Tungsten Lighting Piece

     This is a photograph of Zoe D. and Monica L., that was taken using tungsten lighting. Zoe and Monica are the subjects of this piece, though I feel that Zoe is the focal point of this piece. The subjects in this image were shot relatively far away. This art follows the rule of thirds, as the subjects are not in the center, but to the right.This work is figurative, rather than abstract.

     This portrait was taken in front of a white background fabric. I feel that the simple background fits well with this picture, because it allows the viewer to focus on the expressions of Zoe and Monica. Minute details like the art on Zoe's shirt and the texture in her hat help to make this photo more interesting. I feel that the values captured in this photograph are the largest contribution to its success. Zoe is highlighted, though the tones in her hair, face and hat create contrast in her figure. Monica, on the other hand, is cloaked in shadow, and there is little contrast in her figure. I think that the difference in value in Zoe and Monica adds interest to the piece. There are also a fair amount of mid-tones in this image, including that of the background and those in Monica's face. This art was shot in focus intentionally, so that the viewer could see Zoe's and Monica's facial expressions clearly. 

     With this work, I was trying to juxtapose two very different personalities, though they are not necessarily those of Zoe and Monica. The temperament that Zoe is conveying is that of a flamboyant, eccentric. That is why I chose to emphasize Zoe through lighting. The character that Monica is illustrating is more of an introvert. The portrait is neither very dark, nor very light, as I wanted to present the difference in Zoe's and Monica's tones clearly. This image was taken indoors. 

     I feel that this picture is successful, because the lighting and mood were that that I had hoped to achieve.

Extra Credit: Man Ray Reflections

Reflection: Man Ray Photography

Of the work of the photographers on the given list, Man Ray’s photography stood out to me. I chose my favorite Man Ray artworks to examine and reflect on.

    This is a portrait taken by Man Ray of a young woman. I believe that the subject of this piece is the woman, and she was shot relatively close up. This image does not follow the rule of thirds, as the woman’s face is in the center of the photograph. However, there are uniquely shaped constructions around the woman that add interest to the picture. I think that this portrait is abstract, rather than figurative, because though the subject can be identified as a young woman, the constructions around her cannot be defined. A title could not be found for this portrait.
    I feel that this image’s composition helps to add interest, as the sides of the photo are unbalanced. The shapes of the constructions surrounding the woman also help to make this picture more interesting. There is a tremendous amount of contrast in this piece. The constructions stand out against the dark background and the woman’s hair. There are also some mid-tones in the picture, including those in the woman’s lips and eyes. The woman’s lips and eyes also feature highlights. I believe that this image was taken in focus intentionally, to better capture the woman’s striking gaze.
     I speculate that under Dada influence, Man Ray chose to put these shapes in front of the woman and hid the woman’s body to create the opposite of a glamour shot.
    I feel that this artwork is very successful, because of the great use of value, good choice of subject matter and the mood that it conveys.

    I chose a second Man Ray photograph to analyze, shown below.

    This is an image of a house that was taken and distorted by Man Ray. I think that the house is the subject of this piece, and it was shot relatively far away. The picture follows the rule of thirds, because the house is not in the center of the photo, but to the right of it. I believe that the artwork is abstract, rather than figurative. A title could not be found for this photograph.
    I think that this image’s composition is successful, as it follows the rule of thirds and leads the viewer’s eyes around the picture. The shapes of the windows and those of the house and trees add interest to this photo. There are a fair amount of darks, lights, and mid-tones in this piece. There is also contrast, specifically, between the light sky and the dark trees and dark windows.
    I think that through this artwork, Man Ray is, again, under Dada influence, depicting societal norms. This photograph was taken outdoors.
    I feel that this photograph is successful, because of the interesting shapes, and good use of value.

    Looking at Man Ray’s photos, I have found that I appreciate his use of value and shape. These are two things that I can work to improve upon to make my photographs more successful.

Window Light - Film Photo

     This is a portrait of Zoe D., that was taken using only natural light. The subject of this piece; Zoe, was shot relatively close up. This work is figurative, rather than abstract.

     This artwork was taken using a background fabric. I felt that a simple background was needed for this image to allow the viewer to focus completely on Zoe. The shape of and pattern on Zoe's hat make this picture more interesting. I think that the tones in this photograph are well balanced, and as the focus of this project was to make use of natural light, adding more contrast to this piece would be counter-intuitive. This image was shot in focus intentionally to, again, allow the viewer to focus on Zoe. 

     With this photo, I was trying to capture Zoe as she appears everyday, the exception being the Minnie Mouse hat. The image is neither very dark, nor very light, because this project revolved around making using of natural light. This photograph was taken indoors, near a door leading outside, so that we could maneuver the door to use the light to our advantage. 

     I think that this work is successful in documenting Zoe and using natural light. Though, as an artist, there are a few flaws that irk me, for instance, highlights in Zoe's eyes might have really added to this image. Overall, I feel that this piece is successful. 

Thanksgiving Break Reflection

Largest Ailment: Procrastination
Other disadvantages:

• Working poorly under pressure
• Lack of motivation

Solution:      I believe that I can work around my disadvantage in a number of ways. Organizing a calendar will help me to keep on schedule with my work. Balancing fun things and work within a day will also help me to achieve the things that I want, as I will not feel so overloaded with work. Finally, keeping a good attitude toward my work and reminding myself of the good things that will come out of it are good tactics for overcoming my tendency toward procrastination. 

Window Light - Digital/Photoshopped Piece

     This is a portrait of Tia H., that was taken using only natural light. The subject of this work; Tia, was shot very close up. This work is figurative, rather than abstract. 

     This image was shot with the use of a background fabric. I felt that a simple background was needed for this artwork to allow the viewer to focus completely on Tia. The texture of the bubble-wrap around Tia, her earrings, and the pattern on her sweatshirt help to make this photograph more interesting. I believe that I could have done a better job at capturing highlights and shadows with Tia's face and hair. I feel that the natural light used to take this picture really gives it a clear, clean feel. This photo was shot in focus intentionally to allow the viewer to focus on Tia. 

     Through this photo, I was trying to bring interesting shadows and highlights to Tia's skin and hair. The work is not very dark, as only natural lighting was used. This photograph was taken indoors, near a door leading outside, so that we could open the door to make use of the light.

     I feel that this image is unsuccessful, as there are not enough tones in the picture and no mood was conveyed. 

     

Panning Photo

     This is a photograph of Tia H., that was shot using the panning technique. Though Tia is the subject of this image, there are a number of objects in this picture, including trees, buildings, windows, bushes. The subject of this artwork; Tia, was shot close up. This work does not follow the rule of thirds. This piece is abstract, rather than figurative.

     There is a lot going on in the background of this photo. There are light, dark and mid-tones all around this photo. The shapes of Tia's glasses, her jacket, the trees and the windows make this photo interesting and successful. The round, bent stance of the trees in this piece work to frame the subject; Tia. The shapes in this photograph help to capture Tia's movement, as her glasses and jacket are disfigured, but the windows to the left are still distinct rectangles. The dark tone of the windows draws the viewer's attention to them and allows the viewer to see the movement that was documented. This photo was intentionally not shot in focus, as the aim of this project was to make use of the panning technique. 

     With this artwork, I was trying to convey a psychedelic mood. The image has both dark and light portions to add to this hallucinatory feel. The photo was taken outdoors, where there were several interesting shapes to capture. 

     I believe that this is my most successful piece to date, as the mood and feel of this portrait turned out exactly as I had wanted. 

     

     

Diane Arbis Inspired Piece

     This is a portrait of Zoe D., that was taken in front of a door. The photo was taken close up. This piece follows the rule of thirds. This artwork is figurative, rather than abstract. 

     This picture's background; the door, had a lot of interesting marks that I failed to capture, because of poor use of light. The shapes of Zoe's earrings and the visible streaks on the door help to make this image more interesting. There are both dark and light tones in this photograph, but more mid-tones would have made this work more interesting and successful. The piece was shot in focus intentionally, to allow the viewer to focus on Zoe. 

      This portrait was inspired by Diane Arbis. I was trying to capture Zoe in an awkward stance. I feel that the backward tilt of Zoe's head and the interesting shapes in her neck make this image awkward. The image is neither very dark nor very light, because I believe that when there is too much of a single tone in a photograph, it looks polished, rather than awkward. This work was taken outdoors, with the intention of using sunlight to my advantage. 

     I feel that this piece is unsuccessful, because though Zoe is in an awkward state, the overall mood was not that that I had hoped to achieve. 

Portrait Exhibiting Rule of Thirds

      This is a photo of Tia H., that was taken in front of a dumpster. Tia is the subject of this piece, and she is breaking the fourth wall. The objects in this shot are close up, and in focus. This piece is figurative, rather than abstract.

      I feel that this piece follows the rule of thirds. There are a few different textures and shapes that make up this photo, for instance; the dumpster, Tia's hair, and her clothes. There are also some different tones, but the artwork has relatively little contrast. The image is in focus, and this was done intentionally.

      Through this photo, I was trying to express a few different moods; primarily the feeling of apathy. The image is light, because I felt that if the photo were darker, some of Tia's character may be lost. The artwork was taken outdoors.

      I felt that the work was successful, but could have been improved with more value. I conveyed the feeling that I set out to produce.

2nd Assignment

Vertical and horizontal lines

1st Assignment