Author: nevecondon

20 year old me studying Media at RMIT University. Here to show off my work within the media field, but also here to have fun.

Week 4: Genre deep dive- what are some of the ethical questions raised by street photography?

by nevecondon

In this weeks class it majorly encompassed watching the film Finding Vivian Maier (2013) directed by John Maloof and Charlie Siskel. This was my first viewing of the film, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It followed the relationship John had with the recently passed photographer, after discovering her work at an auction, he set out to discover who is was and her work. It showcased him uncovering who she was and where her photography was left. The film showed a lot of her own photography, whilst raising questions about the ethics of street photography and her passion to uncover the imperfect world of New York in the 50s. They explored the culture of street photography, and its nature of it being a form that requires an instinctual moment to capture those seconds. Everyone within the documentary film was nonchalant about street photography, and praised the confidence within someone to go on the street and go up to people-whilst placing themselves as invisible to the individuals eye.

During our class discussion, the conversation about gender within photography was widely debated. As a question was posed, if the protagonist (Vivian) was a male, would the directors treat her differently as well as the individuals within the 50s interacting with her? It was proven that in the documentary, people within our modern time disregarded her work ,and refused to print and appreciate her photography on a global scale. Would it be different if she were a man? This is something I, myself was very interested in. Other male figures perhaps would shrug it off as and say it depends, but it is evident sexism exists in every working class sphere, so why would photography be any different? This weirdly motivates me to continue to learn and push, and was one of the moments that stuck with me whilst watching the film and well beyond after.

The exercise for the class was a fail for me. It was required for us to go out on the street and photograph strangers, after asking for their permission. I had no luck, with every individual politely saying no whilst giving me a weird side eye. I guess the coronavirus pandemic is still fresh in everyone’s mind, and the anxiety surrounding it still is present among our society. However, I did capture my grandma on my way out to the streets. That’s something right?

References:

Finding Vivian Mairer, 2013, Documentary Film, directed by John Maloof & Charlie Siskel

Assignment #1: Hyperlinks

by nevecondon

Week 1: http://www.mediafactory.org.au/neve-condon/2020/11/06/week-1-uses-of-photography/

Week 2: http://www.mediafactory.org.au/neve-condon/2020/11/06/week-2-how-can-i-get-more-out-of-my-camera/

Week 3: http://www.mediafactory.org.au/neve-condon/2020/11/10/week-3-how-much-and-in-what-ways-should-editing-be-part-of-my-creative-process/

 

 

 

Week 3: How much and in what ways should editing be part of my creative process?

by nevecondon

This week’s class involved an interesting discussion about the process of editing, and if so, who uses it in the process of their photography. I unfortunately missed the core of the class, missing a large part of others Pecha Kucha’s presentations on their favourite photographer. However, I gained an insight into how to edit photographs using Adobe Lightroom and other classmates opinion on the utilisation of filters, editing  and cropping.

The video we previewed encompassed the six things you should be touching up on your photos. Jamie Windsor’s 6 things you SHOULD be doing when EDITING PHOTOS, demonstrated how photographers utilise cropping for their images, to enable the focus, positioning and framing, and its importance to teaching you how to frame the photo when you take it. He also noted white balance, and the difference between colours and how they connote a feeling within the image. By focusing on the whites of the eye to correct the balance, you can then experiment with changing the warmth and coolness of a photograph. Another technique was changing the exposure of photographs to perhaps correct, darken or lighten a frame. Windsor went on to talk about editing in 8-bit and how it affects the range of colours on the photograph, to avoid this instead, edit in 16-bit. For the finale, he goes on to explain how to level photos to aid in correcting an uneven image and to TAKE A BREAK WHILST EDITING.

This week’s class didn’t go as smoothly for me. My computer was playing up with downloading the required editing softwares enabling me to complete the set exercise of editing our previous photos. However saying that, with what I have learnt this week with the importance of editing, I have found a new desire to give it a go with my photography. Editing was something I never really did, as I primarily shoot in 35mm film I felt that the image itself has its own personality that I don’t want to mess with. Nonetheless, experimenting is a crucial part of photography, so I may give it a go with my previous works to aid me moving forward.

Reference:

Jamie Windsor 2019, 6 things you SHOULD be doing when EDITING PHOTOS, YouTube video, viewed 10 November 2020, < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gX8dkkqF9eE&t=6s&ab_channel=JamieWindsor>

Week 2: How can I get more out of my camera?

by nevecondon

This week was more focused on the practical side of photography and how one uses a camera. We completed this weeks reading ‘Photomediations: A Reader’, edited by Kamila Kuc and Joana Zylinska in breakout groups, and later discussed our summaries. It was interesting to learn that the most revolutionary event in the recent history according to photography was NOT the arrival of the digital camera but instead the broadband connection and the internet. We also learnt the two positions of photography within a scholarly or curatorial point of view, which was photography as an art form and as a social practice (relating back to last weeks reading with Susan Sontag). We then had a large discussion about what photomediation was (as it was a very academic term and meaning) and I didn’t fully understand it myself. Brian later explained that is provides a different view on photography as a medium, and describes it as a hybrid form that captures a dynamic view of photography. Encapsulating cinema, video, television, mobile phones and many more.

The next part of class for myself, proved to be a game changer in my career of photography. In Sean Tuckers YouTube video ‘How to Nail Exposure using Manual Mode’ , we learnt about how to fully understand and shoot on a manual setting with our cameras. For myself, I’ve never had the confidence to shoot in manual as I felt very overwhelmed with the three settings you need to master, ISO, aperture and shutter speed. However, Tucker explained how to master these settings when shooting outside. I acquired knowledge of the sunny 16 rule, and how different photographers such as sports, portraits etc. utilised theses settings. This enabled us with the tools to go out and complete our exercise of shooting completely in a manual mode. I found it quite difficult with Melbourne’s overcast and really windy weather, however I grasped at the fact that it is something you need to practice and it is something you will learn and be able to quickly adjust and assess for the environment around you.

This class was very informative and influential for understanding photography and how to get as much as you can with your camera. It solidified my need to go out of my comfort zone and shoot more in manual, as in my opinion, to be a good photographer you need to have mastered the manual mode.

 

References:

Kamila Kuc and Joana Zylinska (eds), 2016, Photomediations: A Reader, 1st edn, Open Humanities Press, London

Tucker, S, How to Nail Exposure using Manual Mode, 2018, YouTube video, viewed 5 November,  <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUtlZ3sahz8&ab_channel=SeanTucker>

 

Week 1: Uses of Photography

by nevecondon

The first week of class provided an introduction into the structure of the intensive semester, and encouraged a broad discussion about how we utilise photography in this modern day. We gained an insight through the weekly readings of Susan Sontag’s 1969 ‘In Plato’s Cave’ chapter from the book On Photography, in which we discussed how photography is a medium of immortality and how the presence of a camera makes every moment ‘an event’. We later discussed that photography provides a sense of reality and nostalgia, whilst overall, is there for ones amusement. It was interesting to hear her opinion on how photography is used, in the 70’s she noted how more families have cameras within households to document their family and social events, conflicting with the ideology that photography is primarily used for art purposes. This idea proved to be ahead of her time, as we see a similar trend in todays age. With the prevalence of social media and the internet, the availability of cameras enables photos to be used for everyone as capturing a moment worth documenting, and thus encourages the wide spread transfer of these images thanks to the influence of social media.

We watched Henri Cartier Bresson’s ‘The Decisive Moment’ in preparation for the activity of our self portraits. The video was a pleasure to watch. Watching Henri go through his life’s work and explain how he took those shots and what thought processes were going through his head was interesting. One thing he said that stood out to me was “the difference between a good picture and a mediocre picture is a question of millimetres” (Bresson, 2014). I often question how one does decide what photographs are good and what is not. As there are so many photographs out there and everyone can photograph anything, so how do you distinguish yourself in the industry? How should I rank my own work among others? As Bresson continues, he describes the importance of the relations between the world around you and yourself that aids you in taking a good photo. This ideology is essential in making up for that minuscule difference in photographs and what makes them great.

Completing the self portrait exercise, I found very hard. It was the combination of my dislike towards portrait photography and having to photograph myself. However, it did prove as a good opportunity to get to know my new camera (Canon EOS 90D), and the result of the photos came out clean and high quality.

Overall, this class was a good introduction to this media unit.

References:

Sontag, S 1977, ‘In Plato’s Cave’ chapter in On Photography, Penguin Books, London, pp.3-24

Henri Cartier Bresson The Decisive Moment 2014, YouTube video, viewed 2 November, <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qgnie1F6uVY&ab_channel=BillFriedmanVideos>

 

 

 

No More Hunger

by nevecondon

https://vimeo.com/423916014

 The Studio 

The studio Future Machina, grasped from the 2014 film Ex Machina, prompted the thought of the role of AI in the future. What I gained from the studio was the unique understanding of what future technology we are likely to see, and how it would impact society. Looking at not only the capabilities of these technologies, but also the social concerns and the common fears of ever utilising these ideas. Personally, this studio aided in thinking of the future in a more abstract way. Through the practices of our assignments, we were able to judge what technologies are within reach and what are not. Also aiding this, was the brainstorming process, by utilising other media forms to express these ides, films, video games and more, it was evident to see that we are headed in the same direction. The studio has allowed me to be experimental with my ideas and how to film them. It has encouraged me to think outside the box and to reach far, but not to an unrealistic extent. This controlled thought process will assist in other areas of my studies and life and will help in me being able to assess what I can and cannot do. 

 Nearing the pointy end of this semester, looking towards the final assignment, it has been tricky. The isolation and online classes are proving to be a challenge for my motivation to continue to do well, however coming into week nine our assignment three PowerPoints were due. This was an important brainstorm we would do and we would show the class and a guest teacher our initial ideas on we were thinking. It allowed me to focus on the prompts and construct an idea which I could utilise for the final major assignment. The feedback I got was positive, the images I used well described my intention and I was on the right track. This is promising, however, due to my unique idea of the Garden Skyscrapers, I discovered it would be extremely difficult to show that idea. I was limited to do a non-fiction perhaps documentary style video which creatively for myself, is one of my least favourites to do. Many experimental ideas including test footage and scripts were made to figure out the direction the video should take in an effort to convey all the points that were required. This back and forth uncertainty of the structure of my video seemed to chip at my confidence and motivation, my desire to do a fictional film always seemed to get the better of me. 

For some odd reason, whilst researching ways to film I kept going back on a single scene in the Disney film WALL.E. Specifically, the one scene where he is going to work and hits a recording on his way past, the Buy n Large commercial for the spaceships plays for a couple of seconds providing important back story of the narrative for the audience. I really wanted to grasp a similar concept, it being a fictional film but so effortlessly incorporated an educational export to explain the story. Hence, I came up with a two-part video. The first being a casual 2020 new report interview of the AI company, in an effort to tell what needs to be told about the company to then it move to a future time where we see the effects this technology has had on society. 

 In hopes of aiding in expressing the positive ramifications of this technology on the future, I wanted part two, the future to have a bright colour scheme in contrast with part one (the news report). I also wanted it to be quite cinematic with the filming and effects, hence the filing I felt had to carry the narrative forward. It was hard, especially with physical aspects such as filming and to find passionate actors to play a role within a film. Ultimately having to fall back on family members due to recent COVID-19 outbreaks, was necessary but not desired. Not blaming my family for really poor acting, but it is understandable that sometimes the director (me) can only do so much and take what they can get. Therefore, the understanding of the mature filming sense and more than a single camera use was required for filming to achieve that higher quality film that I wanted. In terms of scripting, I did have a script but felt more comfortable if I were to brief the actors with the concept. To give them a rough idea of what to say and let them improvise on set as I felt it would be more organic and seem less forced on the camera.  

 

Collaboration 

To continue, I never thought I’d say I miss group work. Even though this semester we have adapted well to this online route, it is much easier to brainstorm with people around a table. Looking back on the first couple of weeks of this semester, walking around with a group of people using an app and having an aim aided in motivating yourself to get involve with the work you are doing. That is the one fault I have had with this semester, my levels of motivation utilising online servers did not hold up to maintain for the entire semester. It makes sense now, doing a media course which regularly reiterates group work and collaboration is at the heart of the course and industry. Grasping at positives to look at this semester, I now understand that and strive to be better at it. In terms of getting material and filming, it really does make a difference to be surrounded by people who have the same passions as yourself. I often felt guilt forcing my family and friends to help with filming, and in order, tried to do it as fast as possible to help them get out of it. I think collaboratively, I have learnt from this studio that I have to be more demanding, to let people help me and with every shoot to try and do the best I can, regardless if it takes hours.   

 

OBIE by Julia Youn  

I wanted to reflect on this project specifically because I feel like this is a very out of the box concept, but in a way also simple and something that would be so beneficial in the future. Mental health currently has a negative notion with the idea that it even exists, and also the desire to treat it and to ask for help. Julia has successfully taken this notion and has used what we have learnt during this course, in terms of AI to challenge the stigma. I love this idea because even though this is an imaginary technology it can so easily be adapted to real life and could be something we see in the future. Her idea was very straightforward and easy to grasp.  

 OBIE being virtual and so accessible holds the key to the project, and because of this, Julia can brainstorm to a broad extent how she wants to present this technology. Following her presentation, I believe the short film will not only be informative but also provide an interesting story, capable enough to highlight the positives of this AI technology and to see the effects it has on individuals. Recreating a mundane life and how OBIE effortlessly incorporates itself into our daily lives to help her further reiterates her goal. Something that Julia could explore would be that story curve, perhaps showing glimpses of some negative outcomes so that OBIE can show some solutions. This curve could be a cool way to show the benefits of this technology without hiding the problem, but more embracing it and moving forward.     

 

Neve Condon [s3717554]

Future Machina

 

Week 9 Reflection

by nevecondon

As the pandemic continues, this week we focused on the assignment 3 presentations in class. Utilising collaborative ultra,  every student had the opportunity to present their rough ideas for assignment 4, including myself. It was a very valuable insight into what other students will focus on and how their technology will solve one of the global issues. For myself, it allowed me to flesh out my rough ideas for my assignment and gain feedback into how I would present it in the 5 minute video assessment.

Following this, my idea was solid and the non-fiction documentary style I am pretty sure I’ll adopt seemed to fit the idea. I however just have to make sure I do not spread myself too thin over me wanting to solve too many global issues with one technology, and to instead, focus on primarily just one. I still have a lot of brainstorming to do with this assignment, but I am confident that with the input from my peers and teachers such as our guest speaker Brian, I can make a successful pitch for this technology.

Week 3 Reflection

by nevecondon

This week, due to the pandemic, proved to be an odd one. The transition from face-to-face classes to purely online is a difficult thought to process. As this degree is very hands on and requires a lot of high class industrial equipment to help us learn, it will be interesting to see where the course will go on from here.

This week, we allocated an online session to talk through the process of what will be happening in the coming weeks and what to expect. We discussed how assignment 1 was going, and shared ideas and thoughts on what we were doing for each. We further examined the future of this course, which for myself will be a challenging one. I tend, if unmotivated, to not do the work or put in the effort I usually would if I was attending class.

Hence, this will be interesting.

 

Week 2 Reflection

by nevecondon

The focus of this week was how technology, specifically AI or any other advancements in technology, would be incorporated into future workplaces. Drawing back into assignment 1, there was an emphasis on brainstorming possible technological outcomes in which we may see in the future.

A main conceptual idea of the week was the idea of deep fakes and their applications within media and film. We also, questioned the realism of these deep fakes and examined the negative functions it can be used for. For example, a political focus or stealing identities.

In terms of media making, we downloaded multiple AI applications on the computer and the iPhone and played around with its uses. Both proving to be beneficial and an option to assist our video assignments. Luminar 4 was amazing and easy to use, however might have needed an advanced or up to date computer system. It made the computer incredibly slow ,and even easy things like changing the colour of the sky took ages to do. However, it will be good to use in the future.

Week 1 Reflection

by nevecondon

1. What key learning did you do in this weeks workshop?

In this weeks workshop, the idea of the implications of AI was recognised within our everyday lives. The fact that we live harmoniously with AI at this stage was identified, however the questions of the future was always a query.

2. Reflect and describe the main conceptual elements of this studio that you learnt

The ideology of AI can be threatening, especially within its place within films and text. AI has always seemed to be a reach of science fiction (as not realistic). However, in this day and age the image of AI and its capabilities has broadened to be a possibility, even a known fact. With the debate of whether it outweighs the good or the bad is something we explore regularly, and a question we often ask those in power or working with this technology.

3. Reflect and describe the main media making elements you experienced and completed?

In terms of media making, the process of using AI to edit photographs was really interesting. The simplicity of this somewhat perceived complexity of using AI, was demonstrated though using the app Pixaloop. Even the google drawing activity was quite interesting, seeing at real time an AI interpreting your drawings.