Friday, 30 September 2011

Portraiture

Over the past few weeks I have created images that I have observed of the world around me and recorded what I have seen.
I decided to take this a step further and create something even more personal, people. It is difficult to see how people observe us and how we observe each other. This exercise of taking photographs of a specific person examines something much closer that you may not notice at first glance.

The beauty of portraiture is that it is so natural, the photographs aren't forced, her facial expressions are forced or exaggerated, it is how I saw her as she spoke.

Photography around Chesterfield College


This photograph allows us to see what is in front of us, as well as what is behind, due to the reflection off the window which shows the rest of the Library.



What inspired me to take this picture, was the amount of parallel lines and the dark and light tones that are created by the lighting which creates a unique view of the ceiling.



Walking around the Information Centre I noticed a stack of leaflets, the way they were arranged neatly but all at different angles produced a simple, but effective photograph.

Wednesday, 28 September 2011

Local Culture : Chesterfield

After been asked to take pictures of Chesterfield Town, I set off with my camera to search for photographs that would show the daily life of people in Chesterfield.
When you stop and observe people, you soon start to see things, that you wouldn't usually see when you are out and about getting on with your own life, minding your own business. As i looked around to find interesting compositions for my photography, i noticed the rush of people trying to get from one place to another, running across the road dodging cars, running to catch their bus or bumping into people they know.
Here are the photographs i took that shows daily life in Chesterfield Town centre.

Walking around Boots, I spotted this elderly woman on one of the Medicine Isle's and found the perfect opportunity to take a picture.


I especially like this picture because of all the white objects that stand out mainly in the upper right of the photograph, from the shop, to the woman's white jacket, to the white barriers that illuminate the picture.



Here, the bright orange of the carrot that has been scattered on the floor catches your eye and the orange that has marked the horse's white lower leg.




As I was walking around the centre i noticed that coins and keys had been cemented into the ground, as one person took a picture I asked him to hold the position so that I could get the photograph on his phone on the picture to add complexity.

Wednesday, 21 September 2011

Kedleston Hall-Derbyshire

On the 20th September I visited Kedleston Hall in Derby, Derbyshire. Whilst I was there I found a great opportunity to take photographs inside of this spectacular 1970s Neo-Classical Mansion.
The lavish, unique furnishings inside of this mansion was perfect for photographing. The architecture by Robert Adam shows how he was inspired by foreign structures and their traditional designs.
The photographs I have taken are just a few examples of this luxurious mansion that explores the extensive collection inside.


The Marble Hall reflects Robert Adam's love of Rome. It is a impressive grand entrance, designed to catch people's eye. What impressed me about this Hall is that it is has no windows and instead, uses natural light from the ceiling to light up to room. This creates a natural feel to the room lighting up the marble monument proudly.



Kedleston Hall's rooms were designed to impress and show off the family's collection of paintings and sculpture. The Roman-inspired Marble Hall emphasises Italian architecture. This pictures shows off the round, smooth texture of the marble, the curves also creates a circular movement.


As I walked into the Drawing Room, my eyes were fixed on the four piece sofa, the gold leaf that surrounded the rich blue fabric complemented each other. The design of the fabric, is even used on 21st century fabrics showing how designers now use 18th Century designs to create contemporary furnishings.It celebrates English heritage.


 The distinctive bed-posts which were carved to resemble palm trees creates an exotic feel to the room,  it was popular at the time as palm trees represented fame. The ostrich feathers at the top of the bed represent power, his again shows the important of wealth. I took this photograph at this angle, to give the feel to you were actually walking into the room when you look at the photo as if you were there.

This photograph shows how the rich interior patterns work to complement each design. Even though every design is different on the wallpaper, to the mirror they work perfectly to follow the extravagant theme. The mirror captures the other side of the room, presenting the exquisite crystal chandelier.