Ko au 'eni, mou me'a mai - Analysing & Explaining 2/4 first photos for my folio

I finally re-took my photographs for my new concept, Ko au 'eni, mou me'a mai.These 2 images are the 2 out of 4 of my first 4 images on my folio. I still haven't had the chance to take photos of me and my cultural portrait and a photograph of all my objects together. I feel like I have been on a roll with my new concept and ideas are rolling in and making me think deeper on how to portray my images in an astonishing and fascinating way. Originally I wasn't planning to use myself in my concept, but realizing that I had no idea on how to stance my portrait and take photos, my Photography Teacher, Mrs Clemence suggested that I use myself to create more effect and meaning to my photographs.

 <-- Photo1  Photo2 -->

After many attempt of taking photos of me flicking out the Lavalava, I was pleased that this image (photo1) I was pretty happy with. There was one photo that i really loved, but it looked like I was 'trying' to look at the camera & it shows too much of my double chin hahahaha (photo2). Photo1 shows it aswell D: D:

But I've become to like photo1. I really like how the lighting has contrasted between the colours of hot firey yellow and gradually climbed up the Lavalava to the original colour of the material. I especially like how I've edited the photo so that the patterns of the Lavalava have been brought out  I also like how I've positioned myself with the Lavalava, we are both evenly fitted into the frame and has worked well with a side viewpoint. 

In this photograph of my Polynesian drum called the Lali (Tongan) or Pate (Samoan), I really like how its composed. The way that I've placed the drum was unintentional. I didn't realize how I took this, but when I finished looking through my attempts I really like how I've angled the Lali.But I do remember that I literally laid on the floor to take this image. Knowing, that this photograph has been taken also from a point of view. The dark contrast on the end of the Lali stick, has attracted 1/4 peoples eye, where as the lighter on the side of the Lali has attracted 3/4 viewers eyes. I believe that in this photograph we can debate about a vanishing point happening here. The shadow of the Lali sticks shows the ending of it and it leads but connects to the Lali itself.

Tefito'i 'ilo Fo'ou* - Ko au eni, mou me'a mai

Wednesday 17th April

After deciding to change my concept from the 'Family' one, I decided to change my original concept 'Birthday' to an Islander/FOB concept. The reason the concepts has been changed from my original one was because I got side-tracked with one of Michel Tuffery's artworks 'Lakapi' and it led me to change my direction significantly. I have named my new concept 'Ko au eni, mou me'a mai' which means 'This is me, come to it'. The objects that i have introduced to this concept is Lavalava, a polynesian drum and a cultural painting. To link back with Michel's artwork I have used these objects to define my own cultural identity, specifically the Tongan aspect of my heritage. 

*New Concept 

Michel Tuffery - Lakapi

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Discussing - 'Family' Concept

The family portrait is significant to me because my family make me who I am. Having my family around me gives me effect of normality. I can be myself around them and have them not judging me on what I do. The idea of the guitar together in this concept ties in well with the family portrait because I come from a very musical family which 

ties in well with my bible. My bible wraps my concept overall, as it gives my concept an effect of Christianity. With the bible it brings my family closer together and that's where I was trying to go with this concept that somehow failed.

Re-planning - FAMILY!

                                                        Tuesday 9th April 2013 

Straight after my planning for my birthday presents I changed my concept again. From my birthday presents I changed it into these images that meant something to me. These sketches of my images include a family frame, the family guitar & my bible :) I thought I'd be able to go far with these sketches and take photographs but I still felt I couldn't connect with It and go far. Even though these images are very dear to me but I don't think I could tell story with it. 

Original Concept - Birthday Photographs

Monday 8th April 2013

These 4 images show the best ones I thought I shot. The 2nd image was my favourite one. I like how the accessories are set out. The lighting used in that image is kinda dull. The most lighting is directed mostly at the nivea cream. The third image demonstrates a birds eye view shot. I like how the lighting is been shown from the top and the shadow reflects onto the wall. Rules of third can be visualized.

Original Concept - Birthday Presents

Tuesday 9th April 2013 

This is an idea of my first concept that I had originally thought of; some my 17th birthday gifts; Nivea Hand Cream, Blue elephant necklace and flowery toiletry bag. I came up with this idea because it was the only idea I could think of at the time, and I think I was a bit slack of trying to bring all my stuff together to make it become as a project folio I could go further in.