Final Project
For my final project, I captured 16 film portraits in 4 categories, perspective, lighting, anonymity, and lifestyle. All photos were shot with a Pentax 6x7 on Portra 800. I wanted to challenge myself with two technical categories, and two subject categories. With the challenge of shooting on film and not being able to directly see my results, I was able to combat that by metering light and being sure about my composition.
PERSPECTIVE
In this category, I focused on capturing the differences in the distance of a shot and understanding the emotion and message the photo sends. I challenged myself by shooting these photos in the same location.
A tighter shot feels more intimate, while a wide shot feels empty. In between, a medium shot feels “perfect”. In this last shot, I wanted to try to capture a wondering feeling, and I felt like a low angle really captured that.
Anonymity
When I chose anonymity as a topic, the first emotion I equated it with, is mystery.
I played around with contrast in this series to deliver anonymity in various ways. I think the second and third photos best capture anonymity with greater contrast with the harsh light.
Lighting
With lighting, I really challenged myself technically and creatively. Especially shooting on film and not being able to see your outcome right away, I had to nail it.
This day had clear skies which means very harsh light. I used that to my advantage by finding shadows to utilize.
Lifestyle
I wanted to be able to portray what daily life might look. Each photo represents a very realistic aspect of what an individual might do, paying the meter, looking at what street they’re on, sitting on a bench, and walking.
