Photographer research - Vivian Maier

Why Vivian Maier
Vivian Maier was an American photographer. She worked as a nanny and did photography in her spare time - her photos primarily consisted of people and architecture of Chicago, New York and Los Angeles. During her lifetime her photos were unknown and unpublished - whereas they were first published on the internet in 2008, her work soon got noticed and was critically acclaimed, now being exhibited worldwide. I have chosen to do research on Vivian because her work is fascinating and very basic.  

1.  SELF-PORTRAIT, 1253

This is a self portrait from her book 'Finding Vivian Maier'. This image shows Vivian Maier and a young girl. We don't know much about this image, but the young girl looks very strong standing and empowered which gives this image a whole new meaning to it. We don't know who this girl is so it creates a mystery as too why Vivian chose to take a photograph with her. I am inspired by this picture as it is a basic self-portrait but because of the scenery and the girl the photograph now appears differently. In this image the framing device is the window which creates a frame around Vivian and the girl, they are very clear almost as if someone has taken a photograph of them. 

2. 1955, NEW YORK CITY

The image shows two woman sitting on a bench minding their business and enjoying their day. Vivian has captured this so that the camera is just behind the bench and the woman nearest to the camera is more in focus. I like how the woman in focus you can see her hairstyle clearly and it represents the kind of style and fashion that was common for woman in those days. I am inspired to photograph people and use them as a framing device in an image. The framing device in this image is two woman which frame the background. 

3. 1956

This image shows a reflection of a woman in a mirror, this image is creative as you can not see Vivian photograph this. All of her images are in black and white which gives a very old fashioned affect, which is very interesting to me. The angle of this photograph makes the woman in the reflection look strong. It looks as if they are inside, they could be in a shop that sells jewellery, make up, etc as they would use the mirror to present the product for the buyer - which could be what is happening in this image. I am inspired to photograph reflections as they give a different photographer view. The framing device in this image is the mirror as it frames the woman's face.

4. SELF-PORTRAIT, UNDATED
This is a self portrait of Vivian Maier. Vivian did a lot of self portraits and used reflections to show herself, this is fascinating as she is using creative ways of presenting herself - rather than just using a mirror in her own house, she goes out and finds shop windows, mirrors, etc so she is able to photograph herself. This is interesting because I feel it is easily achievable to do so, as I live near a town centre which has plenty of shops, etc. I like how you can see what is behind Vivian as she is taking this image, it shows what it was like during her time and what was happening as she was taking this image. I also am capable of photographing at home. I am inspired to use whatever resources I see as this will give me a natural/raw effect of the image. The framing device is the window.

Photographer research - Alex Webb

Why Alex Webb

Alex Webb is a photographer mostly known for his vibrant and complex colour photographs & has been a member of Magnum Photos since 1979. During his time at Magnum Photos he documented small-town life in the American South. He has also done some work in the Caribbean and Mexico which (in 1978) led him to working in colour which is what he is continuing to do. I am inspired by the colours used in his images and the creativeness of his framing.

1. CUBA. HAVANA 2007. BARRIO CHINO
This image was taken in Cuba when Alex went on a trip out there. This image shows a rundown area, with a woman and a man hugging - looking as if they are upset and the man is comforting her. In the corner there is a boy sitting on a tree trunk facing away from the 'couple' - the boy could be more interested in Alex and his camera curious as to what he is photographing. The amount of graffiti shows us that this area is not the best and not the safest hence why Alex may have been so interested in this area. This has inspired me to photograph people minding their own business because it creates a very natural scene and creates its own story without it being faked. The framing device in this photograph is the tree and the boy in the tree as it cuts the corner and frames the two people hugging.

2. CREEL, CHIH. TRAIN STATION MARKET
This shows a nearly empty market place which looks to be right on the edge of the train track as you can see the tracks on the ground where the two boys are standing. I believe the market is the hut on the right side where a toy baby is hanging in a bag. This is clearly on sale and is most likely the last one left to be brought. The roof of the market is covering the sun hence why the two people standing at the market can not be seen properly so we don't know who they are - which creates a mystery. I am inspired to use buildings as part of framing as the architecture is appealing even if the building is rundown because it still represents a story. The frame in this the corner of the market shop and the baby being inbetween the two groups of people.

3. ST PETERSBURG FLORIDA, 1989
The inside of this building looks as if it is a cafe or a restaurant, because there are tables & chairs and people look dressed up nicely to go for a meal. In the mirror you can see a wait station where there is an elderly woman possibly waiting to get seated. The lighting is red, which is strange as commonly the colour would not be as bright and it would just be white balanced. But instead he has enhanced this red tone to give the room/photograph a different 'feel'. I am inspired to change the overall colour of an image (but make it natural and seem like it was already there) just to make the final image more attractive and fascinating. The framing device is the mirror that the elderly woman is reflected in.

4. ALEX WEBB
This is a self-portrait image of Alex Webb. I like how the composition is slightly off centre because it presents a type of struggle to take this photo as his face is in distress or is tired. The saturation of this image is a lot and there is a slight yellow tinge over the image due to the natural lighting. This has inspired me to take self portraits and use mirrors to capture a reflection. The framing device in this photograph is the mirror.

Photographer research - Lee Friedlander

Why Lee Friedlander

Friedlander's work is very captivating as his work always seems to tell a story. I am truly inspired by his 'car' photography, he takes photographs of his view from inside the car so we, the viewer, can see what he sees - this tells a story of his journey and where he is. Also, his representation of framing devices involves a lot of reflections and possibly layering images together. 

1. SELF PORTRAIT
This is from his book called 'Self Portrait', which includes Lee taking photographs of his reflections in windows, etc. This image was taken in New Orleans, 1958 - during the 1950's they had very classy/posh looking cars and we can see this by the car in the reflection as well you can see a man standing near the car wearing a suit and a fedora hat (which was the fashion in this era), this can set  a scene for the viewer as it captures what this era is about. The outline of Lee Friedlander's body is fascinating as the reflection is very dark and yet the light from the camera screen makes up for the darkness. I am influenced to capture reflections as you can manipulate them in real time as well as photoshop. The framing device in this image is the window as it frames the reflection.

2. LAS VEGAS, 2002
This image is included in his book 'America by car', in which he photographs what appears outside of his car window every time he gets to a new destination. This is an interesting concept because he is showing the viewer the main features of a place by just a photograph. This shows a story of a journey from one place to another, all from the view from inside the car. The reflection in the car side mirror is different and shows another aspect of America and the area he is in. This is interesting and has really inspired me to experiment with a car and do similar photography to Lee Friedlander. In this photograph the framing device is the window frame and the car mirror.

3. UNKNOWN
I was not able to find the name of this photograph but it may be included in his book 'Self Portrait'. In this image he is sitting on a statue or a weird chair, and took a photograph of his shadow - this shows it was a sunny day as the shadow is very clear. The shadow is of Lee Friedlander as you can see the shadow taking a photo. I am influenced to use shadows because just like reflections you can easily manipulate them in real time and photoshop. The framing device in this image is the curves of the statue as it frames Lee in the centre.

4. WHITNEY MUSEUM, NEW YORK
In this image there are various view finders of a car to frame his photograph. This is also from his 'America by car' collection. It is also as if he has combined to images on top of each other - one image appears to be of a sky landscape and the other image is from inside the car. This is an interesting concept because it appears to be showing two views in one - a view of the outside and the inside of a car. I am inspired to layer images and blend them together to create a whole new image and make the viewers' mind figure out what each image is. The framing device in this image is the windows and the different mirrors (that are available on/in a car).

Work record five

Research plan

• Natural frames 
• Editing
• Framing my dogs in the natural frames

Contact sheet

My best images

This image was taken over at the town park near the train track, this bridge goes over that track. The framing device here is the bridge and how it frames the dogs. It also shows a journey as I am taking the viewer over this bridge to the other side. This photo was taken using a my mini tripod just to stable my hand and make the photos focus a bit better, using shutter speed1/125.

The framing device in this image is the reflection in the water of the trees. Reflections are framing devices as they show a different perspective on something. It makes the image look upside down or the wrong way round - but that's what makes this image appealing. To edit this image I will enhance the reflection to make it more distinct, I will also make it into black and white to make the photo dramatic and interesting. 

For this image the framing device is the broken window as it frames the branches in front of it. The focus managed to stay on the branches and on the window which makes this image more of a frame rather than a distracting image. When taking this image I was inspired by Sebastian Łuczywo (research log post) who featured a broken glass window in one of his images and I found that interested so I wanted to do something like that.

This was taken near the Moorhen pub where the boat dock is. I managed to get the decisive moment and capture the couple walking over the bridge, which makes a really good frame. The frame is where the couple is they are perfectly centred which makes them framed. Too edit this image I will be cropping it so there is not a lot of wasted space and then experiment.

Images that need improvement

This image needs improvement because it is quite out of focus, there is no main focus point therefore it's out of focus. The framing device is the couple underneath the tree as tree frames them. If I were to reshoot this I would quickly check my settings and focus so the image turns out how I wanted it, I would also need new subjects as there is an unlikely chance that this couple would be there at the same time as us again.

This photograph needs improvement because I didn't want the focus to be like this, also it's quite shaky due to my unsteady hand therefore the image is bad either way. I have done an improvement on this when I was doing this shoot which is what I wanted it too turn out to be.

AO3: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress.

I took the opportunity to take my camera with me when taking the dogs out for a walk, as where we went is a very attractive place due to all the trees, etc. I tried to make this shoot different by taking pictures of the man made objects rather than all nature related. However, I should of taken more photos because these are all in some way quite similar and I need more of a variety in my shoot. I should have experimented with this shoot because there were many ideas that came to my mind as I was shooting but I didn't have the resources or materials with me.

AO2: Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops.

I used a Samsung NX20 20.3 MP SLR. I didn't concentrate on any specific photographer or image, I just went with what came to me at that moment. I did have a few images in mind from my research so I was influenced by a mix of photographers, etc. By being influenced and having a mix of ideas for my shoots, the photographs are different to what would normally would have done. For this shoot I would have just taken basic, landscape photos - but instead I took a range of images.

AO1: Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding.

I tried to focus more on natural framing devices, because it makes the image look inevitable - like it is expected. I found this shoot quite difficult however because I wanted it too be different from the other shoots that I've done in the park - this was challenging as  it is all very similar. When editing some of these images I wanted to experiment with the tools to see to what extent I go before making the image not appealing. 

Progression section

Shoot five involved me photographing whilst walking the dogs, we walked through the park and walking through the woods. I tried finding as many framing devices as I could and I managed to find a view. I took multiple images so I have more of a selection to edit and for my best images. How I edited an image & why:

This was inspired by Sebastian Łuczywo. I am pleased with this edit as it is different to what I would usually do. This edit allowed me to experiment with my photoshop skills and combining images together, this edit took time as I wanted it too look realistic and I believe I have achieved this. The graffiti was taken from the train track bridge, I decided too take multiple pictures of the graffiti art because they are very interesting and I believe I could edit them somehow into another photograph.

The first annotated image is a basis of how I edited this image. As I said in the annotations I decided to take multiple images of graffiti because I find graffiti very interesting and creative therefore I wanted to share it. I wanted the graffiti to look as if it was always in this spot and I achieved this. I made it black and white because this is what Sebastian had his photo like.

The second annotated image was inspired by no particular photographer. I just felt like this edit was appropriate because the frame was empty, I used this graffiti art from a underpass. I chose to use this one because it's as if the elderly lady is waiting for the dogs, I gave her a shadow to make it seem more realistic as if she was meant to be there.

Edited images

Comparisons

My work -- Rich McCor

Rich McCor is featured in my research log post. Rich McCor's photography is known for creating cut outs and placing them over some well known areas. I was inspired by this concept when editing this image because I wanted to create something different. I made this frame for this image and quick-selected the centre of the frame and turned it black and white.

Work record three

Research plan

• Reflections
• Windows
• Town centre

Contact sheets

My best images

This was taken outside of my house as I was waiting for my mum. This was clearly taken from the inside of the car but the focus and aperture of the camera allowed me to capture everything so the image can create a better scene than if one part was in focus. I like how you can't see my reflection in the window and car mirror because there is no distraction of a person in it and the photo concentrates on the rain. I will attempt to edit some more rain drops on the window just to make the rain look more dramatic.

This was taken on the way to town and the rain was clearing up. I took this opportunity and opened the window and captured this image. In this image I wanted the focus to be on the car mirror so you can see the cars behind. I like that you can still see what's in front as well. For me this represents how you can always look back and see your past but just know that in front of you is a great future and your in the middle of it all.

These are the gates to the private car park of the Harlow Playhouse. I knew I wanted to capture this because it is barred off and no one can enter unless permitted. This can present temptation as people may want to climb over just to see why they can't go in there and want to explore. 

This is of a convex mirror which makes realistic things more bold. This was around the same area as the Harlow Playhouse. I managed to get the decisive moment of this woman walking past, which makes the image more interesting. This was taken using F16, ISO 800 which I think were the right settings to use because the darkness of the leaves behind the mirror has made the colours of the mirror more noticeable and vibrant.

Images that require improvement

This image was taken using F22, ISO 800 - these settings were clearly not the best. The sky was quite bright therefore my settings did not match the actual scenery. The rest of the image is decent, the frame is the walkway with the people walking away from the camera, the landscape is the main reason I photographed this image. The frame is not very clear another reason why this is an image that needs improvement.

This image needs improvement because it was not taken with a tripod and so the composition is off. There is a lot happening in this image so it can get confusing as to what it is that I am photographing, the frame intended for this image is the arch or short underpass through the building. I didn't concentrate on the composition that much in this image which is disappointing because this would have been a really good image.

AO3: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress.

In this shoot I have focused on photographing up the town centre, because it is very large and is a basis for photography. It is easier for me to concentrate on one area to take photos as this allows me to know exactly what I want to photograph and there is a wide range of buildings, etc to photograph in the town centre that I have attempted to photograph. I feel I could taken photos of more buildings and shops to show there doorways and what they are selling.

AO2: Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops.

I used a Samsung NX20 20.3 MP SLR. I focused on my photographer research of Lee Friedlander as my journey consisted of being in a car. I took photos as we started the car journey to town and then I carried on when I was in the town centre, the photos consisted of reflections which was another main focus for this shoot. Most of my images are good quality which I am pleased with the quality of these images. Even though I did not use a tripod, the majority of my images have good composition which I am pleased with.

AO1: Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding.

As I focused on reflections for this shoot you can see the framing device very clearly. The few that weren't my best were the ones that were blurred, the aperture was incorrect and the composition was off - these are easily fixable things that I am able to correct for my next shoot. I feel need to experiment more with the photographs physically (not just on photoshop), for example: I could print of a photograph i've taken, manipulate it and then take it back to its original place or a contrasting place - this will show off my experimentation and progress.

Progression section

This shoot I wanted to concentrate on my journey from home to the town centre - and too capture aspects of town. I then edited a few of my images to show how I further my creativity and show I am improving. I captured different parts of the town centre that I don't think I have photographed before, this work record for me is too experiment more with my edits, so I captured quite basic photos and then edited them in specific to make them look more interesting. I had a variety of images, that were all taken up town. Too improve on this shoot I think I could have captured more photos so I can have more of a wider range of choices to present and edit. I also could have taken images of more shop windows, etc because then this would present an aesthetic and pattern. How I edited an image & why:

 These screenshots show I edited my final image (left). For this image I was inspired by one of the images I found while researching Lee Friedlander (see in photographer research - WHITNEY MUSEUM, NEW YORK). In this image he has combined two images together which is what I have done here. I was inspired by this because I think the concept is very interesting. In my final edit I have an image of the inside of a bridge and what is viewed when you look outside of the bridge - so you get two views in one image. I kept the colours of the inside vibrant as that would be what it would like originally so it contrasts with the dimness of the outside. The editing process took time because I kept going wrong or the settings on the filters weren't what I wanted - I took my time to get it how I wanted it so it looks creative.

The first annotated image is an analysis of the image I have shown here in this section. This edit was too show what I can do with my photoshop skills and how I can interpret an idea from one photographer and make it my own. In the analysis I explain what I did to get my final edit. I believe I have achieved a similar yet different edit to Lee Friedlander, it would be similar as he was the inspiration for this edit but I have made it my own by using a different scenery and different editing techniques. I have succeeded the editing skill of blending two images together.

The second annotated image is an edit inspired by Alex Webb - ST PETERSBURG FLORIDA, 1989. In this Alex Webb image the whole photograph is red, this might be the natural lights from inside what seems to be a restaurant but it may be edited slightly so the red is more powerful. I have done similar to this but the tint is more shallow and lighter - an experimentation. The tint is a little less obvious but I didn't want it to be too much and make the image bad, with what I have done the image looks good and fascinating.

Edited images

Comparisons

My work -- Alex Webb

This was taken in the town centre, in Topshop (clothing store). This was taken on the second floor of the store and I took it so the viewer is looking down onto the bottom floor. I was inspired by this Alex Webb image because I liked how the whole image is one colour and is dimmed - so I wanted to achieve something similar to this. The framing device is different but that's what makes mine different to Alex Webb's. 

My work -- Image bank (google images)

This was taken near the Harlow Playhouse. I was influenced by the image bank photo, I was interested in the concept of framing a person in something man made. In my image I have framed the man in the poles as he walks past. My image shows a man walking towards the camera, I managed to capture him before he walked out of frame.