Work in progress
Test 1:
What worked?
The shots using water reflections, silhouettes, were quite effective with the subjects and their environment. And the narrative created between the relationship of place, the subject, and objects like the skeleton remains interconnect quite well.
What didn't?
Some of the shots taken through sheer material didn't quite work as intended but I may try that again to get the right composition and aesthetic. There are a few images that are repetitive or not really matching the concept of the series so I will omit these from the final images.
What's next?
I will continue to connect seemingly unrelated elements to the narrative as well within the environment. There's a bit of trial and error with experimenting what works in camera. As I'm going to various locations around Melbourne, I intend to shoot as much as possible
Test 2:
What worked?
The images evoke a certain atmosphere of time spent alone in nature. I think the first and last image could fit into the series and possibly another. The artistic lens works nicely to create this blur effect around the subject in camera and using a slow shutter to create a more abstract landscape worked quite well.
What didn't?
It was good to try a different series of shots to see what works with the concept but the series is still developing. Some of the images don't quite fit in the series and feel a bit disconnected. The tree line with the night sky is ok I'm not sure about the other night sky images as I can do better. The waterfall, landscapes and some of the model shots aren't working either.
What's next?
Will need to photograph a lot more as I don't feel I have enough of the right images for this series yet. A wider variety of shots that adhere to the concept will help it take form.
Test 3
What worked?
The second image had an interesting effect as what looks like a shadow is actually the subject within the reeds. The night images and landscapes convey the still quiet of being in solitude. The variety of shots interweave quite well together.
What didn't?
Some of the images didn't really fit with the rest of the work. Still a bit of trial and error to see what works well and what doesn't.
What's next?
Will try a few different locations and types of composition, focal lengths and camera effects to add some variety to the series as I feel some of the images are rather repetitive, particularly those with subjects in them. Pre sketching the images I have in mind might help plan the shots better too.
Test 4
What worked?
The images weave into the series quite well and add to the atmosphere of being in nature. There are two or three images I could see working for the exhibition. I experimented with the double exposure and panning technique for a half portrait and it
What didn't?
The waterfall image feels a bit disconnected. The forest one has a poor composition and I'm not sure about using some of the other ones. Some feel more heavy with the editing style. I tried to keep it consistent but it doesn't necessarily work with every image.
What's next?
Currently planning the idea for the exhibition. I have contacted a textile company about printing banners which I had the idea of suspending in the centre. Having a print test made at the moment. Combined with prints on the walls and possibly a projector screen with one image or in a loop of images, while a sound installation plays. Have been granted permission by Peter Andersson to use his music if I do use sound. The idea is that it would feel more immersive in an exhibition setting. There's only a few images I feel that are worth using so I plan to shoot more in the coming months.
What Worked?
A few landscape shots align well with the thematic and visual direction of the series. These images begin to establish the mood and aesthetic I'm aiming for, and they demonstrate early coherence in terms of tone and composition.
What didn't?
The majority of the current landscapes won’t make the final selection. While they’ve been useful for testing ideas, they don’t yet carry the visual weight or narrative strength required for the final body of work. However, they’ve helped me better understand what I need to pursue moving forward.
What's next?
I'll continue shooting to broaden the range and refine the visual language of the series. A video piece, planned as part of the exhibition, will be completed in July. In the meantime, I’ll be preparing materials, selecting final images, and printing work for presentation.
