My first shoot made me realise how difficult it was to capture reflections within the droplets of water. I used a macro lens and attempted to capture small droplets of water which have been sprayed onto plants - mainly the petals and leaves. Most of the pictures were taken indoors, which meant that the lighting was much darker and difficult to see the details even with the macro lens.

My photographs that I have taken, the droplet were too small or would group together to create flat puddles. Additionally, the flower variety was quite limited as the old flowers have withered away or are still sprouting.

If I were to continue this, I would try and take photographs much closer, or create larger droplets by using a pipette rather than a spray bottle.

My first shooting went decently, as I was able to produce some responses similar to her style. I created bubbles using small amounts of dish soap which has been mixed with the water. Using a stick, I vigorously stirred the liquid to create bubbles.

However, the process of photographing was quite slow which meant that the bubbles would quickly disappear - the larger bubbles would shrink. I tried using a tripod, but the results weren't as good as I wasn't able to focus on specific parts, and it would also block the lighting. I had to take the photos at a specific angle so that my reflection wont be in the frame.

In my next shoots I would try and create large bubbles, by getting someone to help create bubbles in that moment rather than me making the bubbles and then spending time trying to position it.

With my first shoot, I practiced and experimented with the setup and process of how I would produce responses similar to her works. I used an A2 black backdrop and placed a glass panel on the base so that the ice wouldn't melt and dampen the paper. The glass also worked as a reflection and kept the water as a puddle below. 

I did have some issues balancing the block of ice to sit still on the glass panel - as it would slide around or not stand up due to it having an uneven base. Because Milon's work doesn't keep the full block of ice but leaves the plants inside slightly exposed (parts unfrozen), I tried to replicate this by chipping away and melting parts with a hair dryer. However, this didn't work as well due to it being a slow process in melting - I would have to plan out days to do one ice block per day as it would be a long process if I were to do all 8 ice blocks.

The lighting situation was quite tricky, as Milon would shine it directly at the ice. The light that I was using was much brighter which caused the background and ice to be illuminated. I had to cover the light with cloth or a piece of paper to slightly diffuse it.

For my next shoots, I will do one or two ice blocks at a time as it takes quite a bit of time to prepare - I also want the ice to have time to melt during the day (around the edges) to reveal some of the petals/leaves. I'm not quite sure how it will look in the end as the flower won't be as stiff/strong as it used to be.

The responses I have produced so far have been quite straight forward. Using a macro lens to focus on the smaller details and elements created from the bubbles. Using a 100mm lens I focused the direction on specific areas which had a clear view of the lines. I found that the rounded glass would create this interesting planet like effect, making the bubbles look like moon texture from within the glass.

However, some of the glasses couldn't be used or didn't have anything special to add to the piece - mainly the wine glasses. This is because the way I was creating the bubbles would leave the smaller bubbles to be stuck at the bottom with a pool of liquid. I didn't quite like how the smaller bubbles looked as the larger ones would create more texture and reflections of light. I did attempt to transfer the bubbles from one glass to another to just only leave the bubbles with no liquid, but the bubbles to burst or get stuck to the side of the glass inside of filling the bottom first.

With the editing, I mainly changed the brightness and clarity of the photo, also shifting the temperature to a more cooler tone. I experimented with the different colours and hues of the piece, similar to me reference images, I had some photographs be in black and white. Additionally, I added different coloured lights to see high the bubbles refractions would change, I didn't want the colours to be too harsh or saturated so I layered different colours together or would put a piece of paper on top to slightly diffuse the colour/light. 

For my responses so far, I think that they are quite successful as they have a similar visual look and feel to Nanna Kreutzmann. Instead of using the same subject for all my photographs, I gathered a range of people and have them stand next to a window to cast a shadow of light on their face to imitate the idea of swimming outdoors. With the subjects poses, I had them stand facing different angles rather than just having straight face shot.

I made each photograph have their own colour palette depending on the subject and their colours - matching it to the water and its reflection colours. I used the brush tool to add in shapes and colour and additionally added filters to create a more natural look.

I think that I should experiment further with body position and rather than just focusing on the face (the nose and up) to capture more of the face and body. I will also experiment with the background colour to resemble more of the night. As I feel that the responses I have created are more of a daytime theme. I want to incorporate a view of water within the night.

My initial responses was to photograph water within the night - focusing on puddles and lighting reflections. However, the time of year and weather is unpredictable and it gets darker much later which isn't ideal. During these past few weeks, I waited for it to rain during the night or before it got dark as to be able to have puddles in the city - this didn't work out as well as the rain wouldn't last as long and would be on the lighter side which meant the puddles which were created would dry up before night comes.

My first photoshoot on the 23.03 didn't last long as majority of the puddles have dried up or had dirt or rubbish in them. The only large puddles were located in darker areas which would have been hard to see, additionally they didn't cast any reflections.

I think that Rut Blees Luxemburg would have been better before the Spring and Summer time as there is higher chance it would rain and would get dark much sooner than later.

My responses for Nur Uretmen turned out successful, I incorporated a range of images which each have their own unqiue view on her works. I did find it difficult to take photographs at first, however, it became much easier as I was able to understand and know what I am taking and how I should capture it. All of my photographs have been taken physically, rather than being edited or forced. I originally thought of creating artificial patterns using photoshop to mimic the textured view, but It would be more difficult and wouldn't have the same look or feel as if I were to take it outside.

My first shoot was a trial test, I was able to decide that using a macro lens would be better. Originally, I was using a standard lens but I couldn't reach far enough to capture the textures. With the macro lens however, I was able to capture more of the waters surface and focus on areas which have the most interest. I manually focused on the specific areas - much better control compared to using the automatic focus wouldn't focus on anything (since there is no point of interest to focus on).

My second and third photoshoots I took early in the morning, were the sky was blue. However, it did rain at random points which in some of my photographs incorporates droplets of rain (the rain creating these ripple effects). The wind was also a big issue as it would shift the direction of the water current or would create much smaller textures rather than larger ones which I was looking for.

To add onto this artist, I would try and find new locations which have tall enough buildings. I think that my photographs could be better if there were more colours of reflections similar to Nur Uretmen's style. 

My responses for this artist has turned out well, however, it could have been more successful if i had spent more time editing the pieces. I personally love how the bubbles reflect light and incorporates rainbow highlights.

My first photoshoot, I used natural lighting from the windows, which did create interesting results but the lighting wasn't the best. I wanted to have more of a focused light and with the glass glaring the objects around it blocked the view of the bubbles/created too much distractions.

From my previous evaluation, I experimented more with exposing the the bubbles. Rather than taking photos of the bubbles inside the cups where they are pressed together to form these geometric shapes. I over filled the cups with bubbles where you can see its true form. The idea is inspired by Tobias Peil and their Refractive Sculptures, however, they created the 3D bubbles digitally.

Areas to improve on would be to experiment further with colours - instead of changing the lighting I could mix in food dye into the bubble solution and it might create something different. I think that incorporating the shapes of the glass could have worked extremely well if I took the time to transfer bubbles into another glass and filling the space - so that the smaller bubbles/the liquid wont show in the photo.

The responses with the mirror, so far have been successful as I took the chance to do the shoot early in the morning where the sky was blue. During these past weeks the weather hasn't been the best - constant rain and cloudiness. The mirror I used wasn't big but neither small but the shape made it difficult to take larger shots from a distant due to it being a circular mirror. I did have to go into Photoshop and spot heal the corners to extend the image. But because I made the Image size 4x3 it made it easier to hide the exposed edges.

The products I used for the shoots are similar to the reference images, but I did have to scale it down and use smaller products to place on the mirror, such as these small perfume bottles which are mini samples. These worked extremely well with fitting on the mirror and looked as if its a full sized bottle.

I personally love how the mirror photographs turned out but they could have been better if I spend more time with the placement of the water. The photographs with the ref perfume bottle contrasts well against the bright blue sky and I find that it looks visually interesting and similar to how popular brands would advertise products.

I did have trouble with the sky having random moments where the grey clouds would pass over and I would have to wait minutes for it to go by. Because the mirror had a thin brown frame around it, the water kept sinking through the gap and leaking to the floor.

However, I could improve the shapes of the water and have a much sharper and rounded puddles. I will try and experiment with somehow dampening the surface or by rubbing oil or something can make the water not stick so much to the surface to make less spikey. My placement of puddles could have been better and more arranged in a way which complements and highlights the products in the middle. I will also try to find a larger mirror which can hold bigger product - will create better results. 

The set up for the indoor photoshoot took quite some time to figure out, experimenting with different angles and camera placement. I opted to using a tripod at it's highest pointing down at an angle rather than directly above the glass. I also used a macro lens as my normal 17-55mm lens couldn't zoom in enough to capture the all of the details.

With my original set up I had taken the photographs without a tripod and casted the camera above the glass, however, this caused some light glaring and the photographs were too dark. With the tripod I was able to have a slower shutter speed to capture more light, additionally having a stable framework.

My results turned out decent, I worked in a similar style and framed the products well. The lighting could have been better and if I spent more time experimenting with the glass water droplets, I think the results would have been much better. I like how i have positioned the products to line up against the edges of the water and how I worked with the harsh shadows.

With the types of products, I used quite small bottles to be able to fit it under the glass. This was because the glass placement wasn't raised that high from the background to reduce the amount of shadows and blur. 

The set up for the indoor photoshoot took quite some time to figure out, experimenting with different angles and camera placement. I opted to using a tripod at it's highest pointing down at an angle rather than directly above the glass. I also used a macro lens as my normal 17-55mm lens couldn't zoom in enough to capture the all of the details.

With my original set up I had taken the photographs without a tripod and casted the camera above the glass, however, this caused some light glaring and the photographs were too dark. With the tripod I was able to have a slower shutter speed to capture more light, additionally having a stable framework.

My results turned out decent, I worked in a similar style and framed the products well. The lighting could have been better and if I spent more time experimenting with the glass water droplets, I think the results would have been much better. I like how i have positioned the products to line up against the edges of the water and how I worked with the harsh shadows.

With the types of products, I used quite small bottles to be able to fit it under the glass. This was because the glass placement wasn't raised that high from the background to reduce the amount of shadows and blur. 

My responses for Candice Milon, I think turned out the best. I enjoyed the process and the results turned out better then I had expected. The editing further enhanced my photographs to create pieces closely resembling her style. I used a range of flowers and experimenting with ice placement - additionally smashing the ice to smaller pieces to have a more natural and uneven look. I love the look of the reflection underneath each of my photographs, which was created by having a glass base, however, this did cause some issues where the ice would slide around and tip over - I would have to put a small piece of tissue at the bottom of the ice.

I used a tripod and placed it closely to the floor level of the backdrop and used a remote to take the photograph. Because I needed a quite dark set up with only a small directed source of lighting, the tripod allowed me to capture more of the light - having a slower shutter speed at a few seconds. 

My first attempt was good, but there were major improvements and things that could have been done differently. I used this knowledge and changed my attempt in the later photoshoots, where i became more confident and comfortable with my set up and process. I had thought that the ice would take days to complete as I used a hair dryer to chip away at the ice slowly and I needed all the ice to be at room temperature to have a clear and smooth outing.

However, I used a heater to quickly melt the ice when I would move on to save time, I photographed all the ice blocks in its current state (how it's shaped from the container) and then moved on the throwing the ice outside on a stone tile at a low distance. Completing my responses in only a few days. Throughout my process, I kept the glass base the same as I like the look of the reflection created by the glass. This also kept the water from staining the black paper. 

With the editing, I mainly lowered the brightness and increased the contrast to have this harsh look. Also increasing the blacks to have a fully darkened background, similar to looking at the void. With the highlights each photograph would have different light adjustments, because I would regularly change the light source position and the shutter speed. I further enhanced my photograph in Photoshop, were I would blend out the reflection created by the glass base. Using the gradient tool with the background colour, added a soft fade at the bottom.

For my improvements, I would try and use more variety of flowers, and maybe experiment with using fake flowers to have certain elements stick out. Milon's pieces has elements where the subject sticks out of the ice creating different edges and shapes, I tried to attempt that but because the flowers have been soaked in water the structure was too flimsy and would droop down.

My responses for Ziqian Liu are quite successful, I love how some of my pieces have turned out as it similarly matches the style. I like the photographs which incorporate more of my body, having this faint silhouette of a person. 

I took the photographs normally, using myself as a model. Used a tripod and a remote and experimented with different poses. I had wanted to use more variety in background colours, however, the A2 paper wouldn't fit the entire camera view and would be more difficult to edit.

The photoshop editing took quite a while to figure out a complete process. I would duplicate the original photograph and gradually blur out the parts which were not in focus to try and resemble opaque glass look. 

There weren't many options for water effects/vectors as I couldn't find images large enough to fill the entire photograph. I originally thought of photographing my own water glass effects, however, when I started to take the photographs there was a heavy glare of the light and the water droplets wouldn't be in focus. I couldn't figure out a way to have a good placement for the light as it would create too many shadows or produce a harsh glare.

However, the process and way I created these pieces are much different to how Ziqian Liu did them, as she used opaque glass and water rather than fully creating the piece using Photoshop. I think that my photographs are much more forced rather than free flowing like Liu's work. The colour palette is similar but also quite different as she uses more muted colours in the neutral tones; I used more brighter colours

Overall, I think that my photographs could have been much better in terms of the mood and feeling of the piece. My photos look to be more forced and unnatural compared to Liu's, as she's able to create elegant and flowing positions whilst carefully introducing flowers into her works. Additionally, creating more responses to have a larger body of work for this artist. Additionally spending more time in Photoshop to edit some of my pieces to resemble a glass view.

I love my responses for Nanna Kreutzmann as it turned out very successful. I am more confident with my photoshop work as in my previous project I produced results which heavily match the artist. The whole idea of this artist is to produce semi-underwater portraiture, having the view of the subjects face submerged in water. 

With the photographs, I worked with the natural lighting of the sun to have this warm glowing light on parts of the face to further present the idea that they were outside in the water. Having natural highlights which I think produced much better results than if i were to use unnatural filtered lights.

I enjoyed editing these photographs and making each piece unique and different from the last. Having a different colour palette to either match the subject or the type of setting. 

Responding to my first evaluation, I experimented with different body positions and incorporated props; and additionally experimenting with the coloured background to create this night-time feel. I like how the 'night' versions look even if I did only a couple of responses - it was difficult to try and blend the bright colours in the dark background compared to if it were white, but I think it was worth the extra time refining the piece.

For my improvements, I would spend more time creating more experimental pieces such as the night ones and additionally adding more body poses instead of just having the face only.

I enjoyed Sunga Park's process with using watercolour and I think that my responses are successful. However, some of my pieces turned out differently as I spent a but less time on them - as I painted the colours all at once.

I had originally planned to do both digital and physical responses for this artist but ended up only doing all traditional pieces as it worked much better and had a faster process than if i were to do it digitally. The traditional responses would look more natural compared to if it were to replicated digitally having to force the watercolour appearance.

With the types of photographs, I focused on finding old architectural buildings with intricate structure and unqiue detailing. However, the buildings in Manchester all had a similar look and colours as they're were mainly built with bricks. My photographs of the Cathedral had trees blocking the view of the detail.

The responses took less time than I thought, because I used thick watercolour paper the time it took for the paint to dry halved compared to if I used cartridge paper. The type of paper was a big issue, as cartridge paper couldn't absorb much water and was too thin meaning it would warp and create an uneven surface - similar to using printer paper. Card couldn't be an option as it had this smooth surface layer making it difficult for the colours to sink in (it would slide around or roll off the paper); additionally, the printed ink on the card further caused issues at the ink acted like a protective layer leaving no gaps for the watercolour paint so sink into the paper.

I used my own watercolour paper, which I had to trim down to an A4 size and carefully print my edited photographs onto it. I found that when using watercolour, I had to go over with multiple layers to have darker patches of colour. When scanning the pieces to a digital file, the colouring appeared faint with the building losing is contrast compared to the physical piece. I did have to edit it further using Photoshop slightly darkening the piece and increasing its saturation.

However, some of my pieces having the patchy spots of watercolour, where the colours didn't bleed enough blend together. Because I did the watercolour painting at night, this caused the colours to look different with the type of light I had - I have this warm toned lamp rather than pure white/blue light. What I thought to be blended looked different during the day.

The buildings which worked the best were the one which had grey tone or simple white brick colour, instead of having a red clay look. The colours and blending worked much better as it was mainly one shade of paint.

My improvements for this artist would be to spend a bit more time blending the colours properly, especially with colours which don't sit next to each other on the colour wheel. I would also take more photographs but instead of focusing on one building, try to incorporate multiple buildings or even include the streets - experimenting with modern buildings. Also experimenting with line work, using a fine liner to further express the detailing in the buildings.