms ideas, observations, and insights relevant to intentions demonstrating an ability to reflect on work and progress'
Experimentation
this is a second experimentation of working in the style of Brian McCarty. Firstly i duplicated the layer and then distorted the whole image. After this i wanted the booked to be noticeable so i turned up the contrast on the photo quite high. I then erased where the legos are the colours show and saturated them so the colours can stand out using the sponge tool.
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4) Photoshoot
Location: Westminister
Here i have taken my mini lego figures to Westminister as it is the biggest tourist and attraction site in London. In this photoshoot i have used two different tourist attractions - Big Ben and London. I captured these two sites at two different times of the day, this will allow me to have a variety of photo's, not only this but the lights turn on in the evening which will add to the theme of colour.
Here i have taken my mini lego figures to Westminister as it is the biggest tourist and attraction site in London. In this photoshoot i have used two different tourist attractions - Big Ben and London. I captured these two sites at two different times of the day, this will allow me to have a variety of photo's, not only this but the lights turn on in the evening which will add to the theme of colour.
This is one of my most favourable photo's from my fourth photoshoot at Westminster. Here i have places on of my lego pieces in a gap on a bridge looking at the London Eye. My lego figure is acting as a tourist/sight seer. For this photograph i have used two rules of five, one being a large doth of field to put main focus of the image on the landmark. Secondly i have framed the subject which makes the picture visual different in a positive view. Westminster is typically a grey, dull coloured place, although the sky in this photo is clear,so from this image i feel a neutral mood. Almost happy for the lego figure who seems to be enjoying the site. |
This is my favourite photo from my selection of Big Ben photo's. I've put both lego figures at the end of the surface to appear that they are looking at Big Ben. I have blurred out the background by using a narrow depth of field, i believe this gives the photo a nice affect as Big Ben is so significant, it is recognisable in any form. The colours in this image are quiet vibrant compared to the first image, coming from Big Ben and the lego figures. This photograph was taken at dusk/late afternoon so Big Ben is lit up and you can see bokeh, which gives the image a warm feeling. The image makes me feel relaxed and happy as it is a pleasent photograph. This is my favourite image from the big ben shoot because the lego pieces are the main focus but the attraction is still very noticeable. |
5) Photoshoot
Location: St Pauls Cathedral / Tower Brigde
here i have gone to another iconic place in London that i have chosen. This is St Pauls cathedral. This building is sculpted in a lot of detail and also it is lighted on different attractive ways. This lighting will encourage to bring out the colour on my lego figures. The second place i went to was tower bridge, this is undoubtably a very large tourist attraction and without a doubt a beautiful scene in the evening. The lights on the bridge are bold and will fit in with the my theme - colour.
here i have gone to another iconic place in London that i have chosen. This is St Pauls cathedral. This building is sculpted in a lot of detail and also it is lighted on different attractive ways. This lighting will encourage to bring out the colour on my lego figures. The second place i went to was tower bridge, this is undoubtably a very large tourist attraction and without a doubt a beautiful scene in the evening. The lights on the bridge are bold and will fit in with the my theme - colour.
For this image i placed the lego minifigures on a railing looking at tower bridge. I have used a large depth of field in this to capture the bridge and the reflection on the river from the bridge and city lights. I think the colours in this image stand out as they are bright city lights, i believe this creates jolly yet peaceful atmosphere. As the photo is being taken outside in the evening which allows the lights on the budge and reflection on the river to aluminate. The lego figures represent what i see, they are acting as sight seers. This photograph gives a relaxing and sweet mood. |
My second favourite photograph I took was in front of the St Paul's Cathedral. The lego figures have been placed on top of a bench looking up towards the cathedral. For this picture i have used a large depth of feild to create more focus on the landmark rather than the lego figures. This was taken in the evening which allows the cathedral lights to reflect on the dome of the building. The lights on the building make the building look even more pleasing. The dark blue sky creates a serene atmosphere and makes me feel calm. It almost has a romantic feel to it. |
Photoshop
I used photoshop on one of my final pieces - Tower Bridge. I used the sponge tool to inhance the coloured reflections on the river as well as brightening the lego pieces. I subtley used the tool on the sky/clouds to not have a dull sky.
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I used the sponge tool on my final image of St Pauls Cathedral to inhance the lights on the building, I used it on the dome area of the cathedral as well as the left sie of the building.
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