Distortion

The second part of the Distortion brief involved taking my own photographs exploring the theme of distortion and experimentation. This involved finding reflections, shadows, light effects and skewed perspectives that created strange images.

I experimented with my camera using reflections in mirrors and other objects and found that I could create interesting, unusual images this way.

I put these images together as a diptych to show and compare the differences in focus on the mirror. I found this was an effective way to show the different perspectives in the image and create a slightly more unusual image.

Using a convex mirror created a different kind of skewed reflection, distorting the images into different angles.

I think this image is a good example of a more confusing distorted image, as it isn't clear what the reflection is actually contained in. The very shallow depth of field also makes sure that the reflection is the main focus of the image.

This photograph shows another kind of distortion, showing the camera taking the photo in another kind of 'reflection'. I think this image also works as it looks as if the ground is continuing into the screen of the phone.

Darkroom Light Painting

For the Distortion brief we went down into the darkroom to experiment with light painting and double exposures.

I created pictures by using torches as the sole light source in the room, using a 20 second exposure to 'paint' light into the image with them. As well as the lights in the background of the image, behind my subject, I had to have my subject lit with torches from the front also.

Using techniques in the darkroom like this can produce lots of different results. You can 'write' with the light like in this image:

You can also create double/triple/etc exposures by having your subject(s) move during the 20-second exposure:

Another effective technique using light-painting involves creating silhouettes by filling the space behind your subject with light.

Magazine Covers

In this task I had to create two original magazine covers. I had to create and arrange the layout and photographs used myself, putting together the covers and magazine concept from scratch. The magazine could be about anything, from sport to interior design. I chose to make a fashion magazine.

I began by researching different magazine covers that I liked. I found that I am frequently drawn towards more minimal covers, often involving simple, stripped-back portraits. I compiled a few of the covers I liked and tried to work out the elements I liked in each, so I could later apply them to my own work.

For my cover I shot simple portraits to use. As my model was a male I had to think about adding more menswear elements to my cover. I decided to make a cover for a publication that focused more on culture and art to work around this.

I used the Character Palette in Photoshop frequently in this project as typography was very important on my covers. Using the Character Palette to adjust different parts of my typography helped give my covers a more custom, professional look.

I tried to make two different covers that would appeal to different audiences by using different photographs, typography and layouts. 

I enjoyed this project and feel I produced two good pieces of work for it. I think doing extensive research into covers I liked at the beginning of the project helped me produce better work later on.