Revised Reflections on Assignment 4: Reprocessing and Re-edit
Following my tutor’s feedback on Assignment 4, I revisited the images to address what I can only describe as lazy post-production work. My intention was to capture the mixed artificial lighting so prevalent in Hong Kong, highlighting how different light sources interact with the cityscape. Originally, I used a combination of the white balance eyedropper and VSCO film preset in Lightroom, but this led to images with dark, muddy shadows and overly high contrast, which didn’t do justice to the raw files.
Reprocessing:
To correct this, I reprocessed each image individually, ensuring more detail in the shadows while maintaining consistency across the set. I achieved this by using the Lightroom adjustment brush to dodge and burn selectively, as well as adjusting the color balance and saturation to suit the mood of each image. Additionally, I focused on correcting the verticals and perspective in most images. Due to the camera angle and lens focal length, many of the original images had distorted perspectives, which I felt were unnecessary distractions in the context of the assignment.
Re-editing:
I was generally happy with the selection of six images I initially submitted, but my tutor raised some valid points for improvement. Specifically, the similarity between images 1 and 3, and the potential distraction of image 4, were areas for further consideration. After re-evaluating image 4 in its pre-process stage, I decided to remove it from the set entirely. It didn’t contribute meaningfully to the set and, in fact, felt like a visual distraction. My tutor had suggested that a portrait orientation might have helped, but I disagree. Perhaps if the shot had been a posed portrait with the subject’s cooperation, it would have been more effective.
Earlier in the course, I studied Philip-Lorca DiCorcia’s Hustlers, where he meticulously set up scenes and invited subjects to either walk into them or pose. Reflecting on that, I realize this approach would have been the most effective way to control lighting and capture the people I wanted to photograph.
In place of image 4, I selected a cityscape dominated by blue artificial light, with pockets of stubborn warm light scattered throughout. This image, I feel, completes the set by showing how artificial light, particularly blue tones, has replaced the natural light seen in the first image.
Consistency and Flow:
Despite the similarities between images 1 and 3, I chose to keep both because they offer different perspectives on light within the set. Image 1 serves as an introduction to the set, showcasing the contrast between the natural blue light of the sky and the warmth of street lights. Image 3, on the other hand, illustrates the interaction of different types of light as they blend and envelop their surroundings, further developing the theme.
Overall, I’m pleased with the revised set, which is now more consistent and refined in terms of both technical execution and thematic coherence.
The Images.
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4
Image 5
Image 6
ChatGPT said:
Reflection on Assignment 4: Reprocessing and Re-edit
Demonstration of Technical and Visual Skills:
In this rework, I believe the images are technically much improved compared to the original presentation. Using Lightroom as my digital darkroom, I was able to manipulate the RAW files to achieve the effect I was aiming for. In hindsight, shooting the entire assignment handheld was a mistake. Using a tripod would have allowed for bracketed shots, which could have been layered in Photoshop to extend the dynamic range of the images. Additionally, I didn’t “work the scene” enough—meaning I didn’t explore alternative shooting angles as thoroughly as I should have. This is something I’ll keep in mind for future shoots. While I should be experienced enough not to make such rookie errors, it was a valuable learning point.
Quality of Outcome:
Overall, I am pleased with the final set. Initially, I was apprehensive about the concept, but the positive feedback from my tutor helped boost my confidence. I now feel this assignment marks a significant milestone in my journey through the course.
The theme I wanted to explore was how ambient artificial light transforms the landscape of a city like Hong Kong once night falls. There is a deliberate method to the sequence of images; they illustrate a journey—both geographically from my workplace to the ferry (the subject of my next assignment) and through time, showing how light changes in different places and moments.
Demonstration of Creativity and Imagination:
By framing the theme as a journey through time, I aimed to explore the various effects of light and how it mixes to create scenes that sunlight cannot replicate—nor would we want it to. A city at night expresses its individuality through its combination of light sources. While all cities are lit by the same sun, no two cities, or even areas of a city, are lit in the same way.
Whether it’s the ethereal blue canyon in image 2 or the otherworldly environment in image 4, the set demonstrates how a landscape changes under artificial light, creating unique atmospheres that daylight cannot offer.
Context:
This assignment came from within me, and, if I’m honest, I found the research process difficult. The idea was initially triggered by the work of Sata Shinato, but I consciously avoided replicating his neon-focused imagery. Instead, I wanted to develop something more organic, resulting in mini cityscapes.
Brassai once said that the light at night is magnificent, and that statement has only become truer with each passing year.
Overall, I’m very satisfied with the final set. As I mentioned earlier, this has been a significant turning point in my journey. I now have a clearer understanding of how I need to develop my ideas and voice. This doesn’t mean the course has gotten easier, but I can see more clearly through the metaphorical fog.
