Aim: The aim of my investigative study is to show a record of the streets and tourist attractions in London, UK. Within the investigation I'm going to explore different areas of London on foot. I'm going to record the different streets of London, not just the main streets as well as the surprising places I find and well known tourist attractions. This is to show that there is more to see in London than just the normal tourist areas like Tower Bridge.
Background
I have an interest in Landscape photography. This is due to the fact I like working with natural light. Natural light can have a massive effect on the outcome of a photo as time of day and year has the sun in different positions effecting shadows. The amount of cloud and even how thick it is can also have an effect. It can make a photo look gloomy and change what your showing / the vision or vibe of it. Under landscapes I want to look at Architecture photography as I would like to learn more about how to shoot and portray buildings, statues and streets better. This also means I get to look back at composition rules, which I think will really benefit my photography overall. The types of photographers who may have an influence on my work will have points of interest in their photos, whether that be a single building on the street or the whole street. The photographers will probably work in colour when taking there photos as well.
I have chosen London as the overall location of my shoots because I live near to it allowing me easy access into London to take the photos. As well as this London as a capital city has its own unique architecture and hidden areas. As a result I really want to learn about and find new areas of London. From this project I hope to show that London not only has the tourist attractions people all know about but to also show that just by leaving the main streets London has many hidden and different places that you wouldn't expect to find. Due to this I am going to focus on the streets and buildings I find while walk around and through the different areas of London.
Photographer’s research:
1) Steven Irwin
He is a freelance photographer in Cardiff in South Wales. He uses digital and physical manipulation to create cityscapes that are stained, spattered and layered together. This creates heavily manipulated photos that feels rough and chaotic. Full of bursts and layers of colour.
I have chosen this photographer because they relate to the urban theme that I will have in my work, I really like the angles they take the photos from so everything isn't just square. I also like the physical manipulation shown below with the paint stains and marks. I am thinking of using this in my work to see how that effects the photos I have taken.
Illustrations
The skyscrapers shown are the a black and white base background. The photographer has then physically manipulated the photo with watercolour paints over the top. The major feeling that come from the photo is chaotic which I think is great. This is because when I think of a city I think chaotic and busy which this really brings that forward.
In this skyline photo the buildings are still super prominent even in with the paint over the top. The paint is dark blue and a few other colours, its oil paint and looks like trees in after the leaves have fallen off. However it still gives off the same chaotic vibe.
He is based out of London and he is a London Street and Architecture Photographer. As well as this he produces 360x360 photography, light painting and time-lapse.
I chose this photographer as they are based in London so they use the same area that I am to take their shoots. As well as this they don't just take photos of the main tourist landmarks which is what I am planning on doing as well as take photos of the landmarks.
Illustrations
This photo is located in Camden London, at the lock next to the market. This is a know tourist area and many people go there for the different clothes and views. The photo was also taken using long exposure and that's what created the light lines.
This photo of the 3 phone boxes is super symmetrical as the windows add to it also making a sequence with the only thing that brakes it is the young boy on one side. However he is directly centre between the two boxes almost carrying it on. I feel like this photo shows a different side to London where its orderly and for me that's not what I would think when I think of a city.
3) Paul Reiffer
He is a British photographer that captures landscapes and cityscapes from over 70 countries. The photos he takes are unfiltered and normally unexpected because he always looks behind him. What he try's to do is to recreate the moment where he first saw the scenery.
I am going to look at the series London: In Blue which is where he takes photos of London at night where the lights during that shoot happen to be blue. He also took the photos through the eyes of a tourist which is what I am looking to do in my project. I also light the long exposure to capture the most colour which I may use in my work.
Illustrations
I really like this photo taken of the Elizabeth Tower in London (known as Big Ben, which is the bell in the tower). The photo was taken using a long exposure creating the stream of light. I think that light really brings the photo alive and pulls you into the photo.
I think this is an amazing photo where its been framed so it symmetrical, this also was most likely cropped so its a square helping with the symmetrically of the photo. I like the leading line in the photo in the form of the path with makes you feel like you can just step straight into the photo.
Techniques
In the project I am thinking / intending on using the following techniques:
Motion blur / long exposure - in order to show any moving elements like people as that could possibly bring the stagnate building and streets forward. It could also help with the idea of how to 'walk' through the photo. So looking back into Leading lines could be a great help and the different types of lines that guide the eyes. If I can I may look into doing a possible night shoot and see if Night Photography effects the city in anyway. This could be interesting as it could bring a whole different feeling or meaning to the same scene. During my work I know I'm going to have to work with different Depth of field's as it will allow me to take the photos I want, I haven't had great experience in using this so it will be something to really look into. However I know that due to the type of work I'm going to do during the project I will mostly using a large depth of field so a large F stop will be needed combined with a shorter focal length and a further stance.
I will also explore computer experiments and physical images:
During the editing stage I'm thinking / intending on using photoshop for computer experiments where by I look at removing Lens flare that may take away from the photo and so using the computer to control that flare from the sun. I may also look into Gradient mask as it will allow me to blend two exposures in an image allowing a greater range of light to be shown or balanced. I may also look into Nik colour Efex, which is basically changing the light balance and this can allow the point of focus to be highlighted eg: at the end of a street while naturally darkening the boarders.
For more physical experiments during editing I really liked the work of Steven Irwin and his use of different Paint's on top of his photos I think it really brought something really different to them and made them really stand out for me when doing research. I would like to allow play around with that as I through it was a really creative way to form this feeling of chaos and busyness that you can get in a city.
