Overall Evaluation

At the beginnning of the formal elements project we was instructed to write a list of the 10 formal elements these were lines,colour,movement,pattern,shape,depth,reflection,form,tone and texture. These were the individial elements that we would have to research and explore to then be developed into photographs that we have been inspired to take or created ourselves with our own imaginiation. After the formal elements list we then had to write a list of the visual world this was to gather our understanding of where the formal elements are categorised under. This was to make sure that when we go out capturing photographs we knew where the formal elements would be. The visual elements list was very long this is because the visual world is full of the 10 formal elements and this is what makes up our world today. I feel that if we hadnt had the discussion of the visual world in class and written the list I wouldnt of had a great understanding as I did. Because this meant that I would be more confident at crafting photographs and knowing what exactly to take when  I went on my shoots or in the studio.
For every formal element we had to do a image bank this was very important in my eyes because the lay out of this was 6 related photographs to each formal element which we anaylsed in a paragraph for each. This allowed myself and other photography students to explore photographs that were inspirational to us. This would then make it easier for me to take photographs myslef and edit them knowing I have a inspired photograph that lead me to take what I did and create my own meaning behind it. In class we also had to do a definition page and this required a dictionary definiton, list of what comes under the formal element, 4 anyalysed photographs and lastly my own definition. This was very helpful as I could see what the definition of each formal element was this helped me to understand my photographs better and to create my own definiton.
However even though these above were all very helpful and contributed to my understanding the task that made things clear to me was the mind map this was because I had to put examples underneath eachother formal element. This was something that made it clear to me what I was going to be taking photographs of for each formal element. This also simply layed out and was something visually clear to read quickly which would recap the ideas and examples I had written for each shoot.
After all this research and written work I then went out and took photographs which I could imagine in my mind would fit the formal element best and show clearly what one it was. As well as showing off my skills and having a captivating outcome. After each shoot we then had to print out contact sheets and pick our top four which was then agreed by paul and some in some cases were changed. Following this was the editing process which was only applyed to the four chosen. This was repeated for each formal element. This process was very long and some formal elements were tougher then others.
The formal elements I struggled with were reflection, tone and movement. Reflection I found difficult because I knew where to take the photographs. This was because a class discussion was made and the main places to take reflection photographs were mirrors, puddles and glass windows. However I struggled with what angle to take the photograph and how to just fit in the reflection with no other distractions in the photograph. This is why I didnt take a lot of photographs. However the ones I did were focused on more and as a result turned out well.
I also struggled with tone this was because I found it difficult to imagine the photographs I was taken to be black and white and where the different tones would be in the photographs. I ended up trying not to over think and take photographs and then see how they ended up in the editing process. This formal element I feel contained some of my stronger photographs
Lastly the formal element movement was the formal element I struggled with the most this was because I found it hard to capture photographs that looked very obviouse what they were but in a blurring motion. I feel that my photographs for burring could of been a lot better but they were presented and edited well in my eyes.
My strongest formal elements in my opinion were texture and form this was because on both of these shoots the sun was shining this allowed me to get shadows and the 3D appearence in form and to show the texture of the photograph I took very clear and detailed. These both I found fun and I felt my ideas were more developed in these two.
In addition surprisingly my tone photographs looked one of my strongest element even though I struggled with the shoot. This is evidence that with the research that I did was very helpful with making my photographs the best that they could be.
After every shoot we had to do a work diary this was to look back at what we took and if we would go back to the shoot what would be add to them. Most of my shoots were to take more photographs or to take more of a variety of photographs. However I didnt think I lacked photographs but more would of given me more of a choice for my 4 straight prints.
I think that the best part of this project was the studio work and the print techniques. This was because the studio was something I hadnt done before which made it exciting. Once I had leanrt how to use the lighting for effect and the camera I found it very easy to produce professional photographs that would stand out in my portfolio. The best studio shoot I feel I done was my second shoot of form which was a massive improvment from my first studio form shoot. As the lighting was much lighter and the photographs were more creative.
I also liked the print techniques as I was learning new techniques that I could apply with my own photographs. The soft focus was something that I liked the outcome of as it made my photograph look effortless and beautiful. However the print technique I enjoyed the most was photojoiner this was because I understood how to do this one very well and the outcome of my photograph in my eyes looked very challenging. I think this is one of my faveroite photographs from the project.
During the project we had to do a research log which was of 20 photographers and 5 of our best photographers which we anaylsed in detail. These both contributed to my understanding and opened my eyes to the photography indsutry.
Lastly as our class worked at a good pace we had time to do some extended work this was. Two nature walks, the theme of contrast and inspired work from Robert Mapple thorpe.
I loved the nature walks as this gave me other destinations to take photographs and was the time where I think my photographs began to improve hugely. In the project we had enterd a compettion where we used some of our nature photographs. These photographs had deep meanings behind them and were shown to other memebers of the gibert galleries. This was good in my eyes as it gave us an idea of what people out of the college thought of our work.
Robert Mapple thorpe was the last photographer and thing we did in this project. To get an idea of what photographs to take we watched a long clip about his carreer and about him as person which was a reason for some of his work.
My view on his work was that the simplistic nature and how her brings confidence to his models was very inspiring and how he used black and white for every photograph. When I captured photographs inspired by him the ones I liked the most were taken in the studio. This was because Roberts photographs were based in a studio. Also the back drops and lighting made my photographs similar to his.
Overall I have learnt many things in this formal elements project what each formal element is and my understanding of them is correct. I have also learnt the smallest of things like how to use photoshop and edit my photographs. To applying print techniques to my pictures and taking photographs in the studio by using the lighting. This project has allowed me to see photography in a different way instead of just looking at photographs I can interperate the deep meaning behind them. I also feel that I have more confidence taking photographs in both the studio and outside locations. My knowledge has hugely increased and this project has been very enjoyable to do. Even though there was a lot of written work to complete and there was times where this project was very stressful. My final outcomes from my top twenty powerpoint has shown that hard work pays off.