365 Days Photography Challenge: Fourteenth Week, The Creative Process of Making an Image.
Creative Portraits in the Heart of Scotland: A Photographer’s Journey
As usual, we were experiencing dreadful weather in Scotland, and it was also a particularly busy week, which created some inconvenience in producing images for this challenge. However, I am acutely aware that most negative situations also have a positive side. I firmly believe that the limitations we face in life inevitably help us to explore and exercise our creativity and strength, as the Arab proverb says: “Sunshine all the time makes a desert.” Beyond my usual blog showcasing a summary of this weekly challenge, I especially want to highlight the process of creating one particular photo in detail.
Day 91: Aberdeen Portrait Photography, Capturing Life’s Dichotomies
Let’s discuss my favourite photo of the week, taken on Day 91 of this challenge. It was raining, so outdoor photos were not possible, and I had no desire to take a self-portrait. Time was running out to create something. Suddenly, it popped into my head - the news I had heard days ago about a knife attack, and I knew suddenly what to do. I wanted to capture an image of a knife but in a very specific way to be impactful. The red light was an obvious choice for this situation; however, the “high note” for this image was to visually represent the knife as a metaphysical object. But how does one make a knife a metaphysical object? The answer was clear: the knife must levitate in the image. Taking the easy route of laying the knife down would lose all impact. A levitating knife brings the magical force of this object into a dichotomy of life and death. Life, bringing families and friends together to share a meal and create memories. Death, taking away the existence of a loved one, leaving an empty seat at family and friends’ gatherings. And again, the irony of the whole situation.
Day 91.
Now that the idea was clear, the subsequent challenge was how to suspend the knife to make it appear levitating in the image. Additionally, part of the thought process involved considering the post-editing and its potential to render the image compelling. The placement of the clamp while securing the knife was crucial to avoid compromising the image during post-production. You can observe in the post the two images: at the top, the final photo, and at the bottom, the original image prior to editing.
I am aware that many people may scroll past the photo without analysing the levitating knife, but even if they have overlooked that detail, they might still feel uncomfortable with the image—and that was precisely the objective. When an image evokes an emotion, it is successful!
Original image of the knife without edition. I took the photo with manual focus and the timer, so I can hold the backdrop behind the knife.
Day 92: Bringing Portraits to Life with Movement and Light in Aberdeen
I enjoy taking some images with movement and combining it with gels or in this case the use of a light wand. I normally use strobes for my photos, however constant lights are so much easier to deal with. I understand why so many photographers adopt constant lights, for that reason.
Day 92.
Day 93: National Walking Day Through the Lens of an Aberdeen Photographer
I am a passionate walker and had earmarked this special day in my calendar to post a photograph in celebration. For weeks, I envisioned capturing the serene Scottish countryside on a sunny day. Alas, when National Walking Day arrived, it was pouring with rain. Nonetheless, my dedication to outdoor walking is unwavering, so I ventured out and took this photograph to honour the day. There is a remarkable sensation in returning from a walk and savouring a cup of tea or coffee. Trust me, that beverage tastes infinitely better after a walk.
Day 93.
Day 94: Hellebore Flowers - A Resilient Beauty in Aberdeen
By this day, the rain had stopped, and I captured the image of one of the few plants that survive the presence of rabbits in my garden. This spring/summer, I am committed to working more in my garden and beginning to restore its beauty to what it was before we rented out the house. It’s incredible how much a place can be neglected when you rent it out.
Day 94.
Day 95: Highland’s Coastal Charm, Capturing the North’s Moody Weather
Travelling up North is always rewarding. I usually don’t take photos of the coast, as I prefer the mountains and forests. The only time I enjoy the beach or taking coastal images is when the weather is miserable. That provides the dramatic imagery I am most drawn to. This is why I took this photograph.
Day 95.
Day 96: Scottish Forest Photography, Walk in the Forest by the North Sea.
The strong winds swept the rain away and continued to blow for hours. I took a walk in a forest near the North Sea. Returning from my walk was effortless; the wind was at my back, propelling me forward, and I found myself walking faster than intended due to the intensity of the gusts.
Day 96.
Day 97: Landscape Photo of the Highlands.
Returning from a brief excursion around the Highlands on a particularly windy day, it required a considerable amount of willpower for me to step out of the car to take some photographs. I opted to edit the landscape in black and white, as I believe it is the most suitable approach for this type of photography.
Day 97.