Synopsis

Synopsis

Project Name: Landscapes in Transition

For this project I will document landscapes which have been affected by human presence in the past, ‘transitional landscapes’ and areas that humans are currently developing and as some may believe, exploiting. I will be taking these images mainly in the north east but also a few in the wider area so I can document a great range of landscapes and how the area they are in affects the usage of the land. I’ve chosen this as my subject matter as it progresses perfectly from my dissertation and it ties into what I want to be doing in the future.

After completing my dissertation which discussed the reality and relevance of landscape photography, I’m definitely re-motivated to expand upon my landscape portfolio, but to also develop my style and adopting some of the traits of Edward Burtynsky work. Burtynsky’s work was discussed throughout the second chapter and the conclusions that I worked towards will be the basis of this project. One of the key aspects of Burtynsky’s work was the locations that he chose to work in. The following points are starting locations in which I will visit to get myself started. 

·         Fracking in Lancashire

·         Fracking planned in North Yorkshire near Flamingo Land

·         Seal sands

·         New housing/ industrial developments

·         Effects of mining in the north of the country

·         Renewable energy sources (wind turbines)

·         Potentially some cityscapes

To record these changes I’ll use both my film cameras. To take the initial/ practice images I’ll use my Canon 50E 35mm camera with colour film, and for the main images I’ll uses my Bronica with the Ektar colour film which will capture greater detail.

I was considering using the college’s 5x4 field camera however it will be a difficult thing to carry about in the first few months after my knee operation (December 2014). Even though using the smaller format limits the size I can print a highly detailed final image, I will still be able to print an 20x24inch image with 100 ISO film used by the Bronica as it has it has very fine grain. Presenting landscape images is difficult, but I think these images will be best presented as large prints (around 20x24 inch) for the Bronica images, along with smaller images around A4 size created by the 35mm camera. All prints will be presented with one inch white boarders, in clear sleeves and kept in a print box. As I found in my dissertation the photographer knowledge of the area and situation plays an important part in the shoot and the overall impact of the image so my blog will be very supportive of the images I’ll be creating, i.e. providing back up information. With these initial project ideas I should be able to produce a good body of work but also create a base which will sustain me long after the project is finished and a platform that could lead to future recognition and paid work.