Semester Final Images

Set 1-Bike Hub

For each set, the abstract image always has a close-up perspective. I felt that by having one close up and one farther away, it could have a better story. Here, the lighting on the necklace makes it look as if it is just an everyday object. The contrast of the light is basically what jewelry ads look. Advertisers try to make what they’re selling as appealing as possible and I think that having the lighting the way it is makes these bike hubs appealing as well. The perspective of the close-up image is interesting as well because the viewer may be quite confused as to what it actually is and that is what I was going for. The concept in these images was to make this bike part seem out of place, but meant to be there at the same time. These pieces could be a necklace but once the viewer knows what they are it seems quite strange. Putting these images together, I just pointed the light on the subject as if I were creating an ad. I sat in a dark room and pointed a single light at the chest for both. I zoomed in for the closer up one. My motivations were jewelry ads as I said before. I thought it fit quite well.

Set 2-Bike Wheels

My framing for these two images were decided because of the views I could get in the bathroom I was in. It was pretty small. I wanted to get both wheels in the shot but then the bathtub would be awkward looking. It was tough getting exactly what I wanted. The light was also tough because the one light I had was quite dull. For the close-up image I did turn on the flash. I wanted to catch the water in motion and I found it worked better with the flash on. The concept in this image again is just having this strange item in a place it would not normally be. This could be depicted as a scene from a story. The wheel is living a human life, taking a bath/shower. The process when creating this image was pretty simple. I tied wire around the wheel connecting it to the showerhead so it was hanging creating a geometrical abstraction look. When thinking about our final project, this was one of the first ideas that popped into my head. I experimented with the water on and off but decided the water effect worked really well with my image.

Set 3- Break Pads

Having emphasis on the break pads in these images was really important. Since there was so much going on in the fridge, the break pads needed to stick out to be the first thing viewers looked at. I tried to brighten just the break pads to bring them out a bit more then the rest of the space in the background. The concept behind these images had to do with fact that the break pads looked very robotic looking whereas everything in the fridge is more organic. I thought putting these in the fridge worked well with the concept of my entire project. My goal for these two images was to create one image that would confuse the viewers as what and where it actually was, and the other to show a distinct difference between the two medias in the fridge.

Set 4-Gears

The framing for these images had to do with taking one showing where these gears actually were, and the other taking an abstraction of where it actually was. To create this I had a light overhead. I experimented using the flash for these as well but it made too much of a shadow and distracted the eye from looking at the gears. As all the others, my motivation was to put these pieces in an environment where they would not normally be. It is kind of funny in a way though that these gears could represent plates because of they’re shaped.

Set 5-Spokes

The composition of these two were hard to create. I had to get the right balance on each side of the picture frame, and the lighting was not the way I wish it could have been. There is too much of a shadow on the one side which I tried to get rid of but did not work out. The close up one is better I think because it does show an abstract view and the shadows on that one works. It is very questionable as to what it really is and that is exactly what I wanted. It was hard creating the lighting because the one light that I had was too bright. It was confusing too though because there are two lights, one on each side, but for some reason the one on the right side was brighter or on a different angle creating the dark shadow.

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 motivation for my project is my dad. He owns his own bicycle shop and sells many different types of bikes. I worked there when I was younger ringing up the cash register or putting inventory on shelves. His shop has been a big part of my life. For my final project I wanted to show in an abstract way different parts of bikes. I didn't really know how to display these parts without them looking plain. The idea of placing the parts in places where they are not normally found can show how nothing in my mind needs to be perfect or in the right place. What I would like to do is be able to show my family and have them be able to appreciate the photos. I don't want them to be normal. I want them to look at them and think they're interesting and not how someone would normally see bike parts.

Assignment 6-part 1

Assignment 5-Part 2

Christmas Tree

The interpretation of this image was a man putting up Christmas lights or waiting to put up Christmas lights. Others thought it was just a man standing next to tree. The way he is posing does make it seem like he is very disinterested in the situation. There really wasn’t much I could do because of the fact that he wasn’t very into modeling. They thought the image worked really well. One thing they said they might want to see was the flash off to see if the lights on the tree would be brought out more. By having the flash on, the lights get drowned out and don’t really seem like they’re on. They also the way the light hit his back. It defines some parts, which adds depth to the picture. An extension for this image I thought could be a to place half naked men next important monuments or buildings and see what viewers reactions would be.

Looking for Love: Comic Strip

When first looking at these images my group said it was kind of confusing. The way I placed each image did not work well. They did interpret it as a story and that the girl was looking for the guy. Some things that could have worked better was the lighting and exposure. The actual lighting when I was taking the picture was very dark so trying to work with it in Camera Raw was a little difficult. I also wish the images were more clear. It was hard taking the pictures because it was so cold out and I didn’t have my tripod. I must have been shaking a lot. This set is already an extension. I wish I could retake them and make each scene more clear and thought out.

Different Identities

The interpretation of this image was pretty simple. It was one person taking different identities. It could have been showing how one person can look so different and take many different roles like actors/actresses’ do. One thing they did not like about this set was the fact that the middle one was brighter then the rest. I accidentally did while I was messing around with Camera Raw. I meant to change it back but didn’t. It draws your eye to the center and doesn’t let the viewer look at the other images. They liked the way it was put together. It worked well side by side. This also is sort of an extension already. If I were to go farther, I would dress the subject up it more dramatic clothing and costumes to extend to other identities.

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.

Assingnment 5

Christmas Tree

The framing of this photograph was determined by another picture. There are certain cards that are supposed to be humorous by showing nudity. I tried to show that this person was in a normal setting and show that he was a distraction to the rest of the photograph. The contrast between the back of the guy and the dark tree creates a good break in the picture and lets your eyes wonder throughout the image. When looking at the image the concept could be about a guy being a “present” under the tree or could show him waiting for someone to find him by the tree. I wanted to portray a card like that. He’s standing against the blind almost looking like he’s waiting. To create this image I tried to make the background look home like and show the guy looking out of place. I think I portrayed that very well. I had the light almost look like a snapshot. The way the light hits his back shows he the main subject in the image.

Looking for Love: Comic strip

The lighting in this image was not how I really wanted it to be. It was getting dark but I when I used the flash it look weird also. I tried messing with the brightness and exposure in Camera Raw. I think I could work with it a bit more. I wanted to make this series of images look as if the girl is looking for a way to get to her lover up on the wall but when she finally gets there he turns to stone. To create this image I went around Grand Rapids and tried to find a good background to tell this story. There were no lights around so it was tough getting the right shot. My goal was to capture the emotion of the girl trying to get to this person. I wish I was able to get closer to her, but there was just not enough to be able to capture a good image. Relating this to other artists, it would go with either storybooks or comic strips. Telling a story is not easy but artists that create images for books are very skilled.

Different Identities

The framing of these three images were determined because of the weird lighting that I had in the entire frame. Each one is cropped just around her body. The actual image has an entire white background but the light creates stripping across the photo. I tried to reduce the problem but I think I could do more. These images are about representing different identities that one person can take on. I wanted the background to be plain so that the identity she was taking on was what the viewer would look at the most. To create this image I used a bright light shining right in front straight onto a white background. I experimented where the light should be placed and since I only had one light in front was the best since I couldn’t block out shadows well. These images I think can relate to ad style photos. The scuba could be for an aquarium ad and I definitely think the winter wear could be a commercial ad for something.

Assignment 4-Part 2

Birthday Snapshot

Others interpreted this at a perfect snapshot. They said if anything else was in the image it would be a bad picture. The way he’s holding his jacket makes a good shape in the image and makes it somewhere for the eye to be drawn to. The way the person is standing also fits the actual actor in the movie. Basically everything is working in this picture according to my group. This could definitely be a starting off point for other pictures in the movie and mocking other movies as well.

Under Armour Ad

Everyone interpreted the image as I wanted, an ad for Under Armour. It has good lighting, but could be better. They thought if I put a brighter light on the right side the shadow would disappear. The shadow is kind of what I was going for, but I could experiment with it and see how I could change it a little bit. One comment they said was about the fact that anyone can where a shirt but this image shows something different ad they thought it was composed very well. A jumping off point for this could be a series of different ads for mens’ clothing. I could work with different types of clothing, crazy and proper.

Passport Photo

They knew that this picture was a passport photo but said it was strange. I did have to explain to them that it was mocking passport pictures. They said I should fix the lighting. When shooting this photo I didn’t really use any particular kind of lighting. I thought the natural light was ok I tried to brighten it up on screen but it printed darker then I wanted. They also said she might want to wear another shirt because you can’t really tell the separation of her hair and the shirt. I definitely agree with that. A jumping off point for this picture might be put her in a bunch of different backgrounds doing the same face and see if the face changes effect with each background.

Credit Card

This way the angle is looks like it was slid across a surface as to be paying for something. It may be too blurred in the middle, but I think it works with the ebay effect that I’m portraying. Pictures on ebay are not professional and could be shot in any way. A jumping off point for this photo could be other cards with the focus in the middle. I like the fact that it’s blurred and when other cards would in the photos too or have a set of them together, I think it would work.

Blog 23

1. In what ways do you “construct” your identity? In what ways do you “perform” in your daily life?
    -You can construct your identity by doing multiple things. By showing what your good at, what you enjoy, and by what you wear. What you wear is one of the major ways your identity can be constructed. When people look at what you wear they automatically judge you and your attitude. If you're wearing bright, loud colors it shows you're welcoming and enjoyable to be around, If you're wearing dark colors, it may look like your upset or not wanting to talk to people.
   -Some ways in which you can perform in your daily life is how you walk and act in front of people. When talking to other people you're putting on an act. It may be the way you always are, but in general terms you are "performing."

2. Describe some ways in which your personal culture and social environments are “constructed”.
   -When speaking in terms of social environment like a get together or party, everything is definitely constructed. Setting up a party with food and places to sit and things to do is an example of how environments can be constructed.

3/4. Describe some ways in which your physical environment/space is “constructed”. In your daily life, what would you consider to be “real” and what would you consider to be “constructed/fabricated”?

   - Really in life I don't think anything is "real" in certain terms. Basically everything was placed and grown by humans. Trees were placed, grass was placed, homes and buildings were built, and most lakes were probably man mad hundreds of years ago. To me everything is constructed, there is nothing "real."

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).
    -If I were to narrate a tableaux I would chose some kind of fairy tale. If I had the right costumes I would have extravagant dress's and crazy makeup that made all the women sparkle. My thought would be to have versions of the most popular princess and have then doing their own story. It would be in the woods very mystical looking

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).
    -What always comes to my mind first when thinking about miniature stages is the circus. I would try to get little clowns and animals and set up a big top event.

Contemporary Photographer Research Assignment

Barbara Kasten
Architectural Site #17
The High Museum 1998

Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1936. She has done exhibitions all over the world, but mostly in the US. She has many different series of photos including places around the world and different uses of mixed media. She really likes to use color to exaggerate shadows. My favorite of them all was a series of images that were full of color and seemed to be added with images using photoshop. With geometric shapes, mirrors, and glass, she creates abstract interpretations of interior spaces and architectural details. You can tell that some things are unrealistic but that is what makes the image so interesting. The viewer just keeps looking through the image and discovers more and more.

http://www.barbarakasten.net/

Assignment 4

Birthday Snapshot

The framing of this photo was sort of on accident. This picture was literally a snapshot. I pointed the camera, which was around my neck, so it was lower then normal which is an explanation to why I only got half of his face. I was trying to get the decorations in the background so that is why the image is basically split in half. I feel like the balance between both areas works really well. The fact that he is only the right with his dark jacket on and the other half more light with less going on creates a good balance. I feel that the image could be about and ironic situation of having fun by yourself. This guy is alone in a room with party decorations all over the place but still looks like he’s having a good time and is having humor also. Wearing that shirt and having the jacket open shows a really funny concept. In this image I used a flash to put more lighting in the frame. There is a light in the background but adding the flash made the right things brighter and darker. This image could definitely be about a larger issue of religion. It’s is very comical but because of the fact that he’s wearing that shirt and the signs in the background it could be controversial.

Under Armour Ad

With this image I tried to interpret an actual Under Armour ad. The framing of it was important. The left side of the image had to be smaller and the right side had to have sort of a shadow. The lighting was also a huge aspect of the image. It had to be really bright on one side so I had to make sure had enough lighting to create the right shadow and highlights. The image definitely is about an ad of some sort. When there is a guy who has good muscles and posed, I think of modeling and advertising. I used lights on both sides of the model but had a stronger one on one side to show shadow. My goal was to recreate an ad and I definitely think I accomplished that. This image obviously shows the similarities to other photographers shooting ads for sportswear. The arms on the sides is a common pose that most models that model for underwear or anything form-fitting wear. This image could relate to larger issue such as strength and conditioning. This image could show the change of a person who was bigger before and now looked like that.

Passport Photo

In passport photos, the perspective is up close and personal. That is what I was trying to get the effect as. Another thing I tried to do was make the contrast distinct. Usually in passport photos people do not where white so I went as far as I could and chose black. The image is depicted as something that is not what you’d normally see in a passport picture. Every distinct part of our face needs to be normal for the photo to be proper for passport quality. Having your mouth squished and looking like a fish would not be allowed for a normal picture. When creating this photo, I knew I needed to have a white background. I looked at other passport photos and worked off of those. Well I don’t think that literally this image relates to other works but in sense it could relate to self-portraits.

Credit Card

My credit card photo was not put because my numbers were on it. The framing of this picture had to do with balance and what normal ebay pictures looked like. I framed it so parts of the card were cropped on both sides. I put emphasis on the center because I tried to blur out the numbers but not so it looked like it was on purpose. For this image I placed a bright light next to it to get a good contrast of the colors on the card with the white background.

Blog 22

A. Series: Brainstorm various ways to make a “series” of photographic images.
     -A series of photographic images can be shown in many ways. Some ways to make a series are to:
         -Have the same background with different positions
         -Show a set of people doing an action frame by frame
         -Have different people wear the same outfit
         -Use the same color as the subject with dull backgrounds
         -Have the same look on everyones' face
         -Use the same object and have different people hold it
  
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. 

-For my project I definitely would want to do something with a scenic theme. I feel I can capture better photographs without people. One thing I think would be really cool is to go to different places and take pictures of different objects that clearly do not belong there.  This idea comes from one of my earlier pictures of a guy doing a not so normal thing that guys should be doing. I feel that using objects would be a better and more noticeable. I could go to important places around campus with a toy or piece of equipment.

Assignment 3-Part 2-Written Statement

Greenhouse-

Others interpreted this image as this subject, the greenhouse, being taken into the light. It looks as if it is about to disappear in the brightness. Some people said that it would look better if the image was darker in some places but others said that it looked just fine and the color was perfect. I personally think the photo works well with the lighting and is exactly what I wanted it to look like. The shadowing in the greenhouse makes a really great effect which works well. If I could I would want to try and make the plant in front a little lighter in color. It shows that it is the darkest thing in the image and I don’t really like it. For a larger project I was thinking about doing other subjects that look like they’re being blown out by light. It may be hard because there isn’t always bright lighting but I think it could be nice looking.

Garden-

This image was interpreted as a Japanese Zen garden. It seems very peaceful and relaxing with the water and the bridge going over it. Some thought it looked like a far away land that not many people have discovered because it seems so peaceful. What’s working in this image is the fact that the sky is very white and everything else has a darker color. It definitely shows great contrast and in a photo like this, it is needed. I don’t think much needs to be changed. If I had to do something, I might try to make some of the darkest areas a little lighter. For a larger project I could do something with other gardens. I could try to make a serene looking place and grow off each image. If each photo is extremely different it would make a really good collection of photographs.

Railroad Track-

This photo was everyone’s favorite. They loved how it had great contrast with the dark track and the white sky. They also loved how the track faded into the white sky. I think that is my favorite part too.  Having contrast can either make or break an image. I think this definitely makes it. The texture of the wooden track and rocks are great. The viewer can feel like they are right there seeing the track for themselves. This is my favorite photo and I don’t think I could change anything about it to make it better. An extension on this picture could be all about trains. I could find some abandoned trains and train stations and take pictures of those with good contrast and texture.

Bike-

Not much as said about this picture. They thought the lighting was not very good and could have better contrast between grays and lights. If I could I would try to make the contrast different. I don’t like how the sky isn’t white and the gray of the trees don’t stick out enough. I tried to work with it but it never turned out how I wanted. I do like how it does look like someone’s looking through something and spying on something else. Another project I could do going off of this would be something where I find places I can look through looking at specific things. I think that would be a very interesting project. It would be fun to try to find perspectives that are not seen by everyone.

Blog 20

1. Describe some common aesthetic aspects of “news”-related photographs.

2. Describe some common aesthetic aspects of “snapshots”.

3. Describe some common aesthetic aspects of advertisement photographs. Fashion photography? Product photography?

4. Describe some common aesthetic aspects of film or movie stills.

5. Describe some common aesthetic aspects of yearbook photos and/or senior pictures.

A. Usually news-related photographs are black and white. Since they are in black and white and not in color they have to be more exaggerated and show more emotion. I feel as is news-related photographs are much stronger when they are in black and white.  The expression of most of the people in the images have a certain look that make it able to know exactly what is going on. It’s not that the people knew what was going on, the photographer was just able to capture a great shot.

B. I feel like snapshots usually show something about the photographer. When taking a snapshot it shows personality. The photographer could be at a social gathering with all of their friends or a private event. They are taking pictures of another event going on. When-ever I think of a snapshot I think of fun and liveliness.

C. Advertisement images are always very sharp. In fashion or product imaging, they background always tell a story about the product making the product seem more appealing. Whenever I think of an advertisement I think professional, very crisp, and engaging. I want the photographer to photograph something or someplace that even if the product isn’t for me, I’d want it.

D. When looking t a movie still, the image could be anything. Usually if it is a specific movie still that is being put on a poster, it will be of something that draws the viewer in. The producers of the film want to show something that other people are going to want know more about. Movie stills can be confusing, exciting, or modelesque. If there’s a big actor/actress, usually a film still will be about them.

E. Yearbook and senior pictures are very posed. Sometimes there can be natural posing, but usually they are straight on or head turned slightly. My friends and I always joke about the signature senior pose, sitting down, one knee up, and elbow on the knee. That stereotype will always be around. Most senior pictures are hazy, meaning they put an effect of glowing on the person. Sometimes it looks okay, but other times it just looks blurry.

Assignment 4(0)- Recreate

The image I chose was from a National Geographic magazine. It was up close to the animals, making you feel like you were there.  It looked as if all  the animals were looking at a predator approaching and that was what I was hoping to capture.

My image was taken at the Potter Park Zoo at the Meerkat exhibit. My goal was to get the image of all the Meerkats looking at something approaching. In the actual photograph they were all on the ground in a desert like area. I think that them being on different levels in my image creates a more of an intense feeling as to wear this other creature is coming from and what each Meerkat is going to do.

Assignment 3-Part 1-Written Statment

Greenhouse:

With this photograph the lighting was so bright that I had to find a way to use it but still not get a bad affect from it. The Sun was in the right hand corner so framing the image around that was the tricky part. I wanted to have a contrast in the sky so there were lights and darks. I wanted to be able to emphasize the shadowing in the actual greenhouse. I think my image could definitely be about the growing of life. I took a picture of the outside representing the place of maturing and seeing the inside of this greenhouse from the light could show the life expanding and being opened to new “brighter things”.  My method of creating this image had to do with the type of lighting. This is in the morning light which is usually the brightest. I thought that having this bright light would show much contrast between each object. Experimenting with this bright light I can to concluding that the lighting can get darker when you move the camera more to the left side. Its not the difference of the Suns’ lighting, it would be the difference of how much light is being let into the camera and from what angle. I think this kind of photograph brings a new perspective with the whole sunlight coming out of one corner affect. There are probably many photographers that have this kind of lighting, but the fact that it is only coming out of one corner can make the meaning of a photo very different. If I saw this, I might think that the world was being taken over but a rush of light. I think this creates a type of mystery. This photo could also represent something outside of art and photography.  Certainly something that has to do with the Greenhouse effect. There could definitely be a relation between the plants outside of the greenhouse and the actual greenhouse itself.

Garden:

The framing of this image had to reveal a place in my mind. The sun which you can barley see in the background I wanted to be pronounced to show a happy serene place. The reflection on the water of everything around it adds contrast of the lighter sky to the darker objects in the image. This image could be in a storybook. It’s an image of a far away land that not many people have been to and not many people have seen. The bridge shows a path that the viewer has to figure out where it’s leading to. The tree over the bridge also makes good contrast with the light background and the fact that the viewer can see through parts makes it organic looking. The method of making this image basically had to go around the sun in the background. I wanted to try and get it in the image so I was basically racing against time.  I observed this place last year and thought it would be the perfect place to photograph my imagination. I wanted to photograph a whole scene and take up the whole frame. I think this image definitely does that. I feel like my image does bring a new perspective about local areas. Many people don’t know about this place and to be able to photograph it and show how beautiful it can be is a great thing. This image could be about preservation. It shows how fertile and full a garden can be. If it is not preserved right bur the people taking care of it, it would not look like this. It may look gloomy and dull.

Railroad Track:

For this image I really wanted to get emphasis the nails that hold this railroad track together. I wanted to get the contrast of the dark track and light sky. The perspective that I had being so low to the ground and looking to the distance creates a story for the viewer to think about. My idea for the image was to narrate the story of John Henry, a man who challenged to beat the new steam powered drill to save all the railroad workers jobs. He gave his life for others and by getting the texture and up-close shot of the nails, I think make this story come out. My entire life I’ve always had a liking to railroad tracks at sunset. I think the lighting and contrast looks amazing. For this image I wanted to capture these tracks in the sunset. I waited until the sun was in the right spot for me to get the image I wanted. I tried a few other pictures on the other side of the track so there was more white then black, but I thought this worked better. I feel like this image really brings out the perspective of working hard to accomplish something. Someone put these bolts in the ground and place the wood boards across the tracks and placed the track on the side. It shows a lot of details that may not be seen up-close by people. It lets the viewer appreciate the work that has been done.

Bike:

The framing of this image had to do with the fact that I was trying to make it look like I was finding an undiscovered place. I tried to put emphasis on the bike but the lighting was the best so I wasn’t able to brighten it as much as I wanted. The balance of lighting is not the best but I feel like the shadowing of the area around the bike creates the look I was going for. My image is about a garden. Maybe it is a secret garden that was just discovered by playing children. The peering through the fence is what creates this effect. This place is part of an enclosed garden that really you have to look for to find the inside. The lighting was chosen at sunset to show a late in the day playfulness. I experimented with taking pictures from between the bushes to show a discovering affect but I thought the fence showed more contrast. When looking at the image more I’ve realized that this type of image can closely be related to others with the keyhole affect. This meaning that photographers take pictures through keyholes seeing into other places such as this.

Assignment 3

Blog 19

Can you think of anything that:
 
Cannot be photographed? Why? 
and
you do not want to photograph? Why?

Something that I think that can definitely not be photographed is any form of the sun; setting or rising. Pictures can be taken of this subject that are pretty close and can be enhanced to have great color, but compared to the real thing, sometimes it doesn't even give it justice. I feel that the Sun setting is one thing you can't photograph. The colors are so beautiful and elegant that when captured on film, it looks okay, but the colors are never fully as luminous and breath-taking as it could be. 


One thing I would not want to photograph would be anything dead, especially animals. I don' t know why I would have to in the first place but if I did for reason I would be very grossed out. I love all animals and to have to see a lifeless corpse would be very upsetting. Some may think its art and it shows emotion in some ways. I do not think that and would not appreciate the art shown.

Photography About Place

http://www.eirikjohnson.com/images/animalholes/12a.jpg 

By: Eirik Johnson
Was born in Seattle in 1974. He currently living in Boston, Massachusetts. His work has been displayed in many top Museums around the United States.

When first looking at the photograph, some might just thinks its the botton of a tree and the hole is how the tree grew, or juat that the roots grew elevated above ground. Some also might think it's a home for an animal.. It's a homey, warming place just right for that certain animal. The intention of this photographer was to make a series of pictures portraying animal holes. There are many different types, large and small, all in different areas and settings. I definitely think this a great portrayal of different homes. It may be small to us but for whoever is living in it, it's probably a great place and perfect for them.

Blog 18

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

I do not agree with this. Photography can definitely represent much more than the present. Especially when taking photographs of specific clothing. An example of these types of photographs would be American Apparel. The clothing they sell and model looks like clothes of the future and past. When looking at the pictures you don’t know when they were taken. Some look like they are from the past, but not because they were only photographed in the past, but because they clothes fit another time era. If a style is not in, then whenever it was in is when the picture looks like it took place. Just because it was taken at a certain time doesn’t make it of that time.

Blog 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

When taking a photograph, many times photographers “set up” a scene to get the lighting you want or the perfect background. Most photos become unrealistic. Women’s’ bodies are perfect in every way, the lighting does match what looks like to be the time of day with the color of sky, and actions are posed. I know that is what Photography is supposed be, but in reality not many photographs are real. Especially now with Photoshop, any photograph can be manipulated with colors, fake lighting and filters. Every photographer creates their photographs to fit their perception of reality. Sometimes it works, and other times it doesn’t

Blog 16

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

Imagination is a special skill that many people do not have. Some people can have a big imagination. Some can have a small imagination. If someone asked you to imagine your dream world, what would it look like? Would it be a serene forest with rushing water, or a colorful moving picture where it was sunny all the time and your favorite singer/actor let you live in their house? Yes, some imaginative things are non-existent, but when someone imagines something they are thinking outside of the box. Some say it’s better to have a small imagination then to not have one at all. I think that is completely true. Believing in the imagination is believing in the surreal life. Yes it may never be apparent to everyone else but you see it, and usually its better then the real world. Having an imagination can allow people to become very wise and more successful. When a person can imagine something for the future for a company or business, the ideas that come about are extremely important. Everyone has a different imagination so only you can think of it.

Part 2: Critique of Assign 2

Guy in Kitchen:

My group interpreted this image basically as what it was, a guy making something in a kitchen.  They thought it was interesting how there was a design in the background that drew their eyes around the picture instead of looking just at the guy.  They thought that was the best thing that was working throughout the picture. What was not working was the fact that it was sort of blurry. The problem was I thought I printed the wrong picture which would explain that situation. What’s not working is the sliver of the fridge on the right side of the image. It is very distracting and should be cropped out. A jumping-off point from this image was thought about college guys in the morning. It looks like he’s making some sort of food which can be something not normal for guys to do. Another idea my group had was people doing mundane things. For example a person on their hands and knees searching for prey or something like that.

Football Guy:

Others interpreted this image as this guy being an Abercrombie model or an ad for Abercrombie, specifically the pictures on the sides of their shopping bags. What’s working in this photo is the way the picture is cropped. The guy is standing in the middle, but because the football is more to one side and he looks so intense, emotion is being given off.  Some things that are not working are the colors. It definitely needs to be more contrasted; it’s a little too dull. It should have more highlights. A jumping-off point from this picture could be other model poses for guys, or casual sports. It looks as if this picture was just taken by a photographer who just caught the shot while he was playing catch or something. If I were able to take pictures of women or men just playing around we thought it would be a really nice group of photographs.

Girl In Woods:

Some first impressions of this picture was that this girl was Fergie.  Her hair looks very similar and her nose I guess does too. Another thing they thought about was that it looks as I was spying on this girl. Because the leaves are blurred and I’m focused in on her, it gives this picture that affect.  What works well in this photo are the tones of black to white.  They liked how the black of her coat popped when they looked at the picture. Another thing that worked well was her facial expression. It’s not normal and it makes the viewer think about and question what it is she’s looking at. One thing they thought would make it better was is if it showed a little more detail in the background.  A jumping-off point for this picture was thinking about a series of shots looking through things and focusing in on one person. It could be candid, actually catching people off-guard.

Guy Dancing:

The interpretation of this image was a dancing guy. Basically the picture explains it. What gave it away was the motion of the legs. They did think the motion worked well with the image. The fact that the viewer can’t see his face gives the image a mystery about and very expressive pose. A couple things that don’t work well in this image is that the ceiling is way too big and the person seems to be just plopped right in the center of the photo. If he were moved to the side a little bit or had the camera move down, the composition might be a little better.  A jumping-off point for this image might be of silhouettes where you can’t see their faces with different backgrounds. The viewer would have to think about what the persons feeling were by looking at the background.

Blog 14

#14____Unknown vs. Familiar Space: When photography was invented, it became a way to document and reveal the specific aspects of both familiar and faraway places. Imagine a familiar place. Imagine a faraway place. How would you use photographs to convey the difference? Can you imagine any places that have been “touched” very little by humans? How might you photograph them?


To convey the differences between far away and familiar, I was thinking maybe making one blurry to show I don't really know what it is, would be a good idea. It would most likely be for the far away place. This shows I don' know what I 'm looking at and it would be an image that would pull viewers in to try to get a closer look. One place that might have been touched very little are coral reefs in certain parts of the ocean. Coral is very delicate and small interactions can ruin them. To show the very little touched areas. I might brighten the colors to show purity, that it hasn't been dulled down or "touched".

Blog 13

#13____Human-Made Space: In the past, photographers who were interested in how humans impacted the natural landscape grouped together to form the New Topographics. “"New Topographics" signaled the emergence of a new photographic approach to landscape: romanticization gave way to cooler appraisal, focused on the everyday built environment and more attuned to conceptual concerns of the broader art field.” http://www.lacma.org/art/ExhibTopo.aspx

In addition, at the same time in history artists created (and still do create) “land art” in which they use materials found in the landscape to make sculptures that remain in the landscape. Many of these works now only exist as video recordings and photographic documents.

Pay attention to the number of ways in which you encounter humans’ interaction with nature and the physical land. Write these down. Using these as inspiration, describe an idea for a piece of “land art” that you might create that would be documented by a photograph. Describe an idea for a piece of “land art” that you might make in a man-made landscape that would be documented by a photograph.

A piece of land art I might do would maybe have to do with sticks and being in the woods. If I could hang something from a tree by just using sticks or create something that is put on the ground. I don't know if I could do it, but making a sweet house out sticks would be really sweet thats hanging from a tree. The mystery would be how I did it. I know I would be interested if I saw a picture like that.

Blog 12

#12____Memory of a Photograph: Which photograph from your past do you remember most? Describe this photograph. Describe how it makes you feel when you remember/think about this photograph. How have you changed? How has the place in this photograph changed? What would a reenactment of this photograph look like? Would you act or look differently if you reenacted this scene today?

One photograph I remember most was a picture of me and a cat that lived around the block. I had just come home from school. I was in first grade. This cat lived around the block from me and absolutely loved me. I never knew why because I would pretend he was my baby and carry him around in a net, but I guess he enjoyed it. So this photograph I am holding the cat like a baby in my arms. He waited for me on the front steps every day waiting for me to come home. The reason why I remember it so much was because not too long after my mom ran him over. He was sleeping on our driveway and didn't here us coming. My mom didn't see him either. I always think back to that and question about how my life would have been different if he was still alive all these years. He was like no other cat I've ever met. If I were to reenact this picture I would probably use a baby doll to represent what I thought of the cat and find a porch that looked like mine because we were standing on my front porch.  I would definitely look different because of the fact that I had bangs and was super tiny.

Blog 11

#11____Memory of a Place: Try to imagine a place from your past. Do you have pictures of this place? Describe this place as you remember it. What might a photograph look like of this place if you were to go back and photograph it? What would it look like in the past? What would it look like to you today? Where are you standing in this place? What other items are in this place? What colors do you see? Are there other people or are you alone? Make a “written photograph” of this place using words/description.

A place I remember from my past is a resort I stayed at in Mexico. It was called The Moon Palace Resort. If I went back now, the main part of the resort would be the same, but they added many more buildings along the side, much bigger and more elegant. I was standing at the doors of the check-in building, looking in front of me at the beautiful scenery. There was a huge pool with teal blue colors. This pool was made up of small pockets of water connected by smaller streams that were under bridges that people were walking back and forth on. I see to my left, a giant straw hut with swings hanging all around. It was a swing bar being enjoyed by many couples. To my right, I see another giant straw hut with people lining up for food, any kind of food you could imagine. Behind all these people and the activities they were doing I see the deep blue ocean. Jet skiers and wind sailers blew past, while tall palm trees were blowing in the wind all around creating the tropical scene. It was a beautiful paradise that I never wanted to leave.

Assign 3-Recreate Memory

This is a memory of a time when my boyfriend and I were walking through the gardens up here at State last Spring.We both love looking at different types of flowers so I thought this was one of the greatest memories I have. It's a reenactment by two of my friends. The motion in the picture doesn't represent us, but the movement shows them separating, like they are leaving. It could be interpreted as us having to leave each other at the end of the school year. I think it would portray it very well.

Assignment 2

Guy Throwing a Football:

With this image I tried to get an up close on the subject. It was an overcast day so the lighting was not as bright as it could have been, but I think the balance between light and dark is acceptable. This image could be about a football player making a difficult decision is his life. It is interpreted from the fact that he is throwing a football to someone but doesn’t know which would be the best option. The fact that he looks determined and is concentrated on something supports this concept. The process I used to construct this image was basically making sure I could have a clear sharp subject in front and a blurred background. I experimented with changing the ISO number and trying to get a different angle with the sky for better lighting but the picture just looked awkward. My goal was to capture this subject looking determined and wanting something and I think I was able to do that. There isn’t one specific photographer that I was trying to relate to, I was trying to capture a picture as the same ones professional sports photographers take. I think I relayed the idea well. This could relate to a larger issue of acceptance. This boy is just an ordinary boy playing football. He aspires to be someone huge in the sports industry, just like many other children today.

Guy Dancing:

For this image there wasn’t any real framing being used. They guy was dancing around the room and I just had to follow him making sure I got him in the frame. I tried getting a lighter background so the subject in front was darker making a bigger contrast. When looking at this image someone may see a guy with his arms held straight and only his legs moving. This could be taken as a statement about some people who are stuck only being able to do certain things. The content of how the guy is darker can also pose another question about who is this guy and why can’t we see his face? The process to creating this image was first to light up the backdrop and then to make space for him to move around the room. I experimented moving around the room to get different angles, and found that the ones with the actual light in the background turned out the best. My goal was to capture an image where part of his body was moving and parts were standing still. I didn’t really have anyone in mind about making this picture. I know that it definitely didn’t turn out as well as it would have if someone else were taking it. I think it would have been better if the dancer were a little less blurred and more in focus.

Assignment 2

Girl in Woods:

The framing of this image was kind of tough to create. There were many dead plants around the trees which I think would have made the picture not so appealing. The lighting I think works well creating the lights of the leaves and the darks of the woods in the background. The image tells a story of a girl trying to find her way through the woods, or life if you take is that way. To create this image, I found a scene behind my apartment and placed her in the right spot where I could capture a well-crafted image. The Red Cedar is behind her. I tried to keep that out of the image because having it in might have made the picture go a completely different way. My goal was to recreate a movie still from the movie Twilight. Its not the exact same pose but the background I think is extremely alike.  This relates to the directors cut because of how she is in focus whereas the background is blurred and the tree gives off texture, definitely a scene that could appear in the movie.

Guy in the Kitchen:

For this image the perspective was to be up close and focused on the subject. Because the background was already really white, the contrast of the subjects’ shirt creates a well-balanced picture. The concept of this picture could be the depiction of a man working in the kitchen instead of the women. To create this image I turned on as many lights as I could to create a contrasted scene. I took out some food I had in the fridge to make it look as if he were cooking and putting together a plate of food. This is supposed to be a recreation of a painting of a chef plating food in his kitchen. I couldn’t get the entire scene, and the side which the guy is on is different in the painting. I liked the object in the background because it was it black and contrasted with his shirt. This is why I turned the other way. This relates to other photographers in which they try to create a painting or other picture for a photo-shoot. Recreations are a big thing now with them and can be interpreted in many ways. This picture can bring a new perspective on the way of women in the kitchen. This is showing that men also have the same ability to do what women can.

Blog 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

 This is definitely true. When someone forgets about an event that had happened previously, a picture is one of the only ways they can see what they don't remember. In some cases people remember little parts of the event. When a picture is shown to them of something they don't remember. The meaning of the night might change. Some may then remember it as a good time, or possibly a bad time.

When thinking about a painting, the painter who is remembering what to paint turns the situation around. If they don't remember a certain part, then technically, they can say it never happened. The painting is telling the story and if it was never painted, no one ever would know they didn't remember.

Blog 9

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



This is not entirely true, but in most respects it can be. Especially when taking recreation photgraphs or photographs of large groups of people. Each and every photographer has a vision. Whether is a certain object, or a person. Each picture they do they have to make the scene. Putting make-up on a person and clothing them a certain way is an example of "making" the photograph. A spontaneous, one shot photogrpah with no ques or props is what I consider to not be a forced photograph. When someone is told to make a certain face or look a certain way or do a certain motion, the photograph is made. The photograph is being taken, but the photograph was made to be excepted.

Blog 8

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

When you take a picture you're taking a picture of something you enjoy. Whether its a person doing something you enjoy or dressed in something you love to wear. A photographer won't direct someone to so something they think looks bad and doesn't like. They place them in away they enjoy seeing them in. For example in the television show Americas Next Top Model, each week a different photographer comes in and directs a different photo shoot for them to do. If you notice closely, the shoot is always very different and the photographer is always extremely excited to take the photos. When someone views a photo of a person its not all about the person. The viewer, or at least me, thinks about where the photographer was coming from and what they were trying to accomplish.

The colors and direction of the subject is dependent on the photographer and this is what Avedon is trying to dictate.  

Assignment 2- Portrait

Photographer Profile

Valerie Belin- A french artist born in 1964. She has many different kinds of photographs with different themes. She does some representation but chooses to do simple subjects. A lot of her subjects she takes pictures of are taken in multiple frames. They start straight on and then are dressed up differently to create new look. Some of her other works deal with scenes as like the picture above, or collaborations of other objects.


I chose this picture as one of my favorites because I'm always interested in car accidents. When someone goes passed a flipped car or a car that has been crashed into, the curiousness comes out of what could have happened? Who caused it? Was there a fire? So many things can cause a car accident and I know everyone thinks about that too.

Blog 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”?

One ad I saw was on the side of an advertising truck for a night club. It was driving around campus. It was probably 12 or 15 feet or so high and 20 to 30 feet long. Because it was so big and noticeable it pulled the viewer in. It made the viewer want to see what is was about and read the rest of the ad. It definitely was because it was so big that I read the ad. If it was a smaller ad on facebook just showing a little bit of information I might not think it's worth my while to read.

The difference between the portraits first off is that news pictures have meaning to them. They're published because they have a purpose. Pictures on facebook are usually placed on there so their friends can see what they are doing and to kind of show off what they are doing with their lives. Looking at actual advertisements on facebook, their intent definitely is to attract young adults into whatever their business is. With the news, they are looking to attract the people of the cities, states, or continents they're channeled in.

Blog 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?

There is a time and place for everything and the subject of altering photographs has many appropriate and inappropriate times.

It is appropriate for example to alter photos for a senior picture. No one wants to look bad in a picture that everyone will see and will last a lifetime. Another example which I think is beneficial even though it's fake is when celebrities are put into magazines. Only the pictures in people and such where they are in their everyday life doing what they do. Celebrities are not perfect but some of the pictures they show in some magazines are just horrific. It's not the idea of making the celebrity look fake, but it's to spare the viewers who are looking at the magazine.

One way that its definitely ethically wrong is in ads of magazines. Yes these ads are supposed to make these people look perfect, but trimming their bodies to make them look skinny, or getting rid of every wrinkle, roll, or imperfection is just not right. It's false advertising and just should not be allowed. Lying to people about selling products does not make the company look good and sure will not help them.

Blog 5: “I just think it's important to be direct and honest with people about why you're photographing them and what you're doing. After all, you are taking some of their soul.” ~Mary Ellen Mark

Give your thoughts on this quote:

This quote is sort of frightening to me. I do understand that when you are taking a picture of someone you are taking of picture of everything that they represent. I guess when you are showing the picture to other people you are opening their image up for discussion, everyone will be able to critique them about their looks, appeal, and question their thoughts. When photographing someone, it is important to explain to them why you are taking the picture and to whom the pictures will be shown to. This is a privacy issue and can sometimes turn out to be wrong if pictures get into the wrong hands. This does make sense, but I think it could be stated in another way.

Assign 2- Recreate

This photo is a rendition of a series of photos the photographer Phil Collins created. The exhibition was called “The World Won’t Listen”. The exhibition includes a movie he has been filming for many years in several different countries, large scale screen-printed letters and many other numerous representations of things. This picture in particular was part of a showcase of pictures replicating the show Britain’s Got Talent. These pictures showed Collins ability to portray reality and reflect it on the same time.

Blog 4: “If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn't need to lug around a camera.” ~Lewis Hine Do you agree or disagree with this quote? Why? Describe situations when photographic images reveal “the story” (as compared to words). Describe situations when words reveal “the story” (as compared to images).

I disagree with this quote. Even if you could tell a story in words, it's always nice to have pictures that illustrate the events that happen in a persons life. Just because someone can explain what happened doesn't mean its very interesting. Pictures are a great thing to show people who are better visual "listeners". A situation where images reveal "the story" would be at birthday parties. People take pictures of friends, family, the cake, the presents, where the parties at, anyone could figure out what was going on and how much fun people had. A situation where words reveal "the story" would be when someone was playing sports. Yes, anyone can take a picture of the person passing the ball, and catching in the air, or scoring a goal and running around. But, the truth is you can't actually tell what they're thinking. And there's no other way to figure it out unless you actually went and talked to them and asked what they were feeling. 

Even though some things need words for explaining, pictures are definitely a major aspect of seeing and understanding what-ever the situation was that was going on.