With the RAW images collected on my travels during Unit 1, I was ready to start Unit 2 with data ready for processing. During Unit 1, I was already experienced in shooting the time-lapses, but my previous experiences of processing the images into moving image had produced limited results. Unit 2 allowed me to experiment and record a new workflow, learning more about moving image, High Definition and codecs. Unit 2 also allowed me concentrate my efforts on the more technical side of my practice, more than the aesthetic and theoretical aspects. My previous experience as a stills photographer had given a good grounding in digitally optimising an image, yet what I was doing this time around seemed to be more complex, as time had now crept into the sequences; the exposure at the beginning of the sequence was often quite different to the exposure at the end of the sequence, meaning it was harder to make global adjustments to a batch and ensure consistency. Making global adjustments to batch files has been a valuable skill learned in this unit and has led me to scrutinise the level of detail retained in an image spefically after batch processing, and will allow me to make informed decisions concerning my workflow in future. My experiments with High Dynamic Range at the beginning of Unit 2 were also very valuable, giving me the opportunity to learn more about luminance, highlights/shadows, histograms and keeping colour detail whilst reducing digital noise. Although the first experiments in week 75 were successful, the more experience I developed using High Dynamic Range resulted in a lesser liking for the technique, and I decided not to continue with it, as explained in the symposium. I resorted back to processing the RAW footage using Adobe Lightroom, exporting jpeg files to be converted into moving image using another application. I experimented with Quicktime 7 Pro to play the sequence of images back in rapid succession, but found that After Effects had better versatility and gave greater control over the final outputs. Exporting and video codecs have been a difficult lesson, and this is an area of knowledge that I plan to develop further after the MA. Experimenting with split screen technology in Final Cut Pro has been exciting and enjoyable, and I feel that this may even be a reoccurring theme in my future work. Both Final Cut Pro and After Effects have been enjoyable to learn and are very complex programs, and I wish to develop my skills with these application in the future; more so with After Effects, and specifically in the areas of animation and motion graphics. I also intend to experiment with 3D objects and compositing with Cinema 4D. With regards to the the time-lapse style I have developed, I am planning to shoot subjects in London over the coming months, and also develop the theme of climate change and sustainability in the future. I would also like to experiment with dolly movement in the future; the pan and zoom effects created in After Effects were breakthroughs in my work, but I think it is essential to experiment with physically moving the camera during a shot. I would also like to experiment with time-lapse using video cameras in the future, and compare it to my current practice of using a DSLR camera.
I am happy with the final piece that I have selected to show, and feel that it is a satisfactory resolution to my original project proposal. My experiments developing multi-linear narratives using split screen presentation were successful, and will be developed further even after the course has concluded. I think that other work produced throughout the course can also be developed, specifically the factory series, and developed into installations. I have decided to present my MA project on an HD ready iMac, but would really like to experiment with larger scale projections in the future. One experiment in particular that I would like to develop is the triptych projection, discussed in blog post here.
The use of the blog has been critical to my success as both a student and as an artist, and has allowed me to process my thoughts, feelings and workflow with new a philosophy. It has allowed me to record my experiences using a digital sketchbook, and I will definitely continue to use my blog long after the MA has finished at Camberwell. Although I initially had trouble with reflective blog writing, I now realise how valuable it is when resolving (and more importantly recording) processed. I have noticed that my blog posts have grown in detail and the depth of reflection has increased over the last few months, and I feel that short posts made often ultimately result in longer, deeper reflection when something significant happens in the workflow. I have tried to use Twitter as a reflective tool, but I found the interface difficult to engage with. I have also used Facebook as a tool to promote our final show and communicate with peers on the course.
I feel that my work has evolved to a professional level and I now have the confidence to take my work and ideas even further. The work that I have produced on the course has generated some interest, and I have already submitted various pieces for exhibition in the UK and internationally over the coming months. I have also created a network using the internet, and also within the university to gain exposure for my work and tempt new opportunity.
On a professional level, I am now employed as a Digital Media Technician at University of the Arts London, Central Saint Martins, supporting Foundation students in Lens
Based Media. I plan to develop my skills as a teacher and software technician, and hope to continue my education with the PG Certificate in Learning and Teaching, and possibly a research degree in the future. I also have some hours as Associate Lecturer at London College of Fashion next term, working with students on the BA (Hons) Fashion Design Realisation and Fashion Media courses.
