#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”?
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Blog Prompt #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?
The beautiful thing about photography is its ability to capture an image. Most assume that an image is not altered and take the image as truth. I think it is appropriate to change an image with consent of those photographed and without changing the essence of the photograph. The idea should remain the same, but being sensitive to those being pictured and those viewing the image should be taken into consideration as well.
An example of this can be taken in sensitive situations. Newspapers report on many events involving gruesome deaths and controversial topics. Though images should represent situations to the fullest, it is also important to be sensitive to the viewer. In times of war I want to see the soldiers enduring exactly the situations that they have to deal with in order to understand the severity of the situation, however the families of the soldiers should not be disturbed by the informative images.
The beautiful thing about photography is its ability to capture an image. Most assume that an image is not altered and take the image as truth. I think it is appropriate to change an image with consent of those photographed and without changing the essence of the photograph. The idea should remain the same, but being sensitive to those being pictured and those viewing the image should be taken into consideration as well.
An example of this can be taken in sensitive situations. Newspapers report on many events involving gruesome deaths and controversial topics. Though images should represent situations to the fullest, it is also important to be sensitive to the viewer. In times of war I want to see the soldiers enduring exactly the situations that they have to deal with in order to understand the severity of the situation, however the families of the soldiers should not be disturbed by the informative images.
Blog Prompt #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
This quote by Mary Ellen Mark describes the amount of character captured in photographs. Media has shown time and time again that many assumptions can be taken from photographs. For example when the paparazzi capture celebrities in unflattering lights a whole list of other assumptions come with that image. Though most wont be direct and honest about taking photos Mary Ellen Mark makes an effort to respectfully photograph people to honor their desire to be seen in the light they desire.
This quote by Mary Ellen Mark describes the amount of character captured in photographs. Media has shown time and time again that many assumptions can be taken from photographs. For example when the paparazzi capture celebrities in unflattering lights a whole list of other assumptions come with that image. Though most wont be direct and honest about taking photos Mary Ellen Mark makes an effort to respectfully photograph people to honor their desire to be seen in the light they desire.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Assignment 1
Playtime
Composition: The use of perspective played a key role in this picture. I tried to obtain the viewpoint of the puppy, catching the dog in its habitat, doing what he loves. I changed the contrast of the image to make the puppy stand out.
Concept/Aboutness/Idea: The image portrays certain calmness and relaxation, an ordinary day in a puppy’s life.
Method: To create this scene I simply followed the already entertaining puppy.
Motivation: I wanted to create an image that made people smile, something happy simple and peaceful.
Glamour
Composition: I spent a lot of time creating an interesting composition with this shot. I used a lot of negative space to emphasis the object.
Concept/Aboutness/Idea: I wanted to create a feeling of womanhood and glamour.
Method: I used a mirror and a lamp to create the shadows and the illusion of a double bow.
Motivation: Again, I wanted to create a feeling of glamour. The image has diamonds and bows two extremely girly items
Memories
Composition: I tried various framing methods to create different angled shots. In this image I found a way to focus in on the center of the object while blurring the rest of the image
Concept/ Aboutness/ Idea: the various statues around the world that focus on the concept of the written word inspired me. Since I had a wooden structured word in my apartment I thought it would be fun to play with different perspectives of the object.
Method: I used a mirror as a flooring for the structure and the zoom function of my camera to create this image
Memories
Composition: I tried various framing methods to create different angled shots. In this image I found a way to focus in on the center of the object while blurring the rest of the image
Concept/ Aboutness/ Idea: the various statues around the world that focus on the concept of the written word inspired me. Since I had a wooden structured word in my apartment I thought it would be fun to play with different perspectives of the object.
Method: I used a mirror as a flooring for the structure and the zoom function of my camera to create this image
Motivation: Again, I wanted to create an image inspired by other forms of art I had been studying.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Prompt #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).
This quote reminds us that many times in life images say it all. With words come connotations and your own interpretations. However, many times with images you can see the picture as it was. An image can be more straightforward. An example of when this could be true would be times of war. Most of us have not experienced war first hand. Reporters describe scenes and emotions among soldiers but without images its hard to truly picture what is happening. News writers spend pages upon pages describing a worldly event, but a single image can say it all and more. However, words can be used when describing hidden emotions.
There have been many times where I have read a book and then watched an identical film. Many times the book describes more of the characters emotions. Things not seen in the movie. In this case words can be helpful in getting the full effect of a story.
Both images and words have their place when interpreting different ideals. I agree with Lewis Hine, he needs his camera for the areas of stories where images are needed. Where words don't do the story justice.
This quote reminds us that many times in life images say it all. With words come connotations and your own interpretations. However, many times with images you can see the picture as it was. An image can be more straightforward. An example of when this could be true would be times of war. Most of us have not experienced war first hand. Reporters describe scenes and emotions among soldiers but without images its hard to truly picture what is happening. News writers spend pages upon pages describing a worldly event, but a single image can say it all and more. However, words can be used when describing hidden emotions.
There have been many times where I have read a book and then watched an identical film. Many times the book describes more of the characters emotions. Things not seen in the movie. In this case words can be helpful in getting the full effect of a story.
Both images and words have their place when interpreting different ideals. I agree with Lewis Hine, he needs his camera for the areas of stories where images are needed. Where words don't do the story justice.
Prompt #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?
The interesting thing about photography is it's ability to present ideas. Photographers have used imagery to inflict certain emotions among people. Using different angles, light sources, and perspectives photographers have generated illusions and story like photos. I agree with Duane Michals, a photo is created by the photographer, who can impart his or her views and opinions by altering the photo in any way they wish. My experience with taking pictures is by using different functions of the camera you can create interesting image from something very ordinary.
The interesting thing about photography is it's ability to present ideas. Photographers have used imagery to inflict certain emotions among people. Using different angles, light sources, and perspectives photographers have generated illusions and story like photos. I agree with Duane Michals, a photo is created by the photographer, who can impart his or her views and opinions by altering the photo in any way they wish. My experience with taking pictures is by using different functions of the camera you can create interesting image from something very ordinary.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Week One Prompt
Blog Prompt #1: Imagine a world without photographs. Describe what this world would be like.
Blog Prompt #2: What does the word "photograph" mean to you?
The great thing about photographs is the capability to capture moments in history. Many historical moments can be experienced on a more personal level through images. Documentation would be subjective since there would be no real evidence of past events. The popular phrase " a picture is worth a thousand words " cannot be more relevant when assessing the important of photographs.
The word photograph implies not only a stand still moment, but pictures inflict emotion and feelings among those who have taken them and were captured. Memories are imprisoned within the frame.
The word photograph implies not only a stand still moment, but pictures inflict emotion and feelings among those who have taken them and were captured. Memories are imprisoned within the frame.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Recreation Photo
Lewis Wickes Hine was born on September 26, 1874, in the state of Wisconsin. He studied Sociology at the University of Chicago, Columbia University, and New York University. He created the photo of the Powerhouse Mechanic in 1925. Hine was known for his images of the working people. His photos show cased human efforts in history. For example he was asked to document the building of the Empire State building.
In the image of the powerhouse mechanic Hine shows a broad range of light and contrast. The play of light on the piping leads the viewer’s eyes around the photo. The action pose creates a feeling of power and strength to the observer.
The intensity of this photo truly provides the perfect image of a workingman. As much as I like the feel of the image the outfit and muscle flexing of the individual feels cliché. Though the image rings clear of it’s theme it also provides the viewer little to interpret.
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