Assignment 5: Creep

Theme: Creep

One subject three intentions: Realistic, formalistic and expressionistic interpretation.

Realism:Is the notion that the photograph offers a straightforward "transparent" view of the world, subscribing to a tradition that considered pictures to offer "a window on the world': close to what we would have seen had we been there at the time the photograph was taken.

Formalism: Considered the photograph as an aesthetic object. The view holds that while the photograph may offer a limited view of the world, it is primarily a flat surface that supports a pattern of light, shade and colours. In this context when we look at a photograph we are always aware of the properties of the photographic medium

Expressionism: Implies the use of the photograph to express the feelings or ideas of the photographer that may go beyond the initial appearance of the image and its material qualities. In this context the photograph may express the photographer's emotional feelings or a strongly held political viewpoint or social comment.

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Definition of creep: to move carefully or quietly, so that no one will notice you.

My thoughts: How traditional provision shops or mama shops creep behind the local grocery scenes in Singapore. How they lose their competitive edge in the grocery scene. Most of us visit big supermarkets more often than we visit traditional provision shops. The chance that we will visit a provision shop is minimal. Even if we do, it is probably just to buy an item or two. Provision shops rely alot on loyal customer base. Provision shops are situated in our neighbourhoods. We grow up with them. However, we can't deny the fact that they are losing out to big supermarkets in terms of varieties of groceries available and also packaging and display of the goods.

The photos show a provision shop near my neighbourhood. I do notice during the shooting that the customers who visit the shop are usually the elderly. Others do visit the shop too. However, like what I have mentioned, they usually buy only an item or two.

Realism

The provision shop as it is. A straightforward, "transparent" view of the provision shop, capturing the variety of goods sold. An image that any ordinary person will see the shop as.

Formalism

An aesthetic shot of the bee hoon, taking an image of the bee hoon which is not usually seen. I like the texture of the beehoon shown here, glossy feel. However, I made a mistake here. I should not change my subject to an object in the provision shop. I should continue to focus my subject on the provision shop, providing an aesthetic shot of it.

Expressionalism

How the provision shop creeped behind the big supermarket grocery scene in Singapore. People who visit the provision shop are usually loyal customers. Many are actually elderly, as shown in this picture here. The shop is not crowded unlike those big supermarkets.

Comments:

Nurliyana mentioned that for my expressionalism shot, I should capture the image of the provision shop and a supermarket together. (to show the "creep" element.) Mr Reddy mentioned that there is a break of flow for my photos as the formalism shot should be on the provision shop itself and not on the object in the shop. For the expressionalism shot, the idea of creep should be more obvious.

Self assessment:

I actually did lots of brainstorming before shooting the photos. But somehow I was just not able to capture what I want to portray in the picture, especially in the expressionalism shot. What I should have done is to find a provision shop that is situated next to a supermarket (like what Nurliyana had mentioned), so that there could be more ways to explore the photographs. I'll think that my concept is a more localized concept, having some Singapore element in it. If I have to change my formalism photo, I'm not sure how I can change it to make a provision shop looks aesthetically pleasing. But I'll still try.

I'll give myself a 68/100, taking Jillyn's work as a benchmark, 38 for creativity, 30 for effort. The reason being the mistake made in the formalism shot and also the lack of clear expression of the idea "creep" in the expressionalism shot.

I like Stephanie's concept. I am able to feel her sad emotions as the piece of land that was initially their family's, had became a property of the state. Her expressionalism shot brought a very distinct message of creep- the idea that the state is a creep, making her granny sell the land for a few miserable thousands. Her realism shot and formalism shot (edited one) fit well into the topic "Creep" too. I'll give her a 90/100.

Jillyn's snails were beautiful-simple and elegant. The concept was well established and well thought. I'll give her a 95/100. The concept is very close to our heart, the idea of how "slow and steady wins a race", a code from our jc maths teacher , Mr Chia. (P.S. "Jillyn, you have to give credit to Mr Chia. Go visit him during Teacher's Day!)Haha. Alright, yup, her 3 photos fit the concept well- especially the expressionalism shot with the snail at the bottom of the bench, showing a long way to go.

Jasmine's "Stress Creeps. Hope seeps." really touches me. I have to admit I felt like crying when she talked about it during class. I was having goosebumps all over me. The pictures were very emotive. I'll give her a 95/100.

Second thoughts: Both Mr Reddy and jillyn told me the places where I can find the supermarket next to a provision shop, which I previously couldn't find. They were Clementi Ave 2 Shopping Centre, and a provision shop and supermarket near Chinatown's People's Park Complex. I visited the two places, but I wasn't very satisfied with the shots, especially the formalism shots. I have some problems in executing the shops in an aesthetic way. The shop owner in Chinatown actually chased me away. What I could capture was very minimal. Thus, I would have to abandon this idea.

I have a new concept in mind-which is how "We are always creeping in the shadows of others." We are always living in the shadows of others, trying to be someone else that others want us to be, modelling their behaviour. I have taken many photographs of this concept. Still choosing which one to use for the assignment. I'll post them when they are ready.

Cheers.

Assignment 4 - The Day After Sunshine

The Day After Sunshine

Some thoughts: This assignment got me thinking really hard. When I first heard from Mr Reddy during class that we have to shoot many many many many many photos, I felt a pressure. Oh no! How am I supposed to do that? How to piece all the photographs together? Will they look weird after I join them together? How am I suppose to make the audience see the photographs from different perspectives? mmm....What should I take?

I initially had the ideas of taking a montage of a flight of long staircase near my neighbourhood and also the whole street of houses in teacher's estate. The second idea was a little too ambitious. Teacher's estate has too many houses. The whole street is too long. I can't even see the end of the street. The long flight of staircase didn't turn out the way I pictured it to be.

The process: This montage that I decided to create in the end was something that I did not even expect. I was just walking around aimlessly cause I was feeling quite tired after combing teacher's estate and climbing that long flight of stairs. Then, it started to rain. So I ran to seek shelter. I don't know how I managed to bump into this flight of stairs in one of the flats that actually leads to a garden.

The picture you see here is actually a view from the bottom of the stairs. I was actually standing below this flight of stairs. From the bottom of the stairs, I could see the black and cloudy sky and the opposite block of flats.

The reason why I named it "The Day After Sunshine" is because the day before that day was a sunny day. hehe.. I know it sounds a little cheesy...But there is often this saying whereby the day after a gloomy and cloudy day will be a better day, right? I was trying to show the reverse. The day after sunshine, although a cloudy day, can also bring new discoveries and adventures. Just like how I managed to find a secret garden above this flight of stairs.....

Comments: Celeste says that I made the flats look really modern. Both Mike and Celeste say that the montage provides a very different and interesting perspective. Paul and Mark says that the picture could be viewed in a landscape way. Hehe..if that is the case, the mop and bra hanging from the poles in the flats will look acting against the earth's gravity.. haha..but I'm glad they manage to see the montage in a different way cause it is always good to think out of the box!

Self assessment: I will give myself 90/100. 50 for effort and 45 for creativity. The perspective was unique and the comments were quite positive too. I like Zhen Qin's Will their "Day After" collide into mine?When I saw how the two roads are linked together and how the cars look as if they are going to collide really sets my mind drifting into the world of impossibilities. In my personal opinion, I feel that a montage should try to join things that are unique, new and almost impossible. He has managed to do that. Hence, he deserves a 90/100! Celeste's Chijmes really caught my attention. Not because her printout was huge, but because it was just simply magnificent! I really like it cause the colour makes the building looks really royal. I didn't think it was Chijmes in Singapore at first. From far, it looks like a majestic castle in some parts of the world. With that, I'll give her a 99/100! Actually I like Mei Mei's "Resurrection - Three Days After" compared to the back alley in Chinatown that she presented in class. However, after she had edited the montage for the back alley, I prefer her edited version 2 of the back alley in Chinatown. The back alleys of Chinatown always bring lots of surprises. I'll give her a 99/100!

Assignment 3: Change - Photo essay

Theme:
We live in a country where only thing which is constant is change.
Photo essay: Create 8 to 12 pictures essay on above theme. Select appropriate point of view which addresses the theme.

eg. - Economic changes and human condition- Age, relations and rat race- Geography and time- Cultural invasion - unified world etc. etc.

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"The thing which is constant is change. " hehe.. I like this saying...sounds confusing yet philosophical.

The theme I'll be exploring is wealth. The following photographs show a change from person to person's perception of wealth. Everyone has different perceptions of wealth. The definition and meaning of wealth may differ from person to person. Each photograph shows a perception of wealth, subjected to an individual.

Dictionary's definition of wealth: 1. noun- the state of owning a large amount of money and possessions. 2. a large number or amount of

Colourful Life

The photo above depicts "Happiness". Happiness is a form of wealth. A colourful bag of sweets represents one as leading a colourful and enriching life. With that, one will gain spiritual happiness, which is a form of accumulated wealth.

Are you really rich?

Today, in our competitive and individualistic society, money has become indispensable. Everyone works hard, hoping to earn a million some day. It is gradually infused in our minds that money is a form of wealth. Money can provide one with monetary benefits, giving you the most luxurious things in life. But how about the spiritual happiness? Will there be emptiness in the heart even if one has earned a million?

My family

The photo above depicts a family. Different toothbrushes are used to represent the notion of family. Many toothbrushes placed together depicts the unity of a family. Family is an asset, a form of wealth. Family members will be there for you, regardless of rain or shine.

Knowledge

Knowledge, to many, is seen as a form of wealth. Knowledge opens many windows of lucrative opportunities.

Time

I believe time is a form of wealth to many. A metronum is used to ensure that a pianist will always be on the beat. It is used to represent time - the idea that a pianist has to be on the beat and that we are always trying to catch up with time. As time passes by, one will age. However, the experience, wisdom and knowledge gained with the consistency of time will be a source of wealth.

Freedom

Freedom is a form of wealth to children in third world countries. Many children in such countries are stuck in their rural villages. The education they received is more of vernacular education. Many of them hope to break free and receive a better education elsewhere. However, to many, this remains a dream. The pencil represents giving a child in the third world country a better education outside their village, which means a form of freedom for them in search of possible wealth elsewhere. The rings surrounding the pencil shows a child being stuck in such environment, while the ring that was being loosened on its own shows a child's desire to break free from the environment.

Love

Love is a form of wealth. As you continue to send out love, the energy returns to you in a regenerating spiral. As love accumulates and becomes your wealth, it helps to keep your system in balance and harmony. Love is the best medicine. There is more than enough once you open your heart to experience this nourishing form of wealth. The wire and yellow string depicts love entangling around us and the world.

Healthy

Healthy?

The two pictures above depict health as a type of wealth. The two pictures show a contrast between the good and bad conditions of health. The picture with a badminton shuttlecock and a pair of shoes shows someone having the ability to engage in sports, in the pink of health. In comparison, the picture with different types of medicine portrays one's deterioration of health.


Comments: Mr Reddy says that the concept is nice. However, there are too many definitions of wealth which may not be able to portray fully in the assignment. In addition, one's definition of wealth may be different from the other. Hence, if that particular definition doesn't happen to fall into the viewer's mind, it will become difficult to comprehend the meaning of the photographs as a whole. He also mentioned that probably I could narrow down the definitions-zoom into one definition and work on it.

Self assessment: I would give myself 70/100. 40 for effort and 30 for concept. I believe the concept could be further developed and built on. There could also be more ways I could explore on portraying the different photographs. My work needs explanation to the viewers. It is not so explicit. When I start to explain, the viewers will be able to connect the photographs together. I must find the linking element to bridge my photographs together. The "change" must be more obvious.

I like Celeste's idea of change in status of a person as he grows up-from riding on the car in the playground to driving a big car on the road. The change is pretty obvious. I am able to grasp the meaning immediately from the photos. I would give her 90/100. I like Stephanie's idea of corrosion. The shots were aesthetically beautiful. I do notice some sort of similarity between the concepts of Jillyn's (deterioration) and Stephanie's. The concept is beautiful. Great minds think alike!I would give both of them 90/100 too.

Assignment 2: Exposure-Light, colour, texture and patterns

Observe how light interacts with object creating shadow and sense of depth. How colours change their saturation through dawn to dusk. How light create patterns and how shadows make texture feel tactile.

Explore image capture techniques to create sense of space and time of real world in your prints.

This assignment is primarily for you to get familiar with image capture environment, to understand limitations of image capture devices, and to understanding basic limitations of capturing real life in a print.
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Some thoughts: I had so many first time encounters doing assignment 2. It was my first time using SLR camera, first time taking pictures alone, first time going to a park alone. I guess I kinda like this type of being alone feeling at times. It's a great chance for me to see the nature and enjoy the scenery at the park. At the same time, reflecting upon some of the things happening around me, enjoying the quiet moments. Here are some of the pictures I captured.

Venue: Sembawang park
Shutter speed: 1/13 secs Aperture: F22
Lens Focal Length: 70mm

It took me quite a while trying to capture a photograph of this little girl. She keeps running around with the badminton racket. Her family is playing badminton on the field and she swings the racket around, wanting to be part of the game too. She is really cute. Look at her... the racket is almost same height as her!I like this picture cause it shows the innocence of a child. The colour combination of the photograph is soothing. However, I feel the top part of the picture-the grass, is a little too dark. It would be great if the grass is green all the way.

Comments from peers: Jialin mentioned that the girl should be positioned on the right. Oh yah...that's a good point since the girl is facing towards the left side of the picture.

Venue: One of the roads near Sembawang Park
Shutter Speed:1/10 secs Aperture: F22
Lens Focal Length: 50mm

This was a picture taken when I was somewhere near Sembawang park, on my way home from the shooting at the park. This was actually the end of a road. However, the picture was blur. I will definitely improve on the clarity of the shot.



Comments from peers: Jillyn mentioned that the picture has potential. Just need to take a clearer picture.

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Some of the other pictures taken.......

Venue: Sembawang Park
Shutter Speed: 1/25 secs Aperture: F22
Lens Focal length: 70mm

I took this picture secretly- behind the back of this man. After I took this picture, he stood up and walked away. Alright. I was quite mean, right? I affected his quiet little moment alone. He was trying to relax by looking at the sea. A pity about this picture was I could have probably focused on the man and left the backdrop-the sea and leaves slightly blur. I hope the next time I'm there again, I'll find him sitting at the same spot. Well, but I guess probably this would not happen. So, I think the next time round when I'm back again, and want to capture another this sort of image, the person in the picture will not be him anymore- What a pity. Hence, it is always good to capture the moment before the chance is gone!

Comments from peers: Jialin mentioned that the picture's composition was good. She also brought out the point that I could have focused on the man and left the leaves and sea slightly blur.




Venue: Sembawang Park
Shutter Speed: 1/125 secs Aperture:F22
Lens Focal Length: 24mm

The colour of the sky when uploaded looks a little different from the one I had in the photo itself. I like the colour of the sky in the photo itself- orange, greyish, soft feel.

Comments from peers: Mr Reddy mentioned that the picture if enlarged, will be dark due to the leaves which are dark and took up almost half the proportion of the picture. There is also a lack of composition.







Venue: One of the roads near Sembawang Park
Shutter speed: 1/10 secs Aperture: F22 Lens Focal length: 17mm

I wanted to take a portrait of the lamp posts. However, my lens are not long enough and the lamp posts are too tall to be fully captured by the camera.

Venue: One of the houses near Sembawang Park

Shutter speed: 1/160 secs Aperture: F22
Lens focal Length: 70mm

This is not very successful-underexposed.

Venue: One of the houses near Sembawang Park
Shutter Speed: 1/20 secs Aperture: F22
Lens Focal length: 70mm

This is just one of the pictures I took on a casual note.


Self assessment:

I would give myself 75/100. 45 for effort and 30 for creativity. After looking at the production of the pictures, two of them are quite blur and some are underexposed. Probably it's the first time I'm using the camera, so I was still on the experimental stage. Compared to the rest of the classmates' assignments, I felt that I probably lack composition in some of the pictures. There are more areas that I could have explored with my camera. But nevertheless, I received feedback and learnt alot from the tutorial which was good cause it gave me the chance to develop my ides further. I would work on the comments given and try to be more adventurous in the future assignments.

I like Jialin's raddish and green apples. The colour of the photos are really nice and sleek. She really made them look fresh and alive, which was what she wanted to achieve. I like Ivy's durians. It's a unique perspective. It makes me feel like the durians are overwhelming. I especially like Mike's sky photos. The sky looks magnificent, fierce and there is a feeling that you're being drawn into the picture by the sky. Good job in creating a sense of depth. I would give both Ivy and Jialin 85/100 and Mike 99/100. Mike's sky photos really makes me want to look at them again. Wow!

some of the other pictures scanned for assignment one...

This is just another picture that I experimented with the flowers....but they look too heavy on the left side.

I like this picture. I picked the petals from the flower and scattered it on a white paper on the scanner bed. The idea is to portray the vulnerability of living things. Scattering of the petals speaks about the transition of living things from life to death.

I'll name the two pictures above "Life and death" as I feel that scattered petals are able to give the image of the vulnerability of living things. Flowers like all other living organisms are subjected to the changes around them, causing them to be destroyed.

Assignment 1: Photogram or Photogenic Drawing

Most of the early images chemically captured on a flat medium did not use any optical device (camera). They directly placed simple objects on a surface coated with photosensitive chemicals and exposed it to light. In those days these were called “photogenic drawings”.

You’ll make your first photogram using flat bed scanner instead of photosensitive paper. The theory is similar. By placing objects directly on the scanner bed in an interesting composition you can create an image without a camera.

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-Happy?-

The first assignment requires us to explore the use of a scanner to create a photograph without the use of a camera. Sounds tough, right? Gotta brainstorm for ideas! After much consideration, I decided to use flowers to create a piece of photograph- flower prints, which is what I like!

Materials: White and yellow chrysanthemum flowers

Why the use of chrysanthemum flowers? As this is assignment one and the first time I will be presenting my picture to the class, I want to scan a picture that tells more about me. Like any other flowers, chrysanthemum flowers may seem vulnerable. However, they are actually the strongest flowers. The florist told me they could last for a month if I keep it refrigerated. I didn't believe it at first, but the florist proved me wrong. I guess this somehow represents my personality-strong.

The layout: I cut the chrysanthemum flowers and display them randomly on the scanner bed. I tried to make them look natural and not so purposely arranged. The placement of one white chrysanthemum flower at the bottom right hand corner is to add some texture to the photograph and hold the image together. There will be a focal point added to the picture, giving the photograph more dimensions.

Peer evaluation: Mr Reddy says that the photograph looks sweet. One interesting point to note which is mentioned by a student is such that there is an ironic meaning to this photograph. It appears sweet, but there seems to be a sombre feeling to it. There is a tension of sadness and sweet happiness with the image of bright flowers at the same time. I was really enlightened. I always thought that this picture because of its colours, shows happiness. However, upon deeper thinking, I agree that there is a sombre feeling to it- due to chrysanthemum flowers being used to pay respects to the deceased. Thus, I decided to name this photo "Happy?". Cause everyone may have different feelings and emotions when they see this photograph. At times, I feel like I'm like that of the chrysanthemum too. Seems happy, strong and cheerful, but deep in my heart, I know that when I'm sad, I'll not express it. hehe....ok...enough....getting a little emotional!

Self assessment: I'll give myself 45 for effort and 35 for creativity. A total of 80. I like Paul's treble clef. It is elegant, clean and simple. I'll give him 45 for effort and 40 for creativity. A total of 85. I like Jillyn's teacup. Interesting to turn the scanner upside down. I'll give her 45 for effort and 40 for creativity. A total of 85. I like Karen's progression. Abstract looking. I'll give her 45 for effort and 40 for creativity. A total of 85.