I’ve been taking a variety of photos over the last two or three weeks with the intention of using them for this contrast assignment. Sometimes these have been experimental shots, without a definite contrast category in mind. There have been occasions where I may have taken a shot that turned out better as a different contrast altogether. This assignment has been challenging as it isn’t always obvious how to pair images as contrasts. It has also been rewarding as I’ve really discovered the merits of focussing on a theme when out shooting.
One/Many
Butterfly in Kew Gardens: I found this image from the many shots I took from a trip to Kew a few weeks ago. I didn’t have this particular contrast in mind, but I had hoped some of the images would be useful for this assignment! Removing the distracting leaf in the foreground will probably improve the shot.
Many Boris Bikes: I used one of the shots I had taken as part of the focus assignment. The bikes seem perfect to demonstrate many items.
Solid/Liquid
Extractor Fan: I’ve tried to evoke a solid feeling in this picture to the extractor fan above some shops. I thought the picture would be interesting if I kept some background detail.
Billingsgate Market: Ive used a reflection as seen from one of the docks in Canary Wharf, as I felt this was a good representation of liquid in a picture. The subject matter is also easy to identify and I felt was compelling if not original. I feel the bird adds to the composition as another point of interest.
Transparent/ Opaque
I was looking for diagonals when I came across this construction worker in Canary Wharf. There is a plastic covering in front of him that gives an almost washed out look to the picture.
I really liked the transparent shot and wanted to keep it. I set about looking for an opaque contrast and settled on a silhouette. I waited for a break in the clouds for this picture of my daughter looking out of the window.
Straight/Curved
The straight lines of the fence are broken by the leaves. I also decided to keep this in colour as the red is contrasted by the green foliage.
I’ve tried to emphasise the curved outline of this pond using a wide angled lens. I’ve also decided to crop the image in such a way as to follow the curve.
Small/Large
These miniature figures are from an exhibit in the Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood.
This is a view of St Paul’s Cathedral from the 14th floor of a nearby office. The buildings nearby emphasise the scale. I was unable to capture the top of the dome due to space restrictions. I think this reinforces the large scale of the structure as it hasn’t fit in the frame.
Hard/Soft
The steps have bits of gravel and dirt. I emphasised the hardness in post-processing. I have attempted to use the low perspective to make the image more interesting.
The sun was shining against the shot so this image seems washed out. The softness is emphasised by employing a shallow depth of field.
Diagonal/Rounded
The overlapping diagonals on this structure helped to emphasise the contrast.
The arch at one of the Tower Bridge entrances. I tried to imply the arch rather than take a wider shot of the complete arch. I’ve tried to make the image more interesting by retaining another part of the structure at lower right.
Still/Moving
The boat in this picture is permanently anchored in this location so other boats can moor themselves if they need to. I think the black and white also emphasises the static nature of the shot.
This is a Dervish performing in Nama Bay, Egypt. I think the shot encapsulates rotating movement in its purest form!
Contrast in one picture
I’ve tried to combine the ‘artificial’ and ‘natural’ contrasts in this image. I used a telephoto setting to make the buildings look closer to the trees. The idea is that the buildings are encroaching on the natural space. The cranes add to the impending doom!
OCA Photography 