Top Four Assignment Two Part Two

Interpretation: He looks honest.

Evaluation: They like how you wonder who he is talking too. They also like how his face stands out and you can see all the curves in his arms, face, and neck.

Extension: They thought it would be interesting to take pictures of people in mid conversation. Also if I did a series of the shapes of the human body.

Print Suggestions: They thought I could fix my cropping and not corp so close to the top of his head or his hand.

Interpretation: They think it looks like an Ambercombie shot.

Evaluation: They like show you can see their personality and it makes them smile. They think that the male model on the right should have a litter outfit on so he does not blend into the background.

Extension: The class thought it would be cool to do a catwalk themed shoot. They also thought it would be cool to show different friendships.

Print Suggestions: They said to get rid of the sliver in the background unless I am going for the "catwalk look."

Interpretation: She looks like she is being set up for a featured story.

Evaluation: They like the editing I made to this photo. The contrast makes it more dramatic them before.

Extension: Show gender differences.

Print Suggestions:They thought it was well done but try cleaning up the bottom of the couch.

Interpretation: They thought that they looked like they were eying a cute girl walking towards them.

Evaluation: They do not like how they are looking in two different spots. If I re did the shot I would have them both starring into the camera. They also do not like how it is not centered.

Extension: Advertisement for clothing line.

Print Suggestions: They thought I should brighten up the model on the right. The flash is really focusing on the model on the left.

Playing with Photoshop

Assignment Two Part Two Top Six

Critique: Part One
Composition: I wanted to use lighting that made they images sharp and showed emphasis on different parts of the model. I also want to work outside the frame as well as inside the frame.

Concept: My images are expressing the true charter of the model. I wanted to show the first two and the last one as an action shot, and have them depict a gender role in the other two. That is why I have my female model laying on the sofa, with a look in her I and my male model reading a GQ magazine. 

Method: I did a lot of brain storming for these images. I had to think of a way to use the lighting in a unique way. I also went with where they live. I thought they would feel more conformable and have other people around them to brighten up their personalities. In the first two photo's I used a flash so they would stand out but in my other three I used the lighting that the room provided or that I set up.

Motivations: My intention was to show personality though they eye of my camera.

Context: I did not relate my work to any photographers. I wanted to take my own steps and see how well I could do on my own. My work provides a social outlook on life and most college views can relate to what is happening. For my final four prints I ended up choosing 1,2 and 4. I looked though my photos again and choose one with greater personality.

Critique: Part Two
Interpretation: The class really liked the fourth image and the lighting that I created. They also like one and two because it shows the carefree attitudes college students tend to have.
Evaluation: The class thought I could bring out my model in #4 more. They also thought I should re shoot the first one and close the gap. I would love to, but I do not think I can recapture those faces again.

Extension: I would love to use these photos and extend on them with a gender base subject.

Blog Entires 8-10

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

I love this. People put so much time and effort into their work that they should make their photos about them. Also when you are the one creating the photograph it is hard not to have a taste of the artist in it. I sometimes find myself always behind the camera and it would be nice to be in the pictures once in a while

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

When one is creating a photograph it is only fare to say that they made it. There is a lot of thought that always goes into it.  I know from a personal experience I am always looking for places that would make the picture. If not right them, for future photos.

“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

A photo captures the moment exactly how it was. Which could be a great thing because then the moment cannot be forgotten as well as the minor details about a wedding or how one looked after their baby was born. It also can be bad because it may bring back a sad memory from something tragic that happened. As for a painting the person who created it can remember only the parts they would like to remember. Most humans block out the bad so the paintings will mostly trigger happy moments.

Larry Clark

Larry Clark was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma and he was the son of Frances Clark who took pictures of babies.
I found Larry Clark to be interesting because he focus boldly on confront themes of youth culture, sex, violence, and drug. For some they may be disturbing but they show what the youth has gone though and what they continue to go though.  Pressure to fit in, use drugs, have sex, and drink. His images are featured in a few films such as "KIDS" and he also has three books out.


http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.aspx?intObjectID=4709020
http://www.larryclark.us/

Blog Entires 5-7

#5 Give your thoughts on one or both of the following quotes.

“Photography records the gamut of feelings written on the human face, the beauty of the earth and skies that man has inherited, and the wealth and confusion man has created. It is a major force in explaining man to man.” ~Edward Steichen

This quote explains why I like to photograph humans so much. I feel as though there is so much beauty in the face expression of a human. Their eyes tell a story that is often hard to understand though any other motion of body language.

“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

I also agree with this. If the person you are photographing understands why you are taking the picture this will allow them to think about the point their body language should be proving. I also think it is important not to share all that you are doing so it leaves a little curiosity about them and it will provide you with a better picture.

#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?

I really think most pictures taken are beneficial. It allows future generations to see what has happened in the past with things such as the war. Some may think it is inappropriate but a lot of times seeing is believing and it is not okay to run from the past.

#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”?

One can walk around and see photographs everywhere. From advertisements to pictures on Starbucks walls they appear in everyday life. With the photographs we see it allows us to see ourselves in the position of the person in the photo. It allows also some to dream big, see the beautiful world around us. The difference from portraits on facebook to those in the news is not much. Facebook captures people in the moment. Most of the time facebook pictures are of people having the time of their lives or something cool they experienced over the summer. As for news, it is also capturing people in the moment but they try to be more dramatic to get their point a crossed. With photos we are able to see what the viewpoint the artist has when looking through the eye of a camera.

Assignment 2

The image above is what I took without editing it.

Just changing the stop sign and red eye.

I wanted to get rid of the stop sign in the background. I think it looks nice in black and white. It was a suggestion the class made. 

Adding high brights and high dark's. 

The original image I choose was by Alasdair McLellan. The photograph he took is of a woman sitting on a bench in the fall. The photo was of a middle aged lady in a dress and heals. I really liked the way the woman was sitting  on the bench and I tried to depict my photo in a unique way. I choose a younger girl and wanted to take place in the dark so it gave my photo something different. I really like this scene and I think it would make an interesting series.

 

Critique: Part One
Composition: My goal was to use Alasdair McLellan's image and recreate it. In the original image I wanted to use my flash to have her stand out better. 
Concept: I really like how my image turned out. Once I edited it a bit and got ride of some of the lights I felt as though it resembled Alasdair McLellan's work. 

Method: As I was reviewing the websites we were given to find an artist I found one of Mclellan's images of a women sitting on a bench. I automatically thought of this spot on campus and new I wanted to photograph here.

Motivations: My goal was to end up with a photo that could be used in a high end magazine.

Context: My work relates to McLellan because he focus on the model giving them a unique photo for their ad. My work is similar because it also is zooming in on the model yet the viewer is focused on what she has on. My photo relates to the social aspect. Women are used in a sexual manner to make the cloths they have on look like something every woman in society should have on.

 

Critique: Part Two
Interpretation: Others in the class saw this image as an ad in a magazine.
Evaluation: The class also liked the lighting I used to bring her out from the bench. They recomended that I edit the red eye and try it in black and white. 

Extension: I think this image would make a great series and I could see myself really enjoying pictures based on high end fashion.

Assignment One Image Three

Part One

Composition: My goal was to emphasis the carving into the side of the blockhouse. I also really wanted to make her look natural and I love the angel that the blockhouse provides. It almost looks like it is crooked. 

Concept: My image shows the old parts of Muskegon. This image supports the compositional elements because one can see how many years it has taken to carve names into the wood as well as the cracks in the cement. 

Method: I did brainstorm and decided that I did want to take shots at the blockhouse. My original idea was to take it from the upstairs windows but they were to high for me to reach so I took my chances and stood on top of the fence, practicing my balancing skills.  I also used natural lighting.

Motivations: My goal was to show the blockhouse in an organic way and have my modal looking as natural as possible. I think that it may look nice if she was looking the other way. 

Context: I really was not aiming for any other photographer but in the back of my mind there is always the two photographers from Muskegon. I really enjoy all the work that they do. This image is historic and I believe it is a key thing to see when traveling to Muskegon to see Lake Michigan. 

Part Two

Interpretation: Others loved this image because they liked the background and how much of the writing they could see on the wood. They interpreted it as a natural image. 

Evaluation: The wood and odd angel is really working for this image. I would like to bring out the writing more and have the picture be focused on the background rather then the for ground.

Extension: I think this image would make a great series by showing all the old areas in on the lake and downtown old Muskegon.

Assignment One Image Two

Part One

Composition: I wanted to show the model off center. I think that it lets they eye travel from one side of the page to another. 

Concet: My image is about a girl exploring the world and getting captured in the moment. The composition shows the misery a person while exploring a park. 

Method: With this image I did not brainstorm or sketch. I saw this great wood passing by and told my sister to go stand behind it. I also used the natural lighting and I really think it brings beauty to her face. 

Motivation: I really did not plan on this image. I wanted to take some photographs of them playing on a playground and at the zoo. As we were walking towards the play ground I say this fence that was blocking the road way and i thought it would be a neat shoot. 

Context: Again when I was taking these photos I was trying to have they artistic eye of a woman photographer from my home town. Although this is the case, my views are different then hers are but I can only hope that my photos will someday be as great as hers are. But I do feel as though my work brings a new touch. I am slightly surprised on how my photos turned out. 

Part Two

Interpretation: Not many commented on this picture because when I showed it to the class I had not cropped it. I do think that when it is shown again many will like it. 

Evaluation: I cropped one of the models and fixed the contrast on the photo. I also played with it and made the contrast really light which looked interesting but I was not sure how far we could take it. 

Extension: I think it would be neat to do a series of photos that really focused on the model but have them off center with an organic background.

Assignment One Image One

 

Part One

Composition: For this picture I wanted to make the water and the sun shining on the girl in perspective. I had to work on the contrast though because the natural light made the beach grass hard to see as well as the girl walking down the path. 

Concept: The image was suppose to show the beauty of Lake Michigan. I also wanted to show how it is nice to be alone once in a while only thinking about you and the water. 

Method: I new that I wanted to take pictures on Lake Michigan. I grew up there and my whole like I have seen what it brings to the people that visit there. I wanted to get there when The sun was starting to set because it creates such a beautiful light on the water. I believe I successfully achieved that.

Motivations: My goal was to also show the how peace full the water is. The picture shows how one can be the only one for miles, doing what one wants to be doing. Although I did not sketch it out, I did do some brain storming while at my job. I wonder alone a lot and it leaves me in my thoughts. I also directed my object. I told her to be herself, she also grew up on the lake so we share slimier feelings about the beauty of Lake Michigan. I learned that when taking a picture you have to catch the person in the scene, it is hard to direct it.

Context: There is a guy from my home town that takes amazing pictures. I have seem a lot of his work and I love what he does. I find myself trying to think in a way that he sees the world. Although I want my work to look like his, of course it looks different because it is through my eye. I find my work to be social because I love taking pictures of people and showing the feelings they hold within. 

Part Two

Interpretation: They liked how this picture look because it feels as though I was not there. They said to work on the composition, which I did edit a bit. 

Evaluation: The lighting on the girl was not working so well because she was blending into the sun. I edited it and made her as dark as I could. 

Extension: I would use this image to as a jump-off point to show the beauty of Lake Michigan, as well as the way the sun and water can brighten up any persons day.

How do you feel about these quotes?

“Photography deals exquisitely with appearances, but nothing is what it appears to be.”

~Duane Michals. Do you agree or disagree with this quote? Why?

I agree with Duane Michals quote because it pertains to photography and to life as well. Everyone has a different perspective on things. One may judge a photo and call it one thing and another may look at it and see something completely different. In our daily lives many of us walk around everyday with a smile on our faces, yet we are not happy at all. Therefore it is not what is appears.

“If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn't need to lug around a camera.” ~Lewis Hine

Do you agree or disagree with this quote? Why? Describe situations when photographic images reveal “the story” (as compared to words). Describe situations when words reveal “the story” (as compared to images).

Some people are better with words, and some people are better at expressing their selves through cameras. Also I agree with Michals, there are some photos that tell the whole story. For example when one is looking at a little girl hugging her father for the first time since he has been back from war, the look on each of there faces and the love and happiness they have for each other does not have any words to descried it. An example as to when the words reveal the story would be a picture of a face, expressionless. What are they thinking? Words are there to share the story.

Assignment 0

 

Sarah Moon has a very interesting take through the camera. I find her photos beautiful and they all tell a story. Whither it is through an animal or a young girl all her models are dramatic and one can see it in their eyes as well.

The image that I choose to recreate was of a little girl and boy jumping rope in France. One cannot see there faces but to me it looks reminds me of a young friendship just starting out. The picture I took was to show how they would be when they were young adults. In love and still best friends.

Black & White Photo at MSU (s.002): Add your Flickr & Blog URL as comments to this pos...

Black & White Photo at MSU (s.002): Add your Flickr & Blog URL as comments to this pos...
Theresa Hutchins
http://theresahutchins.blogspot.com/2010/09/photographs-way-to-remember.html
http://www.flickr.com/

Photographs; a way to remember.

*Imagine a world with no photographs. Describe what this world would be like.

A would with no photographs would be plain. How would you remember the face of their friend when they move across seas for three months? Without the pictures to remember them and the wonderful times you spent with them their face would slowly fade from your memory and one would soon find themselves making the friends face up in there head. I would personally find it confusing because I would feel as though I would for get the small details of their face. For example, the sparkle in their eye when they are laughing so loud even turns to see what is so funny. Photographs also give life to the amazing events people experience throughout their life. It is always amazing to look back and remember every detail of the trip you took years ago with your family before you left for college.

*Describe what the word photograph means to you.

The word photograph means family. Ever since I can remember my grandma and aunts have been snapping pictures of everything. I can go back to any large event or even my first football game and see the look on my face when I step out onto the track in front of 3000 people. Or the first time I stepped out onto the field to perform my first marching band show.

Photograph also means memories and fun times. I feel as though people take there cameras out to capture the happiness of life.