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Place Based Photography
Place Based Photography
Place-based photography is a form of narrative photography that shows the essence of a location such as what it feels like, why it is important or what has happened there. Place-based photography is a way to tell a story about a specific location. Photos could depict regular activities that occur there, a specific important event, what happens at different times of day, how a space is transformed throughout history and the emotions that are associated with this. For example, a series of photographs capturing the evolution of a neighbourhood over the years, or a set of images portraying the daily life and activities in a park are place-based narrative photographs. To make a neighbourhood seem bustling and exciting a photographer could capture business and places packed with people in bright, naturally lit settings. To make a neighbourhood look derelict, broken down or abandoned, the photographer could focus on broken buildings and use cloudy or rainy days to portray this. Place-based narratives allow photographers to convey a sense of place and time and to tell engaging stories, from the things that people wouldn't notice about a place day to day through to sharing insight on iconic places where important events have occurred.
Creator: Hugh Holland
Creator: Hugh Holland
A - Because Hugh Holland photographed the beginnings of skate culture in the 1970s California, it is likely that his audience is that same community. This could mean skaters, Californians and surfers as that is where the idea of skating came from and it was originally called 'sidewalk surfing' (Grinell College, 2023). Because skaters have become a subculture that have shaped more meaning for society since the 70s, his audience could include contemporary people with an interest in skating, those with an interest in historic photographs and interested in the history of documentary photography. His photos could attract those with nostalgia or a connection to the cultural significance of 1970s California as well. His work has been displayed in many art galleries and has attracted an audience interested in art (WAX Poster, 2023). One of his photos was also displayed on the bedroom wall of Max, a character in Stranger Things (played by Sadie Sink) and so young people with an interest in the 70s/80s aesthetic may find and appreciate his work (Trick or Treat, Freak,' 2017).
I - Holland's intention in capturing his skate photography was to document the emerging skateboarding subculture in Southern California during the 1970s (Inside Hook, 2023). His goal was to record a moment in time and showcase the vibrant youth culture that thrived in what they called the 'concrete playgrounds' of the region. He was showing a specific place in a specific moment in time and reflecting what it felt like to be there. He preserved the spirit and energy of found family and long days, going into the evening, skating, laughing and hanging out in the golden glow of the sun on warm concrete.
M- Holland used various elements to convey his intention and create a sense of place-based narrative photography. The subjects were skateboarders which were captured candidly, hanging out with friends or freeze frames of them in mid-action, showing the skateboarding experience. The backgrounds helped to draw attention to the place as they were urban landscapes of Southern California, including empty swimming pools, empty streets, and concrete drainage ditches (Inside Hook, 2023). Actions captured were the skate tricks and poses which highlight the skills of the skaters and evoke a sense of movement. The lighting shows Holland's signature style which is capturing photos during the golden hours of the day (the hour or two before sunset). This creates a warmth and immediate sense of nostalgia as well as timelessness that reminds viewers of youth and spending time with friends into the late afternoon.
M - Fast shutter speeds were used to freeze the action and emphasise skating poses. The photos use a variety of compositional tools, such as leading lines which are frequently made from concrete edges to draw viewers' eyes towards skating action. Close-ups are used to draw attention to skating fashion of the time (such as bare feet on the skateboards) because skaters at this time still dressed like surfers. Wider shots and low angles are used to emphasise the vastness and emptiness of the urban backgrounds. The low angles can also make the viewer feel like they are in the movement.
E - Holland used minimal editing due to the technology available at the time. However, he deliberately shot on expired 35mm film from Hollywood which emphasised the golden glow of his images even more. The lack of editing preserved the authenticity and raw feeling of his photographs (DesignEx, 2012).
My Ideas
My Ideas
Similar lighting in all of the images in the series helps to get across a particular vibe and feeling
It's cool that the photos are taken across different days but at the same time of day
I like the energy and excitement conveyed in these photos
I could use the same subject matter and also show skaters?
The energy related to the place also reminds me of staying up late with friends, under the stars - there is a sense of freedom
Night photos
My series could be about being outside in urban environments at night and how that feels more exciting and filled with possibility than during the day
Night walks
My Plan
My Plan
A - The photo series that I will create is going to be about urban environments at night and adventures with friends. For this reason, the audience might be young people who long for similar adventures. It is something that could be posted on my own social media for the friends who are in the photos but could also be shared on blogs about urban and youth photography. I could also share this on educational blogs about night photography when I talk about what type of camera settings I use and how to take photos in low light.
I - My intention in the series is to capture the same youthful sense of energy and freedom as Hugh Holland's skateboard photos. The photos will be across different nights and and not the exact same location but similar urban landscapes near my home so that they are about suburban spaces. They will show how these places feel electric and energetic when they are empty at night.
M - The subjects will be elements of the suburban area, such as houses, streetlights, pathways and cars. I will also capture my friends interacting with the environments. The backgrounds will be similar, capturing the urban spaces. The lighting will be a combination of natural moonlight, street and car lights and possibly phone lights. All of the light will be white or with a slight blue tint that creates drama and surreal feelings. The action will be candid exploration of the environments.
M - Camera settings will include slow shutter speeds as this is required to capture photos in dark settings. I might also use a high ISO for this reason. This might lead to some grain in the photos or a little motion blur but I will deliberately keep this in to emphasise the raw, authentic vibes that are similar to Holland's work. I will likely use wider shots to capture more of the environment and because close up shots may require zooming which is harder to do when there is motion blur and less light. I would like to emphasise the night sky in the photos as the time of day is an important part of the vibe of the place.
E- I may edit the photos to increase brightness or tweak the colouring so that they all have a similar look but will aim to have minimal editing.
Mood Board
Mood Board
Timeline
Timeline
Week 12
Single - Plan a list of specific urban locations to shoot in and which nights I might be able to go there. Create a list of friends who could be able to join me.
Week 13
45 min - Learn about which camera settings are best to take photos in low light and at night. Take experiment shots to remind myself about the exposure triangle. I will be shooting in manual.
Double - I will have gone on a night walk by myself at this stage and can edit the images and learn from any mistakes I made.
Single - Write notes in my process journal about the photos I have taken so far. Show which ones I like and why and what I could improve.
Week 14
45 min - I will have gone on a night walk with some friends on the weekend and taken a bunch of photos. Begin choosing which ones I like and editing them.
Double - More editing and writing notes about the photos I have taken.
Single - Ask teacher or peers to look at my work and give me feedback.
Week 15
45 min - Add a few more photo options and finalise which ones will be included in my final series.
Double - Any catch up required.
Research References
Research References
DesignEx (2012) 'Photography: Hugh Holland Vintage Skate Shots,' URL
Grinell College (2023) 'History and Evolution of Skateboarding,' URL
Inside Hook (2023) 'Hugh Holland’s “Locals Only” Captures the Wild, Carefree Spirit of ’70s Skate Culture,' URL
'Trick or Treat, Freak' (2017, October 27). In Stranger Things. 21 Laps Entertainment.
WAX Poster (2023) 'Collections: Hugh Holland,' URL
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