cmn150georgiabeard

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Composition: Public Transport

Sustainable Trains

Luke Everson, 19, prepares to board the train at Nambour Station to visit his Brisbane-based girlfriend. He prefers to use public transport to reach his destinations and believes the government should try to reduce the environmental impact of cars. “More people in one vehicle is going to cause less damage to the environment,” he said. He would also like the train system to operate on renewable energy sources such as magnetic or solar energy for travel. Only two solar-powered trains have been implemented in Australia, produced by the Byron Bay Railroad Company in 2017. 

Rationale

This photograph contains a variety of compositional techniques to convey the significance of the subject matter and address the brief. Principally, the leading lines and the rule of thirds have been manipulated to direct attention to the subject. Leading lines are evident in the position of the train and the support columns and roof of the station shelter. These lines guide audience attention towards the face of the subject and establish structure within the image. Furthermore, the focal point’s positioning on the left crosshairs of the rule of thirds ensures the subject is gazing into the frame to enhance dynamism. This is emphasised by the medium shot, which generates visual weight and personalises the subject. In addition, the depth of field of the background elements provides a simple representation of the location and incorporates the movement of the train for visual interest. Overall, these elements of composition address the brief through the demonstration of a functioning public transportation system and the focus on the experience of a regular public transport user.

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Lighting: Climate Change

Sun-Drenched

Hinterland B&B owner Pam Hughes worries about water scarcity after several months without adequate rainfall. Her dwindling water supply has demanded conversation to sustain her business and provide for her house guests. Although the property collects water from a bore, Hughes said she could not afford to waste her supply on the gardens. “The grass and the backyard [are] going brown overnight,” she said. “We desperately need some rain.” However, the Queensland weather forecasts of increasing temperatures and dry conditions have meant there is no likelihood of rain in the coming months. 

Rationale 

The photography techniques employed within this image are effective in reinforcing the subject matter and representing the theme discussed in the brief. Principally, the natural light available for the photo has been manipulated in order to emphasise the high temperatures and dry weather engendered by the current climate. For instance, the lighting of the entire subject strengthens the impression of intense heat and brilliance. Additionally, the stripes of light illuminating the desiccated gardens in the background demonstrate the physical damage caused by dehydration and aridity. The impact of water scarcity is also enhanced by the rule of thirds, which positions a depleted water tank on the right crosshairs and features glare upon the plastic. This positioning draws audience attention from the subject to the tank, providing context for the photograph and reasoning for the weary expression on the subject’s face. Moreover, the inclusion of the subject’s face generates visual weight within the image and heightens the atmosphere of exhaustion and apprehension due to the lack of rainfall. The combination of these techniques addresses the brief through a personal perspective on the detrimental impacts of climate change, with particular concentration on the intensifying heat and lack of precipitation.

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Environmental Portrait

A Universal Language

Tumanako Moetaua, 20, plays the guitar at group rehearsals for the annual Look Again Conference at Suncoast Church. As a musician, Moetaua expresses his emotions and enriches his faith through guitar and vocal performances. Since he first picked up the guitar as a teenager, Moetaua said music has always been his creative outlet and a unique way to connect with God and people. “I just want people to hear my art,” he said. “I don’t want my craft … to be about me. I want it to be about what people can take from it.” As society grows increasingly disconnected, perhaps music can become the bridge to unite people and communities once again. 

Rationale 

Several photography techniques operate within this photograph to produce an environmental portrait with emphasis on the subject matter and relevance to the brief. The most recognisable technique is the low angle, which insinuates the pride and heroism of the subject inherent in the pursuit of his passion. This angle also creates a sense of admiration for the subject as the low perspective emulates an audience enjoying a musical performance. In addition to this technique, the image employs a black and white filter to concentrate audience attention on the subject and convey his authenticity and individuality. Moreover, high contrast produced by the filter emphasises textures and patterns such as the subject's skin, the guitar's structure and the ceiling grid, which offer environmental context to the image. Other techniques, including the rule of thirds and lighting, allow the subject to take prominence within the frame by emphasising the visual weight of his face. Overall, these various techniques exhibit the passion, expertise and personality of the subject to generate an effective environmental portrait of an individual.

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News Photography

Pretty in Pink

Grace and Tash Hehir prepare to take part in the annual Walk for Women’s Cancers at Alexandra Headland. The mother-daughter pair have participated in fundraising events for those affected by cancer since Tash first received her cancer diagnosis. While Grace walks to support her mother and other cancer patients, Tash said she walks “to support the people that have supported us through the journey.” The sense of community, encouragement and empowerment is what they love most about events such as these. 

Rationale

Numerous photography techniques which reflect newsworthiness have enriched the subject matter of this image. Principally, the manipulation of the low angle communicates the empowerment and triumph of the subjects despite the difficulties of a cancer diagnosis. Moreover, the vibrant pinks convey a sense of movement, vitality and jubilation in addition to representing the colour theme of the event. The exploitation of lighting reinforces this lively atmosphere, as the natural light emanating from the right of the frame illuminates the subjects’ cheerful expressions. Likewise, the focal point positioning over the two crosshairs of the rule of thirds directs audience attention to the subjects and establishes their visual weight within the image. Furthermore, the photograph features a background of crowds and coastline trees to reveal the significant nature and location of the event. These news photography techniques represent the brief as they construct the subject matter of two women participating in a community fundraising event and highlight their personal connections to the cause behind the event.