Constructed Landscapes allowed me to explore so many techniques and use resources that I had not even considered using in the past. It allowed me to research unique artists and incorporate my ideas, images and inspirations into my work. I think constructed landscape is the theme that enabled me to create work that I was so proud of and could continue developing throughout my photography GCSE. During Constructed Landscapes I really focused on creating a range of outcomes and wanted to experiment with as many different processes as possible. I am so excited with the result of my Constructed Landscapes page, I think it shows my ability to refine and develop my work and my opinions on each artist I researched. Starting from the beginning of year 9 to now and seeing the progress I have made is overwhelming, Initially in photography I followed other artists and created work based on other people and their ideas. However, I very quickly learnt what photography was all about and as each lesson progressed I felt like my own experiments and ideas developed and improved. I began using so many different resources such as the dark room, acetate paper, chemigrams, picsart, photoshop, the photocopier and even making a 3D collage. I think the threshold concept that relates to Constructed Landscapes the most is threshold 6-'photographs rely on chance, more or less.'
Originally, when we began learning about Constructed Landscapes I was excited because landscapes are the type of photograph that I enjoy taking the most. However, I assumed that the extent of this project would be photographing stereotypical landscapes photographs. Constructed Landscapes is so much more than that, it explores a wide range of different aspects of photography than I could have imagined. I began by researching artists such as Helen Binet and Lucian Herve however I became really fascinated by Charles Wilkin's work and ended up developing and creating multiple outcomes inspired by his work. As the year progressed and I began to learn more and more about Constructed Landscapes, I began creating work that was not inspired by a particular artist and was more just created through my own ideas . This was quite a change for me because in the past I have usually created work that has been inspired by a specific artist.
Throughout many of my projects in Constructed Landscapes, I was able to use resources such as the dark room, printing onto acetate and also made my own 3D collage. I loved experimenting with a range of tools. Inspired by make do and mend, I often developed my work by taking the end result and then photocopying/manipulating it to change shape or colour or size and I really enjoyed playing around with these different ideas. I have learned that photography is not just about taking a photograph, it's about creating a work of art and developing it. I began to look for reasons why I liked my work and what I could do to improve it instead of just deciding I didn't like it. I have taken on this skill to other areas of my life and learning and have been actively encouraging myself to develop my ideas outside of school and photography. The importance of always reviewing, developing and editing your work is of utmost importance to me.
One of my final projects which was the 3D collage included so many different steps and processes and caused me so many problems. However being able to see how my work developed and being part of the process of remaking my own landscapes has been so much fun. I also became more confident in my editing skills this year and enjoyed taking my own photo and using an app called picsart to change how they look. Furthermore I have been using the backdrop that we have in class more, I have been experimenting with the lights we have and learning how to take images of my work best. It has called for a lot of trial and error but it was definitely worth it in the end.
I have felt really passionate about photography in the time that I have been immersed in it and I have especially loved working on Constructed Landscapes because I think landscapes are such a personal thing. The landscapes that I have used on my website are places that hold sentimental value to me, I hope the audience/ viewers can see this in my work.