November 15, 2020
My computer is currently producing the first images needed to build an interactive environment later. 185 images to be exact; first in low resolution, which takes about 8 hours, and later this week in high resolution, which will take 3 days. Since I’m so busy with this technical part anyway, I thought it would be nice to take you through the building process.
Where it began
The basis for the exhibition are photos I’ve taken over the past years. Photos taken in and of New Zealand, on the dance floor and of dancers, and lastly photos of myself. All these photos have to do with who I am, how I look at the world, and what has helped me to get moving again personally. You’ll also encounter that story in an appropriate way in the exhibition.
A design in 3D
To present those photos, I’ve familiarized myself with a new 3D program in recent months. This free program is called Blender, of Dutch origin, which makes it possible to build your own 3D environment or objects. Mine has become a complete building.
Choices
What started as a small experiment grew into a fully furnished museum where each object was designed, placed, and provided with a color and/or texture. I’ve worked a lot with wood tones to give you as a visitor a structure that you understand. That’s in the walls of the corridors and a number of large objects. The floor has also become recognizable laminate, which I’ve actually recently adjusted to a lighter variant after feedback. Every object has been thought about and edited and as you might already see; there are many.
Not everything is self-made because some 3D characters, the cash register system, the café furnishings, and plants were purchased. On the one hand, my expertise doesn’t extend that far yet, and on the other hand, it saves a lot of work.
Where experience and newly acquired knowledge meet
On top of that came the lighting, and that has been the biggest job, besides putting everything in place. For this, I looked at existing museums and galleries, used my own experience as a lighting designer, and also read a lot of online learning material and watched instructional videos on Youtube. Hours and hours went into researching, lighting, color determination of the light, figuring out what quality the light should have, and finding the best general lighting.
I’ve also recently made changes to that. For example, in some rooms there are now panels against the ceiling that keep the room light away from the photos.
The photos are each lit with a separate spotlight that is equipped with a lamp aimed at the photo.
Taking digital photos
The rectangle with the triangle on top that you see in the foreground is another camera. Because every photo in the exhibition must also be photographed. All those photos together with the photos of the corridor, the counter, café, and shop bring the total to 184 photos. I then load all those photos into another software package with which I can present a virtual tour and environment.
So it’s a huge job! And that’s not even including all the promotional work, photo editing, taking the photos, building the website, and so on. But then you have something to show for it!
Laying the foundation for the future
This project has been an experience, a learning school, and a beautiful way to shape my ideas, my story, my photography, and my passion. It’s also been a way to delve into new ways of telling stories, to build an experience, to delve into 3D, to discover myself as an artist, to discover the power of myself as a photographer, and to use photography in a different way. To experiment, to investigate, to test myself, to keep surprising myself time and again, and to produce and share something beautiful. I’m grateful for all of this and proud of it! And I want to keep doing that!
Do it together?
That’s also why I’m asking you to support me. Would you tell your family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances about the exhibition? Tell them about this project. Would you dedicate a message to it on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, in an email, or in any other way you see fit?
By doing so, you enable me to generate sufficient income to further expand this project in the coming months. To add new podcasts, videos, and other fun things. To also ensure that I can start another new project next year. Will you do that? Thanks!
Want to know more or have a private tour? Get in touch with me!
Regards,
Jelle