Photography Investigation - Evaluation

Does abstraction of form and image influence the content and context of a photograph?


In selecting ‘Form’ as the concept to focus on I felt I created for myself an expansive area with access to a wide variety in the choice of subject matter. This focus has the added benefit that it could be conceptually linked to an interest in spatiality in composition and exhibited some of the different approaches available to a producer seeking to achieve a minimalist aesthetic in the finished product.

The processes involved in performing this investigation have provided a great insight into some of the issues that arise from the use of SLR cameras and photography in general. The format has introduced an element of chance or uncertainty that has needed to be incorporated within the creative processes that this investigation has required.

At this moment in time I felt that an efficient method of achieving a result that is minimal in its final appearance was to operate through a process of reduction, rather than seeking to construct and enact a minimal aesthetic from conception. This attempt to use reduction to move toward a minimal aesthetic highlighted the problems and in future projects any minimal concept should be present from the start.

In refining the content of the pieces I chose to use images that showed elements of solid, bold shapes in contrast with either open spaces or regimented structures. These images make use of the flattening effect of photography to alter the viewer’s perception of depth and also density as in these images the sky appears as solid and tangible as the imposing edifice and is achieved through the placement of highly contrasted colours, a result of which is that the basic forms have become more defined.

With further experimentation I believe other processes could have similar effects in altering the perception of, or modifying the composition of form and structure within an image. These effects have been accentuated through experimentation with the processes made available in the photographic medium, including the ability to adjust the various settings and lenses on the camera itself and is also possible through the use of software applications such as Photoshop using both digital and scanned film images as source materials.

It was unfortunate that the weather conditions made getting the ideal purity in the tone of the skies that would aid emphasising the tangible form. This meant that only two sessions of getting useable source material arose leading to limitations in my selection. Fortunately, suitable images could be processed, although with relatively limited options it narrowed the chances of producing ideal examples, however these still serve to provide valid examples of the nature of form in photography and how abstraction allows for further modification of content.

In future endeavours I would like to explore the potential of 35mm film and SLR cameras in order to refine my knowledge of the differences in final image between the digital and analogue processes, taking more care over detail and the pursuit of a ‘pure tone,’ clinical photograph. I would also like to explore the use of Photoshop and its more advanced integration with Illustrator and other software as this will allow me to work across a greater range of outputs, from print to digital applications.