“The eye shot”

This scene at the end of 2001: Space Odyssey shows the main character eye blinking rapidly with the colors changing every blink to show the state of hallucination in the character. The camera is titled and uneven to create a sense of unease. The eye is wide open showing the sense of intense psychological distress.. Kubrick in this shot is making the viewer understand the out of world experience that is happening both fantastic and terrifying at the same time.

Although this is a film shot, I see potential for photography. Without the advantage of multiple frames to create an effect I believe I can create a similar effect with a single photograph. But I don’t just want to copy it, I want to make my own version and effect using camera techniques inspired by Kubrick like high contrast, tilted angle but also using my photography techniques like zooming out with a slow shutter on the eye creating a sucking in effect. I am now going to do a test shot for this idea and the images below to show you my vision.

My First Shoot

For this photo I wanted more of a eligant photo of the eye, showing the details and using B&W but still keeping the image exposed.

1/200 200mm F6.3

For this photo, I wanted a more intense look using strong contrast and darker exposure. I wanted to eye to look directly at the camera to keep that intense look.

1/200 200mm F6.3

Review of the first shoot

I think the photographs are good but I know I can improve it further. I still want to use a long exposure on the eye to create a sucking in effect but I though it would be better to do with my 300mm lens and using a tripod that I didn’t have for this shoot. So overall, a second shoot is reqired so I can attempt to use the long exposure and then I hopefully have a photo that I will use in my series.

My Second Shoot