Line can be used in many ways, such as leading the viewers eye somewhere, or simply to show reputation. Its rather easy to use line in photography as they are everywhere; even if you cannot see them at first. For example, if you increase the shutter speed, you may see lines from the clouds in the sky or from the waves in the sea which are only noticeable after some time. They can significantly increase the impact of images, enticing the audience, and keeping them focused purely on the photo.
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Shape's can help deceive the viewer, especially if the photographer attempts to change the lighting into something almost unnatural. The bottom left image in my photocollage gives of the look of a shell, though on closer inspection is actually a staircase: I believe this was done by the use of shape.
Shapes are also used when drawing, as if a base to grow from and develop. |
In the words of google, 'texture is visible details which describe how something physically feels.' This is also something you will always see as texture is all around us, from the fabric you're wearing to the material of the house you live in.
Technically, without material nothing would exist- this means texture is highly common to us, decreasing the chances of us truly noticing and appreciating it. |
Space in photography is also something used to almost manipulate or confuse those who see it. Product photographers are most likely to use lots of space, or little space; depending on whether they want their product to appear small or large. Everything is different from smaller or larger distances- take the world for example. Astronauts have captures images of the world which make it look like a small ball, when in reality it's almost 200 million square miles.
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Repetition, something so simple though it portrays amazing patterns. It's seen almost everywhere, whether its the similar leaves on the trees, or the neatly arranged tiles on houses. It's even present in the worlds we vocalise- though we often don't notice, making it something done unconsciously. Naturally; as seen on animals fur and skin.
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I like this image because by the way it is focused and brings your attention to the middle, where you see different elements, such as shape and line, mixed together to create a natural contrast. The form of the back leaves are almost symmetrical, they practically blend in to the backscene, which I think looks better than a plain backdrop, for this specific photograph.
The slightly grainy affect makes it appear more old-fashioned and less vibrant. The pollen nicely blends with the wall behind; this means the colours almost sync with one another, adding some form of order and sequence. This directs our eyes central as well. |
I think this photograph was one of the best as the perspective (birds-eye view) has a strong impact. I think this because it draws my mind to, yet again, a bud sprouting into a flower, ready for bees to land on it and take its pollen. I particularly like the way in which the leaf towards the right curls, as it adds to the newly-sprouted effect.
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I like this image opposed to others as the water droplets encourage it to stand out. The perspective allows the camera to focus exclusively on the top of the flower, permitting the texture of the petal to attract the attention of the viewer. Little editing, including highlights and shadows, were needed but apart from that not much manipulation was carried out.
Though this picture can seem bland at first glance, upon further inspection multiple unusual shapes appear- namely the thin-stars and circles. I feel the contrast between the pure petals and dark ground is what brings this image alive. Underneath the flower grow young buds ready to spout, which leads the onlookers eyes towards the crinkling ends, this conveys the theme of death and birth as we see the new 'generation' take over whilst the elder is not quite ready to leave yet.
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This was one of the images I took closer to home, which I believe is one of the reasons I view it as successful. I walk past it regularly and do not give it much notice, as it's a rather common flower; however, to me, this photo shows the underlying delicacy. The petals act as a shield whilst the star-pollen in the middle a sword. The extra buds behind the 'shield' appear almost as armour.
The negative space in this image is useful to us as it does not lead the viewers eye elsewhere other than the subject in shot, it also allows the flower to seem taller than it actually is; whilst leaves and other plant stems frame the outside, the toxic foxglove towers above them- this causes it to seem much larger than it actually is. This is also caused by the bottom part being in focus and the top not, almost as if out of range.
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“This then: to photograph a rock, have it look like a rock, but be more than a rock.” – Edward Weston |
To begin my Abstract Nature Artist Investigations I chose Edward Weston because he was a famous photographer, well known for his abstract photography. Edward was American, also known for his Still life, landscape and nude photography. I chose this quote as it perfectly explains how something so ordinary and dull can be changed into something amazing. I like this video because the creator of it is someone who is largely influenced by Edward, it shows how Edward creates his images. |
This image is Pepper No.30, which was photographed in 1930, by Edward Weston- it contains the genres of abstract and still life. The props I can see in this picture is 1 green pepper, though its obviously in monochrome. The composition of the photo shows the subject has been places rather close to the camera, but not too close to create a blurred, out of focus affect. This causes the viewers eyes to be led around the photo as they first notice the pepper, then it's almost human-like form. The perspective Winston took this is that of which we use everyday, the fact is simply straight on makes it even more surreal.
The photographer employs a range of visual elements in his work. The most prominent are shape, form and texture. The shape and form on the pepper reminds the viewer of a person trying to scrunch themselves up into a ball, whilst the texture looks like that of a humans back. In summary:
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I like this image to an extent. The advantages of it would be the vintage/old-fashioned style editing which I believe allows the seeds and shape to stand out, the dark contrast of the hollow middle, causing the illusion of endless seeds within the pepper.
The main disadvantage of this photograph include the unusual low-quality which appears to be presented due to to the focus on the seeds and blur of the surrounding. However, overall, I like the picture and class it as a favourite from this specific shoot. |
Though the editing of this photo could be largely improved, the mistakes could easily be passed off as part of the plain pattern. I think this should have been digitally manipulated with a similar style to the last, as this shoot should be underexposed and low-key.
My previous pepper images appears more natural via the vintage editing which makes a dirt-like appearance. The mushroom looks unnatural due to its fake cleanliness. Though I would say its one of the best from is shoot it does not fully meet the success criteria required. |
Anna Atkins (179-1871) was an English photographer who was also largely known for scientific reasons, much like her father. The cyanotype process is rather cheap as not much expensive equipment is needed, neither do you need immense knowledge to copy DIY cyanotype YouTube videos. However, though the hobby isn't as costly as others, some equipment should still be bought to ensure the correct process is used. In addition to this disadvantage, the colour will always stay cyan, meaning people who don't particularly like the colour, or prefer a range of contrasting colours, won't find much enjoyment in this. |
“The plant never lapses into mere arid functionalism; it fashions and shapes according to logic and suitability, and with its primeval force compels everything to attain the highest artistic form.” |
After studying the work of Edward Weston, Anna Atkins and Horst P. Horst I will now further my research into Abstract Nature by looking at the work of Karl Blossfeldt.
Karl Blossfeldt was born June 13, 1865, Schielo, Germany and is most famously known for his stark close-up portraits of plants, twigs, seeds and leaves. In these photographs he often used different elements such as texture, the rule of thirds and focal point. I think he used focal point as a priority because his subjects are often in the centre of his photos. I chose this inspiration quote because it sums up the work of Blossfeldt as it speaks of nature and artistic forms, something he worked closely with. This video is inspirational to me because it talks about his life and his upbringing, including what he did and didn't use for his photography. |
1. Cropping using the rule of thirds.
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2. Adjusting the brightness
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First, I uploaded an image onto Pixlr-E and made some very minor edits. Then, using layers, added an overlay image and merged them, adjusting the Opacity. After this, made some small changes in the hue and temperature. When everything looked okay I saved the changes before moving onto the last step. I used the vignette option to enhance the edge of the photographs slightly. An overlay is an image or texture that is added as an additional layer to your photograph using an editing program. This can cause effects such as rain, snow, and light rays etc. |
Email Quote – Direct Artist Response Why this artist? The final artist in the Abstract Nature project is Dennis Wojtkiewicz. This artist differs from my other artists because he emulates photographs of fruit and uses colour. However, there are similarities such as abstraction and natural forms. Who is he/she? Dennis Wojtkiewicz was born in America and is most famously known for his immaculate photo realistic paintings which contain mouth-watering fruits. His website is: www.wojtkiewiczart.com Why the quote? The quote is from a direct email response from Dennis. W himself. From the email, I was able understand what equipment & techniques he uses such as Canon EOS 90D camera with a Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM fixed lens and backlighting. Why this video? This video is inspirational to me because it shows all of DW's greatest work, including succulent grapefruits. |
Editing Step 1: I used the adjustment tools to enhance the colour of the lime from my original image shoot. This helped to brighten the fruit, and heighten its exposure. The lime's original rather dark background remains.
Editing Step 2: In this screenshot I used the 'lasso' tool on pixlr to delete the original background and replace it with a white one. This meant I could edit the lime much easier in the future.
Editing Step 3: Then, I selected the lime, copied and pasted it, before placing then separate ones in different places. Editing Step 4: Lastly, I changed the colour of each piece to make the individuals stand out.
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