Welcome Back Photographers!
Congratulations on completing the AS course. You should now be very familiar with the assessment objectives and developed strong ability to develop a project from a simple idea/concept to a final outcome. Over the course of this summer half term, we would like you to focus on a series of different workshops and topics that will be set in class. We will take you on a number of gallery visits and encourage you to develop work in response to professionals in the field. In terms of exhibiting work, you will be allocated an A2 sized frame on the sixth form stairwell gallery that can be updated throughout the year. Below you will find more information about different tasks and activities over the course of the next seven weeks.
Introduction to A2
The A2 Coursework comprises of two elements:
The A2 Coursework comprises of two elements:
- A personal study- 'Curatorship Task'
- Personal Portfolio: practical project based on your area of study for the Curatorship Task.
Power Point Presentation - Photographic Heroes
As mentionned above, you will be required to produce a 2500-3000 word personal, written and illustrated Curatorship Task (Proposal for an exhibition- more on this later). It is essential that you choose an avenue of enquiry that interests you. In order for you to establish where this area of interest lies you are required to create a 5-minute presentation on three or more of your favourite photographers.
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Who has inspired and influenced your own visual practice? Have you seen any work in exhibition that has left an impression on you? Using the web, classroom books and the library, create a 5 minute power point presenting three photographers whose work has really inspired you.
Tips for a good presentation:
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Look at these curatorship tasks. What works well? What is missing?
Exhibition Leaflet
You are required to create a hypothetical exhibition. Imagine you have access to any work, space and money is no object.
Follow the steps outlined below to ensure you evidence the process and your development clearly on your weebly. We cannot underestimate how important this is. You will lose valuable marks if you do not present your progress.
Step 1:
Brainstorm all, two or only one of your artists to determine future practical and research developments. Click here for an example.
Step 2:
Define a theme for the exhibition
Step 3:
Select artists linked to your theme. Choose more than you will probably need so that you can select the most appropriate later. Present these in your book- give your reasons behind all of your choices.
Step 4:
Select several works for each artist. Include titles, dates and our reasons once again.
Step 5:
Choose at least three separate venues- known galleries, non-gallery spaces, exterior spaces etc.
Step 6:
Whilst visiting exhibitions collect leaflets. Discuss these in your weebly paying particular attention to content, layout and general information. Create a list of negative and positive points.
Step 7:
Write a proposal that outlines the content of your exhibition. Try to phrase it in a professional way as if you are pitching it to a potential investor.
Step 8:
You need to ensure that your leaflet clearly reflects your research. Don't scrimp on text. make sure that all of your research is on your weebly
Step 9:
Create mock-ups of the exhibition leaflet. At least three different versions.
Step 10:
Complete final leaflet- it must be word processed.
You are required to create a hypothetical exhibition. Imagine you have access to any work, space and money is no object.
Follow the steps outlined below to ensure you evidence the process and your development clearly on your weebly. We cannot underestimate how important this is. You will lose valuable marks if you do not present your progress.
Step 1:
Brainstorm all, two or only one of your artists to determine future practical and research developments. Click here for an example.
Step 2:
Define a theme for the exhibition
Step 3:
Select artists linked to your theme. Choose more than you will probably need so that you can select the most appropriate later. Present these in your book- give your reasons behind all of your choices.
Step 4:
Select several works for each artist. Include titles, dates and our reasons once again.
Step 5:
Choose at least three separate venues- known galleries, non-gallery spaces, exterior spaces etc.
Step 6:
Whilst visiting exhibitions collect leaflets. Discuss these in your weebly paying particular attention to content, layout and general information. Create a list of negative and positive points.
Step 7:
Write a proposal that outlines the content of your exhibition. Try to phrase it in a professional way as if you are pitching it to a potential investor.
Step 8:
You need to ensure that your leaflet clearly reflects your research. Don't scrimp on text. make sure that all of your research is on your weebly
Step 9:
Create mock-ups of the exhibition leaflet. At least three different versions.
Step 10:
Complete final leaflet- it must be word processed.
Leaflet to First Draft
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Stairwell Gallery
Shape of light London Nights
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The abstract Darkroom
In the exhibition the shape of light we see photographers experiment with light shade and abstraction as a way of creating non descriptive pieces of Art which owed as much to the medium as the meaning. In todays task you will be working in the darkroom and the studio in a quest to create simple yet engaging abstract images.
Jerry reed current three-year project is comprised of twenty-six images. In his studio, he shapes two-dimensional art papers giving them edges and volumes, then lights them in dramatically utilizing Fresnel lighting to emphasize their three-dimensional forms.
The darkroom
Using techniques of blocking and moving the light you will create a series of individual abstract photograms that reference the work of Reed. Consider how you can create different tones within your work and consider the shapes that you will be using in your photograms.
Create 9 individual photograms and then when you are happy with the final set of images window mount the images on a sheet of mount board. These final pieces will then be displayed in the sixth form block.
ERIN SHIRREFF - Cyanotype abstraction.
Shapes and forms recur in different modes and materials throughout ERIN SHIRREFF work as do arrangements that tread the line between composition and chance — materials are used as pictures and as things themselves. Shirreff has created a series of large-scale cyanotype photograms. Shirreff built temporary compositions in her studio during the hours-long exposures that echo the forms and arrangements seen elsewhere in the exhibition: peaks and circles, cutouts and dots crossed with thin lines and many in-process markings, including shadows of Shirreff’s studio itself.
Respond to the work of Shirreff and create a series of abstract cyanotypes that can either have shapes created by you or you can use shapes and shadows created by the sun. consider tone shape and how your different attempst will interact with each other. When you have create three fineshed abstract cyanotypes you must window mount them ready to exhibit.
Respond to the work of Shirreff and create a series of abstract cyanotypes that can either have shapes created by you or you can use shapes and shadows created by the sun. consider tone shape and how your different attempst will interact with each other. When you have create three fineshed abstract cyanotypes you must window mount them ready to exhibit.
Workshop Set Task - The portrait
SOMOS BRASIL - Marcus Lyon
Somos Brasil is a multimedia exhibition and book. The project explores the diversity of Brazilian identity at the outset of the 21st century through ultra high quality portraits, image activated app based soundscapes and DNA. Over a six-month period Lyon toured Brazil exploring the most diverse corners of the country with a producer and sound recordist. Together they mapped the ancestral DNA, personal stories and visual identity of over one hundred remarkable Brazilians. Somos Brasil draws three elements of identity: visual, spoken and genetic together to cast light on the personal, social and cultural diversity of Brazil. The work amplifies the stories of those nominated and encourages us to reflect on our own identities and roles in society.
THE SOMOS BRASIL APP
The exhibition and book have a dedicated smartphone app that reads the images and activates the voice of the portrait.
Download the free app in English or Portuguese at the App Store or Google Play, then simply hold your phone to any portrait and listen.
Somos Brasil is a multimedia exhibition and book. The project explores the diversity of Brazilian identity at the outset of the 21st century through ultra high quality portraits, image activated app based soundscapes and DNA. Over a six-month period Lyon toured Brazil exploring the most diverse corners of the country with a producer and sound recordist. Together they mapped the ancestral DNA, personal stories and visual identity of over one hundred remarkable Brazilians. Somos Brasil draws three elements of identity: visual, spoken and genetic together to cast light on the personal, social and cultural diversity of Brazil. The work amplifies the stories of those nominated and encourages us to reflect on our own identities and roles in society.
THE SOMOS BRASIL APP
The exhibition and book have a dedicated smartphone app that reads the images and activates the voice of the portrait.
Download the free app in English or Portuguese at the App Store or Google Play, then simply hold your phone to any portrait and listen.
RICHARD AVEDON: IN THE AMERICAN MIDWEST
Photographed against a white backdrop, any visual clues as to the whereabouts of this encounter and the circumstances leading up to it have been surgically removed from the potrait.
For his series "In the American West", Richard Avedon traveled to small town backwaters and isolated ranches in search of the true west. With him Avedon carried a white backdrop,which he pinned to the outside of buildings to create a makeshift studio. By placing someone against a a plain backdrop you remove all contextual evidence. This elevates your subject and channels all the viewers attention onto them.
Photographed against a white backdrop, any visual clues as to the whereabouts of this encounter and the circumstances leading up to it have been surgically removed from the potrait.
For his series "In the American West", Richard Avedon traveled to small town backwaters and isolated ranches in search of the true west. With him Avedon carried a white backdrop,which he pinned to the outside of buildings to create a makeshift studio. By placing someone against a a plain backdrop you remove all contextual evidence. This elevates your subject and channels all the viewers attention onto them.
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Practical Task: 'In North London'
Capture a series of portraits of the inhabitants in the local area against a white, paper backdrop. Set up the white piece of paper given to you by your teacher and photograph interesting people that you see. Ask them to stand against the paper with the aim of drawing the viewers attention to the model without distraction. Also take a portrait of the same person without the white background with the aim of comparing the images after the shoot. You can either be static and place your paper on a bus stop or wall and wait for the people to come to you or walk around with it and get your partner to hold it behind the head of your model. Think about the age, the ethnicity and personality of the model and also the context that they are in. Talk to them and record any information that could be used alongside the image Extension Choose a different area to take photographs in this same style. Try and be as adventurous as possible and experiment with different kinds of crops and compositions The portraits on above, left were taken by Fortismere student, Anna Milligan, on the streets of Woodgreen. She taped her paper to a bus stop and stopped people as they walked by. The aim of the project was to capture racial diversity within the Woodgreen area. The second set of images (below,left) were taken by past student Anastasia Liasi and formed part of a fashion study based in Camden. |
Workshop Set Task - The portrait #2
To take a range of shots of a model under varying lighting conditions, both studio and natural.
How does different lighting affect the subject and the way we interpret the image? How do I choose to set up the camera? Manual, Aperture priority, Automatic? What choices can you make as the photographer?.
Natural Light, Studio Light
Find a window or an any of light, position your model and take a shot where :
- Light is on their face
- Light is on one side of their face
- Light is directly behind the subject
Task 1
In the studio set up the lights and take a series of shots of each other that show your understanding of
Harsh direct light , soft direct light try and capture create images that have the following in them
- Light directly on the face of the model
- Light is on one side of their face
- Light is directly behind the subject
Task 2
Using natural light try and achieve the same shots and then compare your results
SET TASK 3 - The documentary - This project will encourage students to go out on location and to experience first hand the challenges of being a documentary photographer.
Across London different markets open on a daily basis all are unique and sell a variety of different things. From the flower market on Columbia road to vintage items and brick a brac in Portobello market. Each is unique and has a variety of extremly stimulating visual colours and sounds.
Task 1
Visit one of the markets listed and try and capture a sense of the location and the people that you come into contact with. Photograph the stall holders the items they are selling and all the different people in the market. Try and get as close as you can paying particular attention to your framing. Belwo there are 6 reccomended markets but if there is another place you know then visit that.
Task 2
Download your images and then create a at least three contact sheets that can be enlarged and printed out as well as the contacts you should pick your favourite images to print and mounted ready to put up around the sixth form block
Across London different markets open on a daily basis all are unique and sell a variety of different things. From the flower market on Columbia road to vintage items and brick a brac in Portobello market. Each is unique and has a variety of extremly stimulating visual colours and sounds.
Task 1
Visit one of the markets listed and try and capture a sense of the location and the people that you come into contact with. Photograph the stall holders the items they are selling and all the different people in the market. Try and get as close as you can paying particular attention to your framing. Belwo there are 6 reccomended markets but if there is another place you know then visit that.
Task 2
Download your images and then create a at least three contact sheets that can be enlarged and printed out as well as the contacts you should pick your favourite images to print and mounted ready to put up around the sixth form block
Columbia Road flower market
Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG Sunday - 0800 - 14.00 |
Barnet Market
Chipping Cl, Barnet EN5 4LP Saturday - 7.00 - 14.00 Chapel Street Market
77-78 Chapel Market,N1 9EX Tues - Sat - 09.00 - 18.00 |
Portobello market
65 Portobello Rd, London W11 2QB Friday/Satuarday - 09:00 – 19:00 Old Spitalfields Market
Horner Square E1 6EW Dailey - 10.00 - 17.00 |
Promo: Hackney markets from Marcel Reinard on Vimeo.
Columbia Road from Thom Hill on Vimeo. |
Portobello from Rosanna Aranaz on Vimeo. |
SUMMER TASKS
Summer Holiday Homework
Make sure that EVERYTHING from the Summer term has been presented carefully on your weebly.
Research Based: Exhibition Visits & Curatorship Task
Exhibition Visits
Continue to check gallery listings (www.newexhibitions.com for London and elsewhere around the country also look at london-photography-diary.com). Visit at least two exhibitions that are relevant to your theme. Document these visits on your weekly . Create careful transcriptions that show a control of media, demonstrate an understanding of the wider issues and intentions of the photographers and discuss the curatorship of the exhibition.
Curatorship Task- First Draft
During the holiday we would like you to write a first draft of your curatorship task. You can see a plan of this piece of work by clicking here.
This should build upon the work you have already completed for your leaflet task. However, you should have honed down your choice of artists and theme with your teacher before embarking on a draft.
NB: Please keep a record of all exhibitions, books and websites that you use for any research. You must also record the titles and dates of all the work you include in presentations or research. This will help you when you have to write up your study's bibliography.
Practical: Creative Response
Exhibition Response
Create work in response to a Photographer you have seen in exhibition. You must show development in your contact sheets and edits on your weekly.
Make sure that EVERYTHING from the Summer term has been presented carefully on your weebly.
Research Based: Exhibition Visits & Curatorship Task
Exhibition Visits
Continue to check gallery listings (www.newexhibitions.com for London and elsewhere around the country also look at london-photography-diary.com). Visit at least two exhibitions that are relevant to your theme. Document these visits on your weekly . Create careful transcriptions that show a control of media, demonstrate an understanding of the wider issues and intentions of the photographers and discuss the curatorship of the exhibition.
Curatorship Task- First Draft
During the holiday we would like you to write a first draft of your curatorship task. You can see a plan of this piece of work by clicking here.
This should build upon the work you have already completed for your leaflet task. However, you should have honed down your choice of artists and theme with your teacher before embarking on a draft.
NB: Please keep a record of all exhibitions, books and websites that you use for any research. You must also record the titles and dates of all the work you include in presentations or research. This will help you when you have to write up your study's bibliography.
Practical: Creative Response
Exhibition Response
Create work in response to a Photographer you have seen in exhibition. You must show development in your contact sheets and edits on your weekly.
THE LOST EXPLORER - TIM WALKER
Trailer for the short film 'The Lost Explorer' Directed by Tim Walker. Based on a novel by Patrick McGrath
Trailer for the short film 'The Lost Explorer' Directed by Tim Walker. Based on a novel by Patrick McGrath