Question : “With several points the relationships are not so predictable. A group of objects implies a network of lines and can also create a shape – again by implication. In still life photography one of the basic skills is to be able to group objects together in such a way that they are linked attractively, in a relationship that is active rather than obvious and static. This is essentially a problem of placing several points. Set up your own still life with a background that is unfussy but not entirely plain use between six to ten similar sized objects each compact in shape. You should fix the camera firmly in one position, aimed down at the background ideally use a tripod. The idea is to control the composition by rearrangement, not by changing the framing with the camera.
Begin by placing one object; make a record of this by taking a photograph. Then add the second then the third and so on; each time take one photograph. The aim is to produce a final grouping, which is not so obvious as to be boring (avoid regular shapes) but which hangs together visually. The process will take some time, if you give it proper thought. Consider each move and the effect that each new addition has on the overall grouping. You will almost certainly have to readjust objects that you have already placed an may change your mind several times. This is perfectly normal in still life photography. When you have finished you will have a blow by blow sequence of photographs that records your decisions. For the final photograph draw a sketch, indicating the lines that relate the objects, and any basic shape or shapes that they form.”
Answer:
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- 1 A line is created from one point to another
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- 2 The front point seems to hold more attention so I have added a second point to the left to reinforce it.
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- 3 A triangle is created to the left and on the right the off centre position including shadow holds our attention.
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- 4 A secondary triangle seems to appear however it does not appear contrived.
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- 5
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- 6 A line is almost formed between the two triangles.
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- 7 I placed a further point however it seems a little sparce and not conclusive.
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- 8
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- 9 Filling in while still holding the appearance of triangles.
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- 10 A line is formed from the left towards the centre and off to the right. The triangle on the left holds its own.
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- 11 A semi circle can be seen to the left. However the two points to the right seem cut off from the rest of the image.
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- 12 The points need to be moved closer to each other
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- 13 Each group of points creates its own shape triangle to left square to middle with a line from left to right front.
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- 14 A semi circle to the left however disconnected from rest of image.
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- 15
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- 16
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- 17
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- 18 This seems still a little too obviously composed.
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- 19 I like this it appears casual also because of the cut offs on the left and right. The eye starts off from left to centre following a line then a series of hidden triangles holds the attention while we glance around the image.
What I have learned from this image is that it can be very difficult to place points in still life without the image being boring or appearing contrived. I have tried while preparing this still life of points using small nuts to initially have a slightly off centre point which I know will attract the eye and then to build on in Lines and Shapes such as triangles or circles.
Exercise 3 Assignment 2
Exercise 3 http://wp.me/p2dUJz-X
Assignment Two
Assignment 2 Submitted. http://wp.me/p2dUJz-87
Christopher Capoziello – Research Elements of Design.
