Ex 2: Thinking about location

Feel quite comfortable with this exercise because I am initially considering landscapes, which I am used to taking pictures of, although the challenge will be in now looking at a location with a completely different purpose in mind. I feel it will be important to place people in a suitable, definable space, that says something about their lifestyle or personality, so I will need to think carefully about matching the person and setting.

Many of my friends are involved in outdoor pursuits, mainly hillwalking and cycling, so I would like to use locations that reflect their love of the outdoors. The next step is to see who is willing to be photographed.

I have taken some reccie shots at Culzean Castle which I think could be a good location for my nieces, who want to be princesses! Family shots at the park or in the garden may also work.

I am considering an urban shoot as there are great locations in Glasgow. It might make a nice contrast to the outdoor work to have some architectural backdrops.

Ex1: Portait, scale and setting

Started to think about this exercise and have been collecting examples of portraits from magazines and looking at images on the web. I have also been thinking of family and friends who may agree to sit for me. I have purchased 2 books which look like being very helpful.

Digital Portrait Photography, Steve Sint, Lark Books
The Photographic Portrait, Robin Gillanders, David & Charles

I am on holiday until August 5th so plan to take shots of my husband, David, on our return. He hates getting his picture taken, so if I can get some good shots of him, I should be able to get good shots of anybody! He likes sitting in our garden and conservatory, so this seems a good location to try first. I think the task will be easier for both of us if I have examples to work from.

Beginnings

So after nearly 2 years of thinking about returning to study, here I am on the first stage of my photography course which will hopefully lead to a degree. I am waiting to hear in August if my application for APEL has been successful which will certainly make my goal more achievable. Other aims for me are to improve the creative and technical aspects of my photography and to gain a greater awareness of other practitioners, both current and historically influential. And to have some fun, learn from my mistakes and to take pictures to be proud of.

I have chosen to start with People and place, which is quite daunting. I don't normally choose to photograph people for all the same reasons that most people avoid them - Formal photography brings challenges of practicalities and forming relationships. Who will you photograph? Where will you photograph them? How to make the shoot comfortable for both photographer and sitter. Candid work seems more challenging nowadays with changing attitudes towards photography in a public space, especially where children are concerned. People may object if they spot my camera - I think we are all very conscious of our own personal space - and you feel like a snoop if you try to invade it by taking candid shots of strangers. Raised awareness of terrorism threats may make urban photography difficult.

However, I do expect people to be very supportive and willing to help. It will be interesting to see how I get on as I work through the course.