Selecting Images

Photographs I have taken have usually been by accident.
I like to take photographs of nature rather than people/buildings, although some can have a great impact.

I have selected a short few which I would like to display in an Exhibit in FACT.

Photography Class

The images below were taken on my Photography Class. We took time to study the cameras and how they work. We learnt about the ISO, the aperture, and framing. Thomas Gill (who took the class) made us aware of certain ways in which the camera interprets an image moreover it made us more aware of certain angles and light sources in our own images.

We experimented with the camera and how we could adapt light to benefit an image.

Arts Challenge Plan

Arts Challenge Planning Sheet 

Name: Olivia Clarke 

The area of the arts I have chosen to improve on is photography. 

I have chosen this because I share a hobby with my Dad and we have engaged in several courses doing photography. I have also had photographs exhibited in St Georges Hall furthermore I would like to expand my abilities in this field. I think skills that can be derived from photography can be applied in many fields such as; patience and a creative eye which is highly important in the Film industry. 

My strengths in this area are (at least 3)… 

1. I understand that it is about lighting and camera positioning and not necessarily about what camera you are using. 

2. I am aware how changing camera settings can effect the clarity of an image moreover I know how to avoid overexposure and/or underexposure. 

3. I like to photograph landscapes using unusual angles. I prefer not to be so cliché with my style e.g a sunset in the middle of a picture.  

4. I don't use photo shop as I like to do all I can to make sure the photograph is the pure image.  

5. I am aware of the ways in which to create specific effects using either backgrounds or motion. It can create a real aura about an image.  

My weaknesses in this area are (at least 3)… 

1. My lack of experience with professional equipment 

2. Not fully confident when behind a camera. I am uncertain as to whether or not an image is going to be successful until I have a second opinion.  

3. I don’t really have a versatile portfolio, most of my images are similar as I know I am comfortable with how they will develop.  

4. I don’t take images of people as I am uncertain of how to incorporate people in an artistic image.  

The challenge I will undertake to improve my skill is an attempt at having a photograph put into the annual calender by 'Liverpool's Park's and Green Spaces.' The competition incorporates images including people, animals and nature. The competition can be fierce so they recommend you submit several images to have a chance to win. I think this will be highly beneficial for me as it will force me to expand what I take photographs of and also will help me have confidence within my image.   

I will also exhibit my photographs in an exhibition that I will organise myself. It will show my improvements and also help to present my photographs for people to enjoy. I think it will help me to be more confident in my work and also enhance my organisational skills. 

Sunsets

These images were taken in various places by various cameras. 

I like the colours of a sunset and how they change the sky. I love the way the clouds reflect the orange and yellows of the sun as it goes down. I think it is beautiful when captured at the right moment.

I don't think there is necessarily a 'right' place to capture the perfect sunset because wherever the image is taken a different silhouette (if one at all) is captured each time and it creates a lovely photograph in my opinion.

This was taken in Huyton. As I turned the corner of the street I saw an opportunity to capture the sunset. The clouds were separated and were reflecting the yellow tint of the fading sun. The rays reached to my camera. 

• I took this image using my Blackberry  camera phone

Beginning

Otterspool Stairway

I photographed this image in 2009 in Otterspool Park, Liverpool. 

My friends and I stumbled across the stairway and took some pictures on it. I took this image on my Sony Erricson camera phone. The 14 mega pixel lense seemed to create an interesting image. I was extremely pleased with the outcome of the image however I noticed how grainy the image looked and how the harsh light seems to drown out the eeriness. I did not want to use Photo-shop as I believe a great image is a pure one. With the right skills and understanding of a great picture, I do not believe editing a photograph is necessary. 

I had the image above exhibited in St Georges Hall however it was an accident and I doubt my abilities to be able to duplicate such an interesting image. 

The shadows and lighting in the image above create an aura about the image which almost makes it seem mystical and like something from a fairytale. I want to try and create more images like this by creating a dream like image.

My Arts Award Project is going to focus around developing my skills and understanding of photography. My challenge is too improve my skills and to create more intriguing images, focusing around nature and natural colours and shadows/lighting.