Reflective statement
Over the course of the live brief, I have taken part in many workshops covering different equipment and how to use them; both macro and telephoto lenses, to more alternative and sustainable methods of creating work in response to urban biodiversity. I have conducted experimentation with different methods of producing images such as cyanotype, microscopes, lumen prints and using a more environmentally friendly developer made from pine needles. After a consultation and feedback session with the clients in which I presented three different ideas, wildlife photography, abstract microscope images and macro photos of flora and fungi. I decided to proceed with my idea of wildlife photography aiming to deliver high quality images of the different avian species that frequent the campus, one of my main factors when decide to do this method was to take into consideration on what my fellow photographers were also producing as I thought this would give both the sustainability team and the art collection a more diverse selection to choose from, and in doing so decided to take a more factual representation of the subjects rather than and artistic approach. In doing so I’ve learned how to operate large lenses such as the sigma 500mm f4 and I have become more comfortable and familiar with the canon operating system on the R6 mark 2 cameras. With my choice of how to produce my images has also led me to learn more about birds, researching what species of birds I am taking photos of, when are the best times to go and take photos based on bird activity in addition to this I have started to collect recordings of bird songs from my photoshoots. I found that there are many challenges you face when photographing birds, one issue was timing, they are so small that I struggled to locate them in the trees when taking photos, it is only with patience that I was able to capture many of the images, trying not to dwell on the many missed shots before. I found it very rewarding when reviewing the images and finding an image that makes you feel electric, like ‘that’s stunning'. It was very nice to see things that with my eyes alone, I would not been able to see due to how fast and small avians can be, the only ones I noticed before starting this brief where larger ones such as magpies, crow, pigeons and any aquatic species. Now as frustrating as it may be, I observe for longer, carefully scanning over branches of trees to see if there are any birds present. The skills and confidence I have gain regarding the equipment I’ve used during this brief has been helpful, before I would not have the confidence to use such large lenses never mind take them off campus for other photoshoots but this brief has allowed me to be shown how to safely and correctly put together camera, lens and supports and how easily using it can be.
