STATEMENT OF INTENT
what is my aim?
The theme that I have chosen is conflict, I aim to demonstrate my perspective on this specific theme as it can have many connotations, as it is all down to inference. I will particularly focus on mental conflict as this is the theme that really interests me. I aim to produce a portfolio of work that shows my development of ideas which will take me on a journey to my final portfolio images.
My initial research
For my initial research I will start by looking at professional photographers images based on the theme that I have chosen. The first that I will look at is UNICEF as they are a worldwide organisation that focus on people who live in war zones, who are surrounded by actual conflict on a regular basis and through these images you can really see the psychological impact on these innocent peoples faces. Another photographer that I may look at is Katie Joy Crawford who is infamous
for her photographs that are inspired by mental disorders, as she has also battled with anxiety for her entire life, she is perfectly suited to create striking images that display the burden of having anxiety. I chose this photographer and the UNICEF photographers because they display different ways of looking at mental health issues in various situations. I also aim to research posters, text, charitable bodies around my theme of mental conflict to help inspire my own outcomes and also learn to adopt the professionalism and standards that I wish to portray in my own work.
for her photographs that are inspired by mental disorders, as she has also battled with anxiety for her entire life, she is perfectly suited to create striking images that display the burden of having anxiety. I chose this photographer and the UNICEF photographers because they display different ways of looking at mental health issues in various situations. I also aim to research posters, text, charitable bodies around my theme of mental conflict to help inspire my own outcomes and also learn to adopt the professionalism and standards that I wish to portray in my own work.
How am I going to chose my theme?
To portray the theme of conflict, I don't want to do something generic, for example, physical conflict which is what first comes to mind when the word conflict is mentioned. I wanted to do something with a profound meaning, like a mental battle that may not be as obvious to others like a physical battle. This added depth to my theme as I had to think outside the box and so I decided to use text to convey a metaphorical meaning which allowed the viewer to really understand what the model was feeling.
How I am going to show progress?
To show progression through my work I would start by taking photographs of a mirror with derogatory terms written on it to show the stereotypes society enforces on certain individuals. The mirror could also represent the reflection of society and how it affects people. I also aspire to take photographs like Katie Joy Crawford as she is really able to catch the viewers eye by creating significant images that reflect society's pressures, to do this I will construct a studio set up and have my model holding up a smiley face on a piece of paper, but use makeup to give the effect of mentally disturbed individual. This will be effective as you can within the image a contradicting message which will show the viewer how people going through mental conflict are unable to express their true emotions to society.
How I am going to experiment?
I would like to experiment with a wide range of techniques within my work, starting by using different manual settings on the camera, exploring the use of aperture, white balance and com-positional techniques. I will also be able to do this by experimenting with different lighting and points of view to capture a range of different images. To further refine my work I will use Photoshop tools such as; crop, contrast and text, to create a final poster image.
Timeline
I will have two months to work on this project, and to produce a final portfolio of work. I aim to complete my initial research within the first three weeks, giving myself enough time refine my images in Photoshop and do more photo shoots if I need to.
What will I do as my work progresses?
My starting point would be to do my first shoot and develop the images in Photoshop, from this I will be able to see if I need to do any additional shoots to develop my outcomes. I will annotate my work as I go along to help me reflect on the work I produce. To understand how Photoshop works I will need to watch tutorials and practice with the tools on there to refine my skills. It is crucial for me to show my journey throughout this project and to show each stage of the creative progression. This will show growth within my work and how I, as an individual have refined and developed my knowledge and skills.
Coggle Mindmap
UNICEF Photograph
Context
This picture was taken in Syria by UNICEF in December 2015, to show people the difficulties people have to go through when they are 'born into conflict' - which is the photographs title. The titles image perfectly portrays the hardships of a mother and father who are running for their lives to help their children have a better life. UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, to defend their rights, and to help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. UNICEF works with partners around the world to promote policies and expand access to services that protect all children. UNICEF has helped reduce child mortality all over the world by working to reach the most vulnerable children, everywhere. UNICEF works around the world to support quality learning for every girl and boy, especially those in greatest danger of being left behind. UNICEF is on the ground before, during, and after emergencies, working to reach children and families with lifesaving aid and long-term assistance. UNICEF works all over the world to empower girls and women, and to ensure their full participation in political, social, and economic systems. UNICEF delivers sustainable access to lifesaving supplies where they are most needed, accelerating results for the most vulnerable children. UNICEF’s global programmes and initiatives are grounded in rigorous research and thoughtful analysis about the situation of children.
Connection
This theme of this picture directly links to my project as it is about conflict. It is relevant to my theme because it portrays the struggle of a family born into conflict. This helpful for me because as a photographer myself, it gives me inspiration to be able to look at a picture from different perspectives. This photograph has a very deep meaning , in my opinion it is to step into the shoes of refugees and show people the pain, grief and struggle they have to go through every day, in order for their children to have a better life, so they wake up to birds singing instead of gunshots. I feel as if the children are most affected by this, their life has just started, they should be going to school, learning, making friends and have a safe, happy household, this isn't possible for a child growing up in a war zone, children from a young age are influenced by violence and later on develop violent and bizarre behaviour. An overall view on 'conflict' is physical fighting or a disagreement, however conflict is varied from that, it can affect anyone and everyone and sadly there's no escaping it. As a new photographer my aim is to explore this theme from different viewpoints, perspectives and to show people that 'conflict' can happen in large war zones like Syria or Palestine but also in a day to day basis
Content
In the picture there is father holding a baby and a mother with her child. The picture was taken in Syria, which is a war-torn country, which could suggest they are fleeing. The main focal point of the picture is the family and to really focus on their distressed facial expressions; showing their pain and suffering. This also shown through the harsh lighting, enhancing their facial expressions. Although it is daytime and it is extremely bright, the picture is still quite dull, due to the contrast of the mud. The mud looks very worn in, showing that many people have also crossed this path. The picture look quite recent because of the pylons in the top right, it is not old because it is in colour. The family are wearing many layers of clothing indicating that it is very cold or that they left in a rush and did not have time to pack.
Composition
In this photograph there is a fast shutter speed, capturing the movement of the family and to focus on the pain and distress in their faces. It is clear that a tripod has not been used due to the quick movement of the family, in order to capture their struggle they did not have time to set up. It has been taken at a high aperture, creating a deep depth of field, giving us the illusion that the house is far away when in reality its not, giving us the effect that the family have been running away or maybe even fleeing. There is a cold white balance and the exposure is quite high, giving a very harsh effect, this has been used to portray the family's struggles. In addition, the photo has been taken at their face level, creating the main focal point to be their distraught facial expressions. The family are in height order; Father, Mother, child, this is effective because it guides the viewer straight across the photograph. I think this is done to show the lengths the father and mother would go through to keep their children safe and fight for a better life for their children, relating back to my theme, 'conflict'.
Comment
I like that the image conveys a message and a story, because these days pictures are meaningless, like selfies, pictures of landscapes, holidays etc, however this photograph tells a story of disquietude and extreme anguish. In addition, I think it shows the love of a mother and father, and the extreme lengths they would go to, to secure their children's safety, education and future. However, what I don't like is the dullness and the background of this picture, it isn't very appealing, but it really helps enhance the picture and create a deeper meaning. This picture really inspires me as a new photographer, because I've always thought a perfect photograph is a beautiful blue sky, the sun shining, people smiling and happy etc. Yet, this picture shows me that there is no such thing as 'the perfect picture', but meaningful picture is far more valuable.
Mental Conflict Moodboard
My Project Plan
Shoot One
BestThis is my best image as you see the distress the model is in by looking at these derogatory terms that are stereotyped to her, that people associate her as.
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WorstThis is my least favourite picture as most of the mirror is cut off, concealing the majority of the expressions, thus creating an unprofessional photograph.
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Photoshop Process
Original Image
The image was grainy so I decided to make it more sharp by using the 'Sharpen' tool. But the sharpening tool did not make a difference, so I then began to think what could be effective. I came to the conclusion that the 'Brightness/Contrast' tool could help, which it did.
I wanted reflect the melancholic atmosphere presented by the model who is clearly distraught by the slurs she sees herself as in the mirror. I did this by going onto the 'filter' button and then into 'curves'.
Before
After
To get a logo on the image I downloaded one from the internet and opened it in Photoshop.
I then decided to use the 'quick selection tool' to get rid of the white background on the image so it doesn't come on when I move the logo to my image. To get to the fine corner I pressed and zoom 'Ctrl' and the '+' button and to zoom out 'Ctrl' and '-'.
I got off the selection tool and pressed the 'move' tool to allow me move the logo to the image tab and adjusted it to where I think it would stand out best, away from the writing on the mirror so it does not get too crowded.
FINAL OUTCOME
Shoot Two
Photoshop Process
Project Evaluation
The theme for our project was conflict. I thought it was a very meaningful and a profound theme that I studied because 'conflict' can have many different meanings, such as conflict within yourself, wars, political issues etc.
I found that I enjoyed setting up my set ups, especially in the mirror pictures because I had to go find the paints and then choose which toilet would be best suited for my shots. Then making the pictures from different angles lighting, exploring the camera settings, this was all very effective because it's broadened my perspective and ideas as a photographer. I used many new techniques during this project, organisation, being efficient, exposure and Photoshop. I would further like to develop my Photoshop skills because I didn't have much time to delve into the software.
I researched a UNICEF photographer who made this compelling photograph of a family fleeing Syria to escape the hardships of a war-torn life.
I found that I enjoyed setting up my set ups, especially in the mirror pictures because I had to go find the paints and then choose which toilet would be best suited for my shots. Then making the pictures from different angles lighting, exploring the camera settings, this was all very effective because it's broadened my perspective and ideas as a photographer. I used many new techniques during this project, organisation, being efficient, exposure and Photoshop. I would further like to develop my Photoshop skills because I didn't have much time to delve into the software.
I researched a UNICEF photographer who made this compelling photograph of a family fleeing Syria to escape the hardships of a war-torn life.