During this process I feel that the areas I have researched on this blog have helped immensely in developing my skills as a cinematographer as well as how to construction an image. The earlier stages and tutorials proved vital in teaching me how to use a camera and without them I feel like I wouldn't have developed the skills I have. From simple things things from getting the right aperture for the situation to experimenting with shutter speeds and how that can affect the image's atmosphere, these elements were all used in a way in which I feel benefits the fifteen photo project.
When looking into narrative theories and structure, I found both Freytag's Pyramid and especially Montage Theory (The Kuleshov Effect) helped when designing how we could express our narrative through our photos alone. When looking at Kuleshov we really had to think about the emotional intention of proceeding images and how we could construct them in such a way that conveyed the feelings of our protagonist during his depression and distancing from the holiday season. The biggest example I feel of this is going from the image of the text from the characters mother to him smiling. This not only gives a clear reaction to the situation at hand, but also is also demonstrates a basic practice within Montage Theory as the text is designed to make the main character feel happy. If that text became anything different, it emotional response from the audience would have been altered. With Freytag, we had to look at the actual structure of our story and how we could built tensions towards some form of pay off (climax) at the end. We decided to have our protagonist slowly become introverted and begin to distance himself from his surrounding when he finds out he can't go home for Christmas, only to end with a sweet message from his family and himself happy once more. This decision was mostly had to fit in within 'Christmas genre conventions of a warm, happy ending but also we feel that it is a nice resolution to see this individual, who was stuck in this downward spiral at least get some form of pleasure at the end.
If I had to make changes within our project, one of them would be the actual inclusion of the Christmas season itself as I feel that is you were to remove a few key images and replaced them with others, it could be substituted for any time other time of year. We could have included more decorations or lighting displayed throughout the peace, however we already feel that our shot variety is a bit limited and this would have mean possibly even more wide angles and close ups. Another would be to experiment with our imagery a bit more as our shots so seem very static and don't really try anything too out there, however with our subject matter we feel as a group we couldn't be too surreal with our imagery.
Overall I think the project was an overall success in conveying the emotional journey our main character goes on throughout the narrative through cinematography and the colour of the clothing contrasting heavily with the bright, warm colours of the season. Although we do have some issues when it comes to themes and shot variety, these are things to take on board towards the next project.
Friday 8 January 2016
Thursday 7 January 2016
Examples of Visual Story Telling (Photo Essays)
The enemy within: A closer look at survivors of Boko Haram attacks across Northern Nigeria (The Washington Post In Sight)
(https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/in-sight/wp/2015/01/27/the-enemy-within-a-closer-look-at-survivors-of-boko-haram-attacks-across-northern-nigeria-part-ii/)
Within this photo essay it shows how people have been effected by Boko Haram attacks and how they rae dealing with life. Throughout it gives the message that these attacks have both destroyed lives, but also how it brings people and their communities together.
The first three images I feel are the most powerful of the whole article as they sum up the theme the best. First there is a small of eight months who somehow lost her left arm in the attacks. The way the photo has been stage clearly shows the girls disability, meaning she has to deal with it for the rest of her life, however the low angle in addition to the way she is facing to the side implies that she does not care about what happens to her and will rise above what is happened so that she can live a normal life. The second shows a man who was recently raided from imprisonment by Boko Harem, but how the image is staged makes it seem the opposite of joy and freedom. The fact that he is placed at the fron tof the photo facing somewhere outside the frame gives us the feeling that he doesn't know where he is going to go now he is free. Also the way the house behind him is crumbled and he looks almost sad about it seems as if that was his only home (given the situation) and gave him some safety so he has no idea what will happen to him from here on. Thirdly the image of the crowd of people gathered within the church gives off a strong feeling of community and shows that no matter what terrible, destructive things happen, the people of will still have faith and pray for the safety and well being of others.
Another image that I feel is very powerful is where the solder is protecting the people walking out of the building. Although he of the Nigerian Security Forces, he should represent peace and order, except the way that the photo has been staged makes it seem the opposite. The gun being placed so close to the lens makes it seem as if it is war and further fighting shall be the only thing that can protect the people. This is further shown by people walking out of the church as they seem terrified and uneasy by just the site of the weapon.
Finally is the image of the young girl walking through the street. The fact that she is walking alone in the middle if war torn streets placed between two solder, her oblivious understanding of what is happening around her, as well as the white robe around her head shows the innocence if children during war.
(https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/in-sight/wp/2015/01/27/the-enemy-within-a-closer-look-at-survivors-of-boko-haram-attacks-across-northern-nigeria-part-ii/)
Within this photo essay it shows how people have been effected by Boko Haram attacks and how they rae dealing with life. Throughout it gives the message that these attacks have both destroyed lives, but also how it brings people and their communities together.
The first three images I feel are the most powerful of the whole article as they sum up the theme the best. First there is a small of eight months who somehow lost her left arm in the attacks. The way the photo has been stage clearly shows the girls disability, meaning she has to deal with it for the rest of her life, however the low angle in addition to the way she is facing to the side implies that she does not care about what happens to her and will rise above what is happened so that she can live a normal life. The second shows a man who was recently raided from imprisonment by Boko Harem, but how the image is staged makes it seem the opposite of joy and freedom. The fact that he is placed at the fron tof the photo facing somewhere outside the frame gives us the feeling that he doesn't know where he is going to go now he is free. Also the way the house behind him is crumbled and he looks almost sad about it seems as if that was his only home (given the situation) and gave him some safety so he has no idea what will happen to him from here on. Thirdly the image of the crowd of people gathered within the church gives off a strong feeling of community and shows that no matter what terrible, destructive things happen, the people of will still have faith and pray for the safety and well being of others.
Another image that I feel is very powerful is where the solder is protecting the people walking out of the building. Although he of the Nigerian Security Forces, he should represent peace and order, except the way that the photo has been staged makes it seem the opposite. The gun being placed so close to the lens makes it seem as if it is war and further fighting shall be the only thing that can protect the people. This is further shown by people walking out of the church as they seem terrified and uneasy by just the site of the weapon.
Finally is the image of the young girl walking through the street. The fact that she is walking alone in the middle if war torn streets placed between two solder, her oblivious understanding of what is happening around her, as well as the white robe around her head shows the innocence if children during war.
See What Undocumented Immigrants Carry Across the Border
http://time.com/3647891/undocumented-immigrants-bags/
Within this photo essay the photographer tries to look past the current media interpretation of immigrants, that they are leeches of society who only desire to take jobs from people, and attempts to humanise them.
The way in which he does this is by taking a picture of a person's possessions and then taking a picture of them. This in a way makes us think of who might be carrying such items and for what purpose. This starts to humanise them as nothing that is seem really dangerous and of any real concern, which makes you think of who these people are, what they do for a living or even why they have what they have on them. The long shots afterwards make sure we can see each individual part of the person in question an it allows us to see that these are just normal people who are taking the bare essentials in order to start a new life in a new country. This goes against the current US media's interpretation of immigration and the people trying to cross the boarder. They are usually interpreted as poor, lazy people who only desire to get into the country to live off of the benefit system provided. These photo's strip that stigma away and show a desperation not for an easy living, but of a craving a new life filled with opportunities.
Monday 4 January 2016
Use of Colour, Space and Camera Shot
Colour
Within art colour can play a huge part in visual story telling as each individual significance and meaning:
Red: Anger, Lust, Aggression, Danger
Blue: Depression, Water, Faith
Green: Jealousy, Self Healing, Youth
Yellow: Wealth, Joy, Hope
Black: Power, Sexuality, Evil
White: Purity, Youth, Good
Purple: Royal, Transformation, Intimacy
Films that use colour:
Schindler's List, Pan's Labyrinth, American Beauty
(Schindler's List, 1993)
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/SplashOfColor
(American Beauty, 2001)
http://www.bellanaija.com/2015/07/confidence-in-every-curve-colour-inspiring-american-beauty-campaign-wants-to-make-you-love-your-body/
Space
Space can be a powerful tool in showing isolation and a character place in there surrounding world. A lot of negative (empty) space around an object indicates isolation and can be used to make things stand out from their surroundings. A lack of negative space on the other hand gives the impression of being trapped and can make a scene very claustrophobic. It can also be be used to make things within a shot seem very busy ans possibly disorganised.
Films that use space effectively: 2001: A Space Odyssey, Gravity, Mad Max: Fury Road
(2001: A Space Odyssey, 1966)
This shot uses negative space and framing well as despite the fact that the two characters are placed next to eachover, it still makes it seem as if they are alone. This is because the mass of white surrounding them makes it seem like there is nothing surrounding them, with the tunnel created through the framing makes them see small significance.
(Mad Max: Fury Road, 2015)
The lack of negative space within this image works as it reflects the busy, chaotic life style of the characters as it almost randomly fills the frame with a variety of different items while still giving a clear indication of power and order.
http://www.mat.ucsb.edu/~wakefield/amv/theory-image.htm
http://www.videomaker.com/article/c10/15681-how-to-effectively-use-in-negative-space-in-your-shots
Shots
Close up: Showing the shoulders upwards, this shot is mostly used to shows facial expressions especially a reaction to a situation. An Extreme close up contains just the face or certain features of it.
(The Passion of Joan of Arc, 1928)
https://filmstudiesforfree.wordpress.com/category/cinematography/
Mid Shot: Showing the torso upwards, this shot is mostly used in conversions and is a good way to show off a characters body language.
(The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, 2008)
http://krystlennadi.blogspot.co.uk/2011/02/camera-shots-and-film-analysis.html
Long Shot: This shot shows the entire body or from the knee upwards and shows off both body language and gives a brief idea of the characters relation to their surrounding.
(The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, 1966)
http://www.rajareviews.com/tag/medium-long-shot/
Establishing Shot: Used to establish location and is often accompanied by a pan.
(Gladiator, 2000)
http://entart-seniorprojects.blogspot.co.uk/2010/09/establishing-shots.html
Dutch Tilt: The camera is set at a tilt (anywhere between 1-359°) towards the side. This shot is mostly used in the presentation of surreal or psychological moments as it normally throws the framing off balance.
(2001: A Space Odyssey, 1968)
Over the Shoulder: Used in conversation and gives a brief insight into what the character can see. It can also be used to show the relationship between two characters from the use of angles
(Titanic, 1997)
http://ameliamedia.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/this-is-over-shoulder-shot-from-great.html
POV Shot: Allows us to see into the eyes of a character and see things from their perspective.
(Silence of the Lambs, 1992)
http://letsnottalkaboutmovies.blogspot.co.uk/2010/06/silence-of-lambs.html
Two Shot: This contains two actors and can be used in a variety of ways, but is mostly used for conversation or to show a relationship between the two.
(Birdman, 2014)
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/436121/showbiz/showbizabroad/oscar-winner-behind-birdman-filming-daunted-by-one-long-shot
Tracking Shot: This follows character's movements through the shout. It can be used to quicken the pace of a scene or to follow characters into different locations.
Within art colour can play a huge part in visual story telling as each individual significance and meaning:
Red: Anger, Lust, Aggression, Danger
Blue: Depression, Water, Faith
Green: Jealousy, Self Healing, Youth
Yellow: Wealth, Joy, Hope
Black: Power, Sexuality, Evil
White: Purity, Youth, Good
Purple: Royal, Transformation, Intimacy
Films that use colour:
Schindler's List, Pan's Labyrinth, American Beauty
(Schindler's List, 1993)
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/SplashOfColor
(American Beauty, 2001)
http://www.bellanaija.com/2015/07/confidence-in-every-curve-colour-inspiring-american-beauty-campaign-wants-to-make-you-love-your-body/
Space
Space can be a powerful tool in showing isolation and a character place in there surrounding world. A lot of negative (empty) space around an object indicates isolation and can be used to make things stand out from their surroundings. A lack of negative space on the other hand gives the impression of being trapped and can make a scene very claustrophobic. It can also be be used to make things within a shot seem very busy ans possibly disorganised.
Films that use space effectively: 2001: A Space Odyssey, Gravity, Mad Max: Fury Road
(2001: A Space Odyssey, 1966)
This shot uses negative space and framing well as despite the fact that the two characters are placed next to eachover, it still makes it seem as if they are alone. This is because the mass of white surrounding them makes it seem like there is nothing surrounding them, with the tunnel created through the framing makes them see small significance.
(Mad Max: Fury Road, 2015)
The lack of negative space within this image works as it reflects the busy, chaotic life style of the characters as it almost randomly fills the frame with a variety of different items while still giving a clear indication of power and order.
http://www.mat.ucsb.edu/~wakefield/amv/theory-image.htm
http://www.videomaker.com/article/c10/15681-how-to-effectively-use-in-negative-space-in-your-shots
Shots
Close up: Showing the shoulders upwards, this shot is mostly used to shows facial expressions especially a reaction to a situation. An Extreme close up contains just the face or certain features of it.
(The Passion of Joan of Arc, 1928)
https://filmstudiesforfree.wordpress.com/category/cinematography/
Mid Shot: Showing the torso upwards, this shot is mostly used in conversions and is a good way to show off a characters body language.
(The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, 2008)
http://krystlennadi.blogspot.co.uk/2011/02/camera-shots-and-film-analysis.html
Long Shot: This shot shows the entire body or from the knee upwards and shows off both body language and gives a brief idea of the characters relation to their surrounding.
(The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, 1966)
http://www.rajareviews.com/tag/medium-long-shot/
Establishing Shot: Used to establish location and is often accompanied by a pan.
(Gladiator, 2000)
http://entart-seniorprojects.blogspot.co.uk/2010/09/establishing-shots.html
Dutch Tilt: The camera is set at a tilt (anywhere between 1-359°) towards the side. This shot is mostly used in the presentation of surreal or psychological moments as it normally throws the framing off balance.
(2001: A Space Odyssey, 1968)
Over the Shoulder: Used in conversation and gives a brief insight into what the character can see. It can also be used to show the relationship between two characters from the use of angles
(Titanic, 1997)
http://ameliamedia.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/this-is-over-shoulder-shot-from-great.html
POV Shot: Allows us to see into the eyes of a character and see things from their perspective.
(Silence of the Lambs, 1992)
http://letsnottalkaboutmovies.blogspot.co.uk/2010/06/silence-of-lambs.html
Two Shot: This contains two actors and can be used in a variety of ways, but is mostly used for conversation or to show a relationship between the two.
(Birdman, 2014)
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/436121/showbiz/showbizabroad/oscar-winner-behind-birdman-filming-daunted-by-one-long-shot
Tracking Shot: This follows character's movements through the shout. It can be used to quicken the pace of a scene or to follow characters into different locations.
(Kill Bill, 2003)
Friday 11 December 2015
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