Final: Commercial and Photoshopped Piece

 

      This is a photograph of Monica that I captured with the use of strobe lighting and a white background fabric. Monica is the subject of this piece. This image does not follow the rule of thirds.

     Within Monica, I was able to capture light, middle and dark values. This use of tone serves to make this portrait a more interesting one. This piece illustrates more contrast than that that is, generally, expressed in my photographs. I chose to shoot this picture in focus, so as to grant the viewer a, clearer, sight of Monica's shirt. 

    With these shots, I had hoped to create a commercial piece. It was for this reason, that I chose to whiten the background of this work. I also included a handful of Photoshop effects within this piece, that were all, for the most part, demonstrated on Photoshopessentials.com. 

   I feel that this artwork is, ultimately, a successful one, by virtue of my success in adding image effects through Photoshop.

Series

        These are photographs of Tia that make up a series. Tia is the subject of these pieces. These pictures do not follow the rule of thirds. These images are figurative, rather than abstract.

        I shot these portraits indoors. Shapes, including those in Zoe's foot, the ottoman, the computer, the yoyo and the framed images behind Tia, help to stir interest within these photographs. Through these pieces, I was able to capture both light and middle values. My artwork does not illustrate an abundance of contrast. These photographs were not focused. I chose to do this, to establish a morose feeling within the viewer. 

      In each of these pieces, I chose to exclude, at least, a portion of a party's face. Countenance and that of one's eyes, especially, allows for a greater understanding of the person to whom it belongs. It is for this reason, that I chose to show only Tia's face. By eliminating the expression of any other person in these pieces, I had hoped to grant the viewer a sense of Tia's lonesomeness. 

     I feel that the images that make up this series are all, ultimately, successful, by virtue of their illustration of both mood and meaning. 

    

Album Cover Piece: Beautiful Losers by Simon Joyner

     This is a photograph that I captured of my friend, Kimberly. Kimberly is the subject of this piece and she is, relatively, far away from the viewer. This picture was not shot in focus. This work is a figurative one, rather than an abstract one. This image follows the rule of thirds, as Kimberly sits at the upper left hand corner of this artwork. 

     I chose to include a handful of shapes in this piece, including those in Kimberly's figure, my stereo and in my floral arrangements, in hope of establishing an interesting composition. In this photograph, there is an abundance of light values. There are, also, some middle values in Kimberly's frame. I did not capture any dark values within this artwork. This image does not feature a great deal of contrast, as I sought to construct a rejection of hackneyed appearances that might serve to represent the sound of Simon Joyner's album, Beautiful Losers. 

     In his album, Beautiful Losers, Simon Joyner takes on, what I feel to be, a solemn and lethargic tone. These were feelings that I had hoped to express through this artwork. Simon Joyner has an affinity for flowers. It was for this reason, that I chose to include my floral arrangements in this piece. 

     I feel that this artwork is a successful one, fore, the sound of Joyner's music is well expressed. 

Ted Talks Summary and Reflection

   http://www.ted.com/talks/scott_summit_beautiful_artificial_limbs.html  

     In this piece on Ted Talks, Scott Summit, of Bespoke Innovations, presents groundbreaking developments in the production of artificial limbs. While the makers of artificial limbs have designed a functional tool that restores the ability of movement in a great handful of people, they now direct their efforts toward constructing limbs that are aesthetically appealing. Their aim is not to make limbs that resemble human flesh, but rather to create limbs that are expressive and personal. For instance, Bespoke Innovations have designed an artificial limb that resembles soccer gear for an athletic patient. Patients have also chosen to have their tattoos recreated on these limbs. I felt that Summit's presentation was an interesting one.

http://www.ted.com/talks/jean_baptiste_michel_the_mathematics_of_history.html

     In this video on Ted Talks, Jean-Baptiste Michel illustrates how mathematics can offer us a greater understanding of our history. Michel explains that there are historical trends, including both the use of irregular verbs and the frequency of the establishment of wars, that we are only able to recognize through the use of mathematical formulas. Michel explains that after more mathematical trends have been identified, the use of mathematical formulas will develop into a powerful tool for historians. 

Photography Facts

#1.     Canon, a Japanese corporation, initially sold products under the name "Kwanon"; the title of a goddess in Buddhism. The company chose to re-brand itself as "Canon" in the early 1940's, to ensure that no consumers would be upset by the religious term.

#2.     Kodak, an American company, was named for the sound emitted by a camera that was capturing a photograph.

#3.     In 1826, the first photograph was taken.

#4.     The most expensive camera in the world, the Daguerreotype, is 168 years old.

#5.     Colored photographs first emerged during the 1940's.

Capturing 2012 Series

    These are self-portraits, that were taken with the use of a digital camera. I am the subject of these pieces and I was shot both close and far away. These pictures do not follow the rule of thirds. These works are figurative, rather than abstract.

     These images were taken outdoors, in a dirty, sandy area in front of the dumpster. I chose for such a background to stir interest within these pieces. The shapes of my figure, the grass and the letters written on the dumpster also help to create interest in these artworks. These photographs are made up of dark, light and middle values. These portraits were taken in focus, without purpose. 

     Through these pieces, I was to capture the ideas and attitudes of young people in 2012. In 2012, young adults value works that they feel to be aesthetically appealing. Throughout the ages, popular art has been that which evokes never before seen ideas. Such ideas have, in the past, revolved around religion, race, rebellion and other such things. In 2012, shock value has taken the place of these ideas. A handful of modern artwork is, in no doubt, aesthetically interesting. Though, many of these works fail to illustrate any facet of the human condition. A number of these pieces are promoted through websites including Tumblr. While leaving meaning to the interpretation of viewers can be a powerful tool for artists, it is my fear that emerging artists will not take care in conveying messages through their work. 

    I feel that these pieces are, ultimately, successful, because I was able to capture the ideas of the youth in 2012. 

"Toy" Piece

     This is a photograph of Caroline, that was taken with the use of a digital camera and tungsten lighting. Caroline is the subject of this piece and she is relatively far away from the viewer. This picture was taken in focus. This artwork is figurative, rather than abstract. 

     This portrait was shot with the use of a black background fabric. Shape, including those in Caroline's book, toy and shoes helped to create interest within this picture. While this work is made up of light, medium and dark values, it is lit poorly. I chose to focus on lighting the left portion of Caroline's figure to emphasize the condition of her toy. Though, this was a poor decision, because the shapes of Caroline's legs and the whites of her eyes are lost. This photograph was taken in focus intentionally, to ensure that the viewer would be able to spot Caroline's toy easily. 

    Through this piece, I was to capture Caroline's internal struggle to keep hold of her adolescence. I felt that this assignment posed a tricky challenge; to illustrate such a theme in a subtle manner. I chose to place Caroline's toy underneath the ottoman, in hope of drawing the viewer's attention away from it, to some extent. 

     I feel that this piece is ultimately successful, because I was able to capture Caroline's struggle to hold on to her childhood.

Principles of Design Piece - Balance

     This is a photograph of Monica, that was shot using a digital camera. Monica is the subject of this piece, and she is relatively far away. This picture was taken in focus. This work is figurative, rather than abstract. This image does not follow the rule of thirds. 

     This artwork was created with the use of a background fabric. I chose for a simple, solid background, because the intent of this piece was to achieve balance. I set out to create a-symmetrical balance within this photograph and while I might have included an inequality of shape, I had hoped to illustrate a-symmetrical balance in a more subtle manner. Shapes including those in Monica's shirt, shadow and earring help to stir interest in this portrait. I believe that there is a fair amount of contrast within this work, most clearly; Monica's black outerwear against the white background fabric. This image was taken in focus intentionally, so that the viewer could more easily examine the symmetry in Monica's face, with the exclusion of her lone earring. 

      It's an easy thing to quickly whip up meaning within a piece. For instance, the a-symmetrical balance created by Monica's earring and shadow might arguably represent her conflicting feelings and/or ideas. Though, this would make for a hackneyed theme that many an average viewer has come across. I failed to give thought toward the meaning of this portrait, as I concerned myself only with the portrayal of balance. It is this lack of meaning that makes this artwork unsuccessful. Reflecting on this image has allowed me to remind myself of the importance of following the creative process. 

    This work is unsuccessful, because of the lack of both mood and meaning.

Principles of Design Piece - Emphasis: Texture

     This is a photograph of Monica, that was taken with the use of tungsten lighting. Monica is the subject of this piece, and she is relatively far away from the viewer. This picture follows the rule of thirds, to some extent. 

     Through this artwork, I chose to emphasize texture. The textures in Monica's hair and schal, as well as those in the tassels in the tapestry serve to create interest in this picture. The shapes in the tapestry, the jar and those in Monica's face also help to create interest in this work. This portrait was taken in focus intentionally, so that the viewer could easily see the texture in these fabrics. 

     I chose to capture Monica while she was exuding an interesting expression and to include the jar, to allow the viewer to draw their own conclusions about this piece.

     I feel that this portrait is ultimately unsuccessful, because it does not meet with my artistic vision.

Scrim Lighting Piece

       This is a portrait of Tia, that was taken outdoors, using Scrim lighting. Tia is the subject of this piece, and she is relatively far away from the viewer. This photograph is figurative, rather than abstract. 

      I feel that this image has somewhat of an interesting composition. Textures including those in the grass and those in Tia's jacket help to add interest to this artwork. I believe that my use of value in this picture contributes to its success, as there are dark, light and mid-tones, as well as an abundance of contrast. The shapes in the grass and those in Tia's shirt also serve to create interest in this work. 

     This portrait documents Tia's general attitude. I feel that I was successful in capturing her apathy in this piece. The photograph is neither very dark nor very light, because I wanted this image's mood to be derived almost entirely from Tia's expression. The photo. is not in focus, and this was not done intentionally. 

    I feel that this artwork is successful, because of its values and textures.

White Board Lighting Piece

     This is a portrait of Tia that was taken using white board lighting. Tia is the subject of this piece and she is relatively close up.The image does not follow the rule of thirds, as Tia is in the center of the photograph. The picture is figurative, rather than abstract. 

     

     I feel that this image's composition was poorly chosen, because Tia's expression alone is not enough to create interest in this artwork. There are a few shapes in this piece, including those in the pattern of Tia's dress and those in her pin. There are no light tones in this photograph, and thus very little contrast. This portrait was taken in focus intentionally, to allow the viewer to look upon Tia's expression clearly. 

     Through this picture, I was trying to evoke a dispirited mood. Though, I was unsuccessful in capturing Tia in an expression that conveyed this mood.

     I feel that this artwork is ultimately unsuccessful, because of its lack of mood and its poorly chosen composition. 

Extra Credit #2: Edward Weston Reflections

Reflection: Edward Weston Photography

    

    This is a photograph taken by Edward Weston of Margrethe Mather, a friend of Weston’s. The picture was entitled “Epilogue”, and was taken in 1919. I believe that Margrethe is the subject of this piece, and that the shadow of the floral arrangement is the focal point. This image follows the rule of thirds, as Margrethe is not in the center of the artwork. I believe that this portrait is abstract and avant-garde, rather than figurative.
    There are light values, such as those in Margrethe’s face and the highlights in the fan, mid-tones, including the ones in her hand and the shadow of the floral arrangement, and dark values, like the ones in Margrethe’s hair and dress. Contrast is not abundant in this image, which is something that I appreciate, because contrast is found often in many of the hackneyed photographs of my day. Though, I am not sure that this was done intentionally. The only texture that I can find in this work is that in the fan. The shapes of the floral arrangement, Margrethe’s hair and the fan create interest in this photo, and are what attracted me to this piece. I found the inclusion of the shadow of the floral arrangement, especially, to be remarkably innovative and unique. This image was taken in focus, and I speculate that this was done intentionally to ensure that the viewer could identify the shadow as flowers.
I believe that “Epilogue” is a mood piece. I also think that with this artwork, Weston is trying to evoke an entrance in the viewer while they make guesses about what he is trying to say. I think that through this picture, Weston may be encouraging individuality, as the expression on Margrethe’s face is a very assured one. She is perhaps self-assured.

I feel that this artwork is exceptional, because of the use of shape and the mood that it conveys.

 

I chose another Edward Weston artwork to reflect on. This piece is entitled “Nude”, and was taken in 1936. I think that the subject of this picture is the woman photographed. I do not think that this image has a focal point. The long shapes of the woman’s limbs lead the viewer’s eyes around the photograph. The subject of this work; the woman, was shot relatively close up. I believe that this art is figurative, rather than abstract.
This piece’s background is very dark, and it contrasts the woman’s lit body. There are a few mid-tones in this image, including those in the woman’s hair and that of the fabric that she is sitting on. I think that the simple background of this artwork was a good choice, because it allows the viewer to focus on the shapes in the woman’s figure. The woman’s body accommodates a number of shapes, many of which are rounded, excluding her hairline and the sharp shadow to the left of her knee. The texture in the woman’s hair and in the fabric add interest to this piece. This picture was shot in focus, and I believe that this was done intentionally.
I think that through this photo, Weston is trying to convey a feeling of entanglement and stress.
I believe that this image is successful, because of Weston’s use of shape.

I am very happy to have found out about Edward Weston’s artwork. I feel that his innovation and use of shape are outstanding, and are something that I should work to improve upon in my own photography.