Shoot in inspiration from Woody Gooch

Shoot plan-

In this shoot I will be working in inspiration from Woody Gooch, after researching his work I felt very inspired by his eerie black and white photos. His use of reflections and lighting works really effectively to emit emotion which is something I would like to employ in my work. The ideas behind this shoot was to focus on reflections and contrasting light and dark areas. I wanted to capture photos that have strong atmospheres and emotion. I wanted to include techniques inspired by Woody Gooch using different unique compositions from different angles and capturing strong emotion. I have previously conducted a shoot in inspiration from Woody Gooch which turned out effectively however I would like to expand on that try to improve from the previous images taken last year- this will be interesting to see the development in my work. After looking at his photos of reflection creating eerie atmosphere it inspired me to do this shoot base doff that. Capturing photos that look abstract or unique is really effective and would fit well with my work, I can do this by using techniques such as slow shutter and cropping the image close. I have previously done a shoot in inspiration from woody gooch which turned out effectively so I wanted to expand on the skills I have now developed and re do the shoot. My shoot will take 1 hour to set up and conduct the shoot as I will have little equipment. I will not be using models, my subjects will be random figures who are in the correct position for the reflections. My equipment list: camera, battery, SD card and possibly tripod.

Thumbnail Sketches-

Contact sheet-

Editing-

For editing I increased the brightness and contrast as I like the bright back background with the dark figures stood out against it. I also increased the brightness and shadows to further increased the contrast. the constant between the light and dark areas work really effectively in enhancing the main centre subject, their reflection and the background behind them. I am very pleased with he editing that I used to enhance this image as it helped make the background blend out but still focus on the centre figures. 

Settings used- ISO 100, 140mm, f/5.0, 1/600 seconds

Final images-

Evaluation-

When working in inspiration from Woody Gooch I found it was interesting to look at thing from a new perspective to try and fin unique angles and compositions to capture. I managed to capture the eerie, still emotion effectively in my opinion from then use of lighting and the composition of the figures in the frame. The outcome of these photos are really successful because of the composition and lighting. I really like the mist in the background of the photo and the figures in the mist in the background which adds depth to the photograph and also increases the pictorial depth. I am pleased with how the surfers in the foreground are darker than the rest as that is the centre focus and is in the centre thirds of the image - the overall composition of the image is really effective. It has created a very calm yet moody atmosphere from the soft grey tones and gradual fade into the background. I have previously looked at Woody Gooch in my first year work and the shots came out effectively, its fun to work from unusual angles and try and look at things in a different perspective. I was very lucky with the conditions and tide that I got the reflective surface on the sand as well as the fog which really added to the atmosphere. 

Final Image-

This is my favourite final image from this shoot because I think it has strong atmosphere and the composition worked very effectively. Due to the fog you can see faded figures in the background which gives depth to the image however the main focus is in the figures in the centre whose reflections appear on the sand. The atmosphere is calm yet eerie as figures loom in the background,I am very pleased with the outcome of this image.