My Photography Journey: A Visual Exploration

During my A Level Photography project, I delved into the concept of "forgotten things," a theme that allowed for various interpretation. This intriguing concept led me to explore the passage of time, memories, and the diverse stages of life.

The initial phase of my exploration focused on childhood, where I revisited cherished remnants that encapsulated the essence of innocence and joy. One of my favourite images from this phase is an image I took of a shabby teddy bear, symbolising the transition from carefree days to the complexities of early adulthood.

In the image below, I used the technique of paper weaving to convey the nuances of remembering and forgetting, evoking nostalgia and a sense of time slipping away:

The colourful bursts in the image represent vibrant tributes to the past, filled with memories. The prime condition of the teddy bear serves as a heartfelt acknowledgment of the care intricately woven into those cherished moments. Conversely, the black and white tones evoke feelings of melancholy and abandonment. This greyscale version, depicting the teddy marred by dirt, creates a powerful visual, illustrating the stark contrast between remembrance and oblivion.

For my second stage of life, I explored the complexities of teenage life. This exploration emphasised the tendency to overlook and leave behind long-standings friendships as we navigate the journey of growing up, contributing to the broader narrative of forgotten experiences and relationships.

During my final stage of life I explored late adulthood, focusing on the destructive consequences of dementia on memory:

To encapsulate the profound impact of dementia, I deliberately chose the medium of black and white photography. The absence of colour intensifies emotional resonance, particularly in conveying the sadness associated with fading recollections. The timeless quality of black and white also evokes nostalgia, effectively capturing the essence of old times.

Another concept I toyed with was to create the impression that the mind is disintegrating, serving as a metaphor for dementia's negative effects and the way it destructs the mind:

In addition to exploring "forgotten things," I delved into the realm of colour, focusing on complementary colours, selective colour, and the captivating contrasts in black and white photography. This exploration added new dimensions to my work, resulting in vibrant compositions that uniquely capture the essence of my subjects.

While I experimented with colour combinations on Photoshop, I also sought naturally occurring complementary pairs. The vibrant and visually striking contrast between red and green caught my attention, prompting me to capture their unique interplay.

This piece, captured using a macro lens—an unfamiliar tool to me at the time—revealed a newfound fascination with macro photography. By attaching the lens to my phone camera, I aimed to expose the subtle details and textures which are often unnoticed in conventional photography, providing a distinctive perspective.

Whilst investigating the significance of complementary colours, I drew inspiration from Vincent Van Gogh, renowned for effectively using contrasting colours to add depth and energy to his paintings. In an attempt to mimic his artworks, I deliberately highlighted the interplay of purple and yellow, just like he did in his painting of the irises.

Van Gogh tactically used purple for mystery and introspection, representing his fascination with the mystical and his emotional struggles, while lively yellow symbolises joy and energy. The dynamic interplay of these colours highlights Van Gogh's ability to convey profound emotions beyond a simple floral depiction.

Upon completing sixth form last year, I have joined CraftCourses as an Editorial Assistant. Fortunately, I’ve been given the opportunity to contribute to the website’s visual appeal by photographing our gift vouchers. My former school, Ysgol Bro Preseli, generously allowed me to use their photography equipment to photograph these gift vouchers.

Our gift vouchers and cards make memorable and flexible creative experience gifts. They can be printed, placed in a beautiful personalised greeting card, are hand stamped and posted First Class. They come in a range of artistic designs. Have a look yourself!

If you're inspired to explore the captivating world of photography, we have several courses available that can help you hone your skills. Check out our diverse selection of photography courses here. From portrait photography and wildlife photography to still life photography, there's plenty to choose from—perfect for beginners starting out on their creative journeys!