#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 think there are two main differences between the portraits I 'consume' over the internet (facebook) versus in other mediums. On facebook, portraits are ways for regular people to capture activities in their lives. I dont find a lot of interpretive pictures or thoughtful approaches to these pictures. They are simply there to show whats going on in life in general. All the things we are learning about, such as aperture, composition, etc. are not taken into consideration - therefore the quality is compromised.
The second difference comes from other non-internet sources. I can think right now of a few portraits I saw along the highway on billboard signs. These pictures are very high quality, but also very planned. I actually like to look at them because I know that someone had to put a lot of work into taking the picture. In essence, the picture was produced to help people connect feelings with people and companies. Its a marketing tool. When you see the pictures on billboards, you can almost try to decipher what the marketing person is saying when they choose which picture they end up using. "This picture will connect best with our target market because of the casual stance the woman has..."
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Blog Response #6
#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?
From an ethical perspective, I think it is important to leave photographs in as pure a format as possible, as much as possible. This is especially important when influential leaders or important events are being captured. The photograph will serve as a way for others to understand and interpret events. If you change these photographs, there is potential that you are changing how the viewer may interpret the picture.
On the other hand, it is very beneficial to be able to alter photographs in some situations. I think to weddings I have been in and the photographer has changed pictures and enhanced them so that they appear more true to the situation than the photograph was originally able to capture. This is not only important, but it also serves as a way to most accurately portray a situation. Lastly, when thinking about photographs as art, changing the picture is an important step in creating something new. Not only is it ethical, but integral to the process.
In essence, I believe that photographs should be kept as pure and clear as possible. If that means that some alterations are necessary to properly capture the essence of the photography, they should be made. From an artist's perspective, photographs are used as a medium to produce art and therefore can be changed without issue.
From an ethical perspective, I think it is important to leave photographs in as pure a format as possible, as much as possible. This is especially important when influential leaders or important events are being captured. The photograph will serve as a way for others to understand and interpret events. If you change these photographs, there is potential that you are changing how the viewer may interpret the picture.
On the other hand, it is very beneficial to be able to alter photographs in some situations. I think to weddings I have been in and the photographer has changed pictures and enhanced them so that they appear more true to the situation than the photograph was originally able to capture. This is not only important, but it also serves as a way to most accurately portray a situation. Lastly, when thinking about photographs as art, changing the picture is an important step in creating something new. Not only is it ethical, but integral to the process.
In essence, I believe that photographs should be kept as pure and clear as possible. If that means that some alterations are necessary to properly capture the essence of the photography, they should be made. From an artist's perspective, photographs are used as a medium to produce art and therefore can be changed without issue.
Blog Response #5
The second quote is really interesting because it reminds me of some cultures in which photographs are actually prohibited. In these cultures, they believe that a picture does in fact take from someone's soul and can not be replaced. Although I see the concept, as a practical matter, photographs do an incredible job of capturing the human soul, and not taking away from it. A photograph is a way for us in humanity to save unique things. As we look back just a short time ago, there wasn't an opportunity to capture thoughts and ideas as visually as we have now.
To reflect on the ability of a photograph to capture someone's soul, it is amazing what photographs can truly do. I can think of a few pictures in which just by looking at the picture, you can see into someone's eyes and almost feel what they are feeling. It is amazing really.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Statement of Work #3: Time is Ticking
Composition
- Orientation: I chose to have these parking meters in landscape orientation because otherwise the picture captures the long pole holding the meters up. In my opinion, this didn't add any value.
- Cropping: The picture includes a lot of background noise like the tress and the garbage can in the way back. I like this part of the picture because it gives some context as to where the meters are.
- Distracting Elements: Although I feel like the trees in the back add a lot to the picture, they can be slightly distracting. I suppose I could have cut more of this out, but felt it made the picture more interesting.
Method: I took a lot of pictures for this particular set. I was working with the zoom and it helped me see the value of standing far away from a subject and zooming in. These are direct subjects and the lighting is day light. To the right of the meters is a car, which I totally cut out the more I took pictures.
Motivations: My goal is to get people to think about how time passes us by. It can be noticed in small things like a parking meter - A technology that will no doubt be replaced by something else.
Context: For this photo I want to compare it to those of Jim Zuckerman. He uses very vivid colors and exciting scenes. For me this scene could be exciting, but it has to take on a life of its own for the viewer. From the compositonal aspects, this picture is completely opposite to that of Jim. Further, the subject matter is much different than what he generally pursues.
Part 2: Reactions
Interpretation: How do others interpret your image?
I've found that others interpret my image as kind of a relic or "old school". Many people commented on the graininess of the picture (some as a negative, some as a positive). Overall reaction to the composition was that it was good but has some areas for improvement as well.
Evaluation: Based on critique, describe what is “working” in your image. Describe what is “not working” as well.
I think overall the graininess and aperture settings are working well for the photograph. The blurred background is just enough to have context, but not too much that it is distracting.
Describe any changes and improvements you would make. Extension: How might you use this image as a jumping-off point for a larger project or series of images?
I would like to change the composition a bit in that I would like to change the angle to more follow the sidewalks in the background. I think that this could be a place to start to create images around public utilities or just public signage.
Statement of Work #2: Cold Band
Composition
- Framing: I chose to frame this band in front of my kitchen and I wanted them to use up nearly the entire frame. In a way I wanted the viewer to be slightly distracted by the kitchen in a way to make it seem 'busier'.
- Background Elements: I think it is important that the kitchen in the background is not too blurry because it makes the band really pop out in the picture. It takes two seemingly separate things and puts them into a new context.
- Lighting: The lighting in this picture comes from the back in a lamp which is hidden. There is also a fluorescent lamp which is coming down from the top. At first I was concerned with this lamp being too bright, but I was able to tone it down later.
Method: I moved this figurines into different parts of my apartment and experimented with different lighting. The more I played with them, the more it seemed like they belonged in a common area - like they would on the street. I took a lamp from my desk and pointed it upwards toward the ceiling in order to create the shadows on their caps.
Motivations: What I wanted to be conveyed with this picture is the busy, but happy environment I feel like is around me with family in the kitchen. This picture reminds me of family times like Christmas when we are all together. This band acts as a stand-in for my family in the kitchen.
Context: In a way this reminds me of some of the work done by Yousuf Karsh. The subjects are not alive like in a lot of his photographs, but I see the similarities in the lighting and composition of the pictures. When I view his pictures, it makes me think about how people are feeling and what is going through their mind. I feel the same way when I look at the faces of these figurines.
Statement of Work #1: Snow Hydrant
Composition
- Amount of Subject in Frame: I chose to frame a lot of the fire hydrant in this picture because I thought that the extra detail was instrumental to showing how the light reflects at the top. It also allowed me to create more depth of field in the picture with the shrubbery as kind of a backdrop, but nothing more.
- Sharpness: The sharpness of the picture is really only limited to the fire hydrant. I like how the rivets are showing and even some of the writing along the right side of the hydrate. The background is blurry as it doesn't really add any value to the main subject.
- Lighting: The lighting of the picture is daylight. I chose to dim some of the background in an effort to keep the viewer from being distracted by external things on the left side of the picture. I also think that the amount of light is appropriate for the subject and lends well to the shiny surfaces of the hydrant.
When I created this image I was thinking about how to frame up ordinary, everyday things is such a way that would make them more interesting. My goal for a viewer is to walk away considering life in a little different way - seeing things they may not have necessarily noticed before.
Method
For this picture I experimented with different distances and apertures. What I finally landed on was to come relatively close to the subject with a low aperture. This causes the background fade that you see. I used manual focus and concentrated specifically on the left side of the fire hydrant. For this reason, some of the subject is blurred on the right.
Motivation
To simply shed light on everyday items and put them in a different way.
Context
Im comparing this photograph to some of the works of Dorothea Lange. Although many of her pictures were of people, I find similarities in the composition of her pictures to this one. It is definitely different in that my picture is much less emotional than the pictures I found done by Lange. Further to this, her pictures seem to have more in focus backgrounds than what I was going for with Snow Hydrant.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Blog Response #2
Blog Prompt #2: What does the word "photograph" mean to you?
Photograph represents memories to me. I treasure the fact that I have so many pictures (of questionable quality) that remind me of times with friends and family. The word represents pleasure and joy because of the personal memories associated with those windows into the history of my life.
Photograph also represents a challenge to me. Because I am in the process of learning how to take good pictures, I think of a photograph as something that pushes me to learn about new things and consider the world in a different light. I am a very linear thinker and the artistic sense that comes with creating and viewing photographs challenges me to be a more open person.
Photograph represents memories to me. I treasure the fact that I have so many pictures (of questionable quality) that remind me of times with friends and family. The word represents pleasure and joy because of the personal memories associated with those windows into the history of my life.
Photograph also represents a challenge to me. Because I am in the process of learning how to take good pictures, I think of a photograph as something that pushes me to learn about new things and consider the world in a different light. I am a very linear thinker and the artistic sense that comes with creating and viewing photographs challenges me to be a more open person.
Blog Response #1
Blog Prompt #1: Imagine a world without photographs. Describe what this world would be like.
In a way, I think a world without photographs might be simpler. When you think about it, photographs have a way of telling a story (accurate or not) and can sometimes help people to make conclusions about situations. It reminds me of the way stories were passed around before cameras existed. They were called "tales" and they transformed over time. A lot of the Native American Indian stories occurred because of this.
On the other hand, a world without photographs might be considered sad. Memories are preserved with photographs in a way that no other medium can. As I look through my photo library, it reminds me of times and places that would have otherwise have been forgotten. In this sense, photographs provide humanity an opportunity to capture life events quickly and easily.
All in all, photographs have both added and taken away from society. It could be said that photographs have removed the story-telling culture that existed before them. It could also be said that photographs have helped advance our society in a way that would have otherwise not been possible.
In a way, I think a world without photographs might be simpler. When you think about it, photographs have a way of telling a story (accurate or not) and can sometimes help people to make conclusions about situations. It reminds me of the way stories were passed around before cameras existed. They were called "tales" and they transformed over time. A lot of the Native American Indian stories occurred because of this.
On the other hand, a world without photographs might be considered sad. Memories are preserved with photographs in a way that no other medium can. As I look through my photo library, it reminds me of times and places that would have otherwise have been forgotten. In this sense, photographs provide humanity an opportunity to capture life events quickly and easily.
All in all, photographs have both added and taken away from society. It could be said that photographs have removed the story-telling culture that existed before them. It could also be said that photographs have helped advance our society in a way that would have otherwise not been possible.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Blog Response #4
#4 “If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn't need to lug around a camera.” ~Lewis Hine.
Write a brief reaction to this quote. Is this quote applicable to your experience with photography? What does it mean to you? Do you agree with the idea presented or disagree? Describe situations when photographic images reveal “the story” (as compared to words). Describe situations when words reveal “the story” (as compared to images).
I completely disagree with this perspective. If pictures were the only way to see the world, it would make things like literature obsolete. Some of the best visuals I have had come from things which allow me to imagine the specifics and not seem them so literally as they are presented in pictures. As I perceive the world around me, I see it only through my eyes. In photography, I am only empowered to project what I see on to others and not what they see for themselves.
As I approach viewing photographs, I believe it is incumbent upon myself to interpret the picture within the context of my own life and not necessarily how it is supposed to be viewed as dictated by the photographer. Analogous to a novel, I see photographs as a way to create a story for myself and not to REcreate a story intended by the person who took the photograph. I can think of a few photographs that I have taken which remind me of situations and instances I have been in. However, when others view the photograph, they obviously don't have the same connotations as I do about these pictures. This is further underscored when people ask me about the photograph and why I have them displayed.
However, I think it is important to acknowledge that photographs can do a great job of capturing a story. I feel like this happens more when the viewer has more context around what is being photographed. As an example, I can think of pictures taken during the war in Iraq. I have a lot of connotations surrounding the situation which I apply directly to photographs that I see of the scene there. Even if the picture I view is completely unbiased, clearly I am going to have feelings attached to that scene.
Overall, i think it is important to acknowledge both perspectives. A photograph can represent a story to some and just simple a picture to others. From my perspective, I find pictures to invoke a story (or lack thereof) on their own. I do not always find a story in a photograph but sometimes do.
I completely disagree with this perspective. If pictures were the only way to see the world, it would make things like literature obsolete. Some of the best visuals I have had come from things which allow me to imagine the specifics and not seem them so literally as they are presented in pictures. As I perceive the world around me, I see it only through my eyes. In photography, I am only empowered to project what I see on to others and not what they see for themselves.
As I approach viewing photographs, I believe it is incumbent upon myself to interpret the picture within the context of my own life and not necessarily how it is supposed to be viewed as dictated by the photographer. Analogous to a novel, I see photographs as a way to create a story for myself and not to REcreate a story intended by the person who took the photograph. I can think of a few photographs that I have taken which remind me of situations and instances I have been in. However, when others view the photograph, they obviously don't have the same connotations as I do about these pictures. This is further underscored when people ask me about the photograph and why I have them displayed.
However, I think it is important to acknowledge that photographs can do a great job of capturing a story. I feel like this happens more when the viewer has more context around what is being photographed. As an example, I can think of pictures taken during the war in Iraq. I have a lot of connotations surrounding the situation which I apply directly to photographs that I see of the scene there. Even if the picture I view is completely unbiased, clearly I am going to have feelings attached to that scene.
Overall, i think it is important to acknowledge both perspectives. A photograph can represent a story to some and just simple a picture to others. From my perspective, I find pictures to invoke a story (or lack thereof) on their own. I do not always find a story in a photograph but sometimes do.
Blog Response #3
#3 “Photography deals exquisitely with appearances, but nothing is what it appears to be.”~Duane Michals. Write a brief reaction to this quote. Is this quote applicable to your experience with photography? What does it mean to you? Do you agree with the idea presented or disagree?
I completely agree with this quote. We have a unique opportunity, as photographers, to capture images and situations in the way we want and necessarily as they are. There are many great examples of this, but I think the most obvious can be found in situations surrounding political unrest. As an avid follower of the news, I gather information and photographs from many different news sources. It is amazing to me to see how different sources portray (in pictures) how situations are happening. In some instances, small protests appear to be HUGE and overbearing. In other instances very violent altercations are downplayed.
I think it is our responsibility as photographers to capture reality and not what we perceive to be what the viewer should see. In our world today, everyone has an opinion - It is incumbent upon us to be as close to reality as we can. To take an opposing perspective, it is also important to capture a more artistic perspective and give viewers and escape. I dont see these two objectives as mutually exclusive.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Recreation Assignment
The name of my photographer is Roman Vishniac and the title of the photo is "Elderly Man". Here is some information about Roman:
Background
Birthdate: August 19, 1897
Residence: Moscow, Russia (born), New York (later life)
Education: Doctorate in Zoology
Photograph Created: Late 1930's
Roman became known for his photography because it captures perspectives held by the Jews as they were being persecuted. Being a Jew himself, Roman was forced to hide his camera up his sleeve to capture pictures like the one above. Eventually, he moved to the United States after sneaking out of danger's way.
This photo is framed with the light (likely an oil lamp) coming from the left. This is a portrait capturing the dimly lit face of an elderly man. There is significant contrast in the picture between the dark corners on the left side to the brighter corner on the left. The concept of this photograph is that of a tired elderly man. He is leaning on a cane and appears absolutely exhausted.
Most likely, Roman was trying to capture the exhaustion of being a Jew and being persecuted. Overall, the photo captures the drudgery and pain of a man who has "been through it all". I really like this photo because it seems to show the emptiness and despair of the man in the photograph. It makes me wonder - what did this guy go through?!
Recreation
My recreation is a depiction of the next scene. Here the man is lying in bed after falling asleep reading a book. I framed the bed as most of the photograph. I attempted to use the light as a way to draw attention to the clothes which he took off lazily and laid on the cabinet and light.
Background
Birthdate: August 19, 1897
Residence: Moscow, Russia (born), New York (later life)
Education: Doctorate in Zoology
Photograph Created: Late 1930's
Roman became known for his photography because it captures perspectives held by the Jews as they were being persecuted. Being a Jew himself, Roman was forced to hide his camera up his sleeve to capture pictures like the one above. Eventually, he moved to the United States after sneaking out of danger's way.
This photo is framed with the light (likely an oil lamp) coming from the left. This is a portrait capturing the dimly lit face of an elderly man. There is significant contrast in the picture between the dark corners on the left side to the brighter corner on the left. The concept of this photograph is that of a tired elderly man. He is leaning on a cane and appears absolutely exhausted.
Most likely, Roman was trying to capture the exhaustion of being a Jew and being persecuted. Overall, the photo captures the drudgery and pain of a man who has "been through it all". I really like this photo because it seems to show the emptiness and despair of the man in the photograph. It makes me wonder - what did this guy go through?!
Recreation
My recreation is a depiction of the next scene. Here the man is lying in bed after falling asleep reading a book. I framed the bed as most of the photograph. I attempted to use the light as a way to draw attention to the clothes which he took off lazily and laid on the cabinet and light.
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