Final Project: No one but the cameraman

Composition: Balance, lighting and perspective played the most important roles in my set of image. Balance came in the form of many symmetrical images with lighting spread throughout the frame. Lighting, as just stated, was not focused in one area, but instead covered the whole composition. The lighting did however provide some very strong blacks and whites. And perspective may be the most important element. Low aperture created many blurred areas that moves the viewer's focus through the frame while also obscuring areas that might be important to pay attention to.

Concept: My set of images are meant to form an emotional response in the viewer. The emotions should be along the lines of sadness, loneliness, fright, and an overall eerie feeling. The concept is about feeling alone and like you're the only one in the world. At first glance, this set of photos may appear as just pictures of places and scenery. But when a closer look is taken, the viewer will notice hidden shadows of people there before. It is hard to sometimes notice that  we're not the only ones to ever feel a certain way. Others have gone through the same things.

Method: All of these images were taken with a 50mm lens at an aperture of 1.8. This created some very sharp elements while other elements blurred into obscurity. All lighting was provided by the scenes, there was no constructed lighting sources. Once the photo was taken, I went into photoshop, sharpened the image, adjusted the levels, and added the shadows. Shadows were silhouettes found on Google which I then placed over the photo, added a gaussian blur, and then made it opaque. I worked to make each shadow somewhat hidden yet still tell a story.

Motivations: My goal for this set of images was to elicit an emotion from the viewer. Through ambiguous shadows and shallow DOF, I wanted to force the viewer to look at the photo longer than normal. This would hopefully lead the viewer to make their own definition for the shadows and overall feeling of the composition. My other goal was to finally create something intentionally "dark." After years of people telling me that my art was "brooding" or "macabre,"  I wanted to embrace it and create something that suited those names.

Conext: I believe my images are unique because of their pure ambiguity. I have seen many other photographers and artists express a specific emotion in their pieces that may not let the viewer decide for themselves what it means. My set is also different because photographers often times seem to have a stigma with adding things into their photos. By adding in the shadows and creating a story, I was able to successfully "alter" my photos while still leaving their artistic value in tact. Outside of art and photography, my images have a social/psychological meaning. We all at some point feel alone. This usually leads us to overgeneralize and think we're the only ones dealing with that problem and that no one can relate. But, our attitude is what keeps us from seeing the truth, the real fact that we're never alone and our emotions/feelings are common.

Blog #25

Write a detailed description of your “motivations” for your final self-proposed project. Why are you interested in this subject? What do you want to convey? How do you want viewers to respond? Why are you inspired to make these images/this project? Do you want to evoke emotions in viewers? Shock viewers? Make them laugh? Make them think? Inform them? Reveal something about how you see the world? Reveal something about yourself, a person, a place, a feeling, a memory, a moment in time? 

My final project is meant to be an ambiguous set of photos that can evoke emotions in all people. I have chosen a theme where I take photos of empty scenes that you would expect people to be in, and then I add in very subtle shadows/outlines of people that once were. This theme conveys the ideas of loneliness, sadness, emptiness, feelings of the past, and feelings that we're all in the same boat. These themes come together to form my project called "No One But The Cameraman." When the viewer first looks at my photo, they will feel the emotions listed above and not notice the subtle shadows for some time. But once they notice the shadows, feelings of past lives and all the other interpretations of shadows that people have will come into play. I am motivated to do this project because I feel that everyone shares these emotions. It is commonly hidden from society, but at some point everyone feels alone and isolated, even when there may be others around them (another interpretation of the shadows). This project has personal meaning as well. Being an only child often meant feeling alone and "empty." Those feelings do no persist today, but the memories of them inspired me. This is also why many of the photos in my set are blurry or have a shallow depth of field, creating a memory/dreamlike effect. Overall, I want my viewers to think and feel. I want my photos to be personal to each individual through their ambiguity. And lastly, I would like my photos to feel almost like a story, traveling from place to place, feeling the environment, and searching for those shadows.

final project preview

Blog #24

A. Pick two images from any of the “constructed reality” photographers presented in class or linked on the assignment sheet. Describe how you could recreate these two images on a “smaller scale”.

B. Describe your plans for your self-proposed final project (if the plan is the same as before, paste it here again and give a bit more detail). During the final critique for Assignment #5, you will discuss/present these ideas to the class. 

A.

http://www.mocp.org/collections/permanent/meatyard_ralph_eugene.php

I could recreate this image with my little figurines. My figurines already look like they are wearing masks like the people in the picture. I could then put them on actual stairs and use an aperture like 1.8 to get a blurred and even smaller feel to the scene.

http://www.victorianweb.org/photos/robinson/2.html

I would recreate this image by making a small boat out of paper and placing some fabric in it. I would then float it in a puddle so get the reflections and a more naturalistic feel. I could also put some little trees around it make out of branches and leaves.

B.

• No One But The Cameraman
• capture photos of scenes void of people that are well known for being full of people
• what it represents
• post-apocalypse, what if everyone disappeared, feeling alone, the invisibility of humans to others.
• possible places
• sidewalks, hallways, building entrances, streets, late night scenes, sports areas
• A Face We Can't See
• capture people's not-so-attractive side through candid photography
• with winter people found outside are often much less happy looking
• what it represents
• anti-advertising photography, anti-fashion, social commentary on appearances, a dark side to people
• possible subjects
• smokers, bikers, bus stop people, people on the bus, people in the cafeteria, walkers
• age group: college student-elderly

Assignment #5 review

Composition: The perspective on this photo looks straight at the figure, at eye level. Natural lighting creates a soft and natural effect.
Concept: This image is a small stage depicting someone looking longingly out a window. It represents how small and lonely someone can feel when trapped on the inside.
Method: This photo was taken using an aperture of 1.8, creating some select blurred areas. Natural lighting lit the scene and photoshop was used to boost the levels and burn/dodge in a stronger vignette.
Motivation: My goal for this image was to personify a non-living thing. Through careful angles and lighting, I wanted to achieve a feeling of longing that even a viewer of the photo could feel.
Context: This photo is somewhat similar to other personifying photos. However, I believe it takes on a new scene. Often times figures like this are seen looking out windows, however this time a screen obscures the outside, representing a confusion and blurring of the "persons" view as well.
Interpretation: Others felt that this image really personified the doll. The tone and lighting helped create a mood and focus more on the subject.
Evaluation: The perspective and lighting is working well in this image. The composition could be improved by possibly zooming out a bit more or involving the figure's arms to enhance the mood.
Extension: I would like to jump off this image into a set about the emotions that an emotionless doll could feel. Through careful placement and lighting I could create emotions and moods.

Composition: Perspective and lighting played a very important role in this image. The "stripper" figurine it looked at from a lower point of view, much like someone would look at someone in a club. The lighting also highlights the figure and "pole", while also creating a smokey effect in the background.
Concept: This image is about the hidden sides of every human. The stripper is a man in a suit wearing a mask. It can be assumed that his "normal" side is a businessman while his side seen in this picture is of a spontaneous and wild, yet hidden, individual.
Method: This image was taken using an aperture of 1.8, giving a very shallow depth of field. A desk lamp lit the photo, providing a lot of strong highlights. And the figurine was set up on a plastic cup and straw. Photoshop was used to burn/dodge select areas.
Motivation: My goal for this image was to once again personify a non-living thing. However this time, I also wanted to show another side of something that really cannot change sides. Humans are able to change so much about themselves, but to see the other side of a doll that is permanently the same, it took a lot of thinking.
Context: I have not seen a picture like this where a figurine is made to show two different sides in one image. It carries a social and cultural meaning about how so many of us are "batman personalities," one during the day, and one during the night.
Interpretation: This image was seen in many ways. One was a business man that masks himself at night and takes on this sexual role.
Evaluation: Lighting was highly regarded in this photo. It created a smokey effect while also appearing as though a spotlight was on the figure. The angle of the shot could have been experimented with a bit more.
Extension: A set I could make from this image is of people's other sides. Find real people that a part of the batman complex. Completes opposites from day to night.

Composition: Lighting and perspective played the biggest roles in this image. It highlighted the water drop while creating an angle that gave the water a structural feel.
Concept: This image is about the subtle constructions in every day life. This scene is so subtle that it most often cannot be seen with the naked human eye. By inverting the image, it shows an angle not commonly seen either, showing a different side of something we take for granted.
Method: This image was taken with an aperture of 1.8, creating a very shallow depth of field. A flash was used to capture the image at such a high speed while also highlighting the water. Photoshop was used to burn and dodge certain areas and add a vignette, and invert the image.
Motivation: My goal for this image was to see how interesting of a structure I could capture in water. I also wanted it to be something that the human eye could never see by itself because it is such a subtle and quick occurrence.
Context: I have seen many images of high speed water photography, however I believe my image ads a deeper meaning and artful quality to that theme. This images relates strongly to naturalistic issues. It shows a beautiful and natural scene that humans may never see without the help of photography, almost like nature hides its best work from us.
Interpretation: Many saw this as a very high quality but did not follow the reasoning behind it. I had to explain that it represented a subtle structure that is very rarely seen.
Evaluation: The focus and sharpness of this photo was very good and added to the composition. The lighting of the frame and water also added greater interest. A different composition, more like the one below, was favored and could be edited.
Extension: Finding other subtle structures with high speed photography would be my jumping off point. Possibly with water balloons, dropping fruit, and other detailed and unseen things.

 

Composition: Framing and lighting played pivotal roles in this image. The off-center faucet ads some abstractness to the image while the lighting highlights the important structure of the water drops.

Concept: This image is again about the hidden structure of nature and the subtle things we take for granted that are near impossible to see.

Method: This image was taken with an aperture of 1.8, creating a very shallow depth of field. A flash was used to capture the image at such a high speed while also highlighting the water. Photoshop was used to burn and dodge certain areas and add a vignette, and invert the image with some cropping.

Motivation: My goal for this image was to continue capturing subtle structures hidden to us. I also wanted to see just how unique water could be in high speed photography, never having done it before.

Context: I have seen many images of high speed water photography, however I believe my image ads a deeper meaning and artful quality to that theme. This images relates strongly to naturalistic issues. It shows a beautiful and natural scene that humans may never see without the help of photography, almost like nature hides its best work from us. Scenes like this are also most commonly seen with bright vibrant colors, creating most of the interest. However this image in black and white still brings focus to the water while adding more interesting texture and shadows.

Interpretation: People saw the structure of this image more than the first. They identified it as a very subtle part of nature that we rarely see.

Evaluation: The range of value works well and the composition adds a lot of interest and a more unique angle. The contrast and sharpness could be fixed or changed just to experiment.

Extension: This photo inspires a set based on falling objects and their different angles. I am not sure why this interests me, but I think that in slow motion, falling household objects can be somewhat artful.

Blog #23

1. In what ways do you “construct” your identity? In what ways do you “perform” in your daily life?

• I construct my identity with my clothing, appearance (hair), and attitude. These elements come together to help people recognize me on a daily basis, if not for my consistent physical appearance. My attitude, being immature and compassionate, is another recognizable feature that is part of my identity.
• I perform many emotions and things I say in my daily life. To better cope with situations, or relate with others, I must at times perform emotions or play the caring role to continue being liked by the people around me. However, I begin to confuse this performance with true feelings.

2. Describe some ways in which your personal culture and social environments are “constructed”.

• The people we choose to be around have been constructed by our own free will. We chose to align ourselves with certain groups - jocks, gamers, boy, girls, hetero/homosexuals, etc. These people are whom we felt best matched our identity. A more literal example of constructed social environments and personal culture is found online. With social networking sites, people are able to create and define themselves to show others who may be interested and want to become "friends."

3. Describe some ways in which your physical environment/space is “constructed”.

• Our space is constructed through a mix of emotions, preferences, and uncontrolled factors. For example, everyone could decorate the same room a different way. People feeling happy may use bright colors and people feeling sad may use neutrals. Some may just like wood floors, others may like carpeting. And some may not be able to afford certain items, so their room is a bit more basic. Our constructed environment is much more complex and takes many unconscious decisions to arrive at a final result.

4. In your daily life, what would you consider to be “real” and what would you consider to be “constructed/fabricated”?

• Things that are real are just objects - a ball, a dog, dinner plates, a plant. Things that are constructed are more abstract - a bedroom layout, the members of a group of friends, the choice in clothing for a particular day. Real is simple and mostly unchangeable, it comes the way it is. Constructed is created and assembled through personal preferences and thoughts.

5. Describe a narrative tableaux that you might create to be captured by a photograph. A narrative tableaux can be defined as “Several human actors play out scenes from everyday life, history, myth or the fantasy of the direction artist” ( Constructed Realities: The Art of Staged Photography Edited by Michael Kohler , 34).

• My photograph would be of many people waiting in line for a single porta-potty, preferably at some sort of event like a carnival. Each person would be a different race, height, weight, and have different types of clothing. The narrative behind this photo is no matter how different we all may appear, everyone still has natural instincts and drives that make us the same. Even in the midst of an event that involves all walks of life, people come together if even for just the simplest thing like using the bathroom.

6. Describe an idea for a photograph that includes a miniature stage or still life. A description of such an image is “The tableaux reconstructs events as in the narrative tableaux, but in miniaturized format, using dolls and other toy objects” (Kohler, 34).

• My idea is to photograph a one small doll sitting at the end of a long miniature dinner table. Two larger dolls would then be at the sides of the long table, blurred a great deal because of the focus on the small doll. there would be miniature empty dinner played in front of them and a light source adding more focus to the small doll at the end. The narrative behind this is that in a child's world (doll world), they feel more in control. A child's imagination can let them become who they want to be, while in real life the scenario may be the complete opposite.

Contemporary Photographers #11

Title: Flooded Hallway From Right
Creator: James Casebere
Date: 1999
Material: Dye destruction print

All of Casebere's images are of constructed scenes. He makes them out of simple materials such as paper and foil. His works often have deep social/cultural meaning that you would not expect from such a minimalistic piece. This photo is a recreation of a bunker underneath the Reichstag. His recreations take on a great deal of realism while also allowing him and the viewer to gain many new angles and perspectives on the place being depicted.

Historical Photographers #11

Title: Étienne Gourmelen
From the series: Surgery Through the Ages produced for the firm David and Geck.
Creator: Lejaren à Hiller (American, b. 1880 d. 1969)
Date/Location: 1933, Rochester, NY, George Eastman House
Materials: gelatin silver print

This image was meant to be used for an advertisement. It exemplified the heightened sensationalism featured in advertising photography during the 1920s and 30s. In this staged image, a sixteenth-century physician treats plague victims. The men are all clothed, and the women are slim, nude, and in more sexually provocative positions, apparently calling this a "symptom" of the plague.

Assignment 4: final

Composition: Lighting and perspective played very important roles in this photo. The lighting from my window gave this photo great detail and some powerful shadows. Perspective also accomplished giving this photo an advertising feel. It is a close up view with a brand name and product in focus.
Concept: This image is a literal and abstract commentary on advertising photography. Instead of looking like a constructed scene, this interpretation takes on a more movie-like quality and focuses on a product that is not commonly featured.
Method: This image was taken while I sat on the floor in a spot where direct sunlight was angling in. I used a very fast shutter speed because of the bright light. This allowed me to capture very crisp details and textures.
Motivation: My goal for this image was to imitate advertising photography in terms of quality while taking on a much more artful composition and lighting usage.
Context: This image is much different that most advertising photos. Its shadows and lighting looks at the product in a new way. This image is also a social commentary on what is cliche in the advertising world.
Interpretation: It was not understood what my angle on this photo was until I explained it. People saw it as an advertisement, but not as the intended "Nikon until I die" theme.
Evaluation: The clarity and tones in this image are working well. They give crisp advertisement-quality details while also giving the photo a moody and subjective feel. The subject, the lens cap, is what was discussed that could be improved.
Extension: I would jump off from this image and create a series about hands, either in different places or doing different things. They are so versatile and detailed that I could capture a lot of options.

Composition: Lighting and focus were what I believe made this photo great. A desk lamp provided sharp details and an interesting light pattern on the lens, while also highlighting the blurred brand name. Focus also made this photo interesting. The most detailed part of the lens is shown while all other parts of the photo are blurry.
Concept: This image is about advertising photography and how it could be. This is another more abstract photo of something that could have been a very plain and literal photo shoot. The focus and blurred brand name bring more attention to the beautiful product only.
Method: This image was taken using a very low aperture and a desk lame as my directional light. Some photoshop masking and burning/dodging was used to accentuate the vignette around this image.
Motivation: My goal for this image was to once again imitate advertising photography in terms of quality, but also explore integrating abstract art into that theme.
Context: This image is also a much different take on normal advertising photography. Blurring the brand name one of the most important elements of this photo. Maybe it is time for our culture to focus more on the product than brand names.
Interpretation: The group saw this image for what it was, an advertisement. The Nikon brand and product placement made it very clear.
Evaluation: The focus and tones worked the best in the image. The focus gave a very unique viewpoint on the lens, right in the center, while also obscuring the Nikon name. Tones also created a powerful contrast and it overall feels professional. What could be improved is the blurred Nikon name could be more in focus like most advertisements.
Extension: Jumping off of this, I would create a set about advertisements that aren't so typical. Normally the product and brand name are shown clearly, but maybe I could find a way to display those things, or not, in different ways.

 Composition: Framing and lighting are what worked well in this photo. The door peep hole was central, adding to the realistic feel of looking through it. Lighting also is what made the outside area more recognizable. It was necessary to be able to tell that a person was standing outside.
Concept: This image is about the privacy we think we have. Peep holes are normally meant to keep someone on the outside from looking in. However, what if the person on the inside should be kept from looking at the people outside? This concept works in this photo becuase the outside person is not near the peep hole, or even looking at it, making the photo viewer feel like they are watching them.
Method: This image was taken by holding my camera up to the peep hole in my door. A very low aperture was used to blur the photo and create a more mystic/eerie effect. A somewhat slower shutter speed was used to capture the rings of light inside the peep hole.
Motivation: My goal for this photo was to capture a scene not often caught by a camera. It was meant to explore the theme of privacy and give the viewer a firsthand look at their spying habits.
Context: This image is much different than many photos commenting on privacy. Instead of looking at the people affected by spying and security cameras, this image transforms the viewer into one of the people harming our right to privacy. It is socially and culturally relevant for everyone living in today's electronic and robotic world.
Interpretation: This image was seen how I wanted it to be, as an invasion of privacy and a view of people's more creepy spying habits.
Evaluation: The focus, tones, and blurriness of this photo are all working well. It gives the viewer the feeling that they are actually looking through the peep hole at the person outside. The contrast and blurriness work together to make the photo more subjective and murky, what you would kind of expect from someone spying on you from an alley or whatever else.
Extension: A set I could do would be about spying on people with things obscuring my view. Examples could be from in a bush, around a corner, through a window, just all places that make the viewer feel like they're in the scene.

Composition: Framing is what made this photo successful. It created a very symmetrical composition with some interesting parts, such as the background lines being more diagonal and not following a straight up and down pattern.
Concept: This image is a commentary on social network site photos. I have not seen pictures like this on sites like facebook. It is a much more artful interpretation of what is normally photos of people making weird faces, at parties, or shot at angles that make the person look good. 
Method: This image was taken in a bathroom mirror and used the bathroom lights. I held the camera myself and used a low aperture which ended up blurring most elements of this photo except my hair. I then went in with photoshop and added contrast with levels, along with darkening the tile background to help make my face look brighter and get more focus.
Motivating: The goal for this photo was to explore other ways of making social network photos. Instead of the cliche photos we all know, I wanted to obscure faces, and using lighting/editing that would be obviously different.
Context: There are many ways to comment on social network photography and I chose the method of going against many cliches that it normally presents. It is a social commentary on how we assume we're always supposed to look good or show how many friends we have in our facebook photos.
Interpretation: I had to explain that this image was for a social networking site, and that it was more of a commentary on how this image differs greatly from normal Facebook pictures.
Evaluation: The group like the overall composition. They said the angled wall tiles made it much less linear and more interesting, and that my facial expression and hair could create a narrative within itself. It was suggested that I lighten my eyes to show more details.
Extension: Jumping off from this, I would create a set about Facebook photos that aren't so typical. I would use none of the cliche angles and faces commonly known to those on Facebook.

#22

A. Series: Brainstorm various ways to make a “series” of photographic images.

• pictures of something over time
• aging, deteriorating, fading, growing, shrinking, moving
• different tones/values of the same image
• Andy Warhol style
• HDR exposures
• mall photo booth style
• changing expressions/people/positions
• compositions that work well with one another
• similar value, tone, composition, subjects, zooming out/in
• encompasing theme
• ex: finding letters of the alphabet in nature/city

 B. Final Project: Your final project in this class will be designed by you. If you could tackle any photography project, what would it be? You could combine other media with photography (video, sculpture, drawing) or you could take one of your earlier assignments and expand it to create a larger project. If you are expanding an earlier project or creating an entirely new series of images, shoot for a series of at least 5 images. Describe an idea you have for your final project.

• A Face We Can't See
• capture people's not-so-attractive side through candid photography
• with winter people found outside are often much less happy looking
• possible subjects
• smokers, bikers, bus stop people, people on the bus, people in the cafeteria, walkers
• age group: college student-elderly
•  The Nature of Letters
• find the letters of the alphabet in nature/man made structure
• letters cant be actual letters, but the shape of letters formed unintentionally
• ex: tree branches creating an F, the shadow of a sign on a sidewalk making a P
•  No One But The Cameraman
• capture photos of scenes void of people that are well known for being full of people
• possible places
• sidewalks, hallways, building entrances, streets, late night scenes, sports areas

#20

1. Describe some common aesthetic aspects of “news”-related photographs.
1. These photos are often very clear with little artistic value. They serve the purpose of showing a scene or person in context to the story. You often see the subject in their natural environment. You usually see the subject performing an action in the photo.
2. Describe some common aesthetic aspects of “snapshots”.
1. Snapshots often are blurred or have an accidental appearance to them. They show a great deal of motion and look quickly composed. Snapshots usually focus in on a single element in the frame and not a large landscape or scene.
3. Describe some common aesthetic aspects of advertisement photographs. Fashion photography? Product photography?
1. These types of photos are usually much more artistic and clear. Colors are bright and saturated to attract people's eyes. Backgrounds are usually very boring or absent to help push more focus on the subject. These photos are usually very crisp as well because of the high quality cameras used to take them. These photos also try to capture the whole subject, and not cut off portions.
4. Describe some common aesthetic aspects of film or movie stills. 
1. Film or movie stills usually feel very in the moment. There may be some blur to show motion as it was a part ripped right out of a movie. Movie stills that have grown more famous usually have a great deal of meaning and foreshadowing in them. Shadows are used a lot to express emotions. Movie stills are also either very bright and well lit, or very dark and creepy, there seems to be no middle ground.
5. Describe some common aesthetic aspects of yearbook photos and/or senior pictures.
1. These are the most cookie cutter photos of them all. Each photo is set up with the student in the center from mid-chest up with a darker colored background that has a fabric texture to it. Most people smile the same way and have their heads turned just a little in the same direction. Colors are bright and the images are clear with strong but diffuse lighting that shows little shadows.

Assignment 4(0): Recreate Popular Media

My recreation:
The original image above depicts a half naked women holding a phone like it's some sort of lust-filled status symbol. The ad is about the phone's photo quality, however the tagline "Picture Perfect" I'm sure could be talking about other things. The photo is flawless and the scene is typical of fashion and modern technology photography. So, after finally becoming sick of seeing ads that turn phones into more than they really are, I decided to put mine in the trash. This image is a recreation and a commentary on ad culture. It is a recreation because it still presents the phone in a moody/intriguing manor. However, it is also a commentary because a cell phone is nothing more than future trash. We outgrow phones so fast, and no matter how much beauty was in the original handset we bought, that little brick will soon end up sitting atop orange peels and old sticky notes.

Assignment 3

Composition: Framing and lighting played the biggest roles in this image. The brick walls surrounded the image's peripheral while the lighting kept the focus on the end of the stairwell, giving that eerie trapped feeling.
Concept: My image is about feeling trapped and scared. It may be due to horror movie conditioning, but dark dirty stairwells and dim lighting seem to evoke that emotion within people. Also, the fact that the image is looking down better works with the evil feeling. If the image was taken from the bottom of the stairwell looking up, it would have a more heavenly ascending feeling.
Method: This image was taken with a fast shutter speed to better accentuate the shadows and dark tones while keeping the bright whites visible. Photoshop was then used to achieve the absolute blacks that frame the stairwell. This process was helpful in learning how to better show emotion within an image.
Motivations: My goal for this image was to create a well known scary space that can bring out fear, nervousness, and other emotions like those.
Context: I believe this image looks at emotional places in real life in a new way. You can find dilapidated houses and damaged walls in many places, but to take a normal looking scene and instill emotion upon it, I don't see that too often.

Interpretation: Others saw this image as very emotional and creepy. They paid a lot of attention to the subtle and bright lighting, while also keeping in mind the importance of the shadows to the composition
Evaluation: The clarity and lighting is working very well in the image. It is exposed to give the viewer a line of sight in the photo while creating a mood. What might not be working is the composition. If the brick walls or outside framing were more clear of object, or if I had zoomed in, this composition could possibly be improved.
Extension: I would jump off from this image and create a project about normal places that evoke strong emotions, such as bathroom medicine cabinet mirrors, forests, the shed in the back yard, etc.

Composition: Balance and lighting were two powerful elements of this photo. Not allowing the tree-like figure to dominate the photo, I added the "sun" leaf to help add some balance and lead the viewer's eye through the photo. Lighting in this photo was supplied entirely by the sun. It created detailed grass shadows/texture.
Concept: This image is about art in nature that will only last a short time. It also depicts nature within nature by showing a tree made from dead twigs and leaves that also create a sun.
Method: I tried many different compositions with the items in this photo. This photo I believe best framed the tree and sun while leaving ample space to show the detailed grass texture. Bright sunlight also let me use a very fast shutter speed.
Motivations: My goal for this image was to create nature within nature, and also a piece that would soon be gone and only remembered in photographs.
Context: This photo seems very different from other land art pictures that I've seen. Instead of creating an interesting shape or line in nature, my composition creates a whole different scene within the scene, while keeping very minimalistic.

Interpretation: People interpreted this image in a few different ways. Some saw it as a nature scene within nature, with a tree and some leaves, not paying attention to the "sun." Others saw this scene as its own separate element; the tree and the sun was real and the grass background was actually a sky.
Evaluation: The clarity and lighting is working very well in this image. There is so much strong texture throughout the frame. The subjects of the photo also stand out very well. I would like to improve the composition a bit however and take the photo in either full portrait or landscape mode to help spread out the subjects.
Extension: I could jump off from this image by creating a set about nature scenes within nature. It would be a lot of constructed scenes but there are so many options. 

Composition: This image utilizes emphasis. With many dark values, the bright white water drips are the only part that draw people's eyes.
Concept: This image is about the detail in nature. Instead of looking at the big picture, the tree, looking at something much small, the water drops, can help you see so much more beauty. The brightness of the drops force focus onto them instead of the dark tree.
Method: This image was taken using a fast shutter speed. The sun was hitting the water drops and making them brighter than the surrounding branches. Photoshop was then used to accentuate the water drops and dark tree areas.
Motivation: My goal for this image was to focus on something that normally goes unseen. In nature there are so many details that we may often blur them together, so pointing out one part can be very insightful.
Context: Images like this that I normally see are very bright whimsical images with lots of sun and detail. This image does the complete opposite. It is dark and has a shallow depth of field

Interpretation: Others saw this image as very dreary and emotional They paid a lot of attention to the small bright drops of water in comparison to the rest of the photo.
Evaluation: The large difference in contrast is working well in this image. The water droplets become very obvious while the tree and leaves blur into the background. I would like to improve the lighting a bit however, possibly go in with the dodge tool and lighten up some branches or leaves just to give the photo a little more detail and points of interest.
Extension: I would like to further explore trees after this photo. I feel like there are so many options because of the diversity found in trees: birds nests, dying leaves, bee hives, animals, wood texture, etc.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/malevolentteddybear/2205260225/in/faves-ekblad/
Composition: Framing and perspective played the most important role in this image recreation.The lines on the ceiling and abstract lines created by the shadows brought even greater focus to the door.
Concept: This image is about emotions and feelings one can have in a situation like this. A job interview, first day of class, detention, a dark shadowy hallway and door seems to summarize them all.
Method. This image was taken using a fast shutter speed that left many shadows in the frame. Photoshop was then used to boost the contrast of the image and also make the shadows and highlights more dramatic.
Motivation: My goal for this image was to recreate a scene from the movie Trainspotting. But, I also wanted to do a new take on that film still. I wanted this image to be emotionally powerful, not gross like the film still.
Context: This image has powerful social meaning behind it. The vague number on the door could mean many different things. It could be a classroom, office, or many other professional settings. The dark door in this image makes it seem almost evil and mysterious, leading the viewer to assume the walk to this door is not a pleasant experience. All in all, the social meaning of this image is one of stress and fear involved in school/work.

Interpretation: The class saw this image in the same way I did, creepy and easily relateable. They saw it like a first day of class/job interview/detention/etc scenario.
Evaluation: The range of value is working well in the image. Shadows played an important role in this image's interpretation. The composition is also very well thought out. What I would improve is just a few highlights, such as the numbers on the door.
Extension: I would like to jump off from this image and take photos of doors. Each photo would be the same composition as this one but it would show the variety, detail, and differing emotion felt by each doorway.

Composition: Contrast was an important element of this image. The soft sky and textured trees were accentuated by very dark and very light tones.
Concept: This image is about how the beauty of nature can be effected by man made structures. I am not leaning one was or another though. I believe the building/tower in this picture can add something, while also taking something away. The building and tower are very hard and geometric structures, while all the parts of nature in this image are free flowing and random.
Method: Many versions of this image were taken using different framing and shutter speeds. This image was achieved using bracketing and and HDR converter. I then tweaked the levels in photoshop and dodged and burned the sky so add more depth and detail in the trees.
Motivation: My goal for this image was to play with integrating man made structures into a natural landscape. I wanted to show two different types of places at once.
Context: This image has strong cultural meaning. In other countries, buildings and towns are made to integrate with nature. That is not often seen in America. However sometimes if you capture a good angle, you can achieve an image that lets nature and structure coexist.

Interpretation: Others saw this image as an interesting scene and not much more. The sky was talked about heavily and the range of value in it. The composition was also mentioned, mainly how the trees at the bottom and the buildings could be looked at from different perspectives.
Evaluation: The range of values and clarity of this image are working well. The composition, the focus on the sky, is also a good element to this photo. What I would like to improve is somehow adding meaning into this photo. Either through a new perspective or lighting, I feel like I could evoke some emotion or societal meaning in this picture.
Extension: Jumping off from this image, I would create a set about man-made structure meeting nature. When buildings or sidewalks or any other structure comes close or imposes on nature, there is immediate environmental meaning.

#19

Can you think of anything that:

1) should not be photographed? Why?
2) cannot be photographed? Why?
3) you do not want to photograph? Why?

1) Things that should not be photographed because they are either moments that are too personal to be shared, or things that can harm someone's reputation in a medium that is easily manipulated.

• people experiencing extreme sadness or other negative emotions
• funerals
• material used for blackmail
• things meant to be kept secret

2) Things that cannot be photographed because it is the law or we currently lack the ability to see/reach these things we hope to one day photograph.

• court hearings
• rare artwork/documents
• the iphone factory in china
• places we cannot yet go
• organisms and animals we have not yet seen

3) Things I do not want to photograph because they are personal things that I do not need to be involved in, or stuff that is just unpleasant.

• people experience tough times
• funerals
• gruesome scenes
• playboy models

Place Photographer Research

Alexander Apostol
http://alexanderapostol.com/index.php

He was born in Venezuela, in 1969. He lives and works between Madrid and Caracas. Apostol's photos most often are of architectural forms, in the literal or abstract sense. His pictures normally are of dilapidated buildings central in the frame with no people present. The photos appear to be taken from eye-level and they feel very simple and candid. He only has a few sets of photos that are not in this style.

This particular photo is the one I have chosen to look into further. It is a negative of a photo of a government building and a tree covering most of it. I am not completely sure how this image was taken or edited. This image makes this place feel dark, mysterious and hidden. The tree covering most of the building makes me wonder what is going on inside there that would make the photographer want to block it from our view. Possibly the photograph knows something that we can only infer. The small remnant of color in the photo also is an interesting choice that, unlike black and white would, makes this photo more abstract. I believe this image is successful in its concept and portrayal. The unique editing of the photo turned it from what I believe would be a bright sunny photograph into one depicting a powerful dark side.

#18

“Photography can only represent the present. Once photographed, the subject becomes part of the past.” Berenice Abbott

I agree with this quote, but I also wish that I could disagree with it. I feel like there is some example where photography could represent the future. The only trouble is I am unable to think of an example of where it possibly could. This is something that I will keep in mind and hopefully find an answer too. Otherwise, this quote is very true. Especially when it comes to family photography, we look at it and see a time and place in the past. However, other types of photos, such as one of a tree, are not so time specific but can still suggest a period in the past.

#17

“Photography, as we all know, is not real at all. It is an illusion of reality with which we create our own private world.” Arnold Newman

I greatly disagree with this quote. Photography can be one of the most real forms of art. When painters recreate scenes, every emotion of theirs can effect the piece. The brush strokes are not objective to what is in front of their eyes. Photography however is capable of capturing a moment as it is, when it happens. In candid photography for example, there is no recreation. The camera is simply capturing the pixels of a split second in real life. There can be illusion in photography, but the emotions and scenes don't have to be any less real.

#16

“I believe in the imagination. What I cannot see is infinitely more important than what I can see.” Duane Michals

I like to think of this quote in two different ways. The first is that what the photographer cannot actually see in their photo. Either because of shadows, the frame ending, a hidden hallway, etc, there are many things that are lost in a photo that are capable of creating a great deal of mystery. We may ask what is behind that corner or what is making that shadow. If everything was visible and obvious in the photo, I can't honestly say that it would hold my interest.
The second meaning is that the photographer may not see what others see. Each person may interpret a photo in a different way that can completely differ from the photographer's original concept. It is very important that photos be ambiguous so that more people may relate to them.

#15____In-Camera Collage:

The place from my past would be me sitting at my kitchen table at 8 years old, drawing anything and everything. The place from the present would be me in my dorm rooming editing photos on my laptop. The way I would capture this change is by overlaying two photographs. The first would be a child drawing, the photo taken behind the child, only seeing their back and the table with art supplies on it. The second would be me on my laptop, taken from behind me, only seeing my desk and a little bit of my laptop. When I overlay these two photos, I will then tweak the opacity so it looks as though the smaller grew up to be me, and my room/tools transformed to the present.

#14____Unknown vs. Familiar Space:

Familiar and faraway places involve very different photographs. Personally, when I am taking photos of familiar things, I like to get up close and personal, or take strange angles and really manipulate the photo. When I take photos of faraway and unfamiliar places, I like to capture the entire grandeur of the scene. I focus on entire area, trying to capture as much as I can for later memory. I can imagine photographing untouched jungles and mount ranges. My photos would try to take in as much of the place as possible, every plant, what the ground looked like, some of the sky, everything.

#13____Human-Made Space:

Land art in nature: I would find a weeping willow tree and braid all of it's vines, or the ones I could reach. Eventually the wind or other elements would undo the braids, but for some time the tree with have a lot of interesting weaving patterns covering it.

Land art in urban area: I would drop pieces of gum and let them get to that point where they turn all black and mushed into the sidewalk. I would do this over the period of a month until I create a trail out of the gum pieces that would remain only until rain or street cleaners washed it away.

#12____Memory of a Photograph:

The photo I remember most is from when me, my cousin and my grandpa all went to this pirate themed park. We all sat on a big wooden treasure chest at the front entrance before going in when the picture was taken. I was 10, my cousin was 7, and I don't know how old my grandpa was. When I think about this photo I smile. I know it was a fun day and I like seeing my grandpa. I have not been back to the pirate park so I am not sure how it has since changed. A reenactment of this photo would be very different from the original. My grandpa would be gone, and my cousin and I would most likely look mortified to be there.

#11____Memory of a Place:

I am at Goebberts Pumpkin Farm near my home. I am about 6-7 years old. My family and I went there for pumpkin carving, corn mazes, and lots of other stuff. One part I remember well is the wooden pumpkins with holes to put your head through so you look like a 'pumpkin person.' My mom was filming a few feet in front of me when I ran around the back, got up on the stepping stool, and poked my head through. My dad wasn't anywhere to be found but my mom was smiling. Lots of people were waiting in line for this thing. The ground is brown and muddy, and there is orange themed things everywhere. A photo of this place now would be much different. The wooden pumpkin has since been taken down and the whole pumpkin farm has been reorganized. A photo would show a great deal of change over the last 13-14 years.

Assignment 3(0): Recreate Memory

The Day My Shoes Got Tied
I remember the day when I first learned to tie my shoes.
I was alone in the house for a little bit because my mom went outside to talk to the neighbor. She had just finished giving me a tying lesson that did not end successfully. When she went outside, I grabbed my shoe and ran into the family room and sat down on the sofa. I was determined to tie that stupid lace. I was wearing my favorite striped shirt, possibly giving me the confidence to keep going. Having already thrown off my socks, I slipped on one shoe and tied its laces furiously, possibly figuring out every way to not do it. I don't remember how long it took me to finally get it, but I know that I made a decent indent in the carpet under that one spot.

All that I have to say about my reenactment is that I am very proud how accurate I could make it. My striped shirt, an absence of socks, and the flurry of knot tying motion is a picture that I have held in my head for a long time, and now it's real again.

Assignment 2: Written statements

Composition: Lighting played a very important role in this photo. My head on perspective coupled with high contrast directional lighting gave this photo a creepy. It also helped keep a great amount of detail in the photo, such as the eyes.
Concept/Aboutness/Idea: My image is about the different sides of a person. Even though you would have to know my subject to understand it fully, displaying him in heavy light with dark shadows, while using a playful background, invokes contrast in both tone and emotion.
Method: While moving a lamp around, I came across this placement and direction of lighting. I used a fast shutter speed because it was so bright, but that fast shutter speed also kept some very dark darks.
Motivations: My goal for this image was to find a lighting angle not often seen. By keeping detail in the eyes, hair, and some facial shadows, it was a unique lighting situation.
Context: This piece has a social meaning that I believe plays with the idea of a person's changing roles. In college we must be a lot of people at once, and some of those personalities may hold a dark side.

Interpretation: Some things seen in this photo were kids playing underneath a sheet like a fort, a pedophile, or an omen of scary things about to happen.
Evaluation: The amount of detail and shadow forms were voted the best aspects of the image. The facial shadows created many different shapes and interesting lines that formed to the individual. The group said that the board above the person may have been distracting because it adds a sliver of light in a strange location.
Extension: Normal people made to look creepy could be possible set. Lighting and shadow could make anyone look evil, especially with facial shadows.

Composition: Contrast and the composition of my subject were the most important factors that I believe made this photo successful.
Concept/Aboutness/Idea: Much like my first photo, this photo is about a person's hidden or inner personality. Only a sliver of my subject is visible, and we are then left to assume what the rest of him must look like. However, seeing a small portion of him can still tell us quite a bit.
Method: Using natural lighting, my subject sat near a window, and with a fast shutter speed that led to such a dark side of the face, I was able to capture a single well lit sliver of his face as well. I higher aperture was also used to show some detail in the background.
Motivations: My goal for this image was to play with how little of a person I could show while still revealing something about them.
Context: There is a lot of social meaning behind this photo. In its own way, it portrays only a small portion of a person that we must now analyze and judge without any more information. The subject is shown in a light that most don't often see.

Interpretation: This image was described as mysterious. The lack of expression was representative to the subject in the photo.
Evaluation: The window was seen as distracting from the little light hitting the subject. If they window light was removed or lessened, it would put more focus on the person's face and add to the mysterious feel.
Extension: Some possible sets to jump off into would be body part silhouettes, or hitting a person's body with a sliver of light, but in different areas. This could explore revealing a person with as little detail as possible.

 Composition: My perspective in this image is one of the most important factors. Being able to see my face and the computer screen is important to my concept. And my camera's somewhat upward angle also helps this image to look more in-the-moment.
Concept/Aboutness/Idea: This is a pretty straightforward image. It is simply about the exhaustion of college. My facial expression and the lighting tone give this photo a neutral and somewhat tired feel.
Method: This self-portrait was taken at an upward angle with a fast shutter speed. The scene was well lit by a window so many details were able to be kept.
Motivations: My goal for this image was to create a realistic scene of a college student. I wanted a photo with a simple meaning that is obvious upon presentation.
Context: I believe this photo is unique because even thought it is a self portrait, the emotion felt in the photo is real. Its social meaning is one of college life that is very relateable.

Interpretation: The group saw the wall as being a very important part of this photo as well. It was discussed that the wall had book-like elements. The words on the laptop also were seen  as connecting to the wall decals, making it a very dynamic photo.
Evaluation: The birds worked well to add more interest to the photo background. It was also discussed that there may be some unnecessary clutter in the room. However, the clutter may also add to the feel of the stressed college dorm student.
Extension: I could jump off from this image with a set about stress and exhaustion. I could also try to capture people before bed when facial expressions and environments are very connected most of the time.

 Composition: The emphasis of this photo is what makes it successful. With a blurred background and many neutral-toned linear shapes, the face of my subject stands out as the only part of the image that demands attention.
Concept/Aboutness/Idea: This image also has a very simple concept. It depicts an awkward college student caught in one of life's more private moments. For anyone in college, the dorm-like bathroom is representative of a loss of privacy.
Method: This was was taken using a low aperture and flash. The flash was used directly on my subjects face, giving harsh shadows and some overexposed whites.
Motivations: My goal for this photo was to capture a private moment. My subject's facial expression and obviousness of the scene allowed this goal to be achieved.
Context: This image also holds strong social meaning. It represents a loss of privacy in a way that is all too well known. This photo is unique from many others however because of its in-the-moment feel, along with a subject that has put on a near perfect facial expression.

Interpretation: Others saw this image as a person not caught in the act of showering, but someone that just heard a noise and was peeking out of the shower to see what was going on. This interpretation removes the photographer from the theme.
Evaluation: The group said that the lighting and DOF was very nice in this photo. A change that I would make is possibly see how changing the levels/contrasts effects the mood.
Extension: There could be a series of catching people in the act images, or surprise during private moments.

#10

“All photographs are there to remind us of what we forget. In this - as in other ways - they are the opposite of paintings. Paintings record what the painter remembers. Because each one of us forgets different things, a photo more than a painting may change its meaning according to who is looking at it.” ~John Berger


I never thought of it this way, but I agree and disagree with this quote as well.
Paintings are done with a subject in front of the painter, or from memory. If the subject is in front of the painter, I consider the painting much more like a photograph. It is helping to preserve the moment and the subject to be remembered later on. If the painting is from memory, its only purpose is to aid in remembering what had already occurred. A painting may also change its meaning to people looking at it later on. The tone or mood of the piece may be debatable, or the event it was capturing could be skewed other ways in peoples' heads.

#9

“You don't take a photograph, you make it.” ~Ansel Adams



I agree and disagree with this quote.
I agree because most often with professional photography, hours of setup goes into the shot. Or even with nature photography, you may move from place to place and create the perfect composition or lighting. Also, when taking abstract photos, some construction of the scene or photographic techniques may be necessary to achieve the desired effect.
On the other hand, I disagree with this quote. Not all photos are made. Candid photography, such a spontaneous form of photography, can produce excellent results by even just randomly hitting the shutter button. Compositions and photographic elements can work and appear at random. Or even the subject can steal the scene and do something to make the photo special, not under direction of the photographer.

#8

“My portraits are more about me than they are about the people I photograph.” ~Richard Avedon.

Taking a photograph can involve many decisions on the part of the photographer and the subject. However, the photographer does play the most dominant role in the photo's composition, lighting, color, exposure, and nearly everything else. The subject (model) may be able to choose just how to stand or show their face, but all other elements of the photo are out of their control. I also believe that the photographer probably does project their own feelings and emotions onto their subject. Maybe feeling angry that day, the photographer would have the model in red light or put on a mad face. You would almost think that the photo should just be of the photographer instead, if that was possible.

Hellen van Meene

Hellen van Meene is a photographer that takes mostly portraits. The majority of her photos feature young people and girls. Thanks to her galleries she can make a living doing what she loves. Her work is shown in museums and galleries all over the world. She is the single subject of three books and appears along other artists in many other books and magazines. She lives in Heiloo, The Netherlands.

Her work:

 Hellen's photos consistently show her unique style. They feature the subject in the center of the composition, and often use simple backgrounds. The color in her pieces is usually very neutral as well. But the subject is most often wearing the color/s that stand out the greatest amount. Her subjects also retain a very consistent facial expression. Looking as if there is no photographer present, their faces appear blank and sometimes in a negative mood. Her combination of indoor and outdoor photography is also very interesting. It appears as though all her photos were taken in one house and one back yard.

#7 Pay close attention to the types and number of photographic portraits you see in one day.

Where did you see them? How do you think that the content of the portrait changes based on the context in which you see the image (news, facebook, magazine, advertisement, television, youtube, etc)? In other words, what is the difference between the portraits you see on facebook vs. those on the news? What is the difference between the “viewpoint” of the photographer in each situation? What is the difference between their “intents”?

I like to think of all the portraits I seen in one day as split into two groups, useful and useless. Starting with the useless, I am talking about facebook. Pictures taken by people holding their own camera at odd angles, doing weird little faces. Or candid photos taken at parties that are often of low quality. I'm not saying all of these facebook photos are bad, but when it comes to portraiture, they aren't what most might think of.
Then comes the useful portraits. These include news, magazine, advertisement, and televisions photographs. The intent with these portraits is much more informational than with facebook. The news and advertisements are looking to portray people in a certain light with quality camera gear and emotion-inducing photos. The viewpoint of the photographer in "useful" photography is to do a job. Her or she is being paid to photograph a story or ad just right. With facebook, any person with a camera, or phone can take their own pictures for free and without much thought.

#6 In your opinion, when is it beneficial, ethical, or appropriate to digitally alter photographic portraits? When do you think it is inappropriate or ethically wrong?

I believe it is okay to alter photographs of people when it comes to beauty/fashion photography. Clearing blemishes, editing colors, smoothing skin tones, and the whole gambit of other techniques are all necessary for high quality photography that will represent someone's brand.
On the other hand, I do not agree with altering photos for news or celebrities. Removing people from news story photos, or completely changing the scene to effect the mood or slander someone should never occur. News needs to be honest, and celebrity gossip should not be supported by fake/edited photos.

#5 Give your thoughts on one or both of the following quotes.

“Photography records the gamut of feelings written on the human face, the beauty of the earth and skies that man has inherited, and the wealth and confusion man has created. It is a major force in explaining man to man.” ~Edward Steichen




I agree with this quote. Photography is used for so many different purposes. It captures moments and memories that would otherwise be lost. And it is something that can show such a great amount of emotion with only the press of a shutter button. The part of his quote about the human face rings the most true for me. When photos aren't staged, you can capture a person's innermost thoughts just by a single expression or action. Photography is such a diverse art that remains personal and interesting no matter how many pictures are taken.

Assignment 2: Recreate

Original inspiration: HERE
The original image is a very sharp and textured photo. The man's eyes and mouth seem to be the most dominant forces in the composition. My recreation was done based off what that man was looking at. My photo portrays a sad individual staring back at the original man, representing two people post-argument. My photo's model also has dominant eyes and mouth, but the photo has less sharpness and texture to help accentuate the "sad" factor.