Experiment 2 - Colour Arrangement

For my next experiment, I wanted to look at colour arrangements as I felt that was a good, graphic photography technique which could be utilized in a way that conveyed my words in a stronger way than my previous attempt.

The main inspiration for this idea was photographer Emily Brincoe, whose use of gradient and symmetry/structure in her work caught my eye immediately. Brincoe's work inspired me and helped incite 2 medical motifs/concepts in my mind; Brincoe's structured 'Sugar' series, mirroring the neat nature of data/pie charts specially and her use of gradients reminiscent of various medical chemical tests e.g. urine tests. So, I wanted to try direct a couple of shoots based on these concepts.

My first series of images where based specially on Brincoe's use of gradients. To capture the louder, vivid impression of Brincoe's work, I dissolved 3 of 4 types of Maoam Pinballs in water for varying times so that the coating of each pinball would be slightly different - creating a gradient.

I experimented with different backgrounds, lighting and arrangements/perspectives to see which would create the strongest mage.

Overall, whilst I feel these photos weren't exactly a failure, I wasn't that happy with them as I felt they didn't convey the word 'Medical' that well. I am in love with the vibrancy of the images in terms of colour however I feel it lacks in being able to almost say the words 'Medical' and 'Confectionary' without having to say it.

For my second shoot experimenting with Brincoe's ideas, I created a pie chart using a range of sweets which I divided by colour.

I lit this pie chart up with an old lamp I found which reminded me of the harsh lighting used in surgery or at the dentist. I wanted this lamp to be somewhat visible in the image as I felt it helped convey my word 'medical' which I felt was where I struggled in all the previous shoots.

I was quite happy with these images as I felt the vibrant, artificial colours of the candies constructed effectively against the cold, harsh tones of the lamp and dull backdrop which worked well together to convey both my words Medical and Confectionary.

The photo at the bottom is my favourite as I love how the light casts an intimidating shadow on all the sweets as well as how the grey gradient contrast the deep darkness that's framing the pie chart - helping to make the pie chart the main focal point of the image. I also love how parts of the lamp are visible as it helps conjure a mechanical impression to the viewer, which encourages the 'medical' theme to be conveyed.

Whilst, I do love these photos, I feel I could direct a more creative, risky shoot that celebrates my 2 words rather than just connotes to them - so I will continue experimenting.

Style - Project 4

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