Assignment 5 - Rework
Following on from my tutors feedback and looking into the work of the photographers he suggested, I decided to rework my set of images and try to communicate a deeper meaning behind the set. My tutor touched on the idea that we are not as free as we think. After looking into Fay Godwin's 'Forbidden Land' and noticing an accidental acknowledgement to her series I decided to go back through my contacts and see if I could put a better set of images together that followed the theme that there are barriers all around us, keeping us contained. We are led to believe that we have freewill, but with these restrictions around us wherever we go, actually just how free are we? This also goes for horse and owner in my images. There will always be a sense of control in their relationship.
New images added
ISO 400 ~ 70mm ~ f/5.6 ~ 1/1250sec
This shot is beautifully lit from golden hour light. The shadows in the background formed on the trees create a nice contrast from Flicka's golden coat.
In the background is a bold 'private property' sign with a CCTV sign above it telling walkers that they must not trespass on the land. A nod to Fay Godwin's 'Forbidden Land' series.
The red sign sits on the rule of thirds grid and is in line with Flicka's eye, which for me is the focal point of the frame, allowing the viewers eye to move to the sign after exploring the horses eye.
ISO 400 ~ 70mm ~ f/5.6 ~ 1/160sec
The private property signage in this shot sits in the middle of the frame, drawing the attention of the viewers eye and then allowing the frame to be explored behind it. The gate in the image forms a barrier to what is behind it. Is there more woodland, more horses? It leaves the viewer wondering.
ISO 400 ~ 125mm ~ f/4.2 ~ 1/1000sec
Again here, the natural light of golden hour illuminates this shot in a nice way.
The mobile phone in this image snaps us back to the reality that modern technology is all around us and hard to escape.
Looking at a deeper meaning behind my original photos
Below I have added my original thoughts on my images but also added some deeper meaning to communicate my ideas behind the series once I had reflected and done some more research.
ISO 400 ~ 98mm ~ f/4.0 ~ 1/80sec
This shot took a few attempts to achieve because of how quick horse and owner were moving. I wanted to capture the contact of the hands holding the rein to show how they are constantly connected and the sense of control.
I think the deep depth of field here really brings the focus in on the hands and reins that are central to the frame.
ISO 400 ~ 70mm ~ f/5.6 ~ 1/100sec
A special moment was captured here showing the bond between horse and owner but the horse almost looks to be yielding to her owner in submission. Flecks of light spread through the trees landing on Flicka, in-particular her eyes, giving them an orange glow as she looks directly at my sister.
ISO 400 ~ 70mm ~ f/4.0 ~ 1/250sec
There is a lot of shadow within this frame but I enjoy how the sun light is still visible through the tops of the trees, creating a slight glow.
I also enjoy how only my sisters head can be seen whilst looking at Flicka from a different angle.
One obvious thing that sticks out in this photo is the red sign on the tree. It sits nicely on the left rule of thirds grid line, allowing your eyes to explore it but reminds us of the barriers and warnings that are constantly around us.
ISO 400 ~ 36mm ~ f/4.8 ~ 1/400sec
Like the image above I composed this image using the rule of thirds to show the expanse of the field in the background.
There is a flood of shadow cast by the trees in this shot but I like how the light that has managed to escape has created a dappled affect on Flicka's stomach and front leg. Almost like a rippling water reflection.
This image in itself is a nice shot but there is a leading line in the photo that brings an industrialisation to it - the pylon and electric wires.
ISO 400 ~ 75mm ~ f/5.6 ~ 1/500sec
I love the golden glow that this image has. The light bounces off of Flicka's sandy coat to create a warmth within the frame but there is also shadowing within the image which creates a nice contrast of light meeting dark.
I chose not to feature Flicka's face in this shot as I wanted to focus on the line of her neck and her shoulder muscles. The hand upon Flicka's back creates a pivotal point within the frame but also brings us back to that sense of control that humans have over animals.
ISO 400 ~ 70mm ~ f/5.6 ~ 1/1000sec
Flicka looses her golden sand colour in this shot where her neck and head are in shadow but the field in the background is brightly lit with a flat light.
The shallow depth of field here could almost make you miss the fence that surrounds Flicka, enclosing her in.
ISO 400 ~ 140mm ~ f/5.6 ~ 1/250sec
Flicka is alert in this shot as she was spooked by movement in the trees. She quickly turned to look as my sister tried to comfort her to calm her but again an assertion of authority over such a big strong animal.
The lighting here is peeking through the trees and sits on the top of Flicka's neck and the back of my sisters hair, almost like a small spotlight has been shone on them.
Reflection on Assignment 5 rework
The rework of my set of images definitely sits a lot better with me now. With my original set I wanted to showcase the relationship between horse and owner by photographing them in a non generic way but I feel now with this rework there is a much more solid theme running through the images. Each shot depicts a barrier or question of freedom but also still illustrates that horse/owner relationship.
The question of freedom is depicted in each image, whether it be by a physical barrier such a gate or a sign, a hand holding a lead rein or a reassuring touch. A coupe of the images give an outlook into a big open field but we are brought back to reality with a pylon or lead rein.
I feel much happier with my set of images and found that the suggestions of photographers that my tutor suggested I look into really changed my perspective on my own images and allowed me to look at them in a different way and produce a better set of images.