Somewhere to Park
Life in Miniature
In this project, I've tapped into my inner childlike imagination to create a visual narrative, utilising vegetables as props and painted paper cut-out birds as my protagonists, I aim to construct the illusion of a miniature world. Through a series of connected photographs, I'll create a cohesive storyline, employing consistent props and sequential storytelling. I'll use photography techniques and creative lighting, each scene will be meticulously captured to breathe life into the narrative.
The Real-Life Characters
The Story
My narrative is inspired by the true story of a family of Spotted Thick-knee birds that live in a green park circle, nestled in the heart of the cul-de-sac opposite my house. This South African story unfolds with a pair of Spotted Thick-knee birds residing in a lush park, their home, nurturing a precious egg. As the egg hatches, they raise the fledgling until it's ready to face the world. Eventually, they evict the bird from their park, encouraging it to embark on a journey in search of its own haven and companion.
Along the way, the fledgling encounters numerous challenges, navigating through unfamiliar territories filled with intimidating obstacles, leaving him without a place to settle. He wanders in search of a suitable home. Eventually, he crosses paths with another Spotted Thick-knee also seeking a territory. They fall in love, find a park, and start a new life, eventually raising their own egg.
The Storyboard
In this series of sketches, I’ve designed a detailed storyboard outlining the composition of each scene, including the positions of the birds and props, as well as the placement of the light source. My plan involves using a cardboard box as the background, ensuring a neutral and uncluttered setting to enhance the focus of the scenes. I’ll rely on natural lighting throughout the series to maintain a natural aesthetic, except for one scene where I'll introduce a red light for a humorous romantic touch, adding to the cliché drama.
My intention is for the lighting to transition gradually from natural and bright to more dramatic and subdued, mirroring the evolving mood and atmosphere of each scene. Consistency in the use of props and the protagonist will create a cohesive narrative, with each scene seamlessly flowing into the next. By maintaining certain elements consistent, I aim to convey a sense of continuity and unity throughout the scenes.
Behind The Scenes
Each scene required meticulous preparation and multiple takes to achieve the desired storytelling effect. It began with painting each bird, backdrop, and boot used as a prop in one scene. I faced challenges with the birds, as they frequently got lost or discarded, consequently, I ended up painting four sets of birds.
I initially struggled with balancing the vegetable props, to resolve this I improvised by inserting toothpicks into the
props and then into the polystyrene, ensuring stability. However, I had to reshoot every scene as the initial scenes failed
to effectively convey the story and mood. I encountered difficulties in gradually darkening the lighting to maintain consistency across scenes while preserving a natural look. To achieve this, I meticulously monitored the angle
of the brightness of the sunlight.
Finals
A New Beginning
As the egg begins to crack, the parents stand watch, nurturing and protecting their newly hatched fledgling. Here, amidst the lush green park, we witness the birth as the baby emerges from its shell into the world, their home.
A Sad Goodbye
As the fledgling grows, he leaves the nest, his park, his parents, venturing forth in search of his own park and companion. With a sense of both excitement and caution, the vast world beckons as he sets out on his ominous journey.
The Human Hurdle
The fledgling grows up, and encounters numerous obstacles in the outside world, particularly the pervasive presence of humans. Their expansion into once-natural habitats has made many areas uninhabitable, turning them into hostile environments for the young bird and its kind
Love at First Flight
It was love at first sight. The bird unexpectedly bumps into his true love and soulmate. From that moment on, they become inseparable companions for life.
Peace in the Park
The pair tenderly nurture their precious egg, standing vigilant as they protect it with their lives. In their lush sanctuary, surrounded by tranquility, they find solace and contentment, knowing that all is well in their safe haven.
The End
