Self Appraisals: Environment

What is your understanding of issues related to the Environment?

There are currently many issues related to the natural environment. One of the main topics in relation to the concerns about the environment is that of global warming. It has been suggested that the surface temperature of the Earth will increase by between 2 and 5 degrees Celsius by the end of the 21^st century. There are believed to be some small natural causes involved, however it has been shown that man made elements such as the burning of fossil fuels also contribute hugely to the problem.  

What context would you place your work in?

For this project I was required to produce a set of three images that successfully displayed my views on the issue related to the natural environment. I could choose to follow a number of different aspects from the political side of the natural environment to the human intervention within the landscape.

I chose to focus on the intervention of humans within the natural landscape and how it ‘disrupts’ the natural beauty of the place around it.

For this unit I chose to look at the photographers John Davis and Edward Burtynsky as their work appeared to focus on similar aspects of the natural landscape as I wished my own to.

What were the reasons behind your photographic choices? For instance, how do you think your visual choices translate to your ideas?

To begin with I shot my photos in black and white as they reflected the colour context one of my previously researched photographers had used. However, after some constructive feedback, I changed to shooting in colour so as to contrast the stark greys, blacks and browns of the factories against the lush greens and blues of the natural landscape.

I endeavoured to use a shallow depth of field for my photos so as to make the landscape appear to be disappearing into the background and the industrial elements in sharp focus so as to make them the central focus of the piece.

I also tried to take my photographs on days when there was a lot of light present so as to illuminate my subjects more and give the colours a stronger presence within the final images.

How have you managed your studies?

I managed my studies by trying to structure times for my blog work as well as for going out to shoot and also for printing. I have a lot of elements to work around in my life however I feel that I managed to plan successfully, but not perfectly around them.

What aspect of your shoot productions do you need to reflect upon and why?

I feel that I need to plan specific days for writing up my progress more carefully so as to engage in the full potential I can offer. I also believe that I need to practise more with the equipment I have been using I order to gain a better understanding of how it works and how to operate it.

What has been the most significant challenge on these Units so far? – How can you overcome them in the future?

The most significant challenges in the units so far have been learning to use the equipment and being able to use it effectively and successfully. I feel that I simply need more experience with the cameras etc to be able to produce better results.