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.

About: I think this image is about a three man band who find themselves wildly entertaining. They have found that the place to spend time is in the kitchen because it inspires them to play happy music.

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.