Photography
Photography | UAL Diploma in Art & Design Foundation Studies
Photography | UAL Diploma in Art & Design Foundation Studies
This image is from my Final Major Project, ‘Colour Theory’, in which I wanted to explore the ability colour has on an audience's emotions and how this impacts the way an image is portrayed. The shoot that this image is from was inspired by the popular Hindu Festival of Holi, where perfumed coloured powder (called gulal) is pelted at everyone. This was of interest to me as I had intended to create a similar explosion of colour in my own photographic work. I had aimed to use the piercing blue in order to create a calming atmosphere.
Previously studied at: Varndean College
Progressing to: University of the West of England, Bristol to study Criminology and Sociology
I looked into women in the media and real-life, the impact of society and stereotypes. I focused on "rules" women are faced with in events like dinner parties, rules that force them to "Act like a Lady". This phrase is too commonly used with women, to contain them from expressing themselves and embracing their own individuality, while diminishing "masculine" or non-binary characteristics women process. In this image I wanted my subject to appear doll-like, playing into the feminine stereotypes, while her action of eating the cake in an aggressive manner shows an act of rebellion, that women refuse these roles.
Previously studied at: St Philip Howard Catholic School
Progressing to: I plan on taking a gap year, where I want to build up a strong amount of savings and do some photography work experience, and then maybe apply to Bournemouth Arts University or Brighton University to study photography.
"Neptune." This is an image from my Greek Mythology shoot, where I looked at the water element and the Greek Goddess, Neptune. I created a narrative and showed the characteristics of Neptune. My other main focus was high fashion and with the addition of the scarf, I believe I portrayed this well. I also wanted to achieve a certain composition, so I attempted to make this symmetrical. Having the model pose in such a way shows the staged nature of the piece but the expression is more candid. Therefore creating this idea of natural beauty of a Goddess.
Previously studied at: Varndean College
Progressing to: Winchester University to study Media, Communications and Journalism
Within my FMP I explored the impact of COVID - 19 to showcase how COVID - 19's impact has gone beyond just people's physical health but also people's mental health, the environment, politics and the economy etc. To visualise this I decided to group together images that not only explore different impacts but also different techniques and genres of photography. Through doing so I wanted the viewer to understand the different perspective of COVID - 19 as everyone has experienced the pandemic differently due to people's views and backgrounds. For the presentation, I was inspired by the Amoako Boafo exhibition layout at the Mariane Ibrahim Gallery in 2019 as she uses colour coordination to connect the images and create a cohesive exhibition. Therefore for my piece I selected images that incorporated the colour blue to reinforce the underlying theme these images share of visualising the impact of COVID - 19.
Previously studied at: Varndean College
Progressing to: University of the Arts London, Camberwell College of Arts to study Fine Art Photography
This piece is made up of five images from my FMP, in the course of which I developed the concept of Surrealism and Magical Realism. In the top left two images I used glass to explore the idea of distorting reality, in the top right image the technique of levitation to express spirituality. The picture bottom left is inspired by Rene Magritte, using similar props and background to those used in his works. In the image bottom right I took photos using black/white 35mm film, inverted one picture and blended it with another to create an eerie sepia-toned image.
Previously studied at: Bede's Senior School
Progressing to: University of the Creative Arts, Farnham to study BA in Film and Digital Art
My chosen theme for my FMP was local mythology. I based my final shoot off of tales of fairies in Sussex; my photographs are based on details from these stories. I used a homemade lens filter to create a misty, diffused finish to give the photos an ethereal feel. I was inspired by portrait photographers such as Tamara Dean and Tim Walker.
Previously studied at: BHASVIC
Progressing to: After this course, I am taking a gap year.
Through the selected diptychs learnt in creating my FMP, my project 'Mind Bending Through Memories' has led me into selecting a perspective shot on transport comparisons between Hong Kong and England. Exploring a perspective in cultural comparisons in my own life, forging it's own great concept of discovering differences to reflect upon.
Previously studied at: Cardinal Newman Catholic School and Sixth Form College
Progressing to: Next year I am going to take a gap year. After this, I might progress onto Northbrook MET to do the University Level Photography Course.
"Exploration Of Queer Identity Through Image Manipulation"
This is a collection of images and response from the subjects I photographed for my FMP. I wanted to explore how distortion can be used to represent queer existence, and if it could even be effective. Using a wide array of formats and techniques, from colour reversal medium format film, to pushed black and white film, to tape camcorders, to solarized instant film. I created images that I felt were both aesthetically pleasing and thematically strong, helping to visualise something that I've never been able to put into words.
Previously studied at: Varndean College
Progressing to: I am still considering my options for the future which will involve making music and taking photos.
"Water Pollution"
As part of my FMP I was exploring fast fashion and for this shoot I researched about water pollution and its effects. To display this through my images I used clothing of my own from fast fashion brands and submerged them in water. Looking at work created by photographer Jennifer Pattison really inspired me during this shoot as she has taken images from a project that enveloped water and clothing as well. I feel that my final image outcomes were really successful as they expressed fast fashion and water pollution in a different and unique way.
Previously studied at: Varndean College
Progressing to: After this course I am going into full time employment
In my FMP, I wanted to explore how our memory can be impacted by photography, in particular family photo albums. My work was heavily influenced by William Eggleston, an American photographer, who photographed the ordinary, and made it interesting. I wanted to create a project that was personal for me, therefore I photographed my grandparents and their homes. Shown in my final piece, are my grandparents, along with my favourite shot from the project, of my grandmothers shoes. I thought the lighting creates an image with a strong narrative, an environmental portrait without the model in the shot.
Previously studied at: BHASVIC
Progressing to: After the course I am planning on taking a gap year, and then studying Photography at Brighton University.
This image was one I took as part of my FMP in which I explored the topic of mental health in young people. Mental Health is an ever-increasing issue in today's world, especially with the pandemic and everything that has happened over the last year and a half. This image was one of my favourites from my project, and one that I best felt communicated the message I was trying to put across in my work throughout. I feel it shows the chaos and confusion felt with mental health and mental illness, both by those suffering and those trying to help someone suffering, due to the explosion of paint surrounding my model and also the dark, contrasting tones and colours throughout. I was trying to raise awareness of the topic in my work, and I feel that this image does it very well.
Previously studied at: Varndean College
Progressing to: After this course I am planning to work and save up money to hopefully go travelling (if the pandemic allows), to build up my portfolio and experience different culture all around the world.
My project of a photographer's bucket list, mainly includes studio techniques with a couple of location shoots. I will mainly be taking inspiration from the Romantic era rather than attempting to recreate some of the images. I take inspiration in varying levels. For example, I want to take inspiration from the tones, positioning and natural colour palette along with mystery, secretism and emotion. I aim to portray this kind of clear emotion in my own images as in my opinion it is the most raw form of human communication and connection.
Previously studied at: Varndean College
Progressing to: Oxford Brookes University to study Photography
My chosen image is an exploration of the female body and empowering women through photography. I wanted the women in my images to feel liberated and free whilst connecting with nature. This shoot was also there to show human connection and the power of that. I wanted my models to be close and intimate to appreciate and show the audience the significance of surrounding ourselves with other women that allow us to feel uplifted and worthy.
Previously studied at: Varndean College
Progressing to: After my course I am planning to continue my full time job working at a pub to save for travelling in the next year or so.
During my FMP I wanted to explore the evolution of technology and its effect on humanity, with each shoot addressing a different issue. Following a narrative based style I experimented with using objects and props to convey my ideas. I chose to cover my subject with tape to represent that the introduction of vhs cassettes would have a significant impact on our lives by affecting how we spend a large portion of our free time. To capture a melancholic and dark atmosphere I shot on black and white 35mm film as it adds a sinister undertone to the presentation.
Previously studied at: Varndean College
Progressing to: University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol to study Photography (BA)
For my FMP idea I wanted to explore the theme of "Memory / Memories", looking at the memories of other people, as well as my own and at the day-to-day life routines we think not much of. In this project most of my shoots were location based, photographing in places that hold memories to me and countless others, such as the beach. For my final outcomes throughout this project I decided that my images would be best presented as sequences rather than stand alone images, so that I can create more of a narrative in my photos.
Previously studied at: BHASVIC
Progressing to: I will be taking a gap year with a view to either employment or university in the future.
"Pure As Honey" is my project exploring my own thoughts on connectivity and higher consciousness through spiritual texts, symbols and practices. These are three pages from the book I created as an end product with extracts from Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse.
Previously studied at: Varndean College
Progressing to: After this course I am taking a year out and going travelling.
"Abstract Figurative."
For my final major project, I started off testing coloured lighting, this developed into playing around with shutter speeds and motion in an image. I enjoyed the path my project was taking me, as it encouraged me to experiment with techniques I wouldn’t normally attempt. As the project continued my work became increasingly abstract which has been a new experience for me. The image here involved using an eight second shutter speed exposure time, this allowed me to produce double exposure images, looking at how the light hit the face when photographed at two different angles.
Previously studied at: Varndean College
Progressing to: Manchester Metropolitan University to study Photography
For me, photography is a visual form of expression. It is a way to communicate feelings and emotions, to explore them deeper whilst also spreading awareness. In this project I explored the visual aspects of trauma, mental illness and its connection to nature and the human body under the overarching theme of fine-art. I have explored a wide range of photographic subjects in order to explore mental health in a variety of ways such as documentary photography and the personal stories behind this, nature and its connection to us as humans as well as the exploration of the human body.
Previously studied at: Varndean College
Progressing to: Bristol to study a BSc in Mental Health Nursing.
The theme for my overall project was looking at how distortion of images can create different emotions and feelings. In these specific outcomes I distorted the images by using colour. I used the coloured infrared technique in photoshop to create everything green into a purple/ pink colour. My aim in doing this was to further convey the feelings of femininity, love and beauty as well as the immense surrounding of flowers and greenery. The clothing of the model and the flowery environment suggests a ‘hippie’, ‘flower power’ feeling to the images creating further emotions of freedom and being in touch with nature. This distortion effect creates an alternative reality and the feeling of an imaginative fantasy world.
Previously studied at: BHASVIC
Progressing to: Leeds Arts University to study Photography
In this project I have explored the possibilities of minimal lighting (otherwise known as low key lighting), utilizing only 1-2 softbox strobe lights to create these images. I have been inspired by a photographer named Alex Koloskov which I have researched for another project, his lowkey lighting techniques have really made me think more openly about the different styles and types of lighting. I am really happy with the outcome and will definitely use it in my portfolio.
Progressing to: Screen and Film School
"Little Red Hoodie" A photo series based around the Little Red Cap fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm. Click here to view images
Previously studied at: Varndean College
Progressing to: I am taking a gap year and then hopefully going to Bath Spa to do a Photography course the year after.
"Behind the smile" is based around mental health and social issues which are often hidden in plain sight. Specifically looking into sexuality, abuse and depression and how these topics can effect a person.
Previously studied at: Varndean College
Progressing to: Bath Spa University to study Photography