Welcome to our eagerly awaited (though slightly belated) Halloween Special edition of Photographer of the Week 2024! The Higher Photography group has poured their creativity into crafting a collection of eerie, unsettling, and fantastical images for your viewing pleasure. Working collaboratively, they’ve carefully considered composition, lighting, and depth to create captivating images that draw you in. From the magical world of Harry Potter to the terrifying presence of Michael Myers and zombies, this is an eclectic selection that’s sure to leave an impression. Let’s dive into the spooky details:

First up is Faith Johnston’s Harry Potter-inspired image Wands and Loyalty. Johnston has utilised a mid-range f-stop to maintain sharp focus on the foreground witches and wizards of Hogwarts, while the magical wand effects create a visual balance across the frame. The inclusion of Dobby the house elf adds a captivating contrast of light and dark, heightening the dynamic between the characters.

Next, we have The Witch’s Gaze by Emily Bingham. Bingham skillfully frames her witch subject between two trees, creating a compelling juxtaposition of rough, organic textures against the smoothness of the subject’s skin. The added smoke and muted tones contribute to the atmosphere, enhancing the narrative’s ominous tone.

Another Harry Potter-themed shot by Marcus Williams, Wands at the Ready, showcases a potential wizard duel between two witches. Williams uses wand effects to help balance the height difference, and with a mid-range f-stop, he manages to preserve some background detail without detracting from the main subjects. A slight vignette subtly focuses the viewer’s attention on the action.

Keara Bark delivers The Ark’s Wrath, an exciting scene recreating the final moments of Raiders of the Lost Ark, where the Ark of the Covenant unleashes its devastating power. Bark adds drama with fake blood, creating a vivid pop of colour against the otherwise muted tones. Sparks and dramatic lighting further intensify the excitement.

The Relentless Pursuer by Colin Kyle is a chilling composition from the victim’s perspective, looking up at Michael Myers. The low angle heightens the sense of danger, making the stalker appear even more terrifying.

Gaze of the Undead by Avah McCutcheon captures a close-up of a zombified student in haunting detail. The grotesque, deformed eye provides a focal point, while the shallow depth of field ensures the viewer remains focused on the terrifying face, enhancing the gruesome narrative.

Megan Pirrie’s Undead Whiskers features a zombie feline, with piercing orange and green eyes drawing the viewer’s attention. The interplay of decay, natural textures, and organic patterns adds depth, impact, and intrigue.

Commanding the Nimbus by Faith Johnston is a brilliantly composed image featuring a lone witch casting a spell, with a blinding lens flare adding drama. The floating Nimbus 2000 broomstick introduces an element of fantasy, and the black-and-white grayscale, coupled with added noise, gives the image a timeless, aged effect.

Alysia Garrett’s Dark Wanderer presents a lost, dark spirit haunting the woods. The central composition draws the viewer in, while the surrounding trees introduce patterns and textures that add intrigue. Leading lines guide the eye through the image, adding a sense of direction and focus.

Watcher of the Woods by Anastasia McClusky showcases a stunning witch’s cat, with piercing green eyes locked onto the viewer. The warm autumn tones add impact, and the balance of rough and smooth textures creates a harmonious aesthetic.

Finally, Silenced Scream by Megan Pirrie is a gripping composition. The strange figure with a partially closed mouth and blood-stained hands tells a powerful narrative. The piercing blue eye forms an intense focal point, immediately captivating the viewer’s attention.

What a spectacular collection, full of thrilling atmosphere, creative lighting, and masterful compositions! Enjoy the haunting beauty of these remarkable works.

Don’t forget to cast your vote for this week’s winner!

Photographer of the Week is open to all students, so please send your images to Ross James at gw19jamesross@glow.sch.uk. Alternatively, visit our wider achievement page to upload your successes. If you have a photograph you’re proud of, we want to see it!