ENHANCED IMAGE EVALUATION

The brief for this project was for us to further our experiments and to encourage us to take our ideas further. Possible outcomes that I would like to produce would be of landscape images, as I tend to use the same theme within my photographs, however I feel this is the perfect opportunity for me to really take them further and try something out of my comfort zone.

I started off the project with some handmade experiments inspired by Robert Rauschenburg with photographs I took of a cemetery and a castle I visited. I really enjoyed these experiments as there seemed to be no right or wrong answer in terms of what to do. I started off creating a collage with the photographs I took, then using acrylic paint I splattered sections of colour in various places on the collage. I watered the paint down quite a lot to allow it to drip when I stood my book upright. I didn't want the paint to look perfectly placed because I thought this would loose the overall spontaneity, therefore I kept my movements flowing. I applied bits of masking tape to add another layer of texture to the collage which I thought worked well. When creating the collage, some of the images i cut with scissors to create sharp edges, and some I ripped to create a more jagged look. I used contrasting colours of paint to stand out, and tried various paintbrush techniques such as stippling to create further textures and patterns.

I then did handmade experiments on Leslie David, and this technique  I found more difficult. Again using acrylic paint I placed the paint on a glass palette, and once the paint was slightly dry, I placed it on top of the chosen picture. This experiment didn't work so well for me as I didn't apply enough paint therefore the pattern looked patchy and not obvious enough. I used similar coloured paint as to the colours in the picture therefore there wasn't much contrast and the paint didn't stand out. I tried painting onto tracing paper which resulted in my painted patch looking like a river. I thought was was quite successful because it showed two different variations of the same image. Again I tried a freestyle version of splatting paint over my images however I used watercolours instead because they were easier to use as they were of a thinner consistency. The only problem was that the paper isn't very thick, therefore the pain didn't soak in, it just stayed on the surface looking patchy.

For more digital techniques, I did some dodging and burning on photoshop to allow the image to have more depth. The first image I did this experiment on was of the house, and I held back slightly because I was worried I would do too much to the image so it wouldn't look as natural. By the time I moved onto my last attempt, I was more confident with the two tools and found a balance of doing it bit by bit so it was easier to notice any mistakes.

Another artist I looked into was Maurizio Anzeri, who's artwork consists of sewing over the top of photography. Naturally I was quite concerned about this style of work, however I took it slowly and started quite basic to get a rough idea. I used two secondary, complimentary colours that would stand out together. I wanted the grave to remain the focus therefore I stitched shapes around it to make it the centre of attention. I feel the shapes I used worked feel because they looked quite abstract and aztec which juxtaposed with the content in the photograph.

Nina Chakrabarti was a further artist I evaluated, and her work was something I had never seen before. Scary, disturbing and creative is how I would describe her style in three words. My images were not of portraits, therefore I used a landscape image to interpret her work. The image of my house was my first choice to design, however I found it quite difficult to think of any designs that would work well with it. The designs ended up random and didn't go very well with the image, therefore I wasn't very satisfied. My second attempt I chose the image of gravestones. I found these shapes a lot easier to work with because it felt like there were empty spaces for me to draw on. I kept the shapes quite geometrical to create a theme within the image. Overall I was very happy with my second attempt, however I don't think either experiments related back to the artist as they wasn't to the same standard. My designs were fairly basic compared to hers.

Andy Potts is a very experimental, out-there artists, who's work inspires me because it screams so much creativity and passion. I again used the image of the house because I feel it is the most variable. Using the photo gallery on photoshop, I applied different effects on the image. Some were purely based on a more textual look, others were for the pattern. One of my favourite effects that I thought suited Andy Potts work was the "Halftone Pattern". I thought this worked well because it both looked textual and was visually pleasing. It gave the house a haunting and tragic atmosphere that made me fell uneasy.

Miles Donovan's work was similar to Andy Potts, however I took these experiments to the next level by experimenting with the layers on photoshop. I applied different colours filters and effects to show different textures and to empathises the different layers. After I started, I told myself that the intention I wanted to show from this experiment that this was a warning poster about this house. This allowed me to stick to a theme and not use anything irrelevant. Overall I was happy because I thought all my layers were successful and my use of composition allowed each element to stand out. My use of colours were bold and this highlighted the sense of emergency.

I then went on to using a film camera, and based my images upon my local church. I loved the landscape and the tranquil feeling from the area, therefore I wanted to show this in m images. My first experiment with the images involved me cutting a strips of black paper and placing them over the image to create a stencil pattern. I thought these worked very well as the contrast in the colours really showed the different shapes. I then took these stencils further by using two A4 pieces of black card to cover parts of the images that I didn't want to show. I thought all these experiments worked well as I created shapes that complimented the picture. The stencils also exaggerated the focal points in the images which highlighted my theme.

I also tried experimenting with different ways of applying the developer. Using a paintbrush created splattered effects which I loved, and dripping the developer down the paper created a haunting, mystical and almost creepy effect which looked like raindrops. I thought these experiments worked well because they really stood out. If I were to do them again I would try to create a higher contrast between the different layers.

I also experimented with cutting out the images to create different shapes, and this is loved because it created a geometrical final look. I thought all the images worked well together, and this is why i would like to take these experiments further as an outcome. I thought the content in the images really shone through with these experiments.

If I had more time I would go back to experimenting further with the sewing experiments. I thought these could have a lot of potential however I didn't have enough time to try them out. I could have tried different thickness of threads, different colours and different patterns.

Exam book prep evaluation

255 Michaela Spinks-Exam prep evaluation

The theme for our exam was “Flaws, Perfection, Ideals and Compromise”; therefore the outcome I plan to produce will represent a flaw throughout society that involves people smoking, and their effects towards their health and the environment. It answers the brief because I want to show everyday activities that certain people contribute to, however may not be aware of the consequences.

I started off taking photographs with a digital camera when I took a trip to Southbank. I then developed these photographs by editing them on Photoshop to create a range of experiments; some more abstract, and some more naturalistic. I experimented with the layers on Photoshop, which involved duplicating the layer, then changing the opacity or colour of the top layer to create a contrast. I also experimented moving or rotating one of the layers to show different angles and shapes. These experiments, particularly with the pink roses, I thought were very successful as they showed precision and certainty, which gave me confidence that my intentions were visible. My other Photoshop experiments involved coloured filters and textured effects. I went on the Filter Gallery to get a range of patterns, and the ones I particularly liked were the “Halftone Pattern” and the “Threshold”. I thought these worked well because they were strong effects that suited the images I chose to put them on. I feel up to a certain point the coloured filters were effective, however they gradually became too simple and quite basic. They didn’t do much to the photos, which made me feel I was running out of ideas and not developing to the best of my potential, as my previous experiments with the roses looked much more professional and imaginative.

I then went on to use a 35mm Film Camera, as I wanted to take new photos of the subject matter I wanted to focus on. I thought film would add a sense of professionalism, but also a simplicity that would allow my subject matter to be the main focus. I created an effect on the prints when developing them, by half submerging them in the developer or the fix, to create an actual flaw on the print, which created certain areas to have a line through them. I liked this because it complimented the smoking, and because the images were well in focus, the added effects looked professional and a part of the image. I took these prints further by using Liquid Emulsion on a variety of materials such as cardboard and card paper, and then going on to using fabrics such as denim.  These were all partially successful, as they didn’t come out too well, however this created a natural flawed effect. I also liked how they came out patchy; this was partly because I applied the liquid emulsion quite roughly, and partially because I left them in the developer for a long time, which wore away the material.

I then went on to experimenting with collages in the style of Fiona Watson. To achieve this I incorporated various objects and materials such as cardboard, brown paper, tracing paper and splattered paint. I liked the overall look because it looked organic and well planned out, however I stuck all the objects down, which is the opposite of what Watson does. I lost the sense of spontaneity by sticking all the objects down, which lost the essence of creativity. For my first experiment I used images form magazines and the Internet, however for my second attempt I used my own artwork and collections. I went and bought a bunch of flowers that were slightly withered, as this was the style I wanted. I was very happy with the final look because it looked elegant, well planned, creative, but I also felt there was a sense of myself which I liked. The materials that I used worked well, and I was happy that I tried various different compositions because it allowed me to see various styles. There was a sense of freeness in all the compositions, which is what I was trying to show.

I also experimented with paint, both watercolour and acrylic. I chose to use the picture that I took of a bonfire, as it was easier to use colours that both harmonised and contrasted together. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and tried different techniques such as using a rougher brush to do some stippling, then using a softer brush to create smooth strokes. I loved using paint because it was free and allowed me to experiment with a flow to my work.

I then took my final shoot for my exam photo's, and did some quick experiments with again duplicating the layers and moving the top one slightly to show two of the same image. I was really proud of this experiment, as i've never done it before and thought it was quite successful. I thought the lack of opacity of the top layer created a ghostly feeling which was to represent the consequences from smoking.

My prep was a success because I really tried to get a range of experiments, however they were all relevant and useful. This helped me gather ideas to take further a lot quicker as I knew what I did and didn't like. Furthermore, I looked into an artist (Fiona Watson) which was the trigger to a lot of my inspiration for my experiments. This allowed my work to have a continuous theme and style that I hoped would stay apparent towards my final outcome. 

Fiona Watson Facts

Fiona Watson was born in Newfoundland, however has lived in Scotland for most of her life as that os where her family comes from. She has also lived in Rhode Island, USA and then London UK. She studied Biological Sciences at Leicester University and then started editing journals for several years. She then went on to studying printmaking at the Glasgow Print Studio.

On her website, she has answered a numerous amount of questions to explain herself as an artist. She claims etching, digital artwork, collage, photography, short films and land art is what allows her to express herself as an artist. the influences behind her work originate from everyday objects, she she changed to be seen in a slightly different way, or just slightly rearranged. She still finds some influences from the Biological Sciences she studied, and elaborated on the fact that science and mathematics still fascinate her through the use of patterns in nature.

Her creative process is influenced through the use of that is immediately available around her, which allows her to go with the flow. The artist claims that photography was only used to be for the use of painting and printmaking, but over the years it has become very important to her. She states "the immediacy of digital photography and photoshop has changed the way I work and see things." I relate to this because photoshop really opened up my eyes to how much depth you can take a photo, and how much more meaning you can give it. Furthermore, she express that ultimately she is trying to get an audience to see things the way she sees them, in terms of nature and the environment. It appears all the objects she uses are easily accessible such as sticks, stones, wood, flowers, pieces of paper etc, and then she just rearranges the pieces to draw attention to it. However she slows her work to be left to the viewers imagination but leaving some negative space within each piece of artwork, to allow the viewer to make the image their own. Overall, Watson explains that making art makes her feel like electricity is running through her body, that creates a shiver down her spine.

Fiona Watson Asthetics

The subject matter within Fiona Watsons work isn’t immediately obvious, however what does jump out from her work is the natural, flattering theme of nature. Her work that involves birds, appear difficult to evaluate in terms of what the subject matter is, whereas her artwork that involves  collages and the placement of objects on a surface, seem to be collections that she has put together to become one piece of work. As an artist, Watson symbolises the beauty behind everyday life by exaggerating some of her background patterns through the use of overlapping layers. In terms of life issues, it definitely covers economical and even cultural aspects, which stem from her own ideas and interpretations of the environment and the culture around her. Her work is treated realistically with her use of harmonious, natural and organic colours, which highlights the delicacy and vulnerability of nature in today’s world. There are some digital aspects to her work e.g. the use of geometric patterns in the background behind the birds, or the use of overlapping different layers. Watson definitely incorporates some symbolism within her work through her repeated use of organic, round shapes, mainly found in the background. These circle shapes are either digitally created, or or created through the use of birds forming a circle. Her work seems to capture nature in it’s act, with birds flying and interacting with each other, however other pieces of her wok, those in the layout of a collage, don’t have any action or movement within them, although they still appear very much alive.

Her images of birds are well laid out because the branches, or the objects the birds are placed on, are used as leading lines which allows the viewers attention to be taken straight to the bird. With the birds flying around in a circle in the middle of the piece, the exaggerated organic shape creates a soothing, relaxing feeling from the photo and allows the viewer to be swept away as visually, they can see it being brought to life. All the shapes within her work create an organic flow and rhythm which is produced my her positioning of the content within her images. Her work of collages work well in terms of her composition creating leading lines through the use of the shapes from the objects she has places. The simplicity of the arrangement is what allows the image to come to life and express the artists delicacy and emotion. Her use of patterns are obvious around the boarders of her images, as she cleverly incorporates natural objects such as tree’s or branches to harmonise with the birds. Her tones throughout her work emphasize a harmonious structure, particularly through the use of complimentary colours such as orange and blue, green and purple, and yellow and purple. The overall arrangement of her work is visually pleasing to me because the intimate yet soothing simplicity is what makes the images come to life. Even though some of her work is quite busy and full up of different layers, there is a sense of organisation which links back to her interpretation of nature. 

There is a sense of spontaneity through out her work which particularly focuses on the freeness and unexpectedness from nature. I do think her work has been planned, both images of birds and the collages have had much planning and thought put into them. I can see how some people may find her work chaotic, however her use of soft tones allow her image to be transformed into more of a happy and calm masterpiece. Fiona Watson is both a photographer and artist, therefore she uses this to her ability and incorporates the two together to give her images more depth. The reality of the birds in her images contrast with the more digital, handmade designs and patterns she includes in the background 

Her work makes me feel calm, but also enchanted. A lot of her images remind me of dreams, or fairytale stories. This is because of her delicate approach to express her version of nature, and express a beautiful, scenic image of what she calls 'everyday life'. Her work also makes me feel the same as when I read poetry; I may not necessarily know whats going on or the story behind it, however I am intrigued by her use of paint, and colour, and use of tone, and use of composition the same way I am intrigued by some poets use of words. She's able to tell a story without giving away too much information. The impression I get of her feelings behind each piece, is that she's could be feeling melancholy, or maybe even excited because she fills the page up with so many ideas that it's as though it's an escape to allow her brain to relax. 

Evaluation for personal project

Michaela Spinks-Evaulation for Personal Project.

For the personal project, I really wanted to push myself with my final outcome, as I feel my previous ones do not show off my full potential. I wanted to create a travel book full of photos that I take on my way to college, or other places on my travels I see often. My essay was about expressing the beauty of those places that are not seen as your 'typical' beauty, so I thought my local area was best at representing this. New Addington and Croydon are not seen as the most glamorous of places, however because I have grown up around them, I get to see their beauty and bad days. I want my travel book to look full and messy, like my own personal scrapbook that is full of different creations and different materials.

I started off doing collages in my book of different images, and then went on to do a themed collage of pictures I associate with London. I really enjoyed this because I messed around with the composition and also used different fabrics and materials for the backgrounds, which I thought, worked well creating a more textual piece. Once I then took photo's, I edited them on Photoshop, however I didn't do anything dramatic because I still wanted them to look natural. Therefore I just exaggerated a few of the highlights in each picture by manipulating the colour balance, which I thought brought out more tones and gave the overall photo a slight filter. This was how I tried to bring out each photo's individual beauty. I also experimented using the filter gallery, as some of the effects on there could create a more textual look to the overall picture. Some of the effects however took away the natural aspect to the pictures, and either highlighted areas I didn't want to be highlighted or decreased the focus on the areas I wanted to be shown. Some of the pictures I did like in black and white because they created more of a sophisticated look, as I do feel the colour took away the focus of the actual content in the pictures, that’s why I preferred it black and white.

When it came to experimenting with my final pictures and the final outcomes I wanted for them, I used personal materials such as my own collections like cinema tickets, receipts, appointment cards etc, but I also used twigs I picked up from my garden and a few things I found at the bus stop outside my house.   For my final outcome book, I have looked into the technique of combining the pages together through binding. I really liked the personal handmade, yet sophisticated layout of sewing the pages together as it looked personal and experimental.

What went well with the design process was that I knew exactly what I wanted. All my experiments linked in with each other, there were no random experiments that I didn't learn anything from. From my experiments I learned that less is more when it comes to expressing images in a more naturalistic way. I knew what I wanted to achieve and I did everything I could to achieve them. Finalizing my final layout for my book was a big moment for me, because it's one of the few pieces of work I have completed and actually looked at it and thought, yes, that's exactly what I wanted. I went out of my comfort zone and pushed myself to achieve my work to the standard I did.

I looked into three artists when completing my essay, and they were James Griffioen, Marchand and Meffre and Lin Osborn. What I loved about all three of them was the freedom in their work, the way they expressed the beauty of places that others may see as 'ugly'. I liked how Lin Osborns work had this sophisticated final layout, whereas James Griffioens work was more relaxed and less finalized. I feel this made his work more relatable out of the three of them, however I preferred how Marchand and Meffre's work was clearly more planned out and showed their intentions.

What I feel didn't go so well was relating my work to the artists I looked at in my essay. I loved all three of their photographs, however none of my pictures looked like any of them. I don't think I took enough time when it came to taking photo's because they're not at the standard they could have been. I didn't pay much attention to leading lines, or the rule of three, or other ways to capture the viewer’s attentions.  On the other hand, a part of me is glad that my pictures were not that technical, that some of them were at a slight angle, or did not have straightforward composition, because my aim was for them to look spontaneous and relatable. I don’t think they would have come across as relatable if they just look like a photograph with no meaning or story behind it; I wanted my pictures to make people think. If I had more time, I would have taken photo's of the same places, however I would have thought more about the time of day I took them. The building in East Croydon for example, I took in the morning on my way to college, however I didn't think about taking the same photo, in the same place later on in the day when it was darker and all the lights were on. This made me think I could have represented my daily travels a lot better than just showing all my pictures at the same time of day. I also would have experimented further with different materials because I feel I could have gone to a shop and bought more objects to put on the pages instead of just finding stuff on the ground outside.

The new skills that I learnt were believing in myself more, and pushing myself out my comfort zone. I feel this is what made me happy with my final outcome, compared to previous times before when I would create the same old things and not feel any pride towards them.

Lin Osborn

To create her original and professional artwork, Lin Osborn presents small, detailed photographs and arranges them in a strongbox shape layout. The subject matter amongst her photo's, are typical ordinary objects taken from either everyday life or the natural world. Osborn graduated in Fine Art in 2001, before specialising in photography at the Winchester School of Arts. The subject matter tends to be digitally manipulated, as some images tend to be cropped to increase the focal point, or zoomed in to highlight the subject matter. This allows her work to be visually clearer for people to understand the purpose of the image, and what it is the artist wants to get across.

With all the images perfectly in line, it gives a sense of professionalism, allowing them to look more mature and sophisticated. The equal placing and sizing of the photo doesn't create any particular focal points, which results in each image to have a sense of secure structure.

The use of themes in her work are apparent with each different photo, whether some focus on a variety of different doors, or close up images of someone smoking, they all hold they're own themes, and give out they're purpose. Her images of doors could be a personal subject to her, whether they're the houses to people she associates with, or buildings in her local area. The images of smoking could link to a habit that she has, or someone she's close to has, and this is her way of getting it across. However her smoking images conflict with society's way of seeing smoking, and this could cause controversy.

The images as a whole, has been planed and posed. First she plans the pictures she wishes to take, arranged a photo shoot to get them and then digitally manipulates them to create the box layout. Some images, such as the doors, seem more spontaneous and free as not all the camera angles are the same, however this creates a sense of freedom and experimentation. Also, these images that are more spontaneous contrast with the overall professional look, however the freedom in the photo's give that firm structure more of a challenge.

I appreciate her work and ideas, because instead of having a hundred different images of the same subject, she arranges them into one image and allows them all to work together. Her bright use of colours creates a happy atmosphere, which gives a feeling of freedom. Even though some of her images are basic and simple (the doors) they give off a sense of society and shows travel. I feel her work can be changed and edited to personally suit a range of people, as personal hobbies or environments could be replaced instead.

Full essay

Taking a photo of something everyday and making that beautiful is what I strive to achieve. Landscape has so many options to go into, whether it be scenery, building and architecture, poverty or even everyday activities, there is so much to capture. I like the fact there are no limitations, no right or wrong answers. Some images can be personal, whether they're of the area you live in, or even your very own back garden, expanding all the way to somewhere else on the other side of the country. When taking my own landscape my aim for them to intrigue people, I don't just want a pretty picture but something or somewhere that will get people thinking and questioning behind it. Three artists whose work I’m highly inspired by is Marchand and Meffre, as their work is everything I expect landscape photography to be about. Even thought their images consist of run down abandoned buildings, their work is very much alive. In this essay I will explore into the meaning behind whether landscape photography has to be the typical, stereotypical "beautiful", to be seen as a beautiful place. I want to photograph my local area, and places I travel to regularly to express my everyday life and it's own unique beauty behind the dereliction and abandoned areas. 

James Griffioen

Born February 4^th 1977, James Griffioen is an American writer and photographer who reside in Detroit, Michigan. His work has featured in magazines such as Vice magazine, Architecture magazine and the New York magazine.

Detroit is popular with many contemporary landscape and architectural photographers as the location is renowned for its striking deterioration. Detroit is still the 11^th most popular cities in America, however it has as many as 10,000 abandoned structures and highest crime rates.

Griffioens pictures of the abandoned structures highlight modern issues such as society and the economy. These are apparent through the buildings shown actually being left to deteriorate, instead of fixing them up to become something modern. Griffioens work also highlights the environment through his use of colour. There is an awful lot of vegetation in his images, these greens give the viewer the impression that he is trying to show that the environment is taking over. The subject matter is of course the building in the photograph, but also the environment around it. The landscape around it acts almost as a border to highlight the main object even more. The subject matter is immediately obvious, as the use of his straightforward composition allows the viewers attention to go straight to the building. It's as though decay has been reborn and making nature take over from where mankind has failed. 

His work has been framed with a straight on, centred view with leading lines around the images. Some tend to be zoomed in, partly because the landscape around some of these buildings has more content. In some ways, his work is quite basic, just a straight on picture of a derelict building, however this builds up a rhythm in his work, as people know what to expect and this allows it to become more recognizable. The saying "less is more" tends to spring to mind when I see his work, as he doesn't over do it, or take the purpose away from the image. The simplicity allows the viewers attention to be direct, and think into more of what they're seeing, as opposed to being sidetracked by something irrelevant. I do think the overall arrangement of the piece is pleasing to the eye, however I think it could be more exaggerated e.g. more use of different camera angles, or close up parts of the building.


The images have been planned because Griffioen obviously had intentions of what he wanted to photograph, however there is an element and a feel of spontaneity because it is the environment, it can never be predicted. To add more depth to his images he could have photographed on different times of days, capturing the sunrise and sunset. Whether the whole place looks different at night? The images do remind me of a storybook, especially of a witch’s house. Furthermore, they make me want to travel, and experience seeing other cultures and opening my eyes to other people’s surroundings. 

Overall this photographer is based among Detroit, capturing the essence of beauty amongst the continuous deterioration. His lack of professionalism allows his images to become more relatable and down to earth. 

Marchand and Meffree



This approach is different to Yves Marchand and Romain Meffre, who are known for their photographs of a once thriving Detroit, however Marchand explained it as though "Detroit has been left to die". However, Marchand managed to make Detroit come back to life as he took the chance and opportunity to photograph the ruins. Marchand showed his passions by explaining it as though "You have entered a lost world and was almost overwhelming". There is a sense of vulnerability that seeps through their photos of movie houses, ballrooms and baroque theatres, that I feel is what makes the picture come alive. Marchand and Meffre have always taken pictures together since they met in 2002. 



Their photographs have been framed with many different angles. Some images are straight on or focused on one particular item. Some just contain an empty room that allows the deteriation to stand out, whereas some have objects places around the room. The majority of their work is based around dereliction, which involves objects in some rooms, which look distorted and ruined, however they look part of the picture. I believe this is how they stumbled upon the areas, however I wouldn't be surprised if they had placed the objects themselves as the composition allows each object to stand out and tell a story. Their images create strong bold shapes which control the direction of the viewers eyes. They have a long depth of field in their images which lead peoples eyes into the picture using the rules of photography. 

The buildings they take photo's off are old theatres and ballrooms that were once thriving, busy places. This is what creates this sad atmosphere, because how could such beautifully designed buildings just be abandoned and left to deteriorate. This by itself is what saddens me because for society to think they have the time and money to just abandon a community, shows that they have the time and money to abandon anywhere they see fit. The lack of passion and love behind the community to fight to keep these places alive is also shocking to me, because even though my local area isn't anything compared to the glorious buildings in Detroit, they still hold an importance to me because it's where I have grown up.

Even though the background has the same qualities as the objects, the objects tend to stand out more, as they are places closer in the more, and this allows the viewer to think deeper about what they're seeing e.g. who's objects were they? How old are they? How much are they worth?


The content of the image is very obvious, which is this passing time of dereliction. Nature being nature. I do think this highlights some life issues, because if people stumbled across their pictures they may not know these are photos of abandoned places in Detroit. Not knowing this knowledge could lead them to think that it's someone current home, that people are not getting access to some of the opportunities that others may get.


I get a feel of sadness from the photos, as it's a shame something so nice has been left to fade away, however there is an element of excitement there as this allows them to show the beauty of dereliction, that not everything that is brand new and in tact is the most beautiful thing, that actually something a lot older and more real is the honest beauty.

Overall Marchand and Meffre capture the inner beauty of these once busy and thriving buildings that are now wasting away. They manage to capture and influence the viewers eyes by the use of guide lines in the picture.

Lin Osborn

To create her original and professional artwork, Lin Osborn presents small, detailed photographs and arranges them in a strong box shape layout. The subject matter amongst her photos, are typical ordinary objects taken from either everyday life or the natural world. Osborn graduated in Fine Art in 2001, before specializing in photography at the Winchester School of Arts. The subject matter tends to be digitally manipulated, as some images tend to be cropped to increase the focal point, or zoomed in to highlight the subject matter. This allows her work to be visually clearer for people to understand the purpose of the image, and what it is the artist wants to get across.

With all the images perfectly in line, it gives a sense of professionalism, allowing them to look more mature and sophisticated. The equal placing and sizing of the photo doesn't create any particular focal points, which results in each image to have a sense of secure structure.

The use of themes in her work are apparent with each different photo, whether some focus on a variety of different doors, or close up images of someone smoking, they all hold they're own themes, and give out they're purpose. Her images of doors could be a personal subject to her, whether they're the houses to people she associates with, or buildings in her local area. The images of smoking could link to a habit that she has, or someone she's close to has, and this is her way of getting it across. However her smoking images conflict with society's way of seeing smoking, and this could cause controversy.

The images as a whole, has been planed and posed. First she plans the pictures she wishes to take, arranged a photo shoot to get them and then digitally manipulates them to create the box layout. Some images, such as the doors, seem more spontaneous and free as not all the camera angles are the same, however this creates a sense of freedom and experimentation. Also, these images that are more spontaneous contrast with the overall professional look, however the freedom in the photo's give that firm structure more of a challenge.

I appreciate her work and ideas, because instead of having a hundred different images of the same subject, she arranges them into one image and allows them all to work together. Her bright use of colours creates a happy atmosphere, which gives a feeling of freedom. Even though some of her images are basic and simple (the doors) they give off a sense of society and shows travel. I feel her work can be changed and edited to personally suit a range of people, as personal hobbies or environments could be replaced instead.

Even though Lin Osborn isn't based around deterioration, some of her images unintentionally 

 do contain some. This allows them to stand out more against the more precise, clean cut photo's. Her professionalism to her work allows them to be easily adjustable and manipulated to become your own.

 From looking at these three artists, I have gained the knowledge that less can be more when it comes to expressing your focal point within a photograph. Before I looked at these three, my initial thought was that the best way to express the focal point was to make it the biggest part of the picture. James Griffieon really taught me that you don't need your pictures to be super technical, or over the top. The beauty of the buildings he takes pictures off do not get distracted by any unnecessary contents in the picture. Marchand and Meffre however, taught me that to get the best quality photo's, you do sometimes need to structure the scenery before, or plan out the angles to determine the direction the viewers eyes travel around the image. Lin Osborn made me give a sense of freedom to my work, and also a sense of myself. I want my images to be relateable and seen as down to earth, however I do want them to have a professional feel to them so they can be taken seriously. Overall I want my images to look simple, but effective. With a strong composition in my images, and a well thought out, final pice ida I believe this is achievable.