Assignment 1:Explore

                                                                                       

Photo #1 Symmetry

1.) Composition

a.) Framing - In the frame, I choose to shoot from the very bottom of the pole with my camera flush to the pole pointing up.  I did it this way because i thought it was an interesting perspective.  The pole was also very tall, and when framed in this manner, i felt like it would immerse the viewer and make them feel like they were at the base of the light looking up as well.  Hopefully it achieves a feeling of being short.

b.) Lighting - The lighting is natural light that took place right around sunset.  I believe it helped add to the shot shot since there was still some light in the sky to create a nice contrast between the metal and the sky.  The slight dark tint of the night sky also helps add to contrast of the photo allowing the light given off by lights to shine.

c.) Visual Design Elements -  When i took this photo, i noticed it was quite plain, so i knew i wanted a very strong emphasis on both line and shape.  It was real important to center the light and have the beam leading off the page on both bottom corners. This would really help lead you into the photo and to the interesting shapes up top.  The square lights at the top are to focal point of the photo, so it was real important that they were bold in order to stand out and add contrast to the photo.

2.) Aboutness & Movtivations & Method

In creating this image I really wanted to take an every day object and highlight it's symmetry and beauty. The image is very symmetrical and mimics itself quite beautifully.  In order to create this image, i stood at the base of the light and pointed my camera directly up.

3.) Context: I think this image demonstrates symmetry very well.  I didn't have any inspiration to go off of, besides cruising around east lansing looking for unique symmetry.

4.) Interpretation:  Everyone one in class seemed to enjoy this photo and said it was interesting and fun to look at it.

5.) Evaluation: Based on critique, the photo illustrates symmetry quite well.

6.) Extension: I think symmetry is a very cool subject matter to search for.  I feel that BW photos are great for showing symmetry, repetition, and unique patterns.  I like interesting shapes and patterns so i will continue to search for them.

Photo #2 Profile

For this photo I wanted to get an interesting perspective of the monster, in a more playful enviorment, which is what led me to the playground.  I decided to frame the photo in this manner because i really thought that it was cool how the curve on the monsters head, along with his body shape seemed to mimic that of the merry go round bars in the background.  The point-of-view was something i considered to great extent as well.  Even though the monster is just a toy, I didn't want him to feel miniature or toy like,  so i shot at a real close kind of upward angle to eliminate the feeling.  The contrast isn't great enough to me, due to the bright sunlight during the time i was shooting.  I would have liked for the sky to not be as blown out at it got, along with greater shadows or darks on the merry go round.

In creating this image i wanted a rather playful enviornment, almost as if the toy monster was in his natural habitat, if you will.  Like i mentioned earlier i was really drawn to the similar shapes the arches of the merry go round made.

I didn't really get any critique on my photos in class but, through my own personal critique i wish that the monster was slightly to the left more to mimic the bar above his head.  I think i would have looked really neat if the monsters horn looked as if it were connected to the merry go round.

This photo like my first one really dealt with interesting shapes and making connections to them. This is something i really enjoy looking for and will continue to do.

Photo 3 Doppelganger

For this photo i really wanted to achieve a cool affect mimicking the monster on the wall by using a very long shutter speed.  Within the frame i wanted to make sure some lighting crept in, as to show the proximity of the basement.  Since the monster is "the basement monster" it was important to make sure that it wasn't seen as an ally.  This is where the placement of background objects also came into play.  I removed alot from the frame before shooting, but didn't mind the window, or stereo since they were relevant in the basement, but didn't overload the photo.  The focus was really important to me because i want the surreal object to appear real, and the real object to appear less then.  I believe i achieved this affect with the my transparent silhouette, however i wish more of my arms and feet were visible within the frame.  In creating this image I really hoped that the viewer would kind of see it as an illusion with parody. I think the image achieves this to a degree, however i wish it would come of as more "artsy" and less of a technical shutter speed shot.  I really didn't favor this photo to much, but based on class critique i decided to include it as one of my three finals.  I really enjoy street art and graffiti and plan to try and create and photograph more in the future.