Experimental Media Photography Blends Harris Shutter and Mixed Media

Experimental Photography
Catherine Giggal

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Image 1 Development Experiments (Harris Shutter and Mixed-Media)

1ST FINAL IMAGE
Mixed-media has
been combined with
my own photography
using the Harris
Shutter App on this
specific image, where
the opacity layer has
been altered
significantly for both of
them so that they
could be combined
successfully.

The use of a bright yellow
background on the mixed
media image is effective as it
makes the Harris camera image
stand out, as well as the text
that is featured in the
background also. The
microphone images almost
appear translucent in a
way, which adds a sense of
surrealism onto the final
photograph itself.

The text on the
background connotes the
negative and positive
aspects that the media
can bring, such as
‘losing’ and ‘cash’. This is
supposed to compliment
the main focal point (the
microphone), which also
links to the discovery of
talent, as stereotypically,
this item is recognised as
a symbol of talent and
performance.
The Harris Shutter image
is effective as the main
focal point of the final
product (the microphone)
is outlined greatly, with its
stature being imprinted
into a yellow colour,
which is not as vibrant as
the purple and blue toned
microphone, but it is still
visible and adds a unique
sense of colour detail
onto the stated image.

Image 1: Evaluation
How well do you feel you have realised your ideas and intentions and what results have you got?
I feel that the final first product in which is created, matched the ideas and intentions that I wanted it to be centred
around, as I think that my final image captures the essence of the media, where talent is initially ‘discovered’ by chance
(through means of reality television and the news in general). I have used this ideology to combine a mixed media
background with text that connotes the media, with the positive and negative aspects of it embedded within the backdrop
of the final product. The ‘microphone’ is a significant symbol that is associated with talent, performing and the media as a
whole, which is why I wanted to utilise this specific product as a way of presenting this theme to the audience. I think that
there is a significant sense of contrast within my piece, with the microphone standing out from the mixed-media image
that has been faded out as part of the background. At first, when the opacity was full, they did not blend well together, but
once it was altered, they worked well together as a combined mixed-media and Harris Shutter product. I wanted to use a
mixed-media effect, as I thought that it would look effective as part of my work. I was inspired by John Stezaker, who
uses this effect (in conjunction with conceptualism) as a way of presenting his work and I found it to be very
interesting, which is why I mimicked a similar style in my work, where mixed media is used. In my own product, I have
combined it with an external image, which compares with that of Stezaker, who also uses external products that
contribute to the overall final image.
Qualities:
Consider the aesthetic qualities of your work. How does it look? What do you like about it? What are the
strongest and weakest elements from an aesthetic point of view?
The overall look for my final first product is rather attention-grabbing, because of the bright colours used by not only the
yellow-toned mixed-media background, but also the colours that have been provided by using the Harris Shutter effect. I
like the vibrancy that is posed by the final product, as I think it makes the image look eye-catching and therefore makes it
more appealing to the viewer. The strongest element on my piece is the blended mixed-media background, which stands
out even though it is not the main focus. I like how it is still visible, even though the opacity of the layer had been altered
low and it relates to the theme in which I am trying to promote through my work. It is notable that the weakest element of
my first piece is possibly the Harris Shutter image, which I do not think is of a bad quality, however, the yellow-toned
aspect of the effect has been shrouded by the mixed-media background. Although, it is still visible, but it is not as eyecatching as the main microphone image, therefore, it is overshadowed in some aspects.
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Consider the technical qualities of your work? How well done is it? What elements are strongest and which could
need further work and development? Be sure to use technical terms in your work such as exposure, shutter
speed, aperture and talk specifically about any post-production techniques you have used.
The overall final first experiment has been created fairly well, as the backdrop and main image (microphone) blend well
together and look vibrant and eye-catching in stature. The strongest element that is featured upon my piece is the use of
colour, with the effect posed by the Harris Shutter filter, as well as the yellow-toned mixed-media background. It is effective
as it catches the attention of the viewer due to the sheer vibrancy of the final product itself. Also, the Harris Shutter image
is very crisp and was shot at a two-second shutter speed, which was effective, as it enabled me to catch a clear image
that still incorporated the iconic use of colour that is typically featured upon a Harris Shutter shot photograph. I think that
the mixed-media image, which has been featured as the background is effective, as it has been altered on
Photoshop, where the yellow-toned aspect of it has been brightened, as well as the opacity of the layer being decreased
so that the top layer (the microphone) can be the main focal point of the piece. If I could chose something to develop
further in the future, which could be improved, I would choose the quality of the Harris image, as it was shot using my
iPhone, and even though the camera was of good quality, a DSLR may have made the image appear more clear, due to
the high megapixel aspect of the camera. It may have captured the colours better and the yellow ‘carbon-copy’ of the
microphone itself, could have had more emphasis put on it.

How could you improve your work? Could you develop your work further with additional work? What would you
try to achieve with this? Could you undertake further experiments? If so, what would they be?
In order to improve the work overall, I would possibly change my Harris image and shoot it on a DSLR as opposed to an
app on my iPhone, as I think that by doing this, the quality of the photograph will be much greater and therefore the image
will appear more clear and crisp in general. I could develop my work further in conjunction with additional work in order to
achieve a piece of work that could be deemed as more ‘experimental’ in a sense by adding another experimental
photography technique, such as scenography, which could possibly be incorporated into this specific piece of work;
therefore, it would then appear more interesting as a whole. I could also undertake further experimental work by changing
the opacity levels on Photoshop regarding this specific image again, where I could possibly find a new percentage to set
each layer on, so that it blends together more coherently.
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When talking about your work, consider formal elements such as lines, shapes and patterns as well as the
colour and contrast and also tone of your image. Think about the composition of your work and where this
could be developed.
The colour posed by my first piece is rather blatant, as it includes the bright, yellow-toned backdrop as well as the Harris
Shutter image itself, which almost has a ‘kaleidoscope’ colour effect, which makes the overall piece look vibrant in
general. The image uses high-key lighting as a way of adding a literal sense of ‘brightness’ on the product, initially making
it a statement image. The final outlook of the photograph is unique in the sense that it includes a pattern to it, as when I
shot the Harris Shutter image, it ‘echoed’ the original subject (microphone) several times, making it have duplicates, due
to the sense of movement that is captured by the effect. There is a bright yellow and pale blue copy of the microphone
image, which is a positive aspect, as it adds a sense of depth onto the final photograph and in a way, makes it appear
more abstract and unusual, which is what the viewer will initially be drawn to and will then become interested in the final
photograph itself. The composition of my work could be improved if I was to alter my piece in the future, where I may
merge the two layers of my final piece on Photoshop in a more crisp manner, so that both layers are completely clear to
visualise and so that they both stand out, not where one layer is overshadowed by the other.

Finally you should consider if the images you have produced fulfil the brief you were set. Do they match the
theme? Are they experimental? Explain your answers using specific examples.

I think my first final image matches my theme, as it links to ‘talent in the media’ itself, as the main prop in which I utilised
for this specific one is a microphone, which is stereotypically linked to this topic, therefore, it is appropriate for use. Also,
the mixed-media backdrop is highly relevant due to the fact that it includes cuttings from print-based tabloid headings and
text, including terms such as ‘records’, ‘win’ and ‘personal scandal’, which initially link in with the theme in which I stated,
as they initially connote the ‘tags’ that come with being ‘discovered’. They also represent how the media can stretch and
exaggerate, as well as ‘label’ individuals who are a part of a specific phenomenon and are in the media spotlight, so to
speak. I believe that my work is ‘experimental’, as it displays two different photography styles, which include both the
Harris Shutter effect, as well as the use of mixed-media, that has been edited on a digital platform. I think that by
combining these two effects, I have created a final product that suits the theme in which I have established, as well as
being an experimental piece, as at first, I did not know how my piece would turn out, as I had never ‘experimented’ with
these two styles previously, but I was pleasantly surprised in the end, with the final outcome of my first photograph.
6

Image 2 Development Experiments (Harris Shutter and Mixed-Media)

2nd FINAL IMAGE
I decided to do another
mixed-media and Harris
Shutter image as a way
of comparing and
contrasting between both
final images. I think that
these two effects blend
well together. They
compliment each other
well once the levels and
opacity have been
altered significantly.

Again the same mixedmedia image has ben used
as part of the background,
but it is more enlarged on
this specific image. I think
that is looks more effective
on this photograph
experiment as the text is
more easier to read than on
the previous one, which will
make it appeal to the
viewer more.

The use of bright colouring
is effective as it catches the
attention of viewer and
makes the image appear
more appealing in general
due to the vibrant nature of
the final product itself.
The Harris Shutter image
is similar to that of my
previous product in the4
sense that a microphone
has been used that
initially represents my
overall theme that has
been stated previously
throughout my work for
this project. However,
this image is more closeup and detailed, which
lacked in my first final
experimental
photography image.

Image 2: Evaluation
I think that my ideas and intentions were met in this specific photography experiment, as I had used similar elements in
my previous product, however, I made altercations to this one by using a different Harris Shutter image, as well as
changing the levels to reduce the sheer brightness of the image itself. I would say that the ideology behind this image
matches that of my first image, due to their slight similarity, although, I wanted to create this image in order to compare
and contrast it with my previous experiment and see which one proves more effective and initially links to the theme of
‘talent and the media’ as part of the main theme of discovery. It still includes the focal point (the microphone) due to the
fact that I think that it stereotypically relates to the media and ‘talent performances’. It is iconic of ‘talent’, which is the
primary reason why I decided to utilise it as part of my project. I would say that my work is inspired from the mixed-media
photographer, Judith Golden, who mainly operates on a print-basis, but combines other elements into her work in order to
create a ‘piece of art’. Golden’s work is similar to that of Stezaker, who is also one of my inspirations for this project,
which is why I listed her as one of my influences, however, her work is more vibrant in colour than that of Stezaker, which
is why my work relates to her more in general.

Qualities:
Overall, I am generally pleased with the outcome of my second product, but in comparison to my first product, I do not
think that it meets the standards that were outlined by its predecessor, as I think that the Harris image is too bright, even
though I altered the levels and the brightness of the image in order to tone it down, however, it did not turn out as
successful as the Harris image on my first product, as I found it difficult to alter it without hindering the quality of the
image itself. However, I would say that the mixed-media background looks more professional and clear on this image, as
opposed to my first photography experiment as the text featured upon it has been enlarged, which makes it appear more
legible in general, which is useful, as it will make the piece more appealing to the viewer. I think that the mixed-media
element on this specific image is the strongest on an aesthetic level, whilst the tone of the Harris image is possibly the
weakest. Although, I think that the detail in the Harris Shutter picture is of good quality, as the different lines and features,
such as the details on the nails, as well as on the microphone have been picked up by the camera very well, which
makes it appear more clear to the viewer.
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The technical qualities of my work vary, as some of them could have been altered, whilst there are others that I am
relatively happy with. The strongest element posed by my piece is the quality of the Harris Shutter image itself, due to the
fact that it is very crisp and clear, which is effective, as the viewer can determine the sheer detail that has ben picked up by
the camera, once the image had been taken; where the features on the microphone protrude. The shutter speed for the
Harris Shutter image was set at one second, which was useful, as it enabled me to capture the image of the microphone
more quickly, as opposed to my previous image, which was taken at two seconds. I think that the quality of the image
appeared improved at the faster shutter speed, therefore, in the future, I would use this setting, as opposed to the one that
was utilised in my previous image. In order to combine the mixed-media image with the Harris Shutter picture, I used
Photoshop, as it enabled me to manipulate the opacity of both of the layers and find a way of putting them both together
and creating a successful experimental photography piece. I toned down the brightness of the image in order for the
mixed-media background to appear through. The opacity of the mixed-media image had to be altered so that the Harris
Shutter image was the main focal point of the final product, but the background would still have a sense of relevance
linked into it.
In order to improve the overall appearance of my work, I would add a different mixed-media background, one that would
stand out more clearer and catch the attention of the audience; as I think that this specific element is rather secondary to
that of the main image, even though it is an important part of the whole product, as it makes the main image relevant to
the theme. Therefore, in the future, I would make this particular element more profound in stature. I could develop my work
further with additional work, (where I would initially carry out a further experiment) such as incorporating a scanography
piece into my product, as opposed to having a mixed-media piece that featured in both of my products so far. By adding a
scanography image, the product would appear significantly different than what my final second piece turned out to be, as it
would set a darker tone to the final photograph, as opposed to being ‘bright’, much like the products in which I have
created so far.

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could be developed.
The formal elements in my work, such as the shapes and patterns are rather profound, with the shape of the microphone
being the most blatant part of the final image. It is notable that the colours used on my final product are bright in tone,
which makes them more appealing to the viewer, as they are significantly eye-catching. I think that the ‘duplicated’ image
of the main focal point (microphone) is the most prominent feature and adds a ‘surreal’ effect onto the final image, almost
delusional. I think that this makes the overall composition of the piece rather interesting, as it adds a sense of dimension
onto the overall product, making it have a professional edge. The Harris Shutter image has been repeated, which initially
shows that a pattern has been initiated, which makes the photograph appear rather blatant in nature, as it is a ‘quirky’
effect in a way, which will interest the viewer greatly. The mixed-media backdrop also adds a unique style onto the final
image, as the viewer will be able to read the text (which all have a meaning posed by them) and possibly relate to it, or
associated these terms with that of my stated theme. The background compliments the main Harris Shutter image, as it is
secondary to the primary photograph, however, it is still prominent, but could be edited in the future so that it appears
more eye-catching as a piece.

I believe that the second image does in fact relate to the theme in which I outlined, as it related to the discovery of the
media (mainly through talent shows), where the mixed-media text in which I initiated, related to that of the terms and
phrases that are associated with the media. I used this similar element within my previous product, which I thought
worked well, which is why I wanted to mimic this effect into this specific piece of work. I would class the final, second
image in which I created to be an experimental product, due to the fact that in order to create this final piece, I had to
‘experiment’ with different styles before I decided on the one which I chose to be my concluding second photograph. Also,
the fact that I have combined a mixed-media effect with that of a Harris Shutter image, proved effective and showed that
my final piece was in fact experimental, as I have used Photoshop to edit the image as well, which shows that a variety of
techniques have been used to create the final outcome of the second product.

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Image 1 Scanography and Mixed-Media (Progress of ideas) Development

Mixed-media has
been combined with
my own scanography
image which mimics a
similar style to that of
My previous two
designs, but they are
meant to be as a set.
It has a much darker
tone, which is why I
wanted to create it, as
it differed to that of my
previous two products
and therefore
appeared more unique
in general.
The mixed media
image itself has
been significantly
toned down to
match the ‘dark’
tone set by the
scanography
image. It is similar
to that of my
previous mixedmedia pieces in
the sense that it
includes text.

3rd FINAL IMAGE

The detail that is featured on the mixed-media
image is rather striking, with the pattern on the
nails being extremely eye-catching, as they
shine and catch the light, which makes it
appear more effective.

The scanography
image has a
sense of contrast
in tone to it,
where the light is
directed upon the
hand, whilst the
microphone
section is rather
dark, which is
effective, as it
makes the overall
scanography
image more
interesting as a
piece. The image
had been edited
utilising
Photoshop in
order to enhance
the brightness of
the photograph,
so that it catches
the attention of
the viewer.

Image 3: Evaluation
I feel that I have realised my ideas and intentions in my work, where the ideology posed by my stated theme has been
met, with the repeated use of the microphone as my main ‘stereotypical’ item that relates to my theme overall. The final
result that I got linked to the ideology of my theme ‘discovery in the media’, with the text behind the main image (my
mixed-media piece) featuring words that link to the theme and are also extracts from a media platform (print), which
makes them more appropriate for use as well. For this specific image, I decided to use scanography as a way of adding a
more ‘darker’ tone onto the image, which differs from that of my previous two images. An example of a scanography
photographer that inspired me would be Janet Dwyer, who uses a sense of contrast within her work, where certain
elements of the overall image are significantly bright, whilst others are more dark in tone. I wanted to echo this effect into
my own work, which is why I divided the contrast between dark (the microphone) with the light element (the hand). I
intended for the image to be rather contrasting in nature, where I would alter the levels and brightness effect of the image
in order to create an unusual, but interesting style onto the final image.
Qualities:
Overall, I am relatively pleased with the final outcome of my third image, as it is rather dark in tone, which reflects from
my previous work, but I wanted it to appear different from the other two final images, as then it looks more unique as a
piece. I think that it looks effective, as the main scanography image shines though, even though another layer has been
put in front of it (the mixed-media image). It is notable that the mixed-media piece is secondary to the scanography
photograph, but it is still a significant part of the overall image, as it adds a ‘collage’ effect onto the final product, which
makes it more interesting and adds a sense of dimension onto the experimental piece. At first, I was going to use another
scanography image, but this time of just a ‘hand’ as the main subject, with the mixed-media image in the background, but
then I thought that by using a microphone, it would appear more effective and would initially make sense, as it would fit
into the set along with the previous images that also use the microphone as the main subject. I think that the weakest
element that is featured upon my work would most probably be the mixed-media background, as the text on it is legible,
however, it is not as bright as I planned it out to be, so in the future, I would edit this. I would say that my strongest
element would be the use of contrast on my scanography image, as it makes the final product stand out greatly, due to
the significant use of contrast. The light bounces off certain areas and I think that this effect makes it appear more
professional too.
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I think that my work has been created fairly well overall, however, there are certain elements that could be altered in the
future in order to make the image appear effective and initially catch the attention of the viewer. The strongest element of
my work has to be the use of light and contrast on my work in general, as it makes the final photograph appear more eyecatching as a piece. In a way, it makes the hand and the microphone almost appear three-dimensional in stature, which
adds a unique and interesting edge onto the piece, which will initially interest the viewer. The scanography image also has
a sense of detail into it as well, as it clearly picks up upon the lines and the indentations in the hand of the subject, which
makes it appear more professional due to the blatant emphasis that has been placed upon the ‘hand’ feature itself. I did
not utilise a specific shutter speed for the scanography piece, the outcome of the photograph relied solely on the speed
posed by the scanner, therefore, I did not know how it would turn out, but I was happy with the outcome of it and think that
it was captured well. In my previous photographs, I depended on the shutter speed in order to obtain an image that would
be deemed as effective enough, but for this final image, it was a lot different. I think that the set speed of the scanner was
useful as I did not have to re-take the image, I was happy with it the first time. The section of my work which could need
further work and development on it would be the mixed-media background, as I do not think that it is bright enough,
therefore, in the future, I would enhance this feature so that I could see how effective it would look against my
scanography image.

In order to improve my work, I could experiment further with the levels and opacity of my merged photograph, as I think
that by carrying out this, I may find a certain percentage that works both ways which makes the image appear more bright
and effective in general. I could develop my work further with additional work such as incorporating a new element into my
piece, which could be a reflective image, or lightography. It would be interesting to see what the outcome of combining
these different effects would be, as it may add a sense of dimension onto the final product. I could undertake an extended
amount of experiments in order to create and experiment with a range of various elements that could initially add to the
overall effect of the final piece, where I could set the image in black and white and compare that with one that features a
bright, vibrant tone to it.
15

could be developed.
The formal elements that are posed by my work would be the use of shapes I would say, with the outlined image of the
hand and microphone acting as the most prominent ‘shape’, as well as the text in the background, which almost acts as a
haphazard pattern in a way. However, the most blatant formal elements that are featured within my work would be the
composition of my work, with the use of contrast in my work, with a sense of light that is one of my main focuses in my
overall photograph. The use of light (on the hand) contrasts with that of my more darker elements on my final image
which makes it effective as a piece, as it stands out significantly from the faded mixed-media backdrop. I am pleased with
the fact that I used this specific scanography image in my final product, as the one which I originally was going to use
looked rather bland and had little relevance to the overall theme that I established. Also, I wanted to include another
existing mixed-media piece (which I had created myself), but I trialled it and thought that it was not as effective as the one
in which I used for my final product, as it was rather disinteresting in comparison and also did not fit the theme enough
either. If I could choose to develop a certain element of my work further it would be brighten the tone of the mixed-media
backdrop, as it is still clear to read and there is still a reddish tint to it, however, it could be viewed as rather
dull, therefore, I would make it appear more vibrant so that it would catch the attention of the viewer further.

I think that my third and final image meets the brief in which I was set, as it is initially centred around discovery, but my
own interpretation of this theme, which is linked to ‘talent and the media’. I would say that this specific piece is
experimental as I have used different techniques and effects in order to create the final product, such as scanography, as
well as mixed-media, in conjunction with digital manipulation, where both of my experimental effects have been edited in
order to make them blend together more coherently and appear relatively professional-looking. By using a wide range of
effects and editing materials/filters, I have created a piece that would be classified as an experimental photograph, as in a
way, I did not know specifically how my final image would turn out from the use of a range of different materials and
effects onto the manipulation of the photograph.

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Experimental Media Photography Blends Harris Shutter and Mixed Media

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