Idea:

This shoot explores the theme of “Origin” through the natural life cycle of flowers, focusing on beauty, fragility, and the process of decay. I chose roses because they symbolize both growth and impermanence. I aimed to capture subtle changes in their form, by doing so I planned to visually represent mortality and the passage of time.  

Location/Setting:

All of these images  were taken in a domestic location (inside my home) against a white background to isolate the flowers and emphasize their shape, texture, and colour. I also captured some images of petals scattered on my windowsill to contrast the full bloom with the early stages of decay. I used natural window light  to highlight delicate details, shadows, and show tonal variation.

Contact Sheet

Techniques and Processes

• I photographed the roses from multiple angles including close-ups to show textures and subtle imperfections, and wider shots to provide context and composition.​
• I experimented with several Lightroom presets, including “Matte” and “ Medium Deep Skin 02 Cool”, and chose the second one because it enhanced the subtle tones of the petals while creating a soft, cohesive aesthetic across the series.
• To make the flowers stand out, I selected the background on Lightroom and increased the exposure, brightening it whilst keeping the flowers and details intact.

Editing Selected Images

On Lightroom I selected my best images to edit, I aimed to capture the flowers from different angles, close up, further away and in different lights to highlight the subtle changes.

For this image I experimented with lightroom presets, I chose to use the ‘matte’ preset and adjusted it accordingly. I decided to add this preset to my other selected images to maintain consistency.

Before and After

Preset Images

Second Preset

Whilst experimenting with the presets on Lightroom I preferred this one compared to the previous one so I continued to apply it to all of my selected images to see if it works with them all.

Final Images

Evaluation

This photoshoot successfully captured the fleeting beauty and fragility of the roses by showing both bloom and the beginning of decay. By using a clean white background and increased exposure it allowed the flowers to stand out and emphasize their delicate details. The “Deep Skin 02 Cool” preset I added, created a soft aesthetic and unified the images. I also experimented with different angles and compositions which strengthened the visual narrative by capturing both individual petals and the overall form. Overall, the images communicate themes of beauty, mortality and the passage of time whilst demonstrating conceptual clarity and technical control.

Next Steps:

For my next shoot, I plan to develop the theme of decay by photographing the same bunch of roses at a more dramatic stage of deterioration. I will continue to use different angles to highlight texture but against a dark background instead of a light one. I aim to experiment with lighting by adjusting natural and artificial light sources. This will allow me to build a stronger conceptual progression throughout my project.

Mindmap

Fibonacci

Plan

The study of spirals – every spiral has an origin point

implementing clocks, dials, old fashioned clothing, movement and colour and texture

A photography project based on the Fibonacci Golden Spiral is a fantastic way to explore the intersection of nature, geometry, and art. The Golden Spiral is a logarithmic spiral that grows outward in proportion to the Golden Ratio, often seen in everything from shells to galaxies. Here are a few ideas you can explore:

https://www.google.com/search?gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCTQwMjU0ajBqN6gCALACAA&ie=UTF-8&oq=photographers+who+photograph+old+buildings&q=Keith+Dotson&rlz=1C1GCEB_enJE1126JE1126&safe=active&sourceid=chrome&surl=1&mstk=AUtExfBQ7QNeJ8CEayuHhOOahxIMydlOEs_v5Iv9YC8pFUbrPNdOCQJ4UBOocF-TTrIMrqmtUpmZzOmXeB3jkCnJdEAa2n8shtSsz9nQTmBEAcO5acu9cvtXoLMOTqoqHCeaKNIZ93crVc27kbOXDtAWyvhjEOT3wYaGYVBbKDegZxaCIvc&csui=3&ved=2ahUKEwjlxfy_6PaSAxXRL_sDHftfJqwQgK4QegQICBAD

CHATGPT ideas:

1. Nature’s Fibonacci

• Subject Focus: Capture natural forms where the Fibonacci sequence or Golden Spiral appears. Examples include:
  • Flowers and Seeds: Sunflowers, daisies, and pinecones are classic examples of the Fibonacci sequence in nature.
  • Shells and Spirals: Nautilus shells or snail shells with clear spiral structures.
  • Leaves and Plants: Photograph the spirals in the arrangement of leaves or the branching of trees.
• Technique: Use the Golden Spiral as a compositional guide to frame your shots, placing the subject at the spiral’s center or along its curves.

2. Architectural Fibonacci

• Subject Focus: Explore architecture and design. Many architectural structures are based on the Golden Ratio, whether in the layout, windows, or decorative elements.
  • Modern Buildings: Look for spirals in buildings or staircases, such as in the Guggenheim Museum in New York.
  • Classical Architecture: Use the Golden Spiral to focus on elements of classical structures that follow the Golden Ratio.
• Technique: Focus on curves or spirals in architectural forms and align them with the Fibonacci spiral.

3. Human Body and Proportions

• Subject Focus: The human body also follows the Fibonacci sequence in its proportions.
  • Portraiture: Consider photographing people in ways that use the body’s proportions (like focusing on the face, hands, or feet) and overlay the spiral to emphasize those ratios.
  • Gestures and Poses: Capture poses where limbs, the torso, and head align with the Golden Spiral.
• Technique: Apply the Fibonacci spiral to position the person in the frame, emphasizing the symmetry of their body or movement.

4. Still Life with Fibonacci

• Subject Focus: Arrange objects that have a natural spiral shape or other objects that can form a spiral pattern. For instance:
  • Spiral-shaped Objects: Seashells, spiral pasta, nautilus shells, or objects arranged in spiral patterns.
  • Fruit and Vegetables: You could use objects like apples (with their natural spiral core) or artichokes (which display a spiral pattern when viewed from above).
• Technique: Use the spiral as a guide to compose the image, making sure it leads the viewer’s eye in a natural curve across the photo.

5. Macro Photography of Spirals

• Subject Focus: Explore the tiny details of spiral forms in natural or man-made objects.
  • Insects: Close-ups of shells, spider webs, or snail shells.
  • Flowers: A closer look at the Fibonacci pattern of petals and seeds.
• Technique: Use macro photography to get in close to the natural patterns of spirals and use the Golden Spiral to frame your shots.

6. Abstract Fibonacci

• Subject Focus: Experiment with abstract forms and compositions that embody the Fibonacci spiral but don’t directly depict natural objects. For example:
  • Light Trails: Experiment with long exposure photography and light trails to create a spiral effect that mimics the Fibonacci spiral.
  • Geometric Art: Create geometric or minimalist abstract compositions that follow the Golden Ratio and Fibonacci sequence in their proportions.
• Technique: Use light painting, long exposure, or digital editing to create spirals and geometric patterns.

7. Time-Lapse Fibonacci

• Subject Focus: Use time-lapse photography to capture the growth or change in objects that follow the Fibonacci pattern.
  • Plants: Document the growth of plants like sunflowers, which exhibit Fibonacci spirals as they grow.
  • Sky or Clouds: Experiment with cloud patterns, the movement of the stars, or the sky, and try to capture spirals through time-lapse.
• Technique: Overlay the Fibonacci spiral during post-processing to highlight the natural growth or movement aligned with the spiral’s proportions.

8. Fibonacci in Motion

• Subject Focus: Capture movement that follows the pattern of a spiral or explores the natural progression of the Golden Spiral.
  • Water and Waves: Look for waves that curve and spiral, or create a photo of a splash where droplets follow a spiral pattern.
  • Dance or Movement: Photograph dancers or people in motion, capturing their flow in spirals or curved paths.
• Technique: Long exposure to create the illusion of movement following the Fibonacci path.

9. Urban Fibonacci

• Subject Focus: Find Fibonacci-like patterns in urban or everyday settings.
  • Spirals in Traffic: Capture patterns formed by roads or vehicles creating spirals, such as in roundabouts or intersections.
  • Staircases: Circular or spiral staircases in buildings are classic urban representations of the Fibonacci spiral.
• Technique: Position your camera at angles that create spirals, or use the spiral to direct the composition.

10. Post-Processing and the Golden Spiral

• Subject Focus: Capture everyday scenes, then manipulate them in post-processing to align with the Fibonacci spiral.
  • Digital Art: Create an image where elements naturally fit the Golden Spiral after editing. For example, placing objects along the spiral’s lines.
  • Creative Editing: You can use software like Photoshop to overlay the Fibonacci spiral on existing photos, highlighting how the scene can be restructured or interpreted through this geometry.
• Technique: Use digital editing tools to layer the spiral grid and adjust the composition accordingly.

Tips for Success:

• Golden Ratio Grid: Most modern cameras have an option to overlay a grid on the viewfinder or screen. This can help you position subjects to align with the Fibonacci spiral as you shoot.
• Natural Light: Use natural light for some of your nature-based shots. The soft lighting can help highlight the details of spirals, especially in plant or shell photography.
• Use of Color: Pay attention to how colors can influence the flow of your Fibonacci spiral, whether it’s complementary colors, gradients, or light-to-dark transitions.

To create a more personalized artistic take on the Fibonacci spiral, you can blend traditional mathematical principles with your own creative choices. Here are some ways to make the Fibonacci spiral uniquely yours:

1. Customize the Color Scheme

• Use a specific palette: Choose colors that speak to you, like pastel shades, bold primaries, or earthy tones. You could even use gradients or color transitions.
• Mood-driven color choices: Use warm tones for a vibrant, energetic feel or cool tones for a calming effect. You could even create different color gradients for each segment or quadrant of the spiral.

3. Introduce Organic Elements

• Nature-inspired additions: Add elements like leaves, flowers, shells, or other organic shapes that align with the Fibonacci sequence in nature. For example, you could have a spiral of leaves growing along the curve or flower petals in each segment.
• Watercolor/Ink Effect: If you are painting or digitally creating the spiral, you could incorporate watercolor textures or ink blot effects for an organic, flowing feel.

6. Play with Scale and Perspective

• Make the spiral grow out from a single focal point, and manipulate perspective to make the spiral appear 3D or to add depth. You could have some parts of the spiral seem closer to you, while others fade away.
• Alternatively, play with scale by varying the size of each section in the spiral. Some sections might expand dramatically, while others shrink to create a sense of movement.

7. Add Motion or Animation (for Digital Art)

• If you’re working digitally, you can make the Fibonacci spiral dynamic by adding subtle animations. The spiral could gradually unfold over time, or elements within it could shift, bloom, or rotate as it grows.
• Create a sense of movement by adding flowing lines that move outward or inward, creating a hypnotic effect.

8. Incorporate Light & Shadow

• Use light and shadow effects to give the spiral a 3D look or create a more dramatic, atmospheric piece. Highlight certain sections with soft glows or shadow the outer portions for depth.
• You could have light radiating from the center of the spiral, gradually fading as the spiral expands outward.

By mixing these ideas, you’ll be able to create a Fibonacci spiral that’s not only mathematically fascinating but also visually and emotionally expressive. You can take the strictness of the Fibonacci sequence and make it your own through creativity.

Other Origin Ideas

(AI was used in creating this list)

1. Roots and Beginnings

• Concept: Explore the origins of family heritage or ancestry. Capture portraits of people in their family homes, heirlooms, or places that are significant to their lineage. You could also photograph the “roots” of a culture, like traditional clothing, food, or rituals.
• Execution: Combine modern portraits with objects or spaces that represent the past, such as old photos, artifacts, or symbols.

2. Birth of a Landscape

• Concept: Document natural landscapes that have an origin story, like volcanic regions, river deltas, or glacial formations. Look for ways to visually tell the story of how a landscape evolved.
• Execution: Photograph at different times of day or seasons to capture the changing face of the land, or use long exposures to symbolize the passage of time.

3. Human Origins

• Concept: Create a visual representation of human evolution. This could be done through a series of portraits of people from different cultures or walks of life, juxtaposed with symbolic objects representing their origins (e.g., maps, tools, fossils).
• Execution: Show the diversity of human experience while hinting at the common origins we share.

4. The Origin of Objects

• Concept: Explore the history and origins of everyday objects or items that have personal or historical significance. This could include things like old tools, books, or machinery.
• Execution: Create close-up shots of these objects in their natural setting, paired with historical context or stories about how they came to be.

5. Life Cycles

• Concept: Focus on the cycle of life—birth, growth, decay, and rebirth. You could photograph the growth stages of a plant, animal, or even a building being constructed or deconstructed.
• Execution: Tell a story in a series of images, capturing different “origins” of life or objects as they evolve over time.

7. Cultural Origins

• Concept: Dive into the traditional practices, rituals, or stories that give birth to cultural identities. You could photograph celebrations, ceremonies, or local artisans at work, showing the origins of cultural practices.
• Execution: Portraiture combined with environmental storytelling, using the surrounding elements to express cultural significance.

8. Urban Origins

• Concept: Document the origins of a city or neighborhood. This could include the historical foundation of a place, early architecture, and the evolving culture over time.
• Execution: Shoot both the modern-day city and archival images (if possible) to highlight the contrast between the past and present.

9. Fossils of the Future

• Concept: Imagine the origins of the future by photographing remnants or objects that might be considered “fossils” or artifacts of today. You could photograph common items like cell phones, shoes, or even food packaging and present them in a way that feels archaeological.
• Execution: Present objects in stark, minimalistic ways, possibly using dark or moody lighting to give them a timeless, ancient quality.

Moodboard

Artist Research

Photograph old buildings and structures around jersey

look at jerseys history – WW2, jersey heritage sites (hogue bie), old stories, museums, castles, St Catherine’s woods, costal paths, standing stones (textures, patterns, sand dunes)

possible add ons – portraiture, colours, texture, nature, dream like long exposure of people walking to reimagine the time passed and lives lived

Francesca Woodman

Woodman was an American artist born April 3, 1958 in Denver, Colorado. She grew up surrounded by art her protestant father, George who was a painter and her protestant mother a sculptor. Her brother Charles Woodman grew up to be an electronic artist. Her family encouraged her to begin taking photos at age 13. In 1975 Woodman began studying at Rhode Island School of Design which offered her a honors program in Rome in 1977 before she graduated in 1978. In 1979 she moved to New York to begin her career in photography sending her work to multiple fashion photographers but after many rejections and the end of her long-term relationship she became depressed and attempted suicide in 1980. She was sent to live with her parents in Manhattan during her recovery. Woodman attended therapy and her mental health seemed to improve causing her family and friends to lower their guard leading to her to commit suicide in January 1981 at age 22.

Later she became well known for her black and white images, of which many were self portraits where she captures movement through utilising shutter speed to make the images appear ghostly by obscuring the face and parts of the body. Her use of black and white or sepia filters gives the images a timely feel as though they were taken long before they were. I chose this artist as I felt her use of movement fitted the theme of Origins as she captured passing time.

This could be implemented into my work as I’m hoping to explore Origins through the history of Jersey society by going to Jersey landmarks and Jersey Heritage sites to where I will focus my camera on the structure using a long exposure to capture people and movement around it representing the passing of time whilst the structure remains still and unchanged demonstrating how it has stood the test of time through history and shaped the changing cultures of Jersey being apart of every Jersey families ancestry.

Ansel Adams

Ansel Adams born in 1902 was an American landscape photographer. Adams was a rebellious child and was pulled from school at age 12, he found focus in nature and music, in which he trained professionally in from 1914 until discovering his passion for photography later. A family trip in 1916 to Yosemite National Park with a Kodak Brownie camera, sparked his interest in national parks, which developed into his career in photography.

Ansel Adams took photos all through the 1920s where he was a part of the Sierra Club, An organisation whose mission is “to explore, enjoy, and protect the wild places of the earth; To practice and promote the responsible use of the earth’s ecosystems and resources; To educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment; and to use all lawful means to carry out these objectives.” he later worked as the the custodian of the Sierra Club’s lodge in Yosemite.

Adams believed in “true photography” where he would use the highest resolution available and full tonal range, differentiating from soft-focus pictorialism and assisted in founding the group f/64 in 1932 in California. The group also believed in Ansel’s’ mindset surrounding photography and took images of the American landscape including mountains and lakes. Ansel Adams also partnered with Fred Archer created “The Zone System” a way of representing the different tonal gradient in a black and white picture. The Zone System is still used today within photography.

The popularity of Adams work has only increased since his death in 1984.

Statement Of Intent

The project ORIGINS, will be exploring the concept of beginnings and time passing, focusing on the relationship between past and present. I will explore this concept through the study of Jersey’s history and what society on the island has looked like throughout time. I am exploring the history of Jersey in particular, because of the amount of history Jersey holds, such as all of it’s preserved sights such as Hougue bie, dating back to 4000BCE or the occupation of Jersey by the Germans during WW2 and the unrecognised impact Jersey and it’s people have made on the rest of the world through industries, crops, farming and skills developed and learnt by the jersey people. I have also found an interest in exploring history and origins of Jersey, due to the fact that I was born in Jersey myself, with both parents being born in other countries making me the first Jersey-born generation of my family, therefore my family does not have have any roots in Jersey. I will be using a documentary and staged style of photography to approach this project, focusing on lighting and colour to succeed in reimagining places of the past and the lives of the people who lived at the time, inspired by artists such as Ansel Adams who created his career in the effort of protecting and preserving America’s national parks, which also fall into the category of historical sites. Francesca Woodman and her ability to capture movement inspired my idea for the project to implement movement, representing the people and societies which have come and gone, contrasted with the stillness of historical buildings or sites having stood the test of time, carrying memories of the past to the present. I wish for my viewers to be able to step into the shoes of those who lived before us and feel a connection to the culture of Jersey which in modern day, due to technology connecting us with so many cultures and people all the time, is being lost. I also want to communicate to to my viewers just how fleeting our lives are compared with the land we live on, and obviously express where we originate from.

Location and History

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Jersey

The earliest signs of human activity within Jersey dates back to 250000 years ago, before Jersey was even an island, at La Cotte De St Brelade, a significant European ice age archaeological site. Evidence was discovered of Neanderthal hunters and mammoths in 1881 and since the area has been excavated discovering evidence of it as a home base throughout the ice ages as teeth and bone fragments were found. Though the site is mostly closed off as excavations are still occurring I chose this site as an example of jersey societies earliest origins. Due to the location being so vast I felt the scenery resembled the national parks Ansel Adams took images of and attempted to use his style of photography within my own work such as wide landscapes and editing them into Black and white.

The second location was Hougue Bie the protected site has a historic tomb dating back to before the pyramids were built with remains of at least 8 people found there, along with grave goods such as pottery. The chapel above it on the hill dates to around the 12th century and was named the “Notre Dame de la Clarte” however has been modified throughout history such as in 1509 with the “Jerusalem Wall” being built then being engulfed by the “Princes Tower” in 1792 which became a popular viewing point until a communication system was built until the tower was demolished in 1923 leaving the chapel behind. During WW2 an underground bunker and bomb shelter was built on the site and now in modern times the site has been turned into a museum. I chose this location as it’s been significant throughout Jersey’s history not only during a select time period but as a changing structure throughout changes in society only to remain still standing thousands of years later.

Another location I chose born around 6000 years ago which similarly to the Hougue bie Tomb aligns with the sun on the autumn and spring equinox to allow the light to shine though, is the Dolmen de Faldouët. The site was originally also under a mound in the same way as La Hougue Bie, and the stones used to build the giant structure were transported uphill from 2 1/2 km away. Within the tomb human bones were found along with grave goods such as pottery.

The third location was Hamptonne farm. The farms history dates back to the 1400’s with the records discovered from 1445. In 1633 it was bought by Laurens Hamptonne who later declared Charles || king. Along with regular farming of crops such as Jersey Royals and traditional farm animals, the farm is also equipped for specifically apple farming and the creation of cider which was and remains a large part of Jersey’s economy . In 1988 it was bought by the national trust and turned into a museum documenting country life.

Another location was Pleamont Beach, one of the only places visible on the island where oysters grow after over farming led to the collapse of other natural oyster beds. The rock where they grow in modern times is submerged at high tide with Jersey having the second most drastic tide globally. The oyster trade began being profitable in Jersey around 1810 when fisherman began trading outside of Jersey. By 1850 Gorey had 1000 fishermen working and 300 vessels dedicated to the trade. In the 1970’s The Jersey Oyster Company began their effort to revive colonies in Jersey waters and continue to farm them today.

Though there wasn’t a specific location in mind for this shoot, a large part of Jersey’s culture has to do with Jersey Dairy industry and therefore Jersey cows. Though cows have been on the island for over 1000 years with no specification when the first appearance was it’s likely they originated from Brittany or France. The dairy industry dates back to the 1700’s which in 1763 a law prohibited farmers from importing cheaper French cattle to ensure the Jersey cow breed was protected. A law was also introduced banning the importation of any other animal milk from a company other than Jersey Dairy. In modern day there are around 6000 Jersey cows left in Jersey.

Eugène Atget

Who was he?

Eugène Atget was a French Photographer that was widely known for his photographs of the Capital city of France (His hometown) Paris. He started his work in the late 1880s and his work supported art students and architect. Furthermore Eugene started his photography using a large format camera with a wide lense so he could fully capture the essence of the Capital city in detail.

MoodBoard Of His Work

Why did I choose him for my artist reference?

I chose Eugène as his style reminds me of the way pictures were around the time my grandad was growing up. I am aiming to re create this style making my images as close to the original images as possible. Even though his photography is more closely linked to everyday life and the precise architecture of the streets of Paris I believe I can still incorporate parts of his work into my own. I can also branch off his work with the layout of my own images as I can compare my present pictures with those taken in the past and look for any similarities and differences

Below is also a hyperlink that takes you to the MoMA sight where more pieces of his work are visible alongside more background knowledge of him.

https://www.moma.org/artists/229-eugene-atget

Image Analysis

Technical:

The shutter speed used seems to be quite high and quick because of the dark shadow effect that is visible around the outsides of the images. The ISO seems to be relatively low as the image is taken during high levels of light. This contrast of different lighting creates an eerie feeling to the images. This is further emphasised by the lack of people in the image as the street seems to be very desolate

Visual: This seems to be the end of a street leading up to a bank or a building of interest such as a cathedral. The reflection of the light off the stone floor creates a reflection and further increases the tone of the image giving it more of a haze look and feel. the texture seems to be quite sharp even though the camera must of been quite outdated. There also seems to be a clear pattern of the paved floor and how that type of detail and structure is then reflected towards the building of interest as that also has very high levels of detail into the architecture.

Contextual: In the late 1800s Photography was still just starting out. So pictures taken by Eugene were all incredibly powerful towards the movement of photography as they kept opening new ideas, angles and possibilities that people were yet to explore.

Conceptual: The notion behind this piece of work is that of a prestigious representation of the government. Eugene has taken into account how different factors change the way that the Cathedral is represented.

How Do I Interpretate Origin?

My own interpretation of Origin is in regard to my own beginning. To me the word origin signifies the start of many different subjects

During my project I would like to further my knowledge and photography skills by obtaining a set of images that reflects exactly what it is I am studying. This is going to be through looking back at my family heritage specifically looking at the ancestors in my grandfathers family. This connotes to the project word Origin, as it is focusing on my own origin and how my family together as one has formed today. During this idea I would like to lay out and draw family trees and take pictures of the networks. Essentially then hoping to find out more information about my ancestors and then visiting old sites that hold sentimental value to my family. Another idea i would like to put into action with my findings is posing as my ancestors around buildings to resemble what life would of been like at the time of them being alive. This matters to me as my grandad himself has dementia and is therefore unable to communicate with me about anything to do with his past. I know from prior conversations many years ago however, that we was in Jersey during the time of the occupation and i would really like to get a sense of how that impacted not only his life but my family as a whole. I intend to begin my study this weekend of the 7th of march hopefully looking to visit graveyards and old sites for a photoshoot that summarises my ancestors lives

I would then like to further this idea yet again by posing as my family members in images and re creating them. For my final set of images I will display them in a photobook side by side and write a caption below with certain key points from the photographs for example when they were taken and where also including who’s in the pictures.

Lebohang Kganye

A Bit About Her

Lebohang Kganye – is 36 from Johannesburg, South Africa and is interested in self portraiture. Her work is focused mainly on personal history and also collective history of her culture. Looking further back into her family archive. She does this by making creative structures and going to certain locations where her family once was and using certain camera techniques such as double exposure. She treats her work as more of living memories of those close to her. She is further able to attempt to receive a clearer perspective of what life was like for her ancestors. By combining her photography skills with her creative art skills that she learnt after receiving her Master in Fine arts. This allowed her to unite these two talents and make pieces of work that connect to form a strong relationship

Why Am I Studying Her?

Her images connote to a past generation. This is an idea I would like to follow and link my interpretation of the word origin. I believe that her images hold a deeper meaning and show the connection that she has with her past and how she understands the importance of certain movements that have led her to be able to freely live her life.

Below is a hyperlink that goes to her website which can further show the work that goes into her images and the design and format of them.

https://www.lebohangkganye.co.za

Image Analysis

Technical:

Lighting: She uses artificial lighting that is positioned behind the camera so shadows around her are visible. There is a good contrast between the designs that she has made and the shadows because of the colours being black and white.

Looks to also be using a higher aperture with either an automatic ISO or an ISO like 200 as they are shooting in the light. The temperature seems to be quite warm as the light has more of a warm tone

Visual: There are visible cardboard cut outs which were made from the original pictures of her late family. She seems to of placed herself in these images to almost put herself back in touch with her late ancestors. The images are in colour but contain an imagery of black and white. Also the photo gives off more of a cold town with a white light being placed on the roof. This is visible through the shadows created around each cut out

Contextual: The people that have been cut out are the people of her past family. Lebohang is really interested on the life of her past and how people at that time lived. Her work aims to celebrate those who can usually be forgotten through imagery that captures their hard work through the years.

Conceptual: This contemporary piece of work connotes to a deeper meaning than just an image. It aims to produce images that are more of a reflection on a certain time period almost to freeze it in place is that it will never be forgotten and how things in life should not be taken for granted

For my final project responding to the theme Origins I intend to explore life cycles, mortality and the inevitability of decay by photographing flowers, documenting their deterioration in a domestic setting. I find it fascinating that the beginning of life coincides with the commencement of decline and this is something I aim to explore throughout this project.

This idea was inspired by Celine Marchbank, particularly her Tulip series, where she uses flowers to reflect personal loss and the quiet progression of morality. I am also influenced by Alexamder James Hamilton’s modern approach to Vanitas, where he uses flowers and other symbolic objects to reference tradition and emphasize the impermanence of life. In addition, Robert Mapplethorpe’s work has informed my visual approach, particularly his use of dark minimalist backgrounds and dramatic lighting to isolate the subject and create a sense of intensity. Their approaches have informed my decision to use a domestic location, varied angles and controlled lighting, alongside subtle Vanitas elements such as glass, petals and water to create conceptual depth.

For my final outcome, I plan to produce a physical installation of around 20-30 prints, displayed so that the first image connects to the last to symbolise cyclical life processes. I am going to arrange my images to transition from their peak/bloom through their decline and fragmentation before looping back to the beginning. The variety of angles, scale and abstraction aim to capture and highlight the process of decay in a creative way, enabling the viewer to consider the certainty of death in relation to origin.

Through this project, I intend to create a conceptually thoughtful, technically defined production of work that exposes the fragility of the life cycle, connecting domestic intimate environment with vanitas symbolism and the theme Origins.

Photoshoot Plan 1- Observing Change Over Time

Concept:

This shoot is going to focus on observing and documenting the natural deterioration of flowers in a domestic setting. By photographing the same bunches of flowers repeatedly from different angles and under different lighting conditions, I aim to capture subtle physical changes like drooping petals, discolorations, and decay. 

Location:

I am going to use a domestic setting in my home to create a personal and intimate atmosphere, inspired by Celine Marchbanks. 

Subject:

Roses and other flowers that are already present in my home. 

Experimentation:

• Photographing from multiple angles (overhead, eye level, close-up) 

• Experimenting with natural and artificial lighting 

• Changing depth of field to isolate details 

• Capturing texture and subtle changes in form 

Outcome:

This photoshoot begins documenting the process of decay, introducing the theme of mortality and establishing a consistent setting for the project. 

Photoshoot Plan 2- Bloom and Vitality

Concept:

This photoshoot will explore the origin and peak stage of the life cycle, focusing on daffodils as they open and reach full bloom which creates a visual contrast with the deterioration shown in my first photoshoot.

Location:

Same domestic setting to maintain visual consistency. 

Lighting:

• Dark background to isolate the flowers 

• Directional lighting to create contrast and emphasize shape 

Subject:

Daffodils photographed at different stages as they open. 

Experimentation:

• Close-up and macro photography 

• Controlled lighting to highlight structure 

• Multiple perspectives and framing 

• Capturing the moment the flowers bloom 

Artist Influence:

I was Inspired by the symbolic use of flowers within vanitas imagery by Alexander James and Robert Mapplethorpe’s dramatic compositions.   

Outcome:

This photo shoot will represent the peak of life, providing a visual contrast to the decline explored in my previous images. 

Photoshoot Plan 3- Vanitas and Symbolism

Concept:

This photoshoot will explore mortality and impermanence through vanitas symbolism. By incorporating objects associated with vanitas imagery, it aim to move beyond simple observation of decay and develop conceptual depth. 

Location:

In the same domestic environment to maintain continuity. 

Subject:

Flowers at various stages of decay along with symbolic objects. 

Vanitas Objects:

• Glass containers 

• Water 

• Fallen petals 

• Reflective surfaces/mirrors 

• Dramatic lighting 

Experimentation:

• Close-up images of texture and deterioration 

• Exploring abstraction through detail 

• Arranging objects to create symbolic compositions 

Artist Influence:

I was Influenced by Alexander James modern vanitas images.  

Outcome:

I intend to produce images that emphasize the symbolism of mortality and strengthen the connection between Vanitas and the theme Origins.