Assignment 4: Photomontage

Theme: The Day After

*updates 2*

Finally gotten around to modify my photomontage. As suggested by Ivy, I made a trp down to capture Eski bar at night and integrated it into my Photomontage.
Here goes!

The Day After: Sobriety 2

The aim of redoing part of the montage was so thta people can have a glimpse and clue to what happens in Holland V the night before and that from there on, they can see the contrast of the day after.

I think it looks slightly better as compared to the former one below, though not as much as how I envisioned it to be. Without blending the night scene looks too out of place. But with blending, the image looks a lil weird. Can’t put a finger to it myself either.

Comments anyone?

In comparision with Ivy’s and Jialin’s, I would rate mine a 95/100 (45 for concept & creativity and 50 for effort). Have to give full marks for effort lah. Spent so much time on it. Hahahaha.

*end of updates 2* 

*updates*

The critique session went rather well. A lot of constructive comments were given. With respect to “Ambivalence”, Mr Reddy mentioned the fascination of the west in trying to capture a moment. He mentioned that it is a difficult concept to work with and that my piece may backfire against my intent. Hmm, food for thought.

I have also decided to take Ivy’s suggestion to shoot Eskibar at night and incorporating that into “Sobriety”. I foresee that it will look really good and help in better portraying the theme. Especially since it is not advisable to assume that everyone knows Holland V. By doing so, the difference between day and night activities in Holland V will be more explicit.

So, I will not be grading myself until I get around doing the amendments.

In the mean time, I felt that Jialin’s and Ivy’s work are the best amongst our class. Ivy’s masterpiece went the furthest in exploring the potential of the montage format. By reconstructing and highlighting what she felt stood out at the beach, Ivy’s emotive montage left a very lasting impression.

Her strong concept deserves full marks.

Jialin’s choice of leaving her montage predominantly in black and white and only a portion in colour suited her title, An Artist’s Perspective aptly. I guess one reason why both their montages “worked” is that they are essentially photos that cannot be taken with a single shot. Instead, strongly incorporated into them are the perspective of the photographer. I.e. Ivy’s truncated (yet essentially coherent) take on “the lessons of yesterday and the fears of the day after” and Jialin’s perspective to see the chinatown building as a looming entity.

Nice lah… So must give full marks. (:

*end of updates*

The title and the presentation method was really challenging. “The Day After” sounds rather ominous, not unlike something out of the typical Hollywood doomsday sans apocalyptic movie. Think Armageddon and The Day After Tomorrow.
The presentation method? Oh gosh, I think I’m going blind. So anyway, below are two of my images.

Image 1

The Day After: Sobriety
Taken using Canon EOS 400D at Holland V 7am Morning

I love hanging out at Holland Village. I think an ST journalist says it best when he mentioned that Holland V has a “spirit” of its own. I’ve met the friendliest and most helpful people there. (I’m tempted to say that beer and music has something to do with it. But those friends of mine remained friendly and helpful after turning sober. So…)
I’ve decided to capture Holland V at 7 am in the morning. One of the rare few trips to Holland V while the sun’s still up and no alcohol is involved. (: As most people already know, Holland V is synonymous with the stretch of pubs, bars and restaurants that springs to life as the sun sets.
It was interesting to capture little Bohemia as it sleeps knowing that the world has already woken and is going about in the mad hurry called life.
That place’s got a lot of heart.

Image 2

The Day After: Ambivalence
Taken with Canon EOS 30D 100mm lens Studio work One point lighting

am·biv·a·lence (ām-bĭv’ə-ləns)

1. The coexistence of opposing attitudes or feelings, such as love and hate, toward a person, object, or idea.
2. Uncertainty or indecisiveness as to which course to follow.

This is a shot that I’ve been wanting to take for the longest time possible. I thought that the idea suited the assignment topic extremely well. No one knows for certain what the future holds for us. I guess this idea speaks a lot to me- an individual that is phlegmatic and blase towards a lot of things in life.
The look of ambivalence was friggin hard to capture. My good friend cum model of the day, Alphania asked if “ambivalence” is a big word for “blur”. Argh.
This image has been inspired by a French film director and to a certain extent, Miami Ink. Why Miami Ink? Getting a tattoo has always been a coping mechanism for many. I love the look of the tattoo clients when they look at their completed tattoos in the mirror. Especially those clients who got tattoos in memory of loved ones in their life. I love the look that says that they will do fine, with renewed strength and conviction to get on with life.
Perhaps that explains my choice of using a red backdrop- that underlying the ambivalence, there remains life, that it is not entirely grim.

Once again, thanks to Alphania who agreed to sit still in a cold studio with wet hair. Couldn’t have done it without your help.
Many thanks to “Boss” and “Lady Boss” for the kind use of your studio. Thanks for all the advice and help rendered so far.

~ by crankymike on October 3, 2007.