6. Work Record 2

Work Record 2

Location - New Forest, Hampshire

Distortion method - Crystal ball

My Plan for Shoot 2 -

In shoot 2, I hope to use the knowledge in which I learnt in shoot 1. This includes: using the crystal ball to distort the image whilst creating a well composed, interesting photograph whilst using the correct camera settings such as the ISO and Shutter speed. I hope to explore camera's settings, including shooting my images in Raw, in order for me to have more control over the edited final image. 

I would like to experiment with the many different locations in the New Forest, including the rivers, river banks, forests and Gauze land, whilst incorporating my crystal ball in order to create a curved distortion.

Research influence -

My influence for this shoot, was once again, Stefan Lens. I am intrigued by his methods for photography and would like to further explore and improve my work.

Contact sheets -

My best images - 

Images that require improvement - 

In my opinion, this image (above) has a composition that doesn't work. It is not centred and the frame is slightly wonky.

I think that this image is nice however it needs some dodging and burning to really emphasise the reflection in the crystal ball. The photograph could also do with a little straightening.

This photo is shot at too high an exposure.

AO3 - Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress.

I think that I am happy with the outcome of this shoot. I particularly like the photographs of the crystal ball with the moss and Lichen. I feel that I am getting better at knowing what will look good alongside the crystal ball and knowing how to set the composition of the photograph up to maximise the impact of the crystal ball. 

With reference to my selected best images: 

The first image, I like the way the ball is placed centrally to the camera. I also like how the ball is self balancing on the roots of the trees, instead of being held by a hand, as I personally prefer photos without anybody in it as well. When this image is put into photoshop, I would like to edit the colour of the river, to alter the brown colour and change it to a bluer. 

The second image: When this image is put into photoshop, I would like to adjust the Brightness and contrast as well as focusing on the smooth textures from the crystal ball and the contrasting texture from the bark of the trees.

In regards to the third image, I like the simplicity of this photograph. I like the composition, however, I think that some editing needs to be done, changing the brightness etc. 

Looking at the seventh image, I think that this is one of my best images due to the zoomed in distortion in the crystal ball. I think that this makes for a very interesting image. 

AO2 - Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops.

To take my photos I used a Canon E10 1000D, with multiple lenses.

Photograph 1

Lens: EF-S18-55mm F/3.5-5.6

Shutter speed: 1/250 sec

F/: 5.6 

ISO: 400

Photograph 2

Lens: EF-S18-55mm F/3.5-5.6

Shutter speed: 1/250 sec

F/: 5.6 

ISO: 400

Photograph 3

Lens: EF-S18-55mm F/3.5-5.6

Shutter speed: 1/250 sec

F/: 5.6 

ISO: 400

Photograph 4

Lens: EF-S18-55mm F/3.5-5.6

Shutter speed: 1/250 sec

F/: 5.6 

ISO: 400

Photograph 5

Lens: EF-S18-55mm F/3.5-5.6

Shutter speed: 1/250 sec

F/: 5.6 

ISO: 400

Photograph 6

Lens: EF-S18-55mm F/3.5-5.6

Shutter speed: 1/250 sec

F/: 5.6 

ISO: 400

AO1 - Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding.

I do think that the photographers research was useful. I looked at Stefan lens  It gave me ideas and confidence to use the crystal ball in my work. it also pushed me to think of different ways in which I can use the ball to create the best distorted image.

AO4 - Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and, where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements.

From this shoot, I do like my final images. I think that some images that were shot, if I were to do the shoot again, I would redo.

Progression - 

In the next shoot, in which I use a crystal ball, I hope to try and capture crashing waves. I would like to experiment with what the distortion appears like from within the glass ball. I would also like to use a tripod in some of my future shoots, where possible, due to the camera being a little unstable at times.

In my future editing process I would like to experiment using the crop tool. I want to see