Final Major Project
Booker Skelding
Why Doors and Windows?
During the course of my foundation degree and studies of documentary photography, I found myself photographing doors and windows almost every time I go out with my camera. At first not realising why I was photographing them and not for any purpose other than making aesthetically pleasing images. Here are some contact sheets I have taken between 2016-2109. I have experimented with reflections, colours, monochrome, infrared, modern and old architecture. Some are edited and some unedited. These have formed part of my primary research towards my Final Major Project 'Adversity'. Hopefully some of these images will explain my passion and enthusiasm for documenting doors and windows.
The top left image of the telephone box was taken on my iPhone, I’ve always loved the old-fashioned telephone boxes. Not many of them have working phones inside any longer so I thought I document one in situ before they all disappear.
The top right image was taken in Bristol and is a reflection a window in a puddle on the floor . I like the distortion effect of the rippling water on reflection. The pattern of the square slabs on the floor draws my eye through the image. I find it an image I want to continue looking at.
The bottom left was taken in Bristol. I like the graffiti colours below the bars on the window. I read the image as being captured and then being free. It is said that the bizarre reasoning for trainers tied on the bars is a drug dealing in that area.
Bottom right shows an alleyway leading to some windows in the distance. I was experimenting with the wall textures and orange colours. The wet trail on the floor leading the viewers eye along the alleyway.
This collection images were taken at Lacock Abbey in 2017.
The top left is a picture of a blocked doorway in the brewery room. Where ales and wines were made. I wonder why the door has been blocked up. No way in and no way out.
Top righting bottom images I love the dated 13th century glass windows. The light to dark contrast and dynamic range. My eye rests on the old fashioned bowl on the window-sill.
Bottom left is one of the rooms in the abbey where open tombs lay.
Windows At Coity Castle
I love the bottom left image because of the design resembling a religious cross
The two top images are of Caerphilly Castle taken with a Nikon D90 converted infrared camera 720nm. Which is a range best used for monochrome conversions in post editing. These have not been edited and are straight out of camera which has given a sepia effect. This is because the kelvin temperature is around and below 2000k.
The two bottom images are of the Cardiff council offices building at the Civic Centre. The majestic pillars and architecture are striking against the cloud formation.
The infrared conversion emphasises contrast and creates a dramatic image which I feel is powerful. It is a camera that can give great results at any time of the day and does not rely upon the photographers golden hours for best results.
These four images are a collection taken at the boys village in 2016.
Top left image, I thought looked most effective in colour because of the richness of green foliage climbing outside the window.
Top and bottom right my daughter is standing/sat in the doorway, overlooking a beautiful chapel opposite.
We have beauty and decay in the same image, the doorway looking like an escape route.
The image on the right does look like a double exposure however this is a reflection with a Nik filter added in post edit. The filter balances the reflection within the image as to equally make the image and reflection blend to the same strength.
It is an effect I really enjoy looking at and the end result is intriguing.
Here we have a collection of windows and doorway which are taken at Ruperra Castle, which is in ruin. It is a protected building and privately owned.
They have been taken with the infrared camera unedited.
I particularly like the pillar that splits the window into two, constructed of concrete which today you wouldn’t see in modern buildings. Windows frames would be of UPVC material and double glazing for efficiency regulated by building contraints.
I realise now that I have been and currently still documenting this beautiful construction and piece of history.
I have now joined the 'Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust' as a volunteer photographer.
These four images are a collection of doors from castles and abbeys.
Two images to the right edited in monochrome.
and the other two one infrared bottom left top left side of the camera and edited standard camera digital,
Here is an example of an infrared shot after it’s been edited the one on the right is the one that’s been edited to monochrome.
The position that I've taken the image from creates a powerful and dramatic effect.
Boasting the beauty of the architecture I prefer the edited version.
This composition I find similar to the image taken by Callum Mcinerney-Riley, journalist illustrated on the architecture page.
