FILM CAMERA SHOOT (#4)

I have recently taken an Olympus OM-1 out from I&R to capture some moments and memories from my first few weeks back in Leeds. I wanted to expand my photographic skill set when using analogue photography and take control over the shutter speed and aperture which I haven't had chance to do with my disposable shoots.

I used the Kodak Portra 400 35mm film which I've heard is great for portraits which is what a lot of this roll of film consisted of. Again, I got my film developed at Take It Easy in Leeds City Centre, and the colours that came out, with both warm and cool tones this time.

Portraits of Friends

I love these photos as they include some of my closest friends here in Leeds. A lot of them were on sunny, cloud-free days meaning the colours came through in more warmer tones. They represent the carefree lifestyle that I had when I first came back to the city, sitting on Hyde Park everyday and visiting the pubs.

The first one (of Georgia eating an ice cream) works particularly well as it captures the authentic decisive moment, something that I've been wanting to focus on since the start of my project. I like the framing as she sits comfortably in the corner, with a busy background of students spending time with each other and making memories in their own groups.

The third and forth shot utilise the depth of field well, with only my subject in focus and everything in front and behind them deep in blur. I love how I shot these photos as they really draw attention to my friends and the pub situation were in, with pints of beer and benches in the background to set the scene.

Close Ups When Spending Time With Friends

These photos work well as they highlight my notion of questioning what constitutes as a memory, and whether people need to be involved for a memory to be valid. These photos were taken at the same time as the ones previously but instead of my subject being my friends, it's more focused on the situation were are in. A lot of time for students is spent drinking so this is what I decided to focus on. Although all of these shots were authentic and taken in real situations as to keep with the idea of memory and documenting my experiences.

The first two photos are warmer in tone because of the weather on that day, but the last is cooler toned and more blurring, with my shutter speed being set at too slow of a number. Although this photo isn't conventionally an 'amazing' photograph in terms of the blur, it works for my theme as it captures the busy life that I lead when I first came back to the city, exploring and getting out as much as I could when we were finally given the chance to.

I wish I changed the focal point of my first photograph here, focusing less on my friends jacket but on the half drunk pint in front of him. This would've captured more of my ideas of memories not necessarily involving people, but places and things.

Memorable Places to Me (in Leeds)

This is a collection of photos that I've taken of some memorable places around Leeds, each having a completely different tone to the next.

The first photo is my favourite, this was taken out of the window of the LSTV office, somewhere I spent a lot of time before Coronavirus hit, and somewhere that has recently just opened up for our use. I love the use of depth of field in this shot, with the window frame out of focus. The beauty of Leeds' campus is really shown off here, with the greenery taking a forefront. I love that you can see the banners out of the window that are visible around the whole campus, it really gives the photograph context. I also like the inclusion of a few people in the frame, only noticeable when you stare at the image for a while, revealing how campus is still busy despite many classes taking place online.

The last three photographs are taken out of my window in my room in Hyde Park. I spend a lot of time standing by this window and watching the world go by, I use it as a reflective space when I need to ground myself. Although these photos aren't the strongest they capture a place that's really important to me and somewhere that I want to remember for a long time. I particularly like the imperfections in the second photo (blurry night sky) as the streetlights and windows give character and life to the image. I like to look out of the window and think of the memories that everyone else is making that I will probably never be a part of. The lights coming from these windows resemble the life and memories of these people.

Shots of Hyde Park

These photos capture Hyde Park in busy days, focusing less on my direct memories but on the people around me. I love the colour of the first photo as it was taken in direct sunlight during 'Golden Hour' so all the hues are rich and orange toned. The composition was inspired by the rule of thirds, however captured a more real reflection of the space.

Even though these photos are a more documentary style, inspecting what's going on around me and not interacting with it, I still think they work for my themes and ideas. I spent a lot of my time 'people-watching' which reflects my photography style here.

Final Image

This photo didn't fit within the other categories I have discussed but I do think it works so well and it's one of my favourite images of this roll. I love the silhouettes of my friends and how they both sit at either side of the frame, I especially like the light on my model on the right as it bounces off her hair. The photo works perfectly as resembling my ideas of memory by capturing an authentic moment, with the sunsetting after spending all day at the park catching up.