Karen's Cert Phototgraphy: Term 2: Week 5 Digital Tech Haru Sameshima Response

Haru Sameshima Research

Haru Sameshima was born in 1958, Shizuoka City, Japan. Immigrated to New Zealand 1973. He was taught photography by his scientist father at early age. He worked in small Dunedin photographic studio learning the craft before attending Otago Polytechnic Art School in 1980, then completing BFA (1992) and MFA (1995) at Elam School of Fine Arts, University of Auckland.

Sameshima has been exhibited and
published widely in New Zealand. His on-going photographic essays include eco- Tourism 1990 to present – photographic investigation of the touristic-construction of places and imagery of New Zealand, Souvenir from the tourist sites of popular tourist destinations from the globe. He is the author of Bold Centuries: a photographic history album, published by Rim Books and PhotoForum in 2009. This publication features Sameshima’s own photography along with historical and found images. It is compiled with essays examining the various ways in which photographs depict the surroundings to construct sense of histories.

Sameshima has also shown portfolios in International Triennial Bright Paradise at Auckland Art Gallery (2001), Wonderland at Govett-Brewster Gallery in New Plymouth (1999) and Fotographia, Festival Internationale Di Roma. Italy 2006.

Haru Sameshima Response

Evaluation: Haru Sameshima is a very versatile photographer and publisher. He is involved in a variety of works. His work space is geared with a darkroom for developing film and a studio area. Haru does all is own post production work in house. This includes scanning and doing outside work for other clients. Mark Adams and Haru both use the work space. Haru is very much old school technology. No internet or phone present in his office except a mobile phone. A lot of archive is kept on the premises. He does not believe in getting rid of the old to replace with the new. He recently upgraded to digital camera. I would say that if he was commissioned to shoot a venue or area with his skills light and composition would come naturally. A lot of his photo are portraits documenting history for the books to be published or have being published.

Contextualisation:
Haru photographs many different areas of genre. These include documentary, editorial and fine art. He works on creating the best photo for the client. This is seen in the Bold Centuries by Haru Sameshima. Documenting the works of the environment of the past and continuing into the present. Their is an emphasis on the impact of foreign influence, historically from the British. Documenting the images for the viewers give them the chance to explore and understand New Zealand.

Experimentation:
Looking at some of Haru work as above the motorway and off ramp. I felt the photos taking just after listening to Haru of the building across the road is a good example of documenting architecture. This was a big difference between the old building Haru has being in for the passed 20 years and new glass design.

Using natural light was a bit difficult to capture the true and amazing colours of the glass and reflections. Definitely would like to go back and capture in different light perhaps at night of early morning. Not sure if the building get a large amount of light due to the area built.

The architecture of this building is quiet fasinating. The glass captures the building in the reflection. This was enjoyable photographing the building. Needed a different technique to capture the colours. I will need to research and go back and shoot. The camera lens did not capture the beauty of this building. Open to suggestions on new ideas. Low angle with wide DOF.

The leading lines of the stairs and tight crop. The reflection compliments and completes the photo. This could have being a bit brighter too many shadows. The eye goes to the top of the building. Need to re shoot. Warmer colours would enhance the look and definitions of the detail of the building.

This photo is over exposed.

At first glance the photo looks a bit confusing. The viewer will need to stop, look, understand? I like this photo a bit creative. Looking around the area I have realised always be looking for the unexpected. Thanks ladies most enjoyable.