Graded Unit Plan – Callum Kirkwood
Graded Unit Plan – Callum Kirkwood
Over this past year I have found myself becoming more infatuated with photography as time went on and have been given opportunities to delve into different areas which has given me a better perspective and understanding of where I want to focus my time and energy on, of which that being portraiture. Portraiture is something I found myself really interested in as I found the concept of someone being represent by an image or pushing an idea through someone rather impressive. I found myself fascinated both personal portraits and fashion. This led me to investigate classic photographer David Bailey, Albert Watson and even more modern photographers such as Platon and Mark Mann. Of the work I've looked at these are stand out names which really appealed to the style and area of photography which I wanted to pursue.
For my project I aim to create series of sophisticated/ structured portraits inspired by classic and contemporary photographers, of which I want there to elements of fashion. Having said that I will not focus purely on fashion's The main drive behind my process will be entirely focused on the model as an individual and personality. I aim to represent these characteristics through styles, expressions, lighting, angles and compositions etc. These techniques especially being inspired by the likes of Watson and Bailey.
Last year I wanted to work in the studio with my year 1 graded unit “buskers of Glasgow” however this wasn't very practical with covid guidelines and lack of interest from the buskers themself, so from this I had to improvise and produce candid street photography. This had led to me this year really trying to focus and improve on my studio work. Hence why i will be basing my graded unit in the studio, again this is to be reminiscent of the styles of classic photographers previously mentioned.
Lastly, I'm aiming to really improve my approach in terms of creativity. I want my confidence to improve by experimenting and really going outside the box. Even though I am very much inspired by the works of other prominent figures, I wish to have these photographs be of my own style and character. I want myself to be reflected in these images and have them be a solid representative of what I can achieve as a photographer.
These images could be featured in an exhibition, due to how it reflects into a photographer's personal life, and it can push forward certain viewpoints, depending on the topic of the exhibition. However, one like this would be seen as an insight into a photographer's life and what they are particularly interested in. Many likeminded artists would enjoy seeing the work and creative processes that goes into Photography.
For my graded unit I'll be investigating further into photographers who are well established in studio work such as :
Both David bailey and Albert Watson were stand out studio photographers for me and I love their ability to connect with the models and ability make it seem like the viewer has a connection with them. Their studio work is also fantastic in terms of composition and lighting and is something I am wanting to take into my work in the next coming weeks.
Another thing I will be researching into is printing and frames in terms of price, material and quality, however last year I used deadly digital and would like to use them again as they got my print back rather quickly with a high-quality finish.
Im planning on researching into different types of prints of which being I want to print in square format, I'm wanting to see how large I can make my prints. I would also like to go into different printing places and get an idea of how different types of paper look and feel so I can create a better decision on what type of finish would suit my images. In addition to this I need to gain a rough idea of how much this will cost so I then create a small budget plan with this will be included the folio box.
For my models, I want to try and keep this authentic and have them in their own “typical” style in so they are more comfortable in the studio, so they don’t feel any pressure and could relax however ill plan who will wear what type of clothing so they images done become more repetitive. I will talk to my models individually and get a rough idea of what everyone's going to wear and adjust it along the way, if need be, mean while keeping ideas fresh by looking online.
Something which I will need to research into and brush up on is my lighting techniques – again this is something which is essential and important if I want my images to look unique and stand out from one another. Although I have been practising this over the course, I want ot make sure im going into my shoots 100% prepared and ready.
Techniques and approaches – Justifications
First, I'm planning on shooting in the studio for every shoot, one thing I also want to use in my production is the use of a white background I want to use this to isolate my subject, so they are clearly the focus and there are no distractions. I'm planning on shooting in colour as as I believe it will allow my subjects to fully express themself, however I'm very open to the concept of making some of the images black and white as it then becomes more about the subject, lighting, shadows, details and tone of the image which is something I would like to experiment with.
I plan on doing ten shoots with 10 different models all located in the college studios. The college studios are well facilitated with lighting equipment, light modulators, camera equipment and the backdrops which is very essential for my project. I plan on using different and unique lighting for each person to stop the series of images becoming repetitive. This will include the use of different light modulators such as flags, reflectors, snoots, beauty dishes and soft boxes. This will allow for me to create unique and interesting lighting on my models.
Although I'm looking at photographers and their older work which was shot on film, I will not be doing that as I'm taking a modern approach with my Fujifilm xt3 (mirrorless) as it's also the camera I'm most comfortable with, however my lens choice is limited to only a 35mm prime and 56mm prime (the camera is crop sensor so the focal length is around 50mm for the 35 and 85mm for the 56) which both a great for portrait photography especially as I can take advantage of their shallower depths of field however I don’t have a wider lens which I would ideally have for variety and creativity so I'm planning on borrowing a canon 6d with a wide angle lens from the college store.
Another thing which I'm planning on doing is with my photos is when it comes to prints i want them printed in square format this is not only a way to keep my images consistent and connected as a series, I feel that it would pose a unique challenge and visual difference from other work which I've already produced.
Timelines / Completion of Project
Week 1 (13th – 19th march) - Begin research into plan, potential ideas and themes and produce plan
Week 2 (20th – 26th march) - HAND IN DATE 26TH {1000 word illustrated plan uploaded to canvas)
Week 3 (March 27th – 2nd April) - In this time organise models, fashion styles, models releases, Begin in depth research into fashion and personal portraiture
Week 4 (April 3rd – April 9th) - Continue with research, produce risk assessments and model Releases
Week 5(April 10th – April 16th) - Begin to calculate overall costs of work (prints and folio boxes)
Week 6 (April 17th – April 23rd) begin shooting in the studio and try and do 2 –3 shoots
Week 7 (April 24th – April 30th ) Continue shootings (again attempting 2 to stay on time)
Week 8 (May 1st – May 7th ) Order in print box to make sure it arrives in plenty of time (continue shooting 2 – 3 models)
Week 9 (May 8th – may14th) continue shooting and potentially finish to then start my evaluation – send away for 5 prints and frames
Week 10 (may 15th – 21th) begin to assemble graded unit and finalise any last loose ends
Week 11 (may 22nd – may 30th) Hand in dates 29th may for digital folio Hand in date 30th may for physical folio
