Portfolio assessment

More thoughts on Location Portfolio

The free dictionary defines a bridge as a 

 1.A structure spanning and providing passage over a gap or barrier, such as a river or roadway.

2. Something resembling or analogous to this structure in form or function: 

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/bridgSo to me a bridge is a crossing a link that connects people to their communities and the environment in which we live and work. A partnership between the environment and structure. Bridges and underpasses fascinate me- they are something that we see every day and yet take so much for granted. It takes many weeks and hours of work take to construct a bridge, with a whole team of people and so I have likened this assignment somewhat to this semesters work in photography, many people helping supporting suggesting and giving encouragement to me. Thank you !!!

Research  

Lots of ringing around and research these holidays.... Did lots of internet and phone calling over the holidays to see if I could buy or borrow Marshalls spot all liquid and brushes from Teds, the Art store, Vanbar... none. Rang the Art School at ANU, they were on break too. So finally found a cite New Dark on the Net that Ginette had told me about a while ago Thank you!!!  and ordered Marshalls spot all liquid for 16.95 and 2 (000) brushes a guy from Bianconegro in Sydney told me to get those. They only took 3 days to deliver though the brushes weren't very good. Went to the Art Store this weekend and bought the 10/0 brushes and they work fine. 

 

Documentary research for Portfolio

Today I've been reasearching Eugene Atget (Time Inc) he aimed to show the 'artistic and the picturesque' (1971,p36) qualities of Paris in his photographs. His picture of the Park at St Cloud, date unknown (Time Life, 1971,  p38) caught my interest, as I like the way the light draws the veiwer into the image and beyond it. 

Eugene Atget (Park at St Cloud)

Design of Photos for portfolio

In the bridge photos that I've taken for this portfolio, I've framed the photographs with the shape of the structures. I've used lines in the bridges, footpaths and roads and to give direction within the image, to lead the viewers eye beyond the initial structure, whether it be into the sky, beyond to the trees on the path, or the highway below.  In this way the viewer is connected not only with the man made structures but also with the environment. 

Meanings of the Photographs:

The underpasses and bridges are all taken with elements of nature in them. Each photograph is shot with different roads lakes with footpaths, and bike paths, lakes and highways, to show that we all use these structures in varying ways. I also want to show the natural spaces in which these structures exist the trees, lakes and sky. I want to depict nature alongside with structures as it reinforces the balance of nature and development. That we are each responsible for our city in our use of these structures, whether it be through busses cars bikes walking etc.

In Canberra bridges and underpasses are everywhere on highways, lakes, bikepaths footpaths and parks; showing off Canberra to be a city that is not only well planned but also artistic.

 

Update on portfolio assignment

Took more bridges with different lines and shape these past few weeks. Here's one I've printed so far. I printed the kings ave bridge today but will have to reprint it on different apeture setting, and also to perfect the burning in.

Belcon Bridge above, took it at 125 at f22

Exposed it at Grade 4 multigrade paper, on apeture 5.6 and exposed for 9.4 seconds.

Today did a lens test with Jennette for photo tech, thanks for being so patient with me.  Yesterday tried out the medium format camera with my little girl Grace for the portfolio studio, she thought Dan Nicki Jeremy and Mel were funny making faces at her. Thanks for your help:)

photographic portfolio assignment - Update

I've been thinking this week about the slogan of the ACT government pictured on busses, "building our city  building our community", after discussing with Geoff there are two directions the portfolio may take-

1. the shape and structure and form of the underpasses and bridges or 

2. Photographing them as a means of connection between individuals and their community, (having people passing through as pedestrians, in cars or using other modes of transportation). 

The ACT government funds these structures so it celebrates the creativity of our city in terms of its shape and form as well as providing a way to get to where one is going. 

Photo Stats

Photograph Hexagon underpass taken ISO 400  f 125 at f8 grey card reading 35 mm

Photograph Concave underpass taken ISO 100 f4.5 -1 exposure comp 105 lens

Printing of the above photos 

Hexagon underpass

I used Multigrade paper on Grade 31/2  for 26 sec burned the sky for 8 seconds and used an apeture of 5.6

Concave underpass

I used Multigrade paper grade 31/2 at 37 sec 5.6 apeture.

Photographic portfolio assignment - Update

My portfolio has developed two focus areas. Firstly the unique shape and design of the bridges and underpasses and secondly the textures used within the shapes.  These photos aim to show the contrast between the highlights and shadow areas. These causeways link Canberra motorists and pedestrians to their work, friends and family.  Each design is unique and that is why I wanted to photograph these bridges. I also want to take them from various angles to make the pictures more dramatic and visually interesting.  I've been researching Steve Back, an archectural photographer known for his work on different angles and drama, in his photography www.steveback.com.au and also Walker Evans who was known for his very "simple and direct work(TimeLife,1971,69)". Here is a snapshot of two of my possible portfolio prints. 

Photographed a bridge this past week for photographic practice I may do this instead of firefighters, as bridges are fairly static and don't move much, and they are available all the time. Thinking about photographing different types of bridges and angles having people walking within them workers working on them different art on them etc.

Photographic portfolio assignment

• My piece is focused on firefighters and their job looking after our Nations Capital. Photographing the many different skills they learn as a part of their training.

• I rang the fire department to seek approval to take pictures of the Fire fighters at training.