Assignment 4

Composition: The picture is framed by the salsa jar on the left and the refrigerator on all other sides. The effect of the blurred salsa jar gives some depth to the photograph.

Concept: This image was originally just taken as a "crazy idea" with a timer. Once the photo was processed, it seemed to give a perspective of what the food is feeling like... a different viewpoint of almost putting ones self in the place of the food.

Method: I used a timed shutter on this photograph and the subject waited for the picture to take. The settings on the camera were in Aperture priority to blur out the background of the kitchen. There was no flash used in this photograph. In order to get the angle I wanted I used some food (I think it was string cheese) to prop up the lens of the camera.

Motivations: To give a different perspective of an everyday activity.

Context: It seems like we are always in such a hurry to do everything... Do we actually consider the different perspectives from which the world can be taken? Here is just one example of how we can really take the world in from a new and creative perspective, everyday.

Reactions

This was the most popular of all of the photographs I took. Interestingly, the colors were distorted in the photograph - The cabinets are not actually green... but this was a point that many people brought up and discussed.

Evaluation: I am really pleased with how this photograph turned out. The only thing that was mentioned on a consistent basis was the blurring of the subject's face - To which I agree. I have ordered a remote in order to improve this problem.

Extension: I am going to be using this photograph as a jumping off point to do things from different perspectives everywhere. For example, from the perspective of the laundry machine, dryer, etc.

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Composition: In this photograph, the framing of the picture puts the subject at the front and center. The darkness of the scene or of his clothes help to frame the edges. In the background, the other members of the band stand by.

Concept: This image is communicating the joy and hard work of playing music. In order to capture this, I took many different photographs of the faces of each of the musicians and finally settled on this one. Here you can see that he is happy, but definitely concentrating hard on what he is doing.

Method: I took this picture at the Green Door bar one night... Very empty! I used a very high ISO setting because the scene was so dark. This photograph was taken in Aperture priority mode in order to blur the background.

Motivation: To show both hard work and passion when people are actively creating (and doing) something they love.

Context: Again, I feel that the 'finer' things in life often go unnoticed. As much as I'd like to say I really enjoyed this music, I didn't! What was fun about this night, was that I forced me to take a moment to view how others have fun and enjoy themselves. Not only does this help us to see what makes others happy, but the effect can be contagious.

Reactions

Many people commented on the black and white format insomuch that it seemed appropriate to the scene. I think the photo did was it was set out to accomplish - getting across art and work in the same scene.

Evaluation: In some ways, I wish the ISO setting weren't so high... when I got into the lab, I realized just how noisy the picture turned out. I worked hard in photoshop to erase the noise, but I think it distorts the photo. From a composition standpoint, I think this photo is relatively good. Lighting was the biggest challenge. Next time, I'll need to use a diffused flash.

Extension: This could go in many directions. I think the most logical would be to take pictures of people who are both working really hard, and loving it. The first thing that comes to mind is that of a runner at the end of a long race.

Composition: This picture places the focal point at the tongue of the shoe and blurs out the foreground and background. The shoes are centered in the frame and take up nearly the entire frame.

Concept: This is a commercial photograph with the intention of showing shoes from a different perspective. My goal was to get the viewer to consider how LONG the shoes are and that application to long races. Although worn and tattered, the shoes should be able to be used in any condition.

Method: I used a long shutter speed on this photograph and place the staged lighting at a distance. I placed a dark sheet behind the shoes when taking the picture. The camera was in Shutter priority and had a low ISO to ensure there was little to no noisiness. I placed the camera almost right up against the tip of the shoes and focused up toward the top. Because I needed the camera still, I propped it up with some books.

Motivation: To show how shoes, like runners, are in it for the long haul.

Context: A lot of the advertising out there seems to be run of the mill and not creative... I was hoping this picture would bring in a different perspective for the viewer.

Reactions

Many people commented on the lighting of this picture. I think that came about because I burned the background to make the shoes really pop. Overall, I think people commented that the picture seemed somewhat average and standard for a commercial picture.

Evaluation: As much as I would have liked to give a different perspective or something different... I dont think I pulled it off with this photograph. Editing definitely helped, but I think I could have put the shoes in a different scene to make it more interesting.

Extension: The shoes could be in different places in my life... At a church, at school, at work... Always placed next to me... Showing that my commitment to the shoes is equal to the shoes commitment to me. This would get the message across, but in a slightly more subtle way.

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Composition: This picture places the bike diagonally across the photograph with several large dark areas in the corners. The bike is placed at the center of the frame to show that it is the "star".

Concept: This is a commercial photograph in which the bike was intended to be the center of attention... This could be likened to the red carpet treatment. As many actors deal with the bright lights of the papparizi, this bike must deal with the bright lights too... Its tough be famous!

Method: In order to set the scene, I propped the bike up against the wall and turned off all the lights in my apartment, except the light in the background. The light in the background is not visibile, just its rays. Although shot in aperture priority mode, the background was darkened anyway after the fact. I was at a low angle when taking the picture as if putting the bike on a pedestal.

Motivations: To make the bike the star of the "show".

Context: In this photograph, I am hoping to communicate the strangeness associated with taking pictures of famous people! I'm not clear as to why this happens or how the subjects can put up with it. Here the bike has no choice, just as famous actors and actresses have no choice... They are subjected to a strange addiction we have with famous people.

Reactions

Perhaps spurred on by my own commentary, I get the feeling that this photo is relatively boring... Many people were pretty quiet in their comments regarding this picture... Lighting definitely came up as an issue.

Evaluation: Given the goal, I think I may have missed the mark... I think it would have been cool to bring the bike out into the woods and tie it up into a tree...to suspend it... then using flash, could have "caught" the bike, just like famous people are caught by paparazzi.

Extension: It might be fun and interesting to have a photograph that pokes fun at the fashion runway... it could be done with a series of items (one of which could be a bike), traveling down a runway with flashes going off all the way down.