PROJECT DIRECTION
Photographer Ashley Gilberston was my biggest inspiration for my current ideas for my FMP. I came across his photos whilst researching the theme 'Connections'. His images taken in New York represented the reality of trying to keep human connection alive as we battle this virus. The article touched upon how freelance photographers are struggling in terms of both income and also chances to express their art.
This pandemic has completely turned peoples worlds upside down. It has changed the way we interact completely and I wished to showcase this.
For me gone are the days of meaningless small talk. The risks of contracting the virus is not worth it to engage with someone unless I least have a good enough connection.
Keeping inline with my love for portraiture I have decided to base my FMP around personal connections Ive made with people through the limited social activity we have been able to achieve through this third lockdown. I am extremely pleased with the outcome of my work so far. To the left is my favourite image Ive taken so far. I took this on a walk in bath where we stumbled across this hidden table and chair in the midst of greenery in Victoria parks golf course.
I love the bokeh in this image and the absence of negative space - i feel it represents all the conflicting thoughts and feelings lockdown has brought upon us.
Although this year long pandemic has been extremely challenging in different ways its made me build deeper friendships with less distraction. Before the pandemic a lot of my social activity was based around going to the pub and having the abundance of alcohol to ease relationships. Taking away that plus not having to work or being able to go into college its made my mind come to the realisation of who really deserves a personal connection. This has resulted in beautiful images that really show the people ive chosen to share my limited time with.
In all honesty I hadn't given much thought to the context surrounding my project. However when I was researching for my theme connections I came across artists such as Andy Goldsworthy whom used nature to create illusions. I loved the connections he made to bring this all together.
Whilst looking for more artists- keeping a sort of nature/ outside theme i came across the painter Monet 'Cliff walk'. I love the calming colours he used to create a sense of purity and peacefulness. The brush strokes he used personally i feel make the painting flow and really resemble the realistic qualities of being by the sea- ie the rolling waves and the grass swaying.
As a photographer I think its so important to look at artwork to better your skills.
Looking at Monets art makes me feel like im there and pushes me to want to be there even more. This is something i wish to carry into my own photos as I want to make the viewer feel something as they look at them and feel engaged with my subjects emotions.
