Pre production documentation pro-forma
- 1. Photography and Digital Manipulation Robbie Hickman 1 Planning Documentation
- 2. What type of fine art photography will you produce? The photography application I hope to utilize in my fine art project is architectural photography, which involves capturing images of buildings, houses, churches and many other different types of structures, representing them as accurately as possible and so that they look intriguing to the customer. Who are your influences for this project? During my research into architectural photography, I was able to gain a lot of information regarding artists and their own images they have captured, as well as the techniques they have employed in their images. A specific artist I have researched is Dennis Gilbert, a London-based photographer who has travelled around the world to take images. This artist has influenced my ideas for what to do in my project because I have been able to gain insight regarding his style and what techniques and conventions he utilizes in order to obtain visually pleasing photos. Another architectural photographer I have researched is Simon Kennedy who is also a London-based photographer; he has captured images of architecture all over London and his images include historical sites as well. Gaining information regarding the different types of structure that can be photographed using the architectural photography application has benefited me because it has increased the wide range of options available for me in my fine art project. What contexts could this type of imagery be used for? Architectural Photography could be used for advertising and promotion of properties, locations to visit and places to go on holiday. It could appear on online websites all over the internet, and it could also appear on certain forms of print media e.g. leaflets or portraits in shops. The application would also be seen on portrait images with the purpose of providing inspiration for architects and builders. Proposal Who would be your ideal target audience? The target audience for my project will most likely be both males and females because the images will simply depict buildings and places to visit; this means that there will be something in the images for everyone regardless of whether or not they are male or female. The images should appeal to adults because they are more likely to purchase a property due to the fact that they are more likely to be able to afford it than teenagers or pre-teens. My target audience would also consist of the Social Grade ABC1 demographic; people at this category tend to be administrative and professional workers who are very likely to be able to afford a visit to a particular city or purchasing a house. Regarding places to visit, people who are interested in historical places will also find that my images (which will also consist of churches and train stations) appeal to them as they cater for their interests.
- 3. What will your subjects be for this project? The main subjects I desire to capture in my project are buildings, churches, train stations, bridges etc. all over York. The reason for this is because I will be utilizing architectural photography which involves capturing images of structures with the purpose of intriguing others. My images will consist of both exterior and interior locations of buildings; I am hoping to show off their positive aspects. The images I take might not feature people in them; however, if they do it will be within an interior location and the subjects will be unaware that I am taking pictures of them. Historical locations e.g. churches are more likely to create meaning, especially if I include post-production effects such as alteration of colour so that they simply take on the colours black and white. This could help to add a melancholy feel to the images. What camera techniques will you use? To ensure the creation of aesthetically pleasing images, I will need to make adjustments regarding the settings of the camera. First of all, I will be using a large aperture e.g. f/16 so that a high amount of light passes through the lens and results in both the subject and any surrounding aspects being shown very clearly; these surrounding aspects could include neighbouring structures, trees etc. Altering the aperture value will have an obvious impact on the overall quality of my images, and a high aperture is more likely to throw the background out of focus, therefore leaving only the subject to focus on. This means that an architectural image of a building will stand out against its surroundings and this could be beneficial because the customer will not be distracted by additional elements within the image. I will need to use a low shutter speed because I will be capturing architecture; leaving a high shutter speed on is more likely to result in camera shake within the image which could decrease its quality. Using a low shutter speed will hopefully prevent this from occurring. The ISO should ideally be at 100 or 400 because if it is too high e.g. 1600 or 800 noise can appear within the image. Noise can have a negative impact on the overall look of the image, and I will use a low ISO to prevent noise from becoming present, especially if I am shooting in a high quality. If I am to capture images of buildings, a wide angle lens should be used so that I can frame entire structures correctly and accurately; this means that the focal length needs to be very wide. If the weather is going to be cloudy/rainy, I will select the ‘Cloudy’ white balance setting on the camera to ensure the device does not add an unnecessary tint to the image which could ruin its appearance. I will need to bear in mind that the quality of my images might be severely hindered if I do not use the correct camera settings. The main complications for my images could be overexposure or underexposure caused by too much light entering the image sensor for the camera; this could result in my images appearing very dark, with shadows predominating the image, or very bright so that much of the image is not visible. The presence of under/overexposure would necessitate the use of Adobe Photoshop to correct the images in post-production using the Levels Tool, however choosing the right camera setting prior to taking the images will mean less effort in attempting to correct the images later on (in this case, the wrong settings will have been used).
- 4. Will any post-production occur? Post-production will occur after capturing my images, particularly in regard to alteration of colour so that the image takes on black and white rather than full colour. This would benefit my image because it could be more likely to evoke emotion e.g. depression. However, I could use the Filter gallery or other tools e.g. the Spot Healing Brush to remove any unnecessary elements within the image and enhance its quality. Another technique I could use in Photoshop is alteration of saturation; this technique could make the sunlight reflecting off the glass windows of buildings look brighter; this would allow me to convey a positive emotion. However, if it is cloudy/rainy instead, I could be able to alter the contrast, brightness etc. in order to add a melancholy feel to the image. If any complications have occurred with the images e.g. the wrong white balance setting has been used, I could correct it through use of the Levels Tool which would allow me to brighten up the image and alter its quality easily. Will you use feedback to aid your project? Feedback would be quite advantageous for my work because it could allow me to identify any weaknesses regarding my images and allow me to make necessary improvements to correct any mistakes, noise etc. within them. I could also use the positive feedback I receive to take into account how well I have done; this could allow me to determine which areas of my photography project are of a good quality i.e. mirror professional standards. The main advantages of receiving feedback is that it could allow me to understand the requirements of the project more, as well as to provide inspiration for any alternative work I could complete to meet the requirements even further. The main disadvantages of receiving feedback are a lack of reviewers in general, as well as the feedback not being 100% honest and lacking in terms of information. In other words, I might not fully understand what mistake I have made or how to put it right if the feedback I receive isn’t fully coherent.
- 5. What legislation could affect your project? Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 This Act consist of rules and regulations regarding equipment, as well as how to handle it safely. The Act specifically applies to the employer and the employee who both have certain responsibilities regarding the safety of the workplace, as well as the safety and security of the equipment, including cameras, tripods and lights. The main responsibilities of the employer within the workplace include ensuring a safe entrance to an from work is present, noise levels and fumes are controlled, first aid facilities are provided, and that equipment such as cameras are regularly maintained to ensure it is safe to use. This Act could protect me against any hazards that might come up whilst I am out shooting my images e.g. the tripod breaking or the camera’s battery running out. This is because I will be assured that the equipment I am using is safe because it goes through regular maintenance to ensure all aspects of it work properly. Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 (Using Photoshop?) • The second Act concerns how working at a computer can have severe effects on the health of the individual. This applies to myself because I am very likely to be working on Adobe Photoshop (for post-production) very frequently and for prolonger periods of time. The regulations of this Act will most likely help me when I am working on computers because I will be provided with different ways to prevent things like tiredness or pain (regarding the eyes or the joints) and take precautions to ensure I am perfectly comfortable whilst working on computers. The possible effects of working on computers for prolonged periods of time without breaks according to the Act are: • Fatigue: this means that I could become tired and lose concentration whilst working on a computer. This can be caused by inadequate design regarding the workplace, not taking any breaks, and incorrect installation of display screen equipment. The main ways that I can prevent tiredness from kicking in is by taking short, frequent breaks and ensuring that I have plenty of leg room so that I can change my posture at any time I want. Another way to prevent fatigue is by ensuring a readable and stable image is present on the computer. • Limb Pains/Discomfort: things like this are caused by sitting in fixed positions for too long or by making frequent and awkward movements of the head, body, arms etc. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring that I am using a keyboard which has usable and legible key tops; this would make it easier to find comfortable positions for my arms whilst working continually. To prevent pains in the legs, I could ensure that my work chair is appropriate and easily adjustable if I want to change the posture I am in. It would be a good idea to make sure the work surface is not cluttered with objects e.g. paper. This ensures that there is enough space on the desk to position my arms. • Effects on Eyesight: working for long periods of time on a computer could have severe effects on my eyesight e.g. they could become red and sore and migraines could occur later on. Continual exposure to the computer screen too much can result in impaired visual performance, and therefore some loss of focus and concentration. The best ways to prevent effects on eyesight are to alter the brightness of the computer screen in order to ensure that the image is glare-free. I must make sure that the lighting within the room is sufficient and that the screen is not flickering in any way. This essentially means that my eyes need to work harder, especially in regard top adjusting to the darkness if there are no lights on. I could easily prevent this by making sure the room is sufficiently bright as well as decreasing the brightness of the computer screen so that the glare doesn’t cause eye pains, headaches etc. Health and Safety
- 6. What locations will you be using for your project? I plan to capture architectural images of my own from around the York city centre. I am familiar with York and I know that there are a lot of buildings and similar structures (especially historical ones) to photograph during my project. I plan to take images at Micklegate; where substantial aspects of the former York city wall remain. I will also be using Fossgate; a street where a lot of shops and houses are located, as well as Clifford’s Tower and the bridge over the River Ouse. There are a lot of structures located here which I think are ideal in regard to my fine art project because they create meaning and look visually appealing; there are many different types of tone and atmosphere I could attempt to create. Risk Assessment Hazards Person or equipment at risk Control measure taken Vehicles or Transport on the road DSLR Myself Ensure to use common sense when crossing roads, stay alert Water DSLR Myself Be careful when holding the camera over the edge of the bridge and take care when walking along the river. Working at Heights DSLR Myself Ensure to use common sense when holding the camera over the edge of a high location and do not lean over the edge. Getting Separated From Group Myself Ensure the contact numbers of fellow classmates are in my phonebook so I can call them and tell them where I am. Theft/loss of camera DSLR Do not leave the camera anywhere. I should have it with me at all times and ensure the SD card, battery and other
- 7. Risk Assessment 7 Hazards Person or equipment at risk Control measure taken Wet weather/slippery pathways Myself DSLR Ensure I take a coat with me into York and take great care when walking on wet pathways. Objects in the street e.g. glass Myself Watch out for any objects lying on the ground that look dangerous, as well as objects that could be a trip hazard. I should be careful of where I am walking. Fumes (from cars or people smoking) Myself Watch out for people smoking and don’t get too close to vehicles on the road. Construction Sites Myself DSLR Watch out for sites like these and keep well away from them because it is unsafe. Dangerous Structures Myself DSLR Do not enter buildings or houses that seem abandoned or flimsy because there will be a good chance that something could break and I could seriously injure myself.
- 8. Which dates do you plan to shoot? I will be shooting my images on the 9th March 2016. In regard to the weather, there is a good chance that it will rain, therefore I will need to bring a coat. If the weather is really bad, however, I will have to shoot another day. The possible alternate date might be the Wednesday after (March 16th). On the 9th March, I will be going around York from 10:30 to 12:00pm, at which point there will be a lunch break. After this, I will continue shooting from 1:00pm to 3:15pm. My college bus leaves at 4:30pm, therefore I will need to ensure I am able to return to college in time. Shooting Schedule What equipment will be required? The main pieces of equipment that will be required for the fine art project are a DSLR camera, an SD (Secure Digital) Card, a battery for the camera and even a tripod to stabilize the camera. However, there is a chance that the tripod will not be needed, though it could prove useful in preventing camera shake within the images I take. The SD card will ensure that I have somewhere to store my pictures which I can also use to upload images to a computer, and the camera is vital for ensuring that I am able to capture my images. Will you require a model? I will not require the use of a model within my images because I will be shooting architectural images; this means that the only things I will be capturing on-camera will be buildings and other structures. No one will be required to pose in a specific way e.g. in front of a building. Will any props be required? No props will be required in my photo shoot because no staging will take place; I intend to shoot observational images of buildings and not individuals. The specific props that would be used for a different application could consist of a book (telephoto image) or mobile phone (possibly for experimental photography).
- 9. Contingency Plan What Could Happen? Contingency Plan Forecast is for rain, therefore the conditions are unsuitable for the shoot I will ensure I book a camera so I can produce images on an alternative day. Memory card is full or lost Ensure I have a backup card so I can continue shooting. Battery Running Out Make sure the camera is fully charged prior to shooting images and switch it off when it is not in use. Injury Ideally, I should be careful when it comes to walking on pathways and alongside roads. If I get hurt badly, I should book a camera so I can shoot images another day. People Getting Paranoid I should have my Student I.D. card with me at all times if questioned by anyone and make sure I am not angling the camera so that it looks as if I am taking photos of someone. Too Many People I should leave the area and come back later on when it isn’t too crowded so I can take my images. Damage to the Camera /Tripod I should be as careful as possible with the equipment and treat it as if it is my own. If the camera/tripod gets damaged, I should stop shooting and return them to the college.