PRINCIPLES OF LOCATION PHOTOGRAPHY
STATEMENT OF INTENT
THEME 1
Candidates Name: A. S Rundle Theme: The Built Environment
Title of the theme: The World Around Us
1. Intentions/purpose of the photography to be undertaken
For the past 30 years I have been involved in then construction industry and have witnessed first hand the evolution of Architecture associated with the built environment. In that time I have seen the imaging of thousands of buildings and have always been fascinated with the various styles of representation.
The use of light, angles and details is particularly as with good light, composition and perspective even the dullest of buildings can appear grand.
My intention therefore is to explore the imagery of buildings with a view to creating stunning photos
2. Reasons for selection of the theme (including inspiration from the work of others)
I guess in stating the above I have answered this particular question but I am inspired by the work of several photographers. These include Ezra Stoller, for his bleakness of the drab 1960s buildings and Anthony Weller and Tim Soar for their contemporary approach to modern buildings.
In particular the latter two photographers great use of night shots to highlight the building detail and also the attention to particular detail.
3. The photo Imaging equipment and medium that will be used.
For my shoot I will use my own equipment viz:-
Cannon 400 d Digital SLR camera
Cannon 18-55mm lens
Cannon 75-300mm zoom lens
Tamron 10-24mm Wide Angle Lens
Jessops 360AFDC flash
Camlink Tripod
Various batteries and memory cards
4. Techniques that will be used and how they will help convey the visual message
I will attempt to use the various lenses that I have to create different images and emulate the style of shots taken by the photographers I am inspired by.
These, hopefully, will range from wide aperture, minimal field in detail shots to small aperture long field with shots for greater perspective.
I will use “angles” as a main feature to express the geometry of the building and perspective and focal point to emphasise particular details.
I will also use the tripod to capture images in low light and darkness to enable me to allow the light, either natural of artificial, to enhance or highlight the particular aesthetic qualities of the building.
I will not rule out the option of black and white shots but feel they are best suited to particular styles of buildings.
The intention at the end is to produce images that convey the beauty of the building.
5. How light quality can be used to convey the visual message
Light is fundamentally important in any building image.
Even the dullest building can look attractive in good light but conversely the most attractive building can look drab in bad light. (unless that is the wish !)
It seems to me that most images of quality have either clear or partly cloudy skies and very few – other than in black and white – images are taken with our typical October/ November grey skies.
The time of day, clarity of the sky and height of the sun are all principles to consider in detail when taking shots but so too is the artificial light which most buildings enjoy. The cameras ISO setting will help, but getting the light right in the first place should be the aim.
I will attempt most light settings but feel that the time if year may well lead to late evening/artificial shots will be most appropriate
6. Safety considerations
Be mindful of your safety and the safety of others !!! Has to be the message.
Always a good idea to visit the area to shoot and “plan” well to avoid any hazards or problems.
Points to consider:-
Location. Any dangers to yourself ? Traffic ? Steps ? Falling?
Location. Are you a danger to others ? Obstruction ?
Equipment. Too heavy to handle ? Precarious to stabilise ?
Communication. Keep in touch with relatives ?
