My Initial Shots

In order to create a good final piece, I need to practice my skills in the studio and in post-production. In order to do that, I need to take a few photos where I can learn from any mistakes that occur in order to avoid them for my final piece.
Here is a photo of my friend Shan:

This is my very first attempt at Levitation Photography. This photo was taken purely so I could practice the method in post production, and it was also my first time using the Portalite studio lights.
With the use of GIMP and Picasa, I was able to edit this photo. Using layer masks and different layers, I removed the stool beneath the subject.
I also played around with curves and created this red look in her hair, and desaturated the blue slightly.
I also cropped the image.

Here is the original photo. As you can see the leggings merge in with the backdrop, so I have had to adjust the exposure slightly and change their colour to more of a blue hue using GIMP.
Also, the photo isn't at all straight, it's about 5% off. I fixed this by adjusting the straightness in Picasa.
Sadly, I was using a camera that was completely alien to me, which didn't help the fact I was also trying out a new style of photography. Because the equipment I used wasn't my own, I was focused on how to use the camera rather than noticing the fact my image was out of focus. As I also asked my model to lean in an awkward position, I rushed to take the pictures as she'd told me she found it difficult to maintain the position without discomfort.



My second initial shot is this one:

Once again I have photographed my friend Shan. This shot was also pure studio and editing practice. I took multiple shots and compiled them together using layer masks in GIMP - this allowed me to add more flowers into the shot than I actually had.
Shan and I went to the textiles department where we came across this long piece of fabric. The length of the fabric allowed me to wrap it around her various times and then droop it on her side.
I do however dislike this photo because where I removed the stool she was stood on, there isn't enough motion to resemble that of her floating. Instead, it's very obvious that  she was stood on something. Now I know for next time that I need to add more motion in my images in order to create a more realistic image.

Pictured above are all the shots I have taken in order to create this composition. As you can see, I have mainly played around with the flowers using layer masks; adding them onto the fabric, picturing them falling mid air...  This has allowed me to widen my understanding as to how composites are created in post production. 

Here is the main photo in my composition:

As you can see I have removed the strap on her shoulder, added more flowers, changed the colour of her hair and removed the stool, as well as playing around with curves and the crop and straighten tools. 

Coursework: Artists that have inspired me

For my coursework, I have been assigned the theme of 'Viewpoints'. I have chosen to show the point of view from a person with a phobia. I was mainly inspired by Fine-Art Photographer, Brooke Shaden. I thoroughly enjoy Shaden's work, and I believe I can create my own work using her style to portray phobias.
Here is some of her work:

the world above, Brooke Shaden 

to serve, Brooke Shaden

the almost circus and invisible audience, Brooke Shaden

untitled, Kyle Thompson

Another artist I have found is Kyle Thompson. I found him through searching for Brooke Shaden, I came across his name and adored his pictures. Like Shaden, his work is mostly composed of self portraits, of which are mainly taken in forests or abandoned houses. According to his biography, "His work encapsulates the ephemeral narrative, a non-existent story line that only lives for a split moment."

Here is some of his work:

untitled, Kyle Thompson