Concept: Princess Pier, Victoria
Princess Pier stands tall and proud as a significant part of Melbourne's cultural identity and architectural history. Photographers, both amateurs, and professional have over the years, been drawn to the iconic landmark for its spectacular sunset views and rich storytelling potential. Its magnetic appeal has persevered, making it a desirable location for capturing iconic images that are often displayed on postcards and other media for the world to behold.
However, it is not uncommon for photographers to capture the same perspectives of Princess Pier, and as such, contributions towards new and thought-provoking narratives about the structure and its heritage are necessary. As a forward-thinking photographer, my intention is to break new ground in photorealistic innovation and experimentation whilst capitalizing on modern digital technologies.
To achieve this, I strive to imbue Princess Pier's photography with contextual effects and a hint of surrealism, thus advancing the genre's design to new heights. The aesthetic of the photographic work derived from the pylons situated on and around the Princess Pier embodies a specific concept, the equalizer of sound that paints light into the surrounding landscape.
I propose to utilize the innovative film and digital technologies of the Hasselblad Super Wide C and the Hasselblad 50CII Digital Back. As well as the square format to generate an inherent coherence in all existing visuals while simultaneously tapping into a robust, versatile, and boundary-pushing format.
Concept Sketch
As an experienced photographer, I appreciate the importance of embracing experimentation and innovation. Therefore, to realize my objective, I intend to accept the challenges presented by introducing a subtle hint of surrealism to the imagery. This process involves tweaking and manipulating the scenery to give it a dreamy, otherworldly look and feel, using contextual effects to breathe new life into an old idea.
By fusing contextual effects with other elements such as the unique pallet of light, the carefully selected lenses encapsulates the pylons in a contemporary yet timeless style transforming them into an equalizer of sound. The results are a beautiful, innovative, and captivating take on the beloved image of Princess Pier, generating a fresh spin on a well-known landmark that stands the test of time.
In conclusion, Princess Pier remains an essential feature in Melbourne's cultural landscape and architectural history, captivating photographers worldwide for decades. My approach to photographing this beautiful landmark represents a progressive shift in the genre of photorealism, with an emphasis on innovation, experimentation of lighting, and the utilization of modern digital technologies. The result is a fresh, captivating take on this iconic monument, breathing new life into it and continuing its story while providing a new narrative about the role it plays in Melbourne's cultural heritage.
References:
1. Keykey (2023) Princes pier, ToMelbourne.com.au. Available at: https://tomelbourne.com.au/princes-pier/ (Accessed: May 7, 2023).
