_A2 Photography Exam Project_

The exam theme was "Passions and Obsessions". From this given theme I chose to look at how religion can be a persons' passion or in some cultures even an obsession. I decided to research a broad range of recognized worldwide religions and also cults. I decided to focus my photography on Christianity and Roman Catholicism because they are two religions that are accessible to me visually and that I have some understanding of.

I began my research on religion by looking at photographers who have produced photographic work on this theme. I was particularly drawn to National Geographic photographer James L Stanfield. I became fascinated by his documentation of the worldwide locations, events and cultures. I focused my analysis work on Stanfield's ability to capture the emotion and movement of his subject.

My first photo shoot was in a historic church in Eling, Southampton. I photographed a broad range of imagery in and around the church that I felt symbolized religious beliefs including: memories, faith, respect and tradition. My second photo shoot was in a traditional Baptist church.

This allowed me to capture a very different range of imagery due to the alternative layout and interior of the building from the first. I planned a third photo shoot in order to document objects and scenes that related more broadly to the overall theme religion. This included photographing natural forms and skyscapes.

I used a range of different processes within Adobe Photoshop and I created digital negatives in the college darkroom. My most successful experiments used a range of

toning techniques on photographic darkroom paper. I was particularly pleased with my sepia toned outcomes, as they gave my prints an old and antique atmosphere. My

least successful experiments were with using filters, as I felt the use of filters detracted from the impact and importance of the religion I was trying to convey.

The part of the project that I most enjoyed photographing were the stained glass windows in my second photo shoot. I am pleased with these prints because I believe that they clearly illustrate the commitment people have to their chosen faith and the imagery within them represents the importance of history within religion. If I had the opportunity to revisit this project, I would look at a broader range of religions to allow me to incorporate a greater amount of colour into my photographs. I would also experiment in greater depth with the atmosphere and mood of my prints to increase the impact of my photographs.