Form

Form

Definition & Theory

Form: A three dimensional shape, such as a cube, sphere or cone.

Sculpture and 3D design are about creating forms.

In 2D artworks, tone and perspective can be used to create an illusion of form.

This image was taken by Edward Weston. At first glance this image looks distorted and strange whereas it's actually a pepper. Due to the tone and the shape of the pepper and the way the photographer took it, it looks like two people hugging, one with a muscular figure

This is a photograph by Jonathan Knowles. It is flowers in the form of a pyramid. Jonathan has done this in a way too show that he can make natural objects into something man-made. The background itself compliments the main focus of the image as they are complimentary colours.

Research of artist

Imogen Cunningham (April 12, 1883 – June 23, 1976) was an American photographer known for her botanical photography, nudes, and industrial landscapes. Cunningham was a member of the California-based, known for its dedication to the sharp-focus rendition of simple subjects.

(A01: Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding)

Imogen Cunningham's photography is very intricate. She takes a variety of photos which include portrait and nature. I like Imogen's photography because most of her images are of a singular object or person which makes the photograph interesting and feels as if there could be a story behind it. Her work is very intricate, as if she is trying to get a emotional reaction from the viewer. The two portraits of hers above this, looks as if they are both upset or sad the black and white setting adds an effect to the depth of this image, this can make the viewer feel sorry the people in the image as if they know something is wrong.

Image bank

The following images were added as part of my visual research...

The above images represent form. I feel I have the ability to take these kind of photos as these are simple photos. I feel as if form is taking photos of 3d objects and showing their dimensions in the photo and not front facing. The image bank photos, I think, are very achievable because they look like beginners work. As if this is a starting point for people new to photographing form (i.e. me).

(A01: Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding)

Selected Images - CONTACT SHEETS

Form is a very interesting and hard to capture formal element. These photos were taken in Harlow in the town park and town centre. As it is dark most of the time now, I have to make sure to get the right settings so the photo turns out well. I feel as if I can improve my photos and take more, I will improve a few of these in photoshop. Photographing form was quite difficult for me because I couldn't get the hang of photographing form and I wasn't sure of what specifically I should do to get a good form work piece.

My best images

The form is seen in the bike chain and the seat. By the bike chain looping you can see the 3 dimensional aspects of it. I like this image because you can see where the focus and form is. I got close up too the bike so I was able to show form. In this image the 3 dimensional aspects are clearly seen and the vibrant colour of the blue bike chain can make the form stand out more.

The form is the tree/tree trunks. By the tree trunks being angled differently you can see the form really well. It looks almost abstract, as some trunks are further away but some are closer to the camera.

The plant is the shape of a sphere, but it's not a perfect sphere. You can see it is in the shape of a sphere as the separate leaves start curving round. I like this image because you can see clearly what is the main focus the image is. I used a low aperture so the background is not in focus and can't really be seen.

Images that require improvement

The first image is of two dogs, the reason I think these need improvement is because it is blurry, I wanted it to be freeze frame but it didn't turn out like that. Also, it doesn't really show form as there is too many objects in the image so it is unclear which bit is the main focus. If I were to reshoot this image I would possibly concentrate on one of the dogs and get closer to it and get the correct freeze frame setting.

The second images is of some plants. I wanted the focus to be on the plant in the centre of the image, but I did not zoom in enough and there is too much happening in the image. This also doesn't show form as you cannot see any 3 dimensional objects. If I were to reshoot this I would get closer to the main plant I have chosen and make sure the focus is on that, and you can see the form clearly.

(A03: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress)

My idea of recording form was too look at 3 dimensional objects in Harlow and take close up photos so it is showing those dimensions. I needed too carefully look at what I'm taking a picture of so I can analyse where the form is seen. I think some of my images relate too my researched artist and my image bank. I know I can do better than what I have shown in my today because this is not my best production of images the reason this is, is because I was finding it difficult to think of what to capture and how to capture it so the amount of images I have taken is limited.

(AO2: Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops)

I used a Samsung NX20 20.3 MP SLR and I repeatedly changed the settings to suit the lighting and what I'm taking a photo of. I used the manual focus for all of these images as I feel this makes it easier for me too get the results I want. I did multiple shoots in my spare time (all photos in the contact sheets above), I was able to take some photos during college as well.

Below I edited on of my images using photoshop...

The final image was created using the curves and black and white tools. I made the brightness of the image increase using the curves tool so it appears brighter. After I used the black and white tool and changed the sliders for each colour. I made the blues a bit brighter so the flowers 'pop' and are the focus of the whole image as the flowers are the part that shows form. 

(AO1: Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding)

I changed my researched artist twice as I was uncertain of what images I wanted to take, I finally chose Imogen Cunningham as I feel her work is interesting. I was inspired by Imogen Cunningham's work when I looked more at the detail in her photography and how she can show form in multiple different ways which I need to learn. I think by analysing her work and learning how she takes images, I can learn more and practice taking a variety of different images.

(AO4: Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and, where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements)

Form can have many different interpretations as all photographers look at form differently, which is why I was indecisive with who my chosen artist should be. Form can also link with tone, because once edited in black and white you can see the lightness and darkness of the image. Also, it can link to shape because most shapes/objects are 3D which is basically what form wants us to capture. Below are some edits I have made of my images that show form...