Criteria P2, P4, P5 (tasks 3, 4, 5)
I received earlier last week the final prints for my final submission for this term’s project (the third and final project of the year).
I am happy to say they came out good but I am, as predicted particularly pleased about the print in photo rag Hahnemuhle paper. It really looks beautiful. I reckon, when I have more time and have made a decision regarding the framing situation, a few photos from this series might end on my walls in that paper.
I should also say that I would have liked to get the prints framed for the deadline but sadly during last week’s class, I had such little time to get feedback on my work that I did not have a chance to even discuss this aspect of the project. I really felt incapable of making a good decision on my own, I really needed guidance and rather than make an awful choice I decided to reflect on it and make it another aspect of critique of my work. Ria suggested we experiment at home, by placing paper border, chopstick, or any other material we may have to see by ourselves which framing would be adequate and I regretted I did not even think to do that myself! This is yet another piece of advice I will remember when thinking of framing options.
In class today, Ria and the rest of the class gave me some encouraging feedback. Yes, indeed the Photo rag paper is a lot nicer ( and I guess having one photo printed in the paper allowed a point of comparison). My impression was like the quality of the paper made me, as a viewer, more attracted to get into the heart of the photo. Ria confirmed my feelings, the natural colours that are produced with that paper take you inside the photograph whereas, the lustre paper bounced back reflections which were far less inviting. With my series of photos, I want the viewer to be part of the subject.
In today’s class, I was finally able to get some guidance from Ria regarding framing. I left this aspect to consider too late in the process which did not help. I had some concern anyway about the budget as well as how those frames would be kept in good condition up until the exhibition.
Ria and a few fellow students advised that having a floating photograph would an interesting idea. The white spacer would also be required. The key when considering the framing would be not to obstruct the floating movement from my photos but rather find a solution that would enhance it. The photos grouped in 3’s in my presentation would benefit from being framed together.
https://uk.whitewall.com/photo-lab/framed-products/shadow-gap-frame
or
https://uk.whitewall.com/photo-lab/framed-products/solid-wood-artbox
In terms of the colour of the frame, Ria mentioned that a black colour frame might constrain the image and be like a concrete border which would be too abrupt on the eye. I suggested a wooden frame and Ria said it would be wise to have then a thin one which does not lock the viewer in the photos. A possible alternative would be white. A thin border would also work best.
As for the glass to possibly add on top, Ria mentioned investing in a non-glare glass. She advised that it is more expensive but worth the money.
These are definitely aspects I will remember to use and put into practice when I have more time to consider which prints I may use for my home decor for any photo competition.
I would like to give the title of ‘Invitation‘ for this series. I would like my viewer to feel they received a request inviting them to go somewhere with me. To revisit a place they know and see it in a different light (for those who know the Isabella Plantation) or invite them into that enchanted place I create throughout my photos; ‘That place in life where fantasy and reality become one and the same’. I would like to touch my viewers’ senses: let them imagine the smell of the flowers and the earth, see the shadows and lights, imagine the noise as they walk through space, hear the birds awaking and feel an inner calm …
If this project seemed overwhelming at first, I am so glad I went with my choice to experiment with intentional camera movement. I had never taken enough time to take shots and compare the quality of my photos therefore never had the confidence to do more work based on the technique. It was a big learning curve but I have really enjoyed the creativity that the subject and technique gave me, I was not sure I had enough in me to produce a solid series. I felt a bit more confident to produce something ‘different’ from my usual style after seeing the exhibition ‘The Shape of Light’ as there was such an interesting range of conceptual shots and photos that you cannot find as easily in magazines or on display.
I feel overall pleased with the quality of my series. Not everything went according to plans but somehow, when I looked at all the pics with a personal satisfaction.
It was interesting to see that everybody else in the class went with less classical and traditional subjects and more for abstract imagery. I must say, if I learnt enormously from Ria and Zig’s teaching this year, I also learnt so much from my fellow students. I learnt from their success and their mistakes, from their research and from the discussions we had in class talking about each other’s work. I am filled with emotion, joy and sadness at the same time. I will miss the weekly teaching, the challenge and the fantastic people I met during my 3 years studying photography at RHACC College.