LO3 - Final photos contact prints

Depth was very important in my images as I wanted to show the model in relationship to their surroundings; often the location it was photographed helped emphasise the meaning of the picture. When I was taking photos in the Winter Gardens ensuring the image was in focus to get that sense of depth was very important, and I also experimented with using the flash in order to get a saturated look for my photographs. In some instances using the flash created an appealing, well cultivated effect but in other photos it ended up being too bright and had to be rectified in the editing stage. A lot of my photos used the portrait setting as it gave a greater focus on the emotion on my subject's face- something I felt was important to capture when exploring the theme of identity.
I tried to explore high and low angles with my photography to get a more interesting perspective on my models, as well as using the colours of their clothes to either relate or contrast them to their environment. For instance the fairground ride created a great backdrop for the monochrome outfit of the Chav as the distinction made the model stand out and draw the viewers eye. Techniques like this helped make the subjects the centre of interest; as well as making the background out of focus so the depth was emphasised and the models became much sharper. In several pictures I also tried to ensure my image applied to the rule of thirds as this often ensures the image is both appealing and interesting. I tried not to put the model in the centre of the image often so I could use points of interest in the background to complete the rule of thirds, like with the photos of the Chav in the Winter Gardens.
Each of my images managed to fit with my initial intentions as they all connoted something about a particular sub-culture; whether it was mocking the stereotype or showing the model breaking away from it. My exhibition was all related to unjust stigmas and I felt through the locations and attire of my models I was able to show this.

I have definitely improved as a photographer from my early shoots- from just ensuring the camera is in focus to varying the angles I take shots from. Throughout developing as a photographer I have retained my interest in human emotions and expressions but I have developed the way I factor this into a photograph by using it to highlight my intentions of proving or disproving a stereotype. One of the main skills I have improved in is beginning to use the settings on a camera to achieve my desired image, at the start of this project I wouldn't have even understood what each setting was- let alone have been able to use it.