Photographers.

                          Alexander Khokhlov

Biography:

Alexander Khokhlov works with Veronica Ershova as a photographers duo world renowned for it’s creative projects. Unconventional ideas and daring approach to common shootings are their calling card. The combination of unusual ideas, photographic skills and careful retouching helps duo to create any visual solutions - from amazing art-projects to peculiar collages for advertising. Alexander and Veronica really care about the quality of their shootings, that’s why the duo collaborates only with top-level stylists, make-up artists, image designers, etc.

Why I chose this photographer:

I chose Alexander Khokhlov because I am thoroughly interested with his interested unique approaches. I feel that his use of makeup is extremely effective in creating specific themes. Usually a symbol is made on the face of the subject which represents something in life. He also includes an abstract artistic side to his work by making the models look like cartoons or paintings. This work is very colourful and striking and stands out significantly as it looks as the subject is in fact objectified. I believe that I could replicate this in relation to my themes as I do art myself and could introduce an artistic flair to my photography. Also on the other hand a lot of his work is in black and white, yet it can still create a very powerful message. Implying that the symbol on the objects face is very effective in convey as particular theme.

This photograph contains several of the formal elements within it. First of all, colour is very visible in this piece with the blue and green writing contrasts with the dark background and person's face. The paint on the face is in a variety of letter shapes forming words/phrases and patterns which are enhanced by the dark background. The words themselves can be very meaningful, in this piece they are words of another language but some words such as love, time, peace and music can be seen. This can be a very effective way to illustrate specific messages. Also the way the writing curves on the face provides a sense of form.

This photograph shows a clear  shape on the subjects face who's eyes are shut. Their are three arrows which have been arranged to look like the recycling symbol/ logo. This are seen through relatively thin outlining of the arrows which contrast with the rest of the subjects face and background being white. The whole face of the model is white because it has been painted on.  Shadows can be seen around the jaw and neck areas which imply a sense of form. In the top right hand corner of the composition, lines are shown in the hair of the model.

This is another piece of photography where the formal element of contrast is very visible. Once again the subjects face is completely white with her eyes closed and a black design painted on her face. Simple shapes have been included to construct a recognisable design on the face. It is evidently a Micky Mouse design where the tongue of the subject also acts as the tongue of the design. This is clearly an effective way in creating designs that are recognisable and could easily convey a message or theme.

This photograph opposes the two above and acts as an invert. This time the subjects face is painted black and contrasts with white lines and circles painting over the top. These lines are very symmetric and parallel and therefore creates a particular pattern/ arrangement of lines. The pattern itself conveys a theme of electronics as these patterns are stereotypical and could perhaps replicate circuit boards. Also this piece is very different from the others as the subjects eyes are open and looking directly into the camera, making eye contact with the viewers. 

How he has influenced me:

Alexander has influenced me to experiment with makeup and paint on the face on the subjects of my shoots. This can be very effective in illustrating specific themes and topics for my project and is also a very different and unique approach to the project. I feel that to relate to my theme of damage I could put makeup on my models face to make it look as they are injured. Another way in which I could do this is by painting words on the face of the subject which all relate to the theme, I could explore this in terms of damage to humans (physically and mentally) or even damage in general. I could also experiment this with my other theme of pollution to display a message that pollution has on the world.

Summary: 

Overall, I feel that Alexander's work is very effective due to his appliance of make-up, showing lines, shapes, patterns, colours and structures. His work is also very effective in portraying a specific atmosphere/theme or symbolise something. This was very helpful for me when I applied make-up to my models face in order to symbolise injury.

                              Michael Kelly

Biography:

Towards the start of his career, Mike grew up in Lake Tahoe after graduating from the University of Vermont with degrees in studio art and environmental science. As his client base grew, so did his love for architecture and interior design. After working throughout Northern California for a number of years, he headed south to Los Angeles, one of the world’s leading cities for art and architecture. His work specialises is the aspect of time. He takes two separate pictures in the same place, of the same object but just at two separate times.

Why I chose this photographer:

I chose Mike because I really like his technique of combine to separate images together to make one new photographs illustrating happenings of before and after. He is extremely precise in his work and almost takes his individual photographs in the exact same place, making them so effect is it looks like an original image. Time is a major feature in his work as he photographs scenes and events before and after, usually in the daytime and then dusk. He has a tendency to usually include the sky in his work as it acts as the main indication that time has passed through the change in colours.

This work, along with all of his other pieces are made out of two separate photographs before and after time passes. The formal element of reflection is very dominant in this pieces; it is shown through lines of light reflecting onto a river. Colour is also very important as it indicates the two different times the photographs were taken. The left photograph's sky and water are of a blue colour, indicating daytime. Whereas on the left they are more redish/purple which indicates a sunset. Depth is also evident in this work as the small buildings and mountains gives the impression of distance. The bridge also shows depth as the spaces between the struts, which hold up the bridge, become smaller as it gets further away.

Movement is a bold formal element displayed in this piece and also is very effective in implying different times in the day. In the left image the car passing by is blurred which implies movement. In  the right image, only red/white light beams are visible which also imply movement. These light beams are of the lights of a car which would only have its lights on near night time. The colour of the sky is once again a key factor in showing the different times of day. The left photo is of a much light shade of blue with clouds whereas the right image is of a darker tone of blue, indicating it is take later. The lights on the buildings on the rights also imply it is taken at a later time.

Colour and light are the two main factors in this piece that show a difference in time. The windows in the right photo are much more colourful and are also are much more transparent which would  of been enhanced by the darker surroundings. Also there are lamp post lights on which further the impression that this is the later image. However the left picture is much darker than the right which could cause other interpretations that it is taken later. Once again the colour of the sky in the right image is composed of red/orange tones which indicate that the photograph has been taken at sunset.

How he has influenced me:

Mike has inspired my to explore his style of work of creating a piece of photography which illustrates scenes of before and after. I could introduce this into my own work very effectively as it would fit very suitably with my theme of damage. I could take a photograph of an object "before" in its original state and then take a photograph "after" it has been damaged. I could do this and also introduce Alexander's style as well. 

Here is one example of my work where I have used the same technique of Michael of taking two separate photographs of the same object at two different times. This shows the tree in two differing conditions, the left side in sunny and bright conditions, whereas the right side is much darker and in snowy conditions.

Summary:

Ultimately, I really like Michael's work due to his precise positioning and interesting composition. I feel that his work is very relatable to my own as he inspired me to begin to explore my there of before and after and taking two photos, putting together in order to create one new original piece.

Stephen Wilkes

Biography:

Stephen Wilkes is an American photographer known foremost for his series of abandoned structures such as at Ellis Island and the former Bethlehem Steel factory both which he has captured as a lost world caught in a sort of visual amber. The newest body of work by Wilkes is entitled, Day to Night. The work embodies epic cityscapes of Manhattan and other major U.S. cities with fleeting moments throughout the day to night. Wilkes photographs them from one camera angle continuously for approximately 15 to 18 hours. A select group of images are then electronically blended into one photograph.

Why I chose this photographer:

I chose to study the work of Stephen Wilkes because his work style corresponds accordingly to the other photographer I studied being Michael Kelly. He photographs things before and after, or in his case day and night. Instead of his work being clearly cut into two images like Michael, he takes several photographs which are blended into one. This creates a very effective outcome is the the product looks like one continuous photograph. He provides me with another technique to use to explore my theme of before and after.

Colour and tone are very effective in this image in order to indicate a difference in time. The left side if the image is very dark with glowing orange colours supplied by lights. The right side of the composition is much brighter where more things can be seen. This sky, used effectively in all of his work, conveys time through the different colours illustrated. Depth is visible in this piece as all of the composition tends to merge towards the centre of the piece.

In this photograph of the Eiffel Tower depth is key as the Eiffel Tower looks smaller, this is because it is in the distance. The lines of paths all merge towards the centre of the composition. In the piece the image is create by merging together the top and bottom of the photographs taken instead of merge the left and right sides. Therefore the top call is taken later which is shown through the colour of the sky being dark with orange tinges in the distance. Also the lights on the Eiffel Tower and buildings indicate darkness. This contrasts with the bottom half/foreground which is much lighter where bright tones of green are seen. The presence of shadows gives the impression that this half was taken in daylight.

This photograph has been taken from a relatively high angle. Once again the right side is taken later than the left side which is implied through the thin beams of light which demonstrate the movement of the cars. The right sides background is much darker than the left as the skyline acts like a silhouette to the slightly orange sky. This contrasts with the left side where the sky is blue and full of clouds. The buildings in the background can be seen instead of being a silhouette. The shape of a circle forms the roundabout where several lines and shapes show the marks in the road.

In this photograph movement and lines are shown very well through the light beams created by the boats in the river. This beams are also very bold as their are very colourful, their colours also reflect onto the water. Colour can also be seen in the lights of the buildings in the distance. This indicates that the right side was taken at night as the lights are on. Depth is very bold in his work as the smaller buildings and people in the background give an impression of distance. Contrast is also displayed the same as his other work.

How has he influenced me:

Stephen's work is relatively similar to Michael Kelly's work yet so different at the same time. He habits a much different approach which I would like to replicate in my own work. Instead of cutting the separate photos apart distinctly he blends them all together. Also light beams are used quite often in his work in order to indicate the time of day being at night. Also Stephens work is based more on urban industrialised landscapes and I could like to use this style in my own work. 

This I my own piece which has been inspired by Stephen. I have separated the picture into two halves and edited the hue and saturation levels of both sides in order to present two different season, summer and autumn. I also blended the two halves together in order to show the influence by Stephen as he does the same in his work.

Summary:

I still really like Stephen's work as it also relates to Michael's work, contributing to the inspiration of my chosen theme before and after. He provides a slightly different approach to Michael as he blends the different images together which I feel is very effective 

Christoffer Relander

Biography:
Christoffer Relander is based in Raseborg, his home town. He became interested in art already at an early age. When he served the Finnish Marines between 2008-2009 he fell in love with photography. Today he has become a successful young fine art photographer with work done for national as well as international clients such as Adobe, Nikon and Oxford university Press. His work has as well been published in several notable publications and websites around the globe.

Why I chose this photographer:
Christoffer uses multiple exposure in his work. A multiple exposure is the superimposition of two or more exposures to create a single image, and double exposure has a corresponding meaning in respect of two images. This corresponds to my recent experiments and Michael Kelly's technique of taking two separate photographs and combining them to create one new image. The multiple exposure technique will provide me with another unique approach in experimenting with combine two images.

In this photograph, alike a lot of Christoffer's work a plain background is used to enhance the attention and detail to the figure in the centre of the composition. A close up image is used from a slightly low camera angle. This image has been merged with a photograph of a forest where trees and bushes are visible. The forest is composed of various lines and shapes which are enhanced by the black and white effect used. Despite the merging of the two photographs the left eye, nose and a part of the mouth can be seen through lighter tones. The overall outline of the piece is in the shape of the human, filled with forest detail.

Once again a plain background has been used to enhance the detail of the subject. This time a green colour scheme is used through the introduction of leaves on a tree. The right eye, nose and mouth are still seen but this time formed by lighter and darker tones of green. In this piece the top of the head has been cut of to enhance the effect of the leaves. The shirt of the subject is filled with several dark lines which illustrate the trees and branches. Around the edge of the subject much lighter tones are used to show form and the direction of the light source.

Here, again another portrait is used a the dominant figure and is filled by a tree and its leaves. Once again the top of the head is altered to convey the presence of leaves. This is also a very good technique as it also gives the impression of hair at the same time. Lighter tones have been used on the shoulders and the rest of the figure is shadowed, implying form. Patterns of leaves are used for detail in this piece. Once again a black and white effect is used to create a tonal piece, also the fact that the background is plain off white, the outline of the dark subject is amplified.

This pieces of photography uses a slightly different approach as this time the leaves/trees are the dominant figure with a man's face blended into the centre of the composition. Patterns of leaves are used to show the hair and eyebrows of the figure. Darker tones are used to show the form and detail of the man's face. This time a plain light background is not used, as the leaves continue and fill up the whole composition. The areas surrounding the face are much darker and therefore highlights the face, making it more bold and it therefore stands out in the detailed surroundings. 

How has he influenced me:
Christoffer has inspired me to experiment with the multiple exposure technique. If I am able to produce any work at a similar standard of his I would be more than happen. I feel that the way he uses a plain background to enhance the shape of the figure and detail of the merged image is very effective. I would like to create similar pieces by taking a photograph of a figure from a slightly low angle where lighter shades will form around the outline of the subject. Then I would like to merge another separate photo of leaves/trees which contain interesting patterns and organisations. 

Here is a piece of my own work where I have used the double exposure technique similarly to Christoffer. I took a photo of my little brother and merged it with a photograph I took of trees. I also put a black and white effect over the top to enhance the influence of Christoffer.

This another piece of my photography where I have once again used Christoffer's approach. This time I created a similar outcome where the leaves/trees are the dominant subject with my sister's face blended into it.

Summary:

Through analysing Christoffer's work I have liked his work even more, from this I have learnt the technique of double exposure and introduced it into my own work. I really like his pieces with the poses his subjects use as well as the way he merges the figures with natural objects.

David Mayhew

Biography:

Born in the UK David Mayhew initially studied for a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Design. His sense of adventure took him on a 19 months exploration in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii and hitch-hiking across Canada. It wasn’t until David moved to Turin, Italy working for Fiat Auto that the advent of digital photography first caught his eye. In 2003 David decided to bail out of the 9 to 5 environment and delve head first into photography, taking on studies in photography at the College of DuPage where he also joined forces with their meteorology program.

Why I chose this Photographer:

I chose to research David's work due to his observations of weather through analysing the condition of the sky e.g. clouds and the colour of the sky which is useful when creating my before and after pieces. This is because I need to indicate the time of day through the colour of the sky. David's work also relates to my previous response of showing evidence of the weather.

The formal element of colour is very significant in this piece as the blues and oranges fill the sky which is seen to the left of the composition through the clouds. The clouds are of a very dark tone as the photograph taken is of the bottom of them so this area is shadowed. These dark segments are very effective in showing the shape of the clouds as it contrasts with lighter areas. Some of the edges of the clouds are of a much lighter tone which implies the lesser density and highlight areas. Lines are also very visible in the centre of the composition where the sun rays shine through the clouds

This is a very tonal piece by David and clouds are once again the subject. The contrasting lighter tones oppose the darker tones in order to imply the shape and depth of the clouds and also supplies a sense of form. The dark background exaggerates the clouds and enhances their shape. The colour scheme is rather brown and grey which can convey the weather.

This photograph is a vast landscape of mountains/canyon whilst still using the sky very effectively. The colour of the sky being light blue and patched with oranges and yellows illustrates the time of day being a sunset. Darker areas on the clouds can perhaps imply weather as well as showing their form through shadow areas. Also there are a variation tones on the canyon itself. Parts of it is bright orange which shows the direction of the light source which is enhanced through the dark lines and areas which show shadow. Also depth can be seen in the background of the composition where other darker mountains are visible and also seem smaller due to the distance.

This photograph is very effective in demonstrating the weather of rain. This is apparent through the bottom of the clouds being very dark shades of grey. Also below the clouds their is a dark blurred area which give the impression of lines heading towards the ground; therefore suggesting rain. This area disappears behind a house in the mid-ground and therefore implies depth. This feel is continued through the windmill which can be seen close to the foreground which once again shows distance between parts of the composition. The house has one side of it which is very dark which opposes the front of it which is of a light shade of brown, therefore showing the positioning of the light source. The dark area below the clouds contrasts with the top of the clouds which are of much lighter tones and shades of grey.

How he has influenced me:

David has influenced my pay attention to the condition of the sky in order to 

portray a specific weather of time of day. The colour of the sky alone is very 

effective in convey time of day. If the sky is blue, the photo must of been taken in 

the day, whereas if the sky is red/orange, a sunset or sunrise is represented. By 

studying his work I have become fascinated with clouds due to their unique shape and form. 

The is a piece of my own work where I have created a trip-tic in order to show the different forms the clouds take and also the colour of the clouds can 

imply the type of weather and condition of the clouds.

Summary:
After researching David's style I feel that his work is very effective in showing weather through investigating the condition of the sky/clouds, focussing heavily on formal elements such as colour, shape, tone and form. Also I really like the vast landscapes and scenery he captures.