Research.

I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed research so much! I’m actually struggling to stop myself.

I’ve always been a secret history fan but only the exciting stuff like wars and such. All the stuff to do with folk like Henry the eighth and I switch off - it’s boring. But today I’ve aquired two very big books about WWII and I have had my head stuck in them all afternoon.

 I have also been given two gas masks today, they both have production line info on still and one even has somebodys initials and army/navy/marines/SS number on. That all make it a bit more exciting and real for me.

I’m getting really excited to start interviewing and photographing people in just over a weeks time. Finding out some personal stories from people hopefully. I have one definite yes and two maybes so far! But until then I will be keeping my head in books and such with a few planned trips to the library in town next week.

Brownie Box Camera

Today I have spent some time getting to grips with using the Brownie Box Camera, a camera I have never used before. I decided to used 120 Medium Format Film with an ISO of 400. I have since realised I will need film with a higher ISO, either 1600 or 3200 to pick up a bit more light in some situations.

This image was taken twice, accidentally, so I have ended up with a double exposure. I quite like the effect given by the double eposure however due to being so close to Mike, the subject I was photographing the two images are quite soft. I lit this shot using a tungsten light and a diffuser. It had worked quite well now it has been scanned in.

This image has been shot outside using purely natural light. Being close to Mike, the chosen subject, unfortunatly has caused the image to be slightly out of focus. However, being outdoors the exposure is almost spot on and a nice effect is made in the image.

Third and final image.. Again, this frame has been shot outdoors using natural light. The difference is this time I have taken a step back nd so it is a little more in focus. Next time I could probably do with another step or two back but I am pleased with this shot. Once again, the lighting is spot on almost and so the image does look good in the frame. From now on I am going to start using this camera more outdoors, get to grips with it some more and continuing to proscess the film by myself. However I might buy film that goes through a little quicker, for example film with an ISO of 1600 or 3200. Generally a good days work though don't you think?

New Project.

Today. A new brief has been launched. College has set us a new challenge. It's going to be a good brief however with wanting to follow a path that is not as straight forward as simply photography. Or Fashion Photography. Or Still Life Photography it is going to be harder. Today however I have sat with the brief and gone through it, trying to find ways I can adapt it to make it more journalism based, allowing me to generate ideas that fit the path I want to follow both carreer and university wise. It's worked. I have managed to adapt the brief to fit something I can do and with the tutors approval. The brief basically entails having to work in the studio shooting either small Still Life sets or Fashion photography. Both options I have a slight interest in but I'm more of a documentary type. My twist? My Twist is turn the fashion side in portraits. Thats the easy bit. Getting the studio portrait to link to journalism is slightly harder, I have to find a story. I think I've found myself a story. I'm going to ask local people that I know from work and playing Bingo at the legion if they will come in and allow me to photograph them. Of course though, I do have a theme to stick to. I have indeed already chosen this theme. I've chosen to look at World War Two. I am going to ask to shoot people that have lived the World War Two. I am also going to ask them to bring in with them one item of significance from this time in their life. Then, as I shoot them (no pun intended) I am able to ask them questions both about their experiences and why this particular item means so much to them. I've also decided I am going to photograph using a film camera - medium format to be precise - as during World War Two this is the type of photography that was used. Good idea? I hope so.

#NYELondon

There is one downside to shooting on film. Not being able to upload photos as and when you want to. Yes, over christmas I have mostly been shooting photographs on film which has meant I can't upload them until I decide to scan them in but I don't want to do that until I have more to do. So basically, here's some digital photos of the New Year firework display I got to witnes first hand in London.