Blog Prompt #20

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

I feel like news related photos are generally upsetting and have strong emotion. Sometimes they are inspirational, but the news itself is rarely uplifting and therefore the photographs follow suit. The news obviously reflects social issues occurring at the time such as war or natural disasters. It is all very sad and most likely made to inform the public so that they want to get involved and do their part.

Describe some common aesthetic aspects of “snapshots”.

Snapshots are usually candid photos of people that are less intentional and not constructed beforehand. These photos seem to be impromptu and appear to be more realistic or true to the people

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

Advertising makes objects or people appear more impressive and interesting than they originally are. They highlight the object giving it immense quality so that the public wants nothing more than to purchase these items. Fashion does a similar thing by putting the outfit display on a skinny model and making the public desire that appearance, as if we would appear the same if we had that piece of clothing.

Describe some common aesthetic aspects of film or movie stills.

Film Stills generally appear as if they are in motion or soon to be in the middle of an action. Also, there is always a narrative in film stills that people can relate back to if they have seen the movie. The film still represents much more than that scene, it embodied the entire movie or the feel of that movie.

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

Yearbook pictures always have that same blue background, same composition, and same position of the subject. They are so generic for the fact that essentially the photo is just a form of identification. Senior pictures on the other hand always have a lovely background that enhances the photo. In addition, I always thought the senior pictures that people take with all of their "school items" such as varsity jacket, instrument, uniform, football, hockey sticks, etc., was extremely corny. It is kind of similar to african photography in the sense that they take photos with western objects or prized possessions such as radios and motorcycles.

Written Statements P1

Composition: I wanted to frame the subject with the leaves and the small portion of white space below her to make her pop out better. I wanted the perspective to be from below her to give the feeling that she is climbing or hanging.


Concept/Aboutness/Idea: I think my image is about a place in my imagination, but it is also mixed with childhood memories. Overall, I wanted to get a playful, young, and whimsical feel.

Method: When I tried to think of a place from my imagination the only thing that came to my mind was fairy tales and childlike concepts. Somehow climbing trees popped into my head. I tried different angles to make her appear more in a far away place that could possibly be in my mind.

Motivations: My intention was to show that besides the tree branches there is no context of where she is and that it could be a place in anyone's imagination

Context: I think the angle that I took my photo makes it different. I feel like I have probably seen images of people in trees, but I think the perspective is unique.

Composition:I think that the focus on the cake gives emphasis to the fact that it is there, but draws your eye back to the subject

Concept/Aboutness/Idea: When I took this photo it was entirely candid so I wasn't initially going for any specific emotion, but I think the facial expression along with the guy in the background adds to the feeling in the photo.

Method: I didn't really direct anything or think it through, initially I was just taking pictures of the cake we just made and I thought I could get more out of an image than that. It was very impromptu

Motivations: I didn't start out with any certain intention, initially it began with my fascination in how the sprinkles looked and it emerged into more.

Context: I think the image says two things about our society. First, I think it speaks about how on our birthday we want everything to go well and every single person to give us attention and be nice and when this doesn't happen we are immediately disappointed in how the day turned out. Also, I think it speaks about how in our society getting older is greatly feared and birthdays may not be everyone's favorite day due to the fact that they are another year older.

Composition: I wanted to try and capture as much as possible in this scene because everything seemed so interesting to me. I tried to emphasize the creepy location with contrast and lighting.

Concept/Aboutness/Idea: I think my image is about the places that are overlooked or unkempt when there is still something unique and interesting about them.


Method: I came across this creepy room in one of the buildings here on campus and i looked around and even better there was a pull chain light that I knew would add to the image. Other than that there was no brainstorming.


Motivations: Overall I wanted to capture the feeling that I felt when i came across this place. The feeling that it is somewhat secretive and maybe private.


Context: I feel like this is different because it doesn't have all that much context and maybe doesn't even tell a story, but overall just a nice, interesting image.

Composition: I tried to frame and zoom in on the decay without giving any more context. I also wanted the side of the building to become darker to add to the decay.


Concept/Aboutness/Idea: I think my image is about how even something decaying can be extremely interesting and pretty regardless of the fact that the paint is chipping and the wood is falling apart.


Method: I observed the environment and found this side of my garage that I found interesting. I thought the lighting was hitting the subject perfectly so I didn't add any more.

Motivations: My goal was to make the decay beautiful and emphasize the details.


Context: I think this image brings an alternative perspective because it shows an area that most likely is not typically photographed up close.

Assignment4(0): Recreate Popular Media

I chose to recreate a poster I have hanging in my room of Death Cab For Cutie. I like the image and each of their individual poses. This was difficult however because I didn't have four people all together to work with and even if I did, my roommates didn't want me to take pictures of them. I ended up having to take the photos of myself and use myself for all four of the people, which I guess emphasizes the different poses in the end.

Blog Prompt #19

Can you think of anything that:

1. Should not be photographed? Why?

I don't think anything that has a subject that doesn't condone the photo shouldn't be photographed. There are also a good number of inappropriate things I would never feel comfortable photographing. Also, any image that skews the appropriate meaning of something in a negative way.

2. Cannot be photographed? Why?It seems like anything and everything can be photographed these days. Technology allows us to capture images that would not be possible in the past, but it seems like there is not much technology to change what we are capable of capturing in an image now.

and
3) You do not want to photograph? Why?

I would not want to photograph any images of war or death. I don't do well seeing these so I wouldn't want to make anyone else experience that either. They are far too sad. I prefer inspiring images, not depressing ones.

Angela Strassheim

Angela Strassheim is an American photographer that originally was a forensic photographer that took photos of crime scenes, evidence, and surveillance. she also photographed autopsies. A series of her works is titled Evidence with scenes of dark rooms with liquids splayed across surfaces, which would originally not be seen with the naked eye. However, this is not her only subject matter. She also photographs the Midwest and the middle-class American family.


http://angelastrassheim.com/

Family Study

Evidence

Blog Prompts #16, #17, & #18

“I think photographs should be provocative and not tell you what you already know. It takes no great powers or magic to reproduce somebody's face in a photograph. The magic is in seeing people in new ways.” Duane Michals

I entirely agree with this statement. Anyone can take a photograph of a persons face; however, the great photographs do more than just display the face, they show the viewer insight on that person. The photograph allows others to see a new perspective through the portrait and shows aspects of that person’s soul. That person and their personality are shiny through.

“Landscape photography is the supreme test of the photographer—and often the supreme disappointment.” ~Ansel Adams

I agree and disagree with this statement. I disagree for the fact that I do not find landscape photography to be the most interesting overall. It is nice to capture certain landscapes, but sometimes I find the subject matter boring. I do not think landscape photography can make or break a photographer because my interest is in other areas such as portraiture. I find that more interesting and therefore respect photographers that are skilled in this area. However, I do agree with this statement because, as I have mentioned, if not done well, landscape photography can be very disappointing and uninteresting.

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

I think this is interesting for the fact that it expresses how people, places, and the world in general is constantly changing. After each individual second we are no longer the same and for the same reason, our surroundings are not either. Therefore, when a subject is photographed the subject is capture in that moment and that moment only.

Blog Entries #11, #12, #13, #14, and #15

#11: A distinct place from my past is the Muskegon State Park. I have several pictures of the campsites and lake we would stay on. This place was beautiful and serene. Happy families could be seen everywhere enjoying their time on their individual campsites along the hills of the campground. There was an extremely large staircase you had to walk down in order to get to Lake Michigan. The lake was always clear and a deep blue-ish green. If I were to go back I would take more scenic photos along with more photos of my family spending time together. I have not been back in years, but I imagine the place would not have changed much over time. I think it would appear the same to me now because it is still such a significant place. I would be standing in several locations: the beach, the campsite, the ice cream shop, and beside the firm. My family would be there along with our trailer. I see colors of nature such as shades of green, blue, and brown. All the campsites are always full of other people enjoying nature.

#12: I have a clear image of a photograph of me as a baby and my dad is holding me in his lap. He is sitting on our old lazy boy recliner that we no longer have. He also has less grey hair and a mustache, which he has not had for over half of my life. The photograph just has an early nineties feel by the furniture and clothing my dad is wearing. This photo has always been a fond one of mine. I’m extremely close to my dad so it means a lot to have that photograph. The only thing that has changed is that we have become closer over time and can relate more than the fact that I’m his baby. Our living room has changed a great deal over time; we no longer have the same furniture or carpeting. A reenactment of the photo would probably just be me sitting on my dad’s lap. Obviously I would look a great deal different, but it would have the same meaning.

#13: A way in which I encounter human interactions with nature and the physical land is through the trails we make in order to go the shortest way possible. I think it would be interesting to photograph several of the paths created by everyone on campus. It would be difficult to do, but if paths could be made inside a building such as making dirt trails inside, that would be an interesting concept to do.

#14: I think the faraway place would be displayed as a more fantasy like image, something far from reach or almost non realistic, and whimsical. The familiar image would have a homey feeling and probably always inside a place. Places that are difficult to reach such as the sky or mountains like Mount Everest. It would be neat to photograph them in a helicopter to give the idea that you still are not as close as you would like to be and that those locations are still far from reach.

#15: I would most likely photograph my home, which has been my only home as a child and then my current location or a desired place I would like to live. I think these two images would tell a narrative of my progression as a person. The locations are not just about where I have lived, but more about who I was then and how I have matured in order to be living in a new location.

Written Statements P2

Interpretation: How do others interpret your image? 
Good mood, intimate, dull/soft which adds to the image, close-up view is good.


Evaluation: Based on critique, describe what is "working" in your image. Describe what is "not working" as well. Describe any changes and improvements you would make.
Maybe try the same photo with her hand in the view.


Extension: How might you use this image as a jumping-off point for a larger project or series of images?
Maybe try a series of morning routines, intimacy, everyday events taken for granted.


Print Suggestions: Suggestion for changes to print to make it "portfolio-worthy"?
Lighten the tones in the face, make eyes more detailed.

Interpretation: How do others interpret your image?

Looks like she would be a ballerina and/or dancer.

Evaluation: Based on critique, describe what is "working" in your image. Describe what is "not working" as well. Describe any changes and improvements you would make.

Nice silhouette, but still keeps good detail in subject. Image could be more sharp. The small amount of light reflection on the necklace is good.

Extension: How might you use this image as a jumping-off point for a larger project or series of images?

New-aged way of showing profiles like they did in the past.

Print Suggestions: Suggestion for changes to print to make it "portfolio-worthy"?

Steaks on the wall in background are distracting.

Interpretation: How do others interpret your image?

She looks like she is making the face to try and conceal something.

Evaluation: Based on critique, describe what is "working" in your image. Describe what is "not working" as well. Describe any changes and improvements you would make.

The light on the subject is really nice, but maybe show more detail of the body. The texture on the wall is good, adds something to the image.

Extension: How might you use this image as a jumping-off point for a larger project or series of images?

Portraits of people who are trying to cover up their true selves/ appear as someone else.

Print Suggestions: Suggestion for changes to print to make it "portfolio-worthy"?

No suggestions, toned well.

Interpretation: How do others interpret your image?

It looks like she is longing for something, thinking about something or someone.

Evaluation: Based on critique, describe what is "working" in your image. Describe what is "not working" as well. Describe any changes and improvements you would make.

Sharpness is good, but maybe lipstick to make her lips stand out more. Lower depth of field in order to get more of a blur behind and in front of subject. White opening in trees is good and adds attention to her.

Extension: How might you use this image as a jumping-off point for a larger project or series of images?

People surrounded by different types of flowers or trees.

Print Suggestions: Suggestion for changes to print to make it "portfolio-worthy"?

Try making background more blurry.

Assignment3(0): Recreate Memory

There is a playground walking distance from my Nonna's house that my cousins and I would go to when we were kids. My Nonna always babysat all the grandchildren so we were always together when we were young. This is just a memory of when we all had the time to be together. All my memories at my Nonna's are fond ones, but I always enjoyed going to the playground and swinging on the swings. I wish there was more time for simple pleasures such as this one.

Written Statements P1

Composition: This photo is from a film still, which is where I got the idea for the composition. The face is tightly frame and close-up. There is a soft light coming from behind the subject. I wanted contrast, but nothing too extreme because I wanted the photo to be very soft.

Concept/Aboutness/Idea: I think the image is just about showing the close-up beauty of a subject without anything else interfering in the composition. It displays the softer side of the subject which is why the composition is so tightly focused on the face.

Method: I just got the subject in the correct pose and then had to play around with lighting in order to get it properly angled.

Motivations: My goal for this photo was to try and depict the scene from the movie as best as possible.
 
Context: I relates to other work because my inspiration was directly from the movie (500) Days of Summer. I think my work is slightly different because my subject's personality is shown, which is separate from the character in the movie.

Composition: For framing I decided to crop out the top of my head along with only showing a portion of my chest. I really wanted a large amount of contrast in the photo. The strong lighting behind the figure was the exact effect I wanted.

Concept/Aboutness/Ideas: I think the image is about someone being somewhat closed off for the fact that she is turned to the side. The composition adds to this because she is more of a silhouette and less detail is shown.

Method: This was included in the angles set of the assignment so I just played around with lighting along with the angle of my face while taking the photo.

Motivations: Overall I just wanted an interesting photo with drastic lighting when creating this image.

Context: I think my work is similar to other artists because many silhouettes have been composed, but I think mine is different because the subject is not entirely black and it shows a side of my personality. In relation to society, I feel like most people these days have a tendency to be closed off initially and I think the image reflects that.

Composition: I wanted to frame the subject so that part of her body was cropped out of the image. Also, I think the strong contrast highlights the subject so that it becomes the main focus.


Concept/Aboutness/Ideas: I think my image shows that the subject is present, but it almost appears that she's putting up a false persona. I think her facial expression displays this.


Method: For this image I wanted strong lighting and therefore strong contrast. I place my subject in front of a dark wall and on top of a black chair in order to impact the contrast more.


Motivations: My goal was to have the subject be the main and only focus of the photo.


Context: I think my photo brings a new perspective for the fact that there is nothing in the background to distract from the subject. I feel like a lot of photographs of portraits I have seen try to tell something in the photo other than the the personality of the subject.

Composition: The subject is framed by the tree around her. There is not the strongest contrast in the image, but I think the subject is slightly darker than the rest of the image.


Concept/Aboutness/Idea: I think my image is about highlighting the subject, but not too drastically. I think this is made possible by having her behind the tree a little.


Method: This photo was included in the small aperture set so I tried to get a setting that had objects in front of and behind my subject in order to have things clearly not in focus.


Motivations: I just wanted to make my subject look pretty and have her be the focus over other items.


Context: I think my work brings another perspective because the subject is in focus, but not as much as the tree in front of her.

Blog Entries #8, #9, and #10

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

I agree with this for the fact that I think the people or personality expressed is brought out by the photographer. The photographer can have the ability to make the person they are photographing feel more comfortable. By doing this it is somewhat of a reflection of the photographer.

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



Considering I generally set up my photos and orchestrate what I want to happen, I agree with this more. I feel like in order to obtain a quality photo you need to make it to be what you envision. Everyone has cameras and takes photos these days, but the more artistic ones take effort.


#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 totally agree. Due to the vast differences in peoples life experiences, everything viewed can affect or have a different meaning. One relationship can mean more or be felt differently than another and therefore photos of those memories will also have a differing affect.