Final Pieces

I decided to make my final pieces a combination of my favourite photos of the birds from the photoshoots. I really like the way they look when theyre combined together. I like the way they almost create a picture frame with the way theyre angled and the wah I've set up the colours, with the pictures of the green parrot being at opposite ends and the pictures of the red parrot being the same. I enjoy how its almost a storyboard that tells a story of the birds, a story that can be decided by the viewers. below, I decided to see what the picture looked like in greyscale.

The greyscale version has a lot more expression and emotion to it, but due to the subject of these photos their colour was a key element to them. For this reason, Im not entirely sure whether I like it or not, as it seems to have removed the feeling from the image. However, I like the way the different tones are shown through the grays,  and how soft it makes the images look. With some of them it looks like a bit of a mess with the amount of things going on, like the bottom right one. I do like it, however. I prefer the coloured version more, and will use it as my final piece. 

 

This is another piece I decided to elect as a final piece. Its a photomanipulation of two photos put together, but I really like the way it looks. I really like the way the lighting works with the piece, and the way I've mirrored the head at each side. It gives the picture quite a nice border and the way it is the same deer. I like the way the deer seems to be smiling, and how bright the light reflecting off the skull is. I also like the soft light on the deers skeleton in the center of the piece, too. The way it doesn't steal too much attention from the rest of the piece. It blends very nicely together.

For my last final piece I decided to manipulate some more of the spotlight photos of my skulls and blend them together. I really like the outcome of these next two pieces, I will explain why later. They are made up of the following photos, a selection of my favourites. 

After I had selected the photos, I decided to make them all grey scale and de-saturated, and then decided to patch them all together in a way which I think looked the best. I wanted the two "longer" photos to be at opposite sides, whilst the shorter, profile photos are at the other opposite ends. I like the way the picture is very expressive with the contrast, despire that fact the photos dont entirely make it obvious as to what it is. 

This is the first of two of my final pieces. I really like the way it came out. I experimented with alternate angles to give it more form, instead of the two similar looking shots being on top of each other, I put them at the opposite ends of the piece. I like how smoothly they conjoined, making it look like one photo when its actually four. The blending on this picture is very well done. 

This piece is my favorite piece, a combination of  a photo I took of a fox skull and a muntjac deer spine. I really like the way the lighting works in this piece, and how abstract it is. The spots of light draw attention to the matter involved well, and it has quite a nice atmosphere to it, still looking quite natural. The spine almost looks like part of the skull, and both of them look very well together. The angle and the lighting is very professional, the way half of the skull is in darkness, and the other half in bright light. 

More close up feather photos

I decided to take some close up shots of my pheasant and rooster skins, due to their rather warm colours, against my blue painted room, as I thought the contrast would work nice. These are the results.

The colour depth on these photos is really nice. I enjoy the sunset-esque colours, the way the image blends from yellow to purple through the colour spectrum. It gives the image a firey feeling, and the pointed feathers enhance this. I also like how chaotic it feels due to the shapes and the onslaught of feathers, just how many there are. The blue background adds some really nice contrast to the photos, enhancing the intense colours of the feathers. The fact that its so close up also may make it so that its not quite obvious to the viewer what it is. The feathers could also look like intense brush strokes from afar.

This photo looks almost magical, but in a chaotic way, due to the intense colours. I like the way it merges from orange to blue. It has a very chaotic feel to it due to the black on the feathers. The colours are very sporadic and war like. The angles also look like things being fired into the darkness. The blue tints in the feathers add some serious interest, and make it look more fantasy-like and magic. The light blues and intense oranges could be seen in the context of angels fighting demons.

I like the way that this birds feathers look rather scale-like, like the creature could actually be a fish. The feathers are shiny and reflect in intense blue colours, which could represent the ocean. It is very abstract and very up to the viewer to decide what it is. The colours are intensely different, but they still flow and blend together in a nice harmony, and the bright blue feathers add some visual appeal and interest to the piece.

Fish skulls

These photos were taken at home, on top of a clear acrylic box, as I wanted to see what kind of effect it would give the photos. All in all, I am pleased with the results. 

With the image below, I like the way that I've laid it out quite neat and tidy, and the way the fish are positioned quite orderly to kick. The images could represent young and old, and the history of the two fishes. For example, the one on the left is dirty and broken, did it lose its parts due to an attack or just due to age and rot? It gives the fish an ancient feel, like its an old one. The other fish however, looks younger, brighter, with the orange tint and more of itself in tact. The images could be a way to represent generations and aging. It could also represent how different we all are and what kind of histories we've been through.

I also really like the way that the skulls stand out against the background, especially the orange one. The entire image almost looks grey scale like its intended for that skull to stand out, which gives the images some visual appeal. Despite the orange skull, the picture still looks very dull and cold, as it isnt an intense orange, and I really like that. The opposing colours could also represent conflict.

I really like the way these two photos show off the skulls from different angles, and the depth of field is really well done. I like how it almost shows how different each one looks from each different angles, and they both fill up eachothers backgrounds nicely. Theyre out of focus enough to not catch the attention but at the same time its still obvious what they are.

More bird photos.

The way the blues contrast against the golds on this picture is absolutely gorgeous, giving the image a "fire and ice" feeling to it. The bird on the left is extremely cold, implying its death,  whilst the birds feathers on the right are warm to represent life. It could also represent the peace of heaven and the chaos of hell. I like how the rule of thirds applies to this photo, how the bird isnt centered to give it more artistic merit and visual appeal.

The pure white of the deer skull contrasts significantly from the darker background of the fur and feathers. I really enjoy the way that the birds skull is laid so snugly between the antlers, showing its warmth, which is also shown through its colours and the browns and reds in the background. Its a very content and peaceful looking image, despite the fact it contains dead animals. The colours and textures complement eachother well, the way there is a bit of everything- feather, bone and fur. It could be seen as the fact that the birds almost found its peace in death.

I like the amount of different patterns on this image, and different textures. Again, its more like a collage than a photo. I also like how everythings quite sporadic and natural, in individual angles, yet it still looks natural the way its all shaped together. I like the way it almost creates a border. Its quite a lot to look at with the intense patterns but at the same time, due to the colours its extremely easy on the eyes.  The colours really complement eachother, even the touch of red on the top of the image doesnt look out of place, and if anything gives the image more personality.

Filter shots

In this photo-shoot I was practising using different coloured filters on photoshop in attempt to enhance photos and make them look more visually interesting. I really like the way the pictures below have come out. 

This shot is one that shows more clutter, a busier style as the eye can catch on any of the items in it. This particular look makes glancing back at the photo a different experience each time as eyes can fall on the pig, the skull, the bird or even one of the skins in a way to makes someone want to glance back and test what else they can see. The different coloured areas also help individualize things, and the warmth gives the photo a feeling of belonging. It makes the items contrast more as the eye jumps from one to the next. There is a lot to take in but its organised chaos that exhibits a collection that is organised in a way which could be deemed respectful, rather than just thrown on the floor. Its almost like a shrine again. It has a very collage -esque feel to it.

This photo is another posed photo and the slight angle gives the impression of it titling it's head and allowing the bones to caress/pet it. It shows the feathers, now ruffled and in disarray because of age, still have the shine as the light catches on the tips spreading it to give the bird a white contrast, but not enough to take attention from the bird. The bird almost looks like its at peace, with its eyes shut, content, showing that it died peacefully. . The tilt of darkness coming in from the left makes the bird stand out, almost like a ray of light is shining on its relaxed body. and the white of the bone stands out from the dark of the background, the intense white giving it a ghastly appearance too.

This photo could be seen as a story of survival, with the fish being the only thing with some kind of life to it, everything else being dead and dull. It could represent an environmental problem, expressing the fact that most ocean life has been destroyed and others are hanging on, reaching out to try and survive, just as this fish seems to be reaching out to the coral. However, the hope is false, as the fish itself is already dead, too. Its hook like teeth could resemble it trying to adapt and keep itself alive. I really enjoy the colours I used in this picture, and the context I used them in, to show the fish thats supposed to still be alive with warm colours and all the dead things with cold colours.

More Macro Fur shots.

I decided to take more close-up shots of some of my furs to study the different textures of each animal. I also really like the way the fur blends from white to tan and black, and the way you can almost see how each fur combines together to blend the colours. It almost looks like some kind of abstract painting. Like to some it could look like something contrasting like snow and fire, or snow on brown grass, due to the colours. 

I enjoy the way the fur changes direction in this one, showing its depth, the way that the layers of fur are visible, too. It could almost represent the layering of growth, considering these shots are from a deers winter coat. It could be seen as something different to fur, maybe as grass or some kind of household appliance. It could also represent purity with the white fur, and maybe something about the white taking over the dark, considering both pieces have white and dark on them. 

The way that these macro shots show each individual hair gives them appeal, also shows the perspective of the patterns that make up of each animal, instead of just one big blur. These photos could be taken into a context to show individuality, and how each little strand can build up one giant thing.

Birds and feathers

I like this picture as the background is rather artistic. It is actually a wine bottle box, but the pattern on the side is extremely beautiful. I love how the background looks very pretty and pure, with the curves and light coloured wood, whilst the dead, rotten bird head is extremely grotesque. I enjoy the contrast between the purity of the background and the putrid-ness of the main subject matter, but the way they compliment each other at the same time.

The flow of this picture implies that this picture is based more completely on the beauty side of things, the intricate pattern of the feather being very pretty as well as the background this time. The colours are all very soft colours, and blend together well to make the picture visually appealing to the eyes. I also like the way that even the black of the paint doesnt seem pitch black, further adding to the softness of the photo.

The rather wild colours in this photo make it very visually appealing. The amount of contrast in colour adds this elemental feel to it. I like the way how it seems like fire and water contrasting with the red/orange and blue feathers next to together. The viewers of the photo may think this, like its a war amongst the elements, and the grey could also potentially represent eath. Its a very abstract piece, too, more like a collage, an organised mess that works well on photo.

I enjoy the way that the different coloured feathers here make up the background, and all the different patterns and textures of the feathers, for example, some are spotted, some are striped, others are plain. The bird heads feathers look roughed up, like it has been in a war or a fight, and has finally been allowed to lay to rest. This could be how people could see this photo. I also like the way that the colours contrast between eachother, the blue feather in the background and the browns and oranges almost creates a scene. 

Animal Study drawings.

I decided to do some drawings to add to my project, of some studies of animals whilst they are alive. I chose to do them in quite a graphical style as just simple sketches and quick drawings to test myself on speed. I enjoy drawing in this style as it is fast and easy and allows me to make my art look quite dynamic with the posing.

This drawing was more studying angles and anatomy than trying to make an impressive piece. I think the orca is quite anatomically correct, and I like the way the pose is rather dynamic. 

This picture was more of a study of dynamics and angles, as well as colour. I wanted to put a bright coloured animal with a dark coloured animal, and it was also a good practice for different textures, like the parrots feathers and the piranhas scales.

I attempted an ocean background on this piece, and I am quite proud of the result. Usually water is quite hard to draw as it doesnt seem to have a texture and sometimes people get carried away just making it one colour. I tried to give the water on this drawing depth, and to show the whale moving towards the camera by making its back end darker. I also tried to show the whales movements properly with the way the bubbles are flowing. I used Sally Manns whale photos as a reference for the colour on this piece, and the way the lighting would work. 

These were photos I took at home of my bisected fetal pig. I thought it was ideal to photograph as the internel organs make it quite abstract, and the bright lighting I used is quite eerie. It also reflects well on the water in the glass,The way all the individual particles can be seen. 

I used a high power webcam with LEDs to take these pictures, and thats how I got such an intense light in the dark, even though the photos were taken at home.

These photos were taken in context to show how even something grotesque can look beautiful and interesting with the correct lighting. My intentions with these pieces was to eliminate the background completely and to focus on the subject matter.

I like the way that the deer skull is also visible on this piece, giving the photo more interest and spreading the piece across 2/3rds of the photo, making the more visually appealing with the composition. With just the pig in the center, the picture would look dull, more like an illustrative photo. The yellow lighting on the deer contradicts from the blueish lighting on the pig, enhancing the pictures appeal with the use of both warm and cold colours. I like the way the black consumes some of the pig, too, blending it into the background and giving it quite a mysterious feel.

This picture was taken at a closer range, exposing more of the pigs insides. Its quite chaotic as its difficult to tell what it actually is, but due to the colours it still has the feeling that its something living. The intense white doesnt take away from the photo too much in my opinion. I like the way that the heart is one of the most visible organs and is pretty much center of the piece, which could be viewed in a certain way. 

This picture was moreso me experimenting with shadows than with light, I really like how the saturation of the piece makes it look really calm, but the shadow of the ribs makes the picture quite intense due to the amount of lines there. I also like the way that the background isnt in focus, bringing the focus onto the shadow and the fish.

these are the same photo, but the one on the right is edited. I really like the depth of field on this picture, and the way the snake is laid out. I also love how the focus is on the snakes face, and how well the background blends, with quite natural colours. I also enjoy the more intense oranges and greens on the one on the right, the way it looks more jungle-like and natural. 

I love the rather soft lighting of this piece, and the way that its angled. I also like the way that the film has a shallow depth of field, and the colours involved. Its a very natural and soft image, with not too many things going on, and the skull still standing out due to the shadows. The feathers underneath it make an interesting setting, but not stealing from the main subject matter.

I wanted to continue with the spiritual context of my work, trying to show respect for the animals in death and almost trying to make them look animate in a way. I've also attempted to show the animals with natural items, like flowers and the natural coloured backgrounds. However, I wanted to make it different to my older photos by using brightly coloured tropical birds to add more of a contrast to the pictures rather than the colours working in harmony.

This is my favourite picture from the series. I love the way the parrots are laid out,  almost in a kind of manner, where they are being laid down in a respectful way. I love the way that the purple of the flowers and the texture of the leaves seems to give the picture more interest too, almost like they are a tribute or offering. The colours also work extremely well with eachother too. All in all, the picture is quite harmonic and peaceful.

I love the way that these two birds seem to be hugging each other, giving the image a very appealing and happy atmosphere despite the fact that the birds are dead. The fact that they are the same species of bird also enhances this image, making it quite grotesque, like they were long lost siblings that found eachother in death. 

The colours of the bird gives a really good contrast against the background, but it still looks natural, I also enjoy the way the composition piece is, the way it applies to the general way a photo should be taken, via the golden ratio.

This piece is one of my most favourite pieces. I adore the spiritual feel of the photo, like its paying dues to the bird. The bird also looks extremely relaxed, and the tame purple of the flowers adds to this effect. I also really like the way the birds intense red contrasts against the flowers, but still keeps the soft touch. It looks almost like a peaceful grave for the bird.

The flowers with the birds emphasize the delicacy of life and how delicate the birds are. Flowers are often associated with funerals and graves and paying respect to the dead, especially bright and colourful flowers. This is what my photos could represent from an external point of view. Just how short life is and how delicate as beings we are. 

Webcam photos

My webcam has the capabilities to zoom into things at an absolutely microscopic scale, so I chose to have some fun with it with some parts of my collection. Here are the results. I think these pictures would appeal more to people who are interested in abstract works, as they are zoomed in so close you cant even tell what some of them are. In these images Im exploring texture/surface qualities. I also want to explore how the closer you are to something, the less it looks like what it is.

I like how light and white these pictures are, theyre almost quite pure due to the intense light on them. I also Like how its not quite obvious what it is, giving the viewers some freedom to decide what they are themselves. They look almost like bright caves.

I like the way that the lighting works on the pores on this picture, and the way that some of them are dark and some of them are light. I also like the depth of field in this picture, even though its a macro shot it still has that. The gap between the pores applies to the rule of thirds, and it gives the eyes a chance to relax from everything else in the picture, which could be quite overpowering.

This first set is a selection of photos of my Plecostomus skull. I love the way that the lighting from the webcam brought out all of the tiny pores in the skin, and the way that the backlight works with it. I also like the soft, rather cold lighting in the pictures, as it contrasts with the creamy colours of the skull.

I like the way that this picture almost looks like it was taken under a microscope, I used my hand as a back lighting. I really like the way the pink contrasts with the blue, but it blends quite well and makes the image stand out even more. I also like the way that the spines are at a diagonal instead of horizontal, making the picture more appealing.

I really enjoy the contrast between the warm and cold colours of this piece. I also really like the texture of these pieces, the way its quite orderly and looks almost monstrous with the spikes. 

I like the way that these photos look like theyre from some kind of monster, even though in reality theyre only from some small fish that you'd miss if you walked past it. I like the way that my photos change the perspective of these animals, making them look more deadly and dangerous than they are. I also like the way that the fact Im expressing parts of animals people wouldnt otherwise know about, that arent entirely visible without zooming in close.

I love the quite intense blue on this picture, and the way that it almost represents the ocean. The sharks tooth almost looks like some abstract mountain thats been painted. I also like the darker area at the bottom of the picture, like its emerging from the depths. It could also have a second meaning to it.

This picture is supposed to be quite a disturbing photo, almost like its a fish graveyard. The fish fetus has really blank eyes that stare into nothing, giving the picture quite an eerie, empty feeling. The fish vertebrae are spiked, making it look quite dangerous and unsafe, like the fish has been captured there and left to die. However, the lighting contradicts the piece, being quite calm and soft.