Final Project

The final project for the BTEC photography course is due tomorrow. This one was rather different to the previous assignments in that the theme and number of photographs to be produced was to be my own choice. A Statement of Intent was asked for and produced. It ran as follows –

 “The theme for the project will be the street performers, buskers and tourists along London's South Bank, roughly from the London Eye to London Bridge and additionally in Trafalgar Square, London

The final presentation will comprise a printed triptych. A triptych typically contains three elements, usually an image. Each of the three elements of the triptych itself will contain three images. This implies that a total of nine individual images are required. All nine images will have a connection in theme, content and mood. However the three images of each individual element will have a closer connection with each other, when compared to the other two elements”

So I took my walk down the South Bank, as per my statement of intent, but avoiding Trafalgar Square for now (another day?) taking photographs of what was going on.

Had them printed as 6x4 size from a one hour photo machine for group discussion in class – which has put me off using those machines again – the quality is so poor (I should have known previous experience).

The net result of the class group discussion was that I abandoned the original theme – think the word ‘contrived’ was used here – in favour of developing a theme of  ‘people and shadows’ began last year – see my previous post here.

Several of the images taken on my meander feature people – on their phones – and shadows.

Here is my selection

Not a triptych in sight. Pity. Don't think the triptych idea wasn't as contrived as was suggested to me - but I'm sure I'll get it done another day. And am happy with 5 pictures as selected.

Time of Day

I'm beginning to catch up with posting here my pictures taken for the exercises set in my BTEC photoclass. The brief for this one was "Time of Day", and was actually set, photographed and presented in class last October.

It was apparent during the discussion within the class when this assignment was set that one possible outcome - a photographic outcome at least - were photographs of the same place, building, whatever, taken at different different times of the day or night. For example, early morning, midday, afternoon and so. Different lighting, sun light from various directions.

I've had some experience of taking photographs to a theme in a special interest group of my local Photographic Society - it meets monthly and we're asked to bring in 2 photographs on a pre set theme which we all then comment upon. There can be a diverse interpretation of the theme set. So, thought maybe I'd try to do something a little different than the way the discussion was leading, and still perhaps meet the theme.

I haven't worn a wrist watch for several years. I actually have two - both with run down  batteries. There are enough clocks at home - my tuner,VCR, microwave, my PC - so I can see what the time is if I need to know. There's also one in my car and on my mobile phone. And additionally when I'm out and about there are plenty of clocks visible one to all in central London (Big Ben ....) Perhaps I use some of these clocks, at least photographically ?

Here is a (small) selection of my shoot... 

Look at the time in each photograph.

eleven o'clock, twelve o'clock, one o'clock

Passage of time, Time of Day even ?

Not sure if like the images, whatever about meeting the brief of the assignment. Sunny October day, the light was harsher then I'd  like for this time of year.  A few days previously, a different shoot, covering most the same ground, but more pleasing light - and photos - you can my post of it here !

Portfolio in Yellow

I've spent a little time in the last year or so wondering up and down the South Bank in London, sometimes with a camera, sometimes without. There are always exhibitions to visit in Tate Modern (apart from anything else the South Bank provides a convenient short cut from Waterloo) and it's usually full of people going about their activities. But the architecture is pretty drab, 1950's conrete - except for some of the stairwells. One has been painted bright yellow, another blue and a third red. I 've been photographing that yellow stairwell off and on over this time  ... and here is a selection ...

The bright yellow can look stunning against a blue sky, and if the light is right - from the side - the textures  are apparent.

Don't think any 2 of this selection was taken at the same time, and I've got many more. I'm beginning to think in terms of building up a portfolio - possibly in yellow - based around them. Will have to decide whether to include my images of the blue stairwell, or the red stairwell also ......

South Bank Meander

I've been to the New England area of the US this time of year - October - quite a few times over the past few years. You can take a chance with the weather - some days can be cold and miserable - but often you
get a glorious Autumn (should that be Fall ?) day with bright sunshine, blue skies and half way decent temperatures. Add in the colours (colors ?) of the foliage and it can be, as I say, glorious.

Monday last, in London, was almost such a day. Bright sunshine, blue skies and half way decent temperatures, Yes. Foliage in full Fall Colour, definitely Not. I have yet to see anything in the UK which matches the scale and variety of colours found in New England - in Autumm - something which the locals here in London seem to have difficulty believing.

Anyway, I took a walk along the South Bank in London then, and for once (if you have read some of my earlier posts) ignored the people (along with  the boring trees) and photographed some of the sights ......

Atmosphere of a Place

Another day, another project - Atmosphere of a Place.

Where ?

South Bank, London, summertime.

In the 1950's, despite the best efforts of the powers that be, a gray concrete jungle with culture indoors. Would have used monochrome then. Film (remember that ?)

But now, it's the early years of the 21st century, the concrete jungle is in colour and there is activity (culture ?) outside as well as indoors. I shoot digital. I'm not the only one, every other person seems to be using a digital camera. And those that aren't have a mobile instead. I take a walk as far as the Tate and photograph modern life. Even the trees get a hug.