ITAP 8 Production For Visual Communicators

ITAP 8 Production For Visual Communicators 

Task 2 Workflow

Having come from a 3D design agency I thought it would be interesting to complete a workflow from that viewpoint. I find a step sequence clearer and easier to understand than a flow diagram. It might be a bit more restrictive, but the advantage of having a proscribed process for the ideal  route to market, I feel is worth the loss of flexibility. 

Task 5 Who is your favourite expert and why

From studying Michael Kenna’s work, I have learnt a lot about identifying the subject of an image. His minimalist style and the stillness that is generated from his images are designed to illicit a response of wanting to step into it.

Looking at is photographs you notice that the horizon is very clean, uncluttered, with the camera angle generally below it. Also that he works with only 3 or 4 elements within the images. This adds to the effect of serenity the images generate. Kenna produces a harmony within his pictures and he views them as an invitation to the viewer to imagine they are in “that place”. Kenna has an innate ability to make the ordinary extraordinary.

It is evident that he adopts as much attention to post production techniques as he does to the images themselves. Adjusting contrast, brightness, increasing shadows, and highlights, all to enhance the mood he aims to achieve. Working in black and white further simplifies an image and brings more clarity to the subject and develops the mood.

I have completed pastiches of his work is and found it demanding, as it is difficult to find a location that fits all the requirements to emulate his simplicity. This lead to lot of travelling, I found misty weather is extremely helpful, as it defuse the back drop and makes more subjects available.

In an interview on YouTube Kenna says “I use a meditative approach to get to the subject matter” (stepping into the NOW). Also “your part of a collaboration with nature, you need to develop a symbiotic relationship. The photographer and subject matter make the image together”. I like his outlook, style, and meditative approach, probably because it goes against convention.