Photography Evaluation

My original concept was to take pictures of Moroccan style cafes. I undertook a lot of research of the different Moroccans cafes/restaurants around London (although I knew I couldn't visit all of them). Unfortunately, the Moroccan shops I went to said that they don't allow pictures to be taken. I then realised I was wasting way too much time trying to look for Moroccan style surroundings, so I decided it would be efficient to change my concept.

My new concept was Landscapes. I felt like it was an easier task to do as I knew exactly where I could take the pictures without fail. As I had learnt previously about the different angles, frame shots, rule of thirds etc., I used that knowledge and applied to it my photography techniques to achieve my near professional pictures. My pictures were mainly based in Hyde Park, but during my stroll, I also ended up being in beautiful places I've never been before; and took pictures of those too.

I think my pictures are near to a professional standard as I used my knowledge of rule of thirds, framing and shallow depth of field. Although, once I uploaded the pictures to edit them, I did find that I have made a couple of mistakes while taking them. I think that if I keep practicing with the camera, I would be able to produce better pictures.

Overall, I enjoyed the experience very much. If it hadn't been a long day for me, I would have loved to see where my feet would take me and take more pictures around the area I was in. Although it was a challenge for me at first, and I didn't try to overcome it as quickly as possible, I believe I done a good job. If I had to do this again, I would definitely visit a variety of other places.

Scenery/Landscapes Photography

Video Installation Evaluation

When I found out that we had to our own video installation, lights came in mind. I enjoyed working with the lights in my previous projects, and I also liked how one could do lots of different stuff with it with DLSR cameras. I done my research and I wanted to do something similar to what Will.I.Am had in his music video Heartbreaker. A person with lights all over dancing. I wanted to incorporate that and make something of my own.

My first attempt was not exactly how a wanted and pictured it. A dark empty room was available which was great, I got straight into it and started on. My original concept was to light paint around a person doing random dance move; for each dance move I take a picture and so on. I then planned to put the pictures together so it almost has that iStopMotion effect. When I finished editing it, I didn't feel like it looked great, and it wasn't what I exactly wanted.

I decided to re-shoot in the same location. Only difference this time was that I filmed a person holding two white lights doing random dance moves. I feel like my second attempt was exactly how I wanted it.  The feedback that I received from my class mates were mostly positive. Some people said that it reminded them of the solar system. They also really liked how the music complimented well with the video. If I had to do it again, I would spend more time editing it properly and film more footage with different coloured lights.

Installation Nasties

Chris Cunningham

Chris Cunningham is a British producer, film maker, video artist and a photographer. Most of Chris's work includes science fiction or horror themes. Chris has directed and produced many music videos, and also starred on his own video called "Windowlicker". The ten minute long video pokes fun at the contents of rap videos back in 1999. I find Chris a very controversial especially in his music video "Rubber Johnny". In my opinion, I think he has a weird creative mind (some would say disturbed). He's not afraid to be different and create what he wants to create, even though some people might be unprepared and not understand his logic behind his work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBS4Gi1y_nc

 

Bill Viola

Bill Viola is a contemporary video artist. His work mainly focuses on human experiences such as birth, death and aspects of consciousness. I've previously watched one of his videos called Anthem, to have an in sight of the type of videos he produces. I must say, it was weird. I also seemed to have found it thought provoking as I tired to make sense of it and understand the meaning behind it. I think his work is controversial. His work does contain nudity and some people may be sensitive to this. Some won't, some people may see his work in a way where he's only trying to demonstrate his life experience in a way which is different.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kFP_dCQ9AQ


Paul McCarthy

Paul McCarthy to me is an interesting one. Considering all the installation artists I've researched, I feel like I haven't come across anyone quiet like him. Based on the video I watched, which is called Painter, he seemed to illustrate his thoughts through painting or using paint. It's controversial in the way  he is acting crazy one could say. The way he talks to him self and acts really bizarre makes me think whether or not he is like that in real life or if it's just an act. Personally I don't get the logic behind it at all. I guess it's just interesting to see the way he is expressing his thoughts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fw4gYWkXgo

Overall, I think that all the three of the installation 'nasties' have one major thing in common. They are not afraid to explore their own ways of illustrating their thoughts, opinions and ideas. They are all different in terms of how they present themselves.

DVD Menu

Video Installation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Uy9xkA7I7c