Images and words by Sebastian Langdon
We had to capture photos using various techniques like colour, reflections, shadows, etc for our Friday Live class. We were left to ourselves to venture around the Ultimo campus with these techniques in mind and armed with nothing but our mobile phones and a keen eye.
Shadows – Look Up
Using a strong shadow technique matched with the harsh black-and-white edit and upward angle emphasises a feeling of urban grit. The shadows cast by the devices create a substantial contrast against the textured bricks and dramatic feeling of being watched.
Reflections – Thirsty?
I captured both the front and inside of this vending machine, creating a layered effect using the reflections of both the glass and the Coca-Cola bottles. The effect enhances the image’s warmth and intensity highlighting the bottles’ brand in an eye-catching way.
Unique Angle – Around the Story
The unique top-down angle of this image shows a somewhat abstract perspective. The circular shapes lead the viewers’ eyes to the centre of the composition where two people are engaged in conversation. This angle shows repetition of the round shapes almost making a geometrical pattern, creating a striking image.
Simplicity – Racism Not Welcome
In this image the semi low point of view shows how big the building is. Combining the deep red hues from the building and the plain blue sky shows an easily identified focal point not overcomplicating the image. The focal point being the ‘Racism NOT Welcome’ sign. It is placed strategically to make it feel as though the sign is a part of the building without losing the overall message.
Shapes – Running Rails
The leading lines in this image draws attention directly to the middle of the composition. The monochrome symmetry creates an artificial man-made feeling by capturing an industrial style with the poles and scaffolding.
Colours – Fever Dream
The vibrant colours in this image control the composition in an organic way. The image also features three lights with the middle one left off showing that art is not always perfect but unpredictable. The mural also uses leading lines drawing the viewer in.
Silhouette – Man Made Sun
Capturing the sunlight directly behind the light in this shot makes an interesting silhouette. This makes the light in the photo look like it has been turned on in daylight. Pairing the circular focal point with the straight-edged building behind creates a dynamic composition.
Portrait – Ari
I used the leading lines of the rails to draw attention to main attraction. I purposefully left space on the right-hand side to show the direction he is looking, leaving the viewer’s imagination to interpret their own conclusion. I also used a slight blur around the radius of the photo for the viewer to lock on to the importance of the shot.
Featured image: Playing with shapes and shadows. Photo: Sebastian Langdon