FMP.

Final Major Project.

Brief

For this project you have to produce 10 images for an exhibition around the subject of Memories. Memories can define who a person is and how they live their life through remembering how people lived or finding influence in people who are no longer here but have still left their mark on the World.We need images that link together to explain and show how people keep reminders of their loved ones and how they can be more important than items of value. You can shows your ideas through researching photographers who have done simular projects or through a project of another profession in which it links to the theme. You need to edit some/all of the images to fit in with the theme and show your progress throughout your project. You also need to plan your images and explain why they are of importance.

 We have invited several people in and you can choose the theme for your images. You will have to produce a number of sets and can have 5 in each or spread out into more sets. The overall theme is your decision and we want you to display your work through an exibition and something else in a hard copy.

Introduction

For my final major project I am going to be producing a set of images around the theme of Keeping The Memory of The Deceased Alive. I will be exploring different ways of how people keep the memory alive of those close to them who have died. I will be photographing objects/keepsakes that people have kept of their loved ones and possibly (if it's something that can be used/worn,) the person. 


I chose to do this because a loss is something that effects everyone at some point in their life and I like how even though someone is dead the memory of them is never forgotten. This project is personal to me because late last year my Grandmother passed away and when we had to go through her things, I noticed how my family all had something they wanted to keep from a memory they had with her. I asked about a decorative cabinet she kept in her old living room before she was moved into a care home. I always remember wanting to find the key for it and play with all the little ornaments but as I was young, I was not allowed. So when I was told no one else wanted it I was pleased. It is now in my bedroom with one of the vases she kept in it.

Research

Walter Schels & Beaute Lakotta


This two artists teamed up to produce a set of images of people who were terminally ill, interviewed them before they died and photographed them, then took an image when they had died.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/gallery/2008/mar/31/lifebeforedeath#/?picture=333325401&index=0


I found this to be particularly interesting as the shots are taken in the same style from when they are alive to when they are dead, yet the deceased images stand out more because they have an eerie atmosphere to them. I like these images because even though they are simple black and white shots, they show so much.


Phillip Toledano: Days With My Father


http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/gallery/2010/may/16/days-with-my-father#/?picture=362646580&index=8


The reason I like this is because through the images, a story is told from start to end and the personalities of the two shine through. I like how even though the images have neutral colours, the focus makes the images stand out and have an atmospheric feel. Although it is a sad set of images, it always makes me happy to see how photography can create a memorial for the photographer.


Research Images


These are images that were taken in the Nineteenth Century and I think are very interesting and haunting. The fact the focus is on the deceased person as the living couldn't keep still for the length of the shutter speed. They were done as memorials of the person/child as infant deaths were very common in that period of time, so, that may have been the only image they had of them. 

This image was taken in the same period of time but shows the relationship of the dog to the owner, I found it sad how the expression on the dog's face is melancholy and how it's lying by his grave as a sign of loyalty.

Dr. Hagens' Body World: When Dead Bodies Become Art

This was an experiment done by Dr. Gunther Von Hagens, a German artist who used preserved bodies for art and held many exhibitions. I think these relate to my project as he has chosen to make a work of art out of the deceased, in a way of remembrance and work of Science. Although the style of these images do not fit in with my vintage style image ideas, I like the overall project design and the way the strange works of art are placed in everyday situations/poses.

FMP Final Images Plan

1. My Grandad's Clock

I am going to take a picture of a clock that was given to my Grandad for working with the Post Office for 30+ years. My Grandma keep in her living room to remind her of my Grandad who passed away about 6 years ago. I want it to have a vintage edit on it and be focused on the name, rather than the clock face.

2. Grandma's Cabinet

I am going to take a picture of the cabinet that belonged to my Grandma. She died last year and no one else wanted it, and as a collector of vintage furniture I was pleased to hear that. I also liked it as a child and used to want to unlock it and play with the ornaments inside it.

3. Grandad's Bracelet

My Grandma has a bracelet of my Grandad's which has their names engraved onto it, I am going to edit it as some of the letter have worn off over the years.

4. Grandma's Brooch

I was given my Grandma's brooch when she passed away, because my Mum knows how much I like cameo's, and it is a cameo brooch I wear for good luck. 

5. Cameron's Dad's Diary

One of my friend's, Cameron, has a few things of his Dad's, including a diary of which dates and numbers were kept in. His Dad passed away when he is 6, he is now 20 and the diary has numbers written in about Cameron when he was younger, like the school contact number and details of his Doctor, but Cameron has kept it because it shows him an insight into his Dad's life at that point in time.

6. Old Building

I would like to take a picture of an old building which has a character to it, that has maybe been shut down for a long time but still has things kept in from the time period. There is an old theatre in the City and an old Mill I am interested in photographing. I like feeling as if many different people have come through the building and even though it is closed down you can still feel a certain atmosphere about it.

7. Grave Stone

I want to go to where my Grandma's ashes are buried and take an image of her name stone, as my Grandad (her husband) and my Uncle (her son) are buried also. I like the fact that they have been buried together and even thought they have passed away they're all still together. I think Cemetery's have a very weird atmosphere because of all the different people's ashes but also quite comforting to know they are all together.

8. Grandad's Ring

My dad was given my Grandad's ring when he passed away as it is now an heirloom that will be passed onto my Uncle then my Cousin. I always remember my Grandad wearing it and my Dad wears it on special occasions.

9. Newspaper Obituary

My Mum has collected all of our families obituary messages and I think they would belong to this theme and show how else people can remember you by.

10. Grandma's Vase

I was given one of my Grandma's vase's which I keep in her cabinet and I think that would be good for the theme as I have kept it for a memorial purpose.

Development

Huncoat Power Station

I had a trip to Huncoat Power Station to see if I could find any interesting life form inside the old building. I thought this would fit in with the theme of my FMP and would be a fun part of my project. I took some pictures and tried to experiment with Photoshop to see if I could edit them to help them fit in better with my theme. As my theme is Memory of the dead, I thought it would be interesting to put a new spin on the meaning and use the building as the deceased object and new life growing in it, still keeping it alive. 

Editing

I have played around with an image I liked to try and fit it into the style of death in memorial but I did not think that the outcome fit in with the theme. I used Photoshop to crop, burn, change the levels, add vignette and such but feel it did not work very well for this image. If I was to go to Huncoat Power Station again I would possibly take this image again without the graffiti in shot and closer to the window.

With this image I have changed the curves, used high pass on the whole image then used it on the selected part above. I like the image but I don't think it fits in with my project but if I was to take it again I would make sure the branches are most in focus and have more light on them.



FMP Final Images:

My Exhibition

The Interview

The Interview

Research:

For my interview I have been influenced by The Smiths magazine tribute from the makers of NME and Uncut magazines. It was a full magazine dedicated to The Smiths which used original photography work from the80's.

This was the front cover of the magazine:

Although I am not doing a front cover I decided to add this image to my research because I like the style of the main image used. I like the colour scheme and the set up of the image and the low quality, noise and positioning.

I like this image because it is very simple but shows a lot of emotion. I like how the greyscale causes focus and positioning on/of Morrissey and how the spotlight on his can portray different things.

I like this image because it shows a side that most of Morrissey's shoots don't capture. I like the old style of the photo and it would be good for a magazine image because it's different to posed photo shoot images.

For my tester magazine I did:

This was my tester style of layout and page setup. I like how the whole of the image is the background and I have faded the right side of the image where the text has been placed which I think works quite well as it is easy to read. I would use this as my interview pages with more questions and answers.

I like the simplicity of these pages but do not think it works well for the images I have taken. I think the images need to blend together to be able to be on each page. I would use these as my 2nd and 3rd pages because it is a taster of what is to come within the interview.

Further Research:

I like this image because of the lighting in the background and the silhouette style of the vocalist. It highlights the artist and captures him doing a microphone trick which shows a little about him. I like how the main focus is on him and his microphone which shows he is focused about his music and likes to show off to his fans whilst performing to them. 

I like the idea of this image, the focal point being on the lead singer as most bands have the lead singer as their lead speaker in interviews and is mainly the most well known of all the band. but I also like how they are all wearing similar clothes and posing the same way as if to show how they’re in union with one another.

I like the look of this article because it has a simple layout with a simple colour scheme but it works well with the image and doesn’t take too much focus away from it. It doesn’t show us much about the artist in question but I think the main topic of the interview is about music and her personal interests not on how she looks or her personal life.

I think this is, again, a very simple looking page layout yet very effective. It is still connected with the first 2 pages but looks slightly different.

I like the style and layout of these pages because they get information across yet it is just one image and a small amount of text. I like the simple colour scheme and the black and white tone.

These are the two pages after the introductive page and I think the colour scheme still works well even though a new colour has been added. I like the collage style pictures and how it's split into different sections.

These are the pages which have the most information on them. Although they don't have an interview on them they do have some feedback from the band and quotes. I also like the layout of these pages and the style of the images.

Final Images:

Page 1 and 2:

For the first 2 pages I wanted to keep the style and layout very simple. I think this is very simple and works quite well. If I was to redo these pages I would insert more text and maybe another colour.

Page 3 and 4:

For the third and fourth pages I was testing out my photoshop skills trying to make it seem torn in the middle, it didn't work as well as I originally wanted but I think it is easy to see what it is. I decided on just adding quotes because I didn't want to give to much away to the 'reader' and wanted to keep it all simple.

Page 5 and 6:

For the last two pages I decided on using one image and having the text over the background. Black and white with occasional grey turned out to be the theme of the magazine article and I decided to keep it the same. I think this page is a little too simple and I would have liked to add more to the 'interview' but overall I think it worked quite well.

Unit 10

Unit 10 Personal and professional Development in Art and Design

This is my work for Unit 10 where I have gathered information about going to University.

Universities:

Blackburn University centre- Photographic Media (FD)

The course is a two-year full-time equivalent to an ordinary degree. It is aimed at students who wish to pursue a career in photography. The course operates within the currently evolving definition of 'Photographic Media'. The recent digitisation of photography has broadened curriculum possibilities and extended overlap with associated design media, resulting in substantial change for photographers and image-makers. The programme is 'design' and not technology-led, with photography providing the method by which a full range of visual communication genres are addressed including; journalism, advertising, fashion, and programmed fine art. Critical study defines and underpins this range of photography practice, with research and contextual analysis linking with practical assignments. The programme curriculum is vocationally and industrially relevant, with organisational, business and work-based units included within professional studies. In addition, industrial partners are involved in setting briefs and contribute to assessment critiques.

During the course of the programme you will study a range of subjects directly or indirectly associated with the photography industry. You will study location photography, with several local and international field trips to varied coastal, urban and rural districts. Studio photography plays an important part of the programme, with key workshops that reflect current lighting techniques used in contemporary photography, delivered by practitioners from the area of fashion and portrait photography. Underpinning the course are subjects such as business planning and personal management that aim to inform our students of key requirements needed for industrial practice. Critical studies helps to inform our students of the key historical developments in photography's history and helps to develop a specialist approach in the students' own practice. Experienced support staff provide academic support and each year group is appointed a pastoral and academic year tutor.

UCLAN Preston- Photography

The course offers a strong grounding in all areas of photographic media from digital to traditional means of imaging and printing. With a strong student centred emphasis the programme aims to help students develop a clear understanding of how photographs can be utilised to communicate and express their vision or understanding of the world. Students will be encouraged to experiment and explore their own ideas through projects which resolve both practical and critical issues. The course has a clear emphasis on the vocational with opportunities for work placements and client based briefs. There are also specialist opportunities to pursue fashion, fine art and documentary specialisms for those with a clearly focused idea of what area of the industry they wish to pursue.

Manchester Met-  BA (Hons) Photography

Year 1: is aimed at introducing learning, research, and technical skills. You will be encouraged to undertake a series of set projects introducing approaches relevant to the development of a photographic practice.

Year 2: you will develop your own individual style and approach. The emphasis is on ‘risk taking’ and the exploration of and experimentation with ideas, research methods, and imaginative approaches to practice.In Year 3 you will focus on realising your creative potential by undertaking a major self-directed project. This practical body of work is supported by the writing of a contextual essay and research projects which will help to critically inform the practical work.

Salford- Photography

Photography is one of the most compelling and authoritative forms of visual communication, challenging the viewer and demanding an emotional response. It plays a significant role in everyday life - shaping our opinions about ourselves, and about the world around us. Knowing how to interpret, control and generate the messages communicated through photographs is essential for any photographer.

At the University of Salford we understand that photography today is much more than just capturing an image - it's about context, placement, marketing, and distribution. That's why BA (Hons) Photography at Salford offers a fresh perspective on the role of Photography and the photographer within society.

Level 4 (Year 1): This first year addresses the fundamental photographic principles and skills, including studio lighting and the basic principles of digital imaging. Units are used to build knowledge and skills, and for students to acquire the confidence to challenge their preconceptions of the scope and nature of photographic practice.

Level 5 (Year 2): This year will focus on a number of projects aimed at developing the students' understanding of professional practice, and acquiring the necessary range of intellectual, professional and contextual skills in order to maximise the opportunity for success after graduation.

Level 6 (Year 3): The final year provides maximum opportunity to investigate subject matter in depth, make personal observations, explore interests and interpret themes. Extensive research is particularly vital at this point and regular discussion sessions enable students to share their work with staff and fellow students. The climax of the final year is the Degree Show.

Aspirations:

I aspire to find out more about photography and see which aspects I like the most. I want to tie in my interests and find which type of photography suits me best so I can really enjoy doing the courses.

I want to find myself and gain more confidence and independence. 

Grades:

Blackburn University Centre - You’ll need 120 UCAS tariff points. All applicants must show that they have a good level of spoken or written English, and if English is not your first language you’ll need to demonstrate the ability to study in English. Please check the International section of the website for details. Applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria but have relevant work / life experience will be considered on an individual basis and may be invited to interview.

UCLAN Preston - Your application should be supported by a satisfactory GCSE performance, normally consisting of five GCSEs at Grade C or above including Maths and English.All Advanced Level subjects are recognised by us for admissions purposes including linear and modular A-Levels and General Studies. However, you must meet any specific subject requirements where indicated for each course. Although we recognise the breadth of study AS levels present, we would not accept these as forming part of your entry offer.

Manchester Met -  UCAS Tariff Points- 240- 280, Points to be obtained from full A Level or equivalent- 240 at A2 or equivalent (such as BTEC National at Level 3 or Advance Diploma). Level 3 foundation diploma in art & design would be considered in combination with any of the above. Specific Subjects Required- GCSE Grade in English Language. 

Salford - A Level- 240 points including Art and Design related subjects, Edexcle/ BTEC National- At least 3 merits in relevant subjects. Advanced GNVQ- in art and design with overall merit. 

Skills and Attributes:

From doing a part time job for a year I learnt much about myself and how to interact with other people. As an individual I am friendly, approachable and always honest. I am good at working in groups and believe I am creative, punctual and good at technology.

Accommodation and Grants: 

Full-time student grants

Maintenance Grants

A Maintenance Grant is available to help with your living costs if your household income is £50,020 or less in 2010/11 and 2011/12.

The maximum Maintenance Grant available is:

¥£2,906 for 2010/11

¥£2,906 for 2011/12

¥£3,250 for 2012/13

You’ll get the maximum Maintenance Grant if your household income is under £25,000. You’ll get less than the maximum if your household income is between £25,000-£50,020. New students starting in 2012/13 will get the less than the maximum if their household income is between £25,00-42,600.

If you receive a Maintenance Grant your Maintenance Loan may be reduced.

Special Support Grants

If you get or qualify for Income Support or Housing Benefit you may get the Special Support Grant instead of the Maintenance Grant. The amount you can get through the Special Support Grant is the same as that available through the Maintenance Grant.

You are likely to qualify for the Special Support Grant if:

¥you’re a single parent

¥your partner is also a student

¥you have certain disabilities

If you get the Special Support Grant, it won’t affect how much you can get through the Maintenance Loan. It will also not be counted as income when working out if you’re entitled to income-related benefits or tax credits.

Full-time student loans

Apply now for 2011/12

Full-time students should apply now for finance

If you’re a full-time student you can apply for:

• a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your tuition fees
• a Maintenance Loan to help with your living costs

Tuition Fee Loans

The Tuition Fee Loan covers the tuition fees you’re charged each year of your course. It’s paid directly to your university or college.

Check your university or college prospectus or website to find out how much your tuition will cost.

The maximum tuition fee a university or college can charge is:

• £3,290 for 2010/11
• £3,375 for 2011/12
• £9,000 for 2012/13

The increase in the maximum tuition fee rate to £9,000 in 2012/13 only applies if you’re entering university or college for the first time in September 2012 or later.

Maintenance Loans

All full-time students can also apply for a Maintenance Loan to help with their living costs. The exact amount you can borrow will depend on:

¥your household income

¥where you live

¥when your start your course

¥what year of study you’re in

¥what help you get through the Maintenance Grant

Maximum Maintenance Loan rates

The maximum Maintenance Loan available for students starting their course in 2010/11 and 2011/12 is:

¥£3,838 if you’re living at home

¥£4,950 if you’re living away from home outside London

¥£6,928 if you’re living away from home in London

The maximum Maintenance Loan available for students starting their course in 2012/13 is:

¥£4,375 if you're living at home

¥£5,500 if you’re living away from home outside London

¥£7,675 if you’re living away from home in London

You can apply for 72 per cent of these maximum Maintenance Loan amounts without your household income being taken into account. How much you receive of the remaining 28 per cent will depend on your household income.

How to apply for full-time student loans

You can apply online for both the Tuition Fee Loan and Maintenance Loan. See ‘How and when to apply’ for details.

A Maintenance Grant is also available if your household income is £50,020 or less in 2010/11 and 2011/12. To find out about grants see 'Student grants'.

Personal Statement:

I find the fields of Digital and Film Photography interesting and so I have decided to study a course to extend my knowledge in the subject. I am currently studying a BTEC in Digital Photography in which I have learnt to use Photoshop and Aperture.

I started to enjoy photography when I was much younger and would use my elder family members’ cameras to take pictures of family events. Over my early teenage years I had many digital camera ‘s which I would take everywhere I went to capture anything I thought was interesting or would look good. I bought my first DSLR when I knew I wanted to start my Photography course and like to take many pictures in my spare time of friends, family and buildings. I enjoy vintage photography which includes using one of my many film cameras which I am yet to get processed. 

I have a passion for taking pictures of thing in everyday life, items that are heavily or lightly patterned like a handbag, bed quilt, etc or something bold like a wardrobe that is from centuries ago. I am a collector of vintage furniture and decorative items and like to photograph them also. I like to go outside and take pictures of things that people dismiss on their daily journeys, such as old trees, old buildings of perfect architecture, vintage cars, etc. Basically the things in life that people tend to shrug off because of its age. I use a blog daily and like to see other peoples work for inspiration, I will post my own images and hope to inspire other people to start using film more. I think modern day photography can be very expressive and insightful but can also send out the wrong message to others from time to time. 

I also like portraiture work and enjoy adding a vintage effect onto the photos I have taken. I have practiced modern digital photography but think a film camera comes out more effective. I understand that image manipulation is a big part of today’s photography business but prefer to have the picture as it was taken. I am slightly skilled in Photoshop and know how to express an image I have imagined. I enjoy adding things into images and cloning as it is very surreal if done correctly. I think surreal photography can be done very well and have a very impressive finish.

I have worked with friends and family to produce images that they have asked for, and know how to follow a brief and get everything together in time for the deadline. I have been asked to part photograph 2 weddings in next year and I’m very excited to do those for more experience and also to see the comparison of what the other photographers get from the day. I have also worked with models from college and photographed a fashion show which was fun to do even though a little stressful with the crowds of people to get around. It has taught me I do not enjoy this aspect of photography but also taught me how to work well with the clients to get the most out of them and to get exactly what they hope for.

In the future I am not entirely sure as to where I would like to go with photography but will definitely want to go into a career of either portraiture or vintage architecture. I believe I am suited best to work in a solo career as I do not need others’ motivation to keep me on track. I am quite a determined individual who has always stood out for being different to others and I believe this will help me in a career of photography as I prefer to be alone when taking images of interest. But company will be needed sometimes to maybe point faults out in my work that I have not noticed or to help me have better experience of traveling round to take the images and knowledge of certain buildings, landmarks, etc.

UCAS Form: