Carpe Diem!

Composition: For the composition in my photos, I wanted to look at things from a different angle. Everything had to be first-person view so it can give insight that this is actually a part of someone's life.

Concept: My concept was to take photos of an ordinary life, and show the beauty of it. I wanted to represent that it was a day in the life with no people involve, just implied.

Method: Each photo has a good amount of contrast. I also cropped some so that only the important things are there. Some things were meant to be subtle as well.

Motivation: My motivation came from wanting to make good photos of things in my life that I rarely pay attention to.  MY goal was to see how I can turn my actions into something that appears empty, but is full of a lot of personal meaning.

Context: I think this photo relates to photography of familiar objects so that nothing else has to be in the picture because people understand what is going on. This plays off the emotions of people.

My Web Gallery

You can find my gallery at https://www.msu.edu/~cookkri7/

Works-In-Progress: Final

Motivations: Final Project

Write a detailed description of your “motivations” for your final self-proposed project. Why are you interested in this subject? What do you want to convey? How do you want viewers to respond? Why are you inspired to make these images/this project? Do you want to evoke emotions in viewers? Shock viewers? Make them laugh? Make them think? Inform them? Reveal something about how you see the world? Reveal something about yourself, a person, a place, a feeling, a memory, a moment in time? 

I'm still not sure of what I really am going to do for my final project, but I've narrows my ideas to creating a 'Day in the Life' scrapbook, a cookbook, or a nature book.

1. I'm interested in these subjects because I believe they will give me opportunity to be creative with what I photograph. A day in the life would give me a lot of choices. A cookbook would be something I would enjoying doing, even creating recipes, and I love taking pictures of nature.


2. I want to convey the work of a serious photographer. I think my final project should be something I'm proud to submit as a part of an application.


3. I want my viewers to respond with awe and delight. I want to play around with angles, subjects, lighting, and even manipulation.


4. I'm inspired because I believe this is a chance for me to prove my work in the world of photography. Making images of daily things I do will give emotion to my photos. Food will give passion, and nature will give beauty. I want to combine these three elements and put them into whatever I decide to do. This is what I want to reveal in my photography, my style and my interests. I want to evoke a range of emotions in viewers that plays upon their sentiments.

Final Images Assignment 5

Composition: I wanted to focus on Snuggles the bear so that his actions would be the main idea of the photo. I decided to center him each time so as not to distract from the story.

Concept: This was my narrative. I want to do something cute with toy characters, and when I saw the two bears I got the idea. Snuggles is reading Harry Potter. He wants to cast a spell that will get him more money, but turns himself into a glass bear.

Method: I brightened Snuggles and dramatically darkened the background. I wanted a sinister moral to the story.

Motivation: My motivation was funny comic book stories that I read. I also wanted a hidden moral within like a fable.

Context: I think this photo relates to children photography such as photographing a toy doing silly things that gives them character like a human.

Interpretation: My classmates thought the story was funny.

Evaluation: For photos this dark, I should have put them on a lighter mat board. Also, there should be more steps to tell the story.

Extension: I could make a picture book series for Snuggles.

Composition: I took the photo with the camera on a branch. I liked the branches in the background that created an interesting scene. I wanted the main branch to be off center but still the obvious focus.

Concept: My concept was altered reality. I wanted the viewer to fell like something small climbing a branch.

Method: I originally had the photo dark, but I decided to lighten it up a bit and make the details on the main branch stand out more. Also, the branches in the background look more like a pattern against the bright sky.

Motivation: My goal was to create a dramatic pattern with something simple and give an illusion of scale.

Context: I think this photo relates to nature photography and could be used as a cover to a book or something about reaching heights.

Interpretation: Classmates enjoyed the background and the effect achieved.

Evaluation: Since the prints were dark, lightening the photo up was a good idea.

Extension: I could make a series of nature objects in different perspectives.

Composition: I wanted my small trees to appear to be apart of the ground.

Concept: My concept was something that disrupts. These are obviously man-made but could be apart of the landscape. I left cars in the background to symbolize man-made objects cohabiting with nature.

Method: I twisted branches to make small figures and stuck them into the dirt so they would appear to grow out of it. I also edited the photo so that the shadows of the 'trees' were evident.

Motivation: My goal was to create something that could be a part of nature, although it wasn't originally.

Context: This photo could relate to artists that actually spend their time constructing objects that look like one with nature, only using natural materials.  This relates the ecological issues in how can we use natural materials that have been disrupted from their natural state and return it to nature.

Interpretation: Others thought it looked apart of the land, but not naturally of it.

Evaluation: More of these in one photo would work.

Extension: I could make a series man made objects made from natural objects and placed in nature.

Composition: I wanted to take the picture at a distorted angle that would only give a curious hint to the amount of things in the collage.

Concept: I wanted to give a tribute to those that have died recently in my life, and balance it with those that were born in my life. I honor my dad, my dog, and my uncle. The 'life' section of the life and death collage included my nephew as a child. The in-betweens are the vampire teeth that symbolize being 'undead' or immortal and the rose that is clearly a dead rose, yet still radiates with the beauty of its afterlife. The bottom of the photograph states 'the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.' This has personal meaning to me as far as the memorial goes, because I heard the line in the Harry Potter movie I went to see before coming home to discover my dog dead.

Method: I wanted the contrast to be extremely dark and dramatic. Each flaw, such as the tears of the photograph were enhanced. I also wanted the texture of the cork to come through.

Motivation: My goal was to take a dark picture, but leave it vague as to what is really going on.

Context: This photo could be more of photos taken for a memorial. It's psychological; every time I look at the collage, I will be reminded of my loved ones.

Interpretation: My classmates liked the angle of the photo and what it meant.

Evaluation: I definitely need to lighten the photo up  for prints. I could possibly make the words stand out more.

Extension: I could do a series of things to memorialize my fallen family.

Photographers and Final

A. Pick two images from any of the “constructed reality” photographers presented in class or linked on the assignment sheet. Describe how you could recreate these two images on a “smaller scale”.

 The two photos I could recreate would be both from Tom Drahos. 

If would be really cool to recreate these using food. I've seen the art and photography of food artists that recreate realistic scenes from food. For grass, I can use chopped herbs, for the buffalo I could use chocolate, and for the top photo, I could use candy.

B. Describe your plans for your self-proposed final project (if the plan is the same as before, paste it here again and give a bit more detail). During the final critique for Assignment #5, you will discuss/present these ideas to the class.

I'm still not certain of exactly what I want to do for the final project. I think it will come to me as I'm photographing. Some ideas that I think I'm interested in is either the beauty of nature, or the beauty of an everyday life. The first would be some cool nature shots taken in various ways. The second would be sort of like a day in the life. I would take pictures of things that are usually seen or done everyday but not really thought about and show the beauty in them. I could take pictures of what's important to people like family, love, money, animals, whatever.

Works In Progress, Constructive Reality

Here are my works in progress! Any comments or suggestions, let me know!

Life and Death. RIP Lucky, Dad, and Uncle Leroy

Life and Death Part 2

Once upon a time, Snuggles found himself a magical spell book. He would no longer have to work for some clothes washing company!

All Snuggles needed to do was say the right words, and he would no longer have to worry about money! "Multiplicus Moolah!"

Lesson of the day: Don't use magic for personal gain.

Photography Research

This photo is by Roger Fenton. It is called Pasha and Bayadere and depicts a bayader (dancing girl) performing for a Pasha (Turkish military or civil official). This is an example of Orientalist photography in which Muslim culture was romanticized. This picture is actually staged in a studio in London with hired models.

Roger Fenton was born March 20 1819 in Lancashire. He earned his Bachelor of Arts at University College London and became interested in painting in the next year. While visiting an exhibition, he became fascinated by photography. He soon learned the calotype process and had his own exhibition in 1852.

Fenton is largely known for being one of the first war photographers, most notable photographing images of the Crimean war. He also began to take photographs of imagined Muslim scenes using friends and hired models as the subject.

Before he died, Roger Fenton actually gave up photography up to his death in 1869.

This is a photo of the work of Tim Head, an artist from London born in 1946. The photo was taken by Chris Davies. The piece is called 'Untitled' and is an installation at the Whitechapel Art Gallery in London. Slide projections and mirrors were used to create the piece.

This is a photo by Anthony Stokes of another of Tim Heads installations. This one is titled Infrared/3 Shots in the Dark. This was shown at the Garage Gallery in London. To make the piece, Tim Head used slide projections, mirrors, and infrared light.

Constructed Reality?

1. In what ways do you “construct” your identity? In what ways do you “perform” in your daily life?

I think my identity is sometimes constructed in what I decide to wear and the morals that motivate my personality. Things I do and things I like are also one piece of my identity.  I'm a bit dramatic, but I like to think that what I do in my life is real. It's a reflection of what I think and how I feel. Living your life as one big performance may not be the best thing.

2. Describe some ways in which your personal culture and social environments are “constructed”.

I think culture itself is a bit constructed. Where you grow up and who you grow up around shapes what you become and what culture you choose to identify yourself with. The actual separation into categories is construction in its finest. Sometimes, however, it is your culture that shapes what your social environment is. Most cultures flock to each other.

3. Describe some ways in which your physical environment/space is “constructed”.

Unless you live in a completely natural landscape, everything around you is constructed- man-made. The actual name of the things that is around you is constructed. Theories and ideas that 'make things go' around you is constructed and placed into your mindset.

4. In your daily life, what would you consider to be “real” and what would you consider to be “constructed/fabricated”?

I think life is real. I think living, breathing, growing, nature, motion, emotions are real. The things that are constructed are real to an extent. I love thinking of real as something untouched, untamed that grows wildly without being shaped or harmed.

5. Describe a narrative tableaux that you might create to be captured by a photograph. A narrative tableaux can be defined as “Several human actors play out scenes from everyday life, history, myth or the fantasy of the direction artist” ( Constructed Realities: The Art of Staged Photography Edited by Michael Kohler , 34).

I love depicting things from fantasy. It plays with the mind and the imagination. I would use a fantasy that involves a cool tone- so water might be involved.

6. Describe an idea for a photograph that includes a miniature stage or still life. A description of such an image is “The tableaux reconstructs events as in the narrative tableaux, but in miniaturized format, using dolls and other toy objects” (Kohler, 34).

I'd like to recreate something out of a book that can only be created using your interpretation of the piece.

Final Images- Pop Culture

Composition: I really wanted to show emphasis on the apple and how real and natural it look. I wanted to have it in the middle definitely.

Concept: I think with this photo I most wanted to just capture beauty in its natural form. Of all of my pictures I think I just wanted to take one that looked like a real professional photograph.

Method: I made a dramatic contrast to set a better tone for the photo.

Motivation: My goal was to photograph take this picture of an apple and show its crisp freshness. Especially with the close up of the water droplets.

Context: I think this photo relates to stock photography. I could see this as a background or on something someone uses. I'd also think it'd look cool as part of a nature campaign or organic foods campaign.

Interpretation: Others liked the fresh look of the photo.

Evaluation: The class thought I should up the contrast, which I did for the purposes of this blog.

Extension: I could make a series foods or ripe juicy fruits.

Composition: I liked the idea of the Cola bottle in the front as emphasis and electronics in the back.

Concept: I wanted to do a Coca-Cola ad, just plain and simple. After a long day of messing around with technology, you have a Coke to fall back on.

Method: I set the scene up to make it more familiar. Like this could be going on in your house. I didn't want to use the crazy Coca Cola font because that would have messed up the mood I was trying to create. The Coca Cola font is a little too cheery and fun. I wanted the font to look as if the ad was speaking to you.

Motivation: The goal was to get a classic Coke like out in a way that appeared to be a real ad.

Context: This photo can be related to photographers that take photos for advertisement. The decisions made in the creation process are so important. I think ads are always apart of social and psychological issues because the psyche is what you must learn to play upon when you create an ad. Even if the product is not very good for you.

Interpretation: Others though that the image looked like a Coke ad

Evaluation: Others wanted to see more Coca-Cola font. They thought the contrast and composition was good.

Extension: I could make a series of ads for Coca-Cola or other beverages.

Composition: This was the last image that was taken. I was shocked because it was also the perfect one. I like the tilt of the character.

Concept: I lwanted to make fun of fashion, shopping, and credit cards.

Method: I put on alot of different clothing to signify trying to catch up with every trend. I wanted to carry alot of bags and make it appear as if I had too many things. The text was all humor in mocking how people spend so much money they don't really have through use of credit cards because fashion ads and credit card ads make it seem like its no big deal.

Motivation: My goal was to give a sense of humor with the ad. It looks like a Visa ad at first glance, but the text is actually boldly telling the truth about what happens with credit cards sometimes.

Context: This photo is an ad that can be placed in social issues. The economy is pretty bad, yet fashion and expensive clothing is still being widely promoted.

Interpretation:Others knew this was a credit card ad. Mainly because of the logo.

Evaluation: I was told the ad was realistic and funny.

Extension: I could make a series of ads that look like the real thing but is actually making fun of the real thing.

Composition: I thought it would be interesting to cut off some of the can and make it an extreme close up. I also liked the off-center look.

Concept: My concept was to create an ad that didn't need words. If you looked at this in a magazine, you would immediately know what was being sold. Minimalism.

Method: I like creating dramatic contrast because I feel it elicits more feeling in the viewer.

Motivation: My goal was to try to create an ad that speaks for itself. Not alot of ads do this successfully. You're not sure what is being promoted.

Context: This photo relates to magazine ad photographers. I could see this as part of a two-page ad. One side would be the words only because, but the other side would just be the can... nothing else needed.

Interpretation: Everyone else got exactly what the ad was. They liked that it didn't need words.

Evaluation: Others thought it would be cool if a hand was there popping the top.

Extension: This could tie in to my series about beverage ads.

 

Composition: I cropped mostly for convenience. Some things in the actual photo was not working for me. Overall, I think it came out ok.

Concept: The concept was to capture pouring water to show something that's everyday in a peaceful setting.

Method: I wanted to create a contrast between the glass, the water, and the background tile.

Motivation: The goal was to give a sense of action to the photo. You can almost feel that the water is actually being poured.

Context: I took this photo with stock photography in mind. I feel like someone could just search pouring water, and find this is what they need.

Interpretation: Others thought the frozen motion was cool.

Evaluation: The photo would be a bit better with a better contrast to the top portion.

Extension: I could make a series of actions being done everyday, but photograph them so that they have a sense of beauty.

Brainstorming!

A. Series: Brainstorm various ways to make a “series” of photographic images.
I'd like to think that series would include either the same theme, same way of editing, or same subject. This saddens me sometimes because I like to take photos of a lot of different things but I am not always sure how to tie them together.

B. Final Project: Your final project in this class will be designed by you. If you could tackle any photography project, what would it be? You could combine other media with photography (video, sculpture, drawing) or you could take one of your earlier assignments and expand it to create a larger project. If you are expanding an earlier project or creating an entirely new series of images, shoot for a series of at least 5 images. Describe an idea you have for your final project. 

This is frightening to think about right now. I honestly don't have a very specific answer. I don't want to try to tackle an obviously easy subject, but like stated above I'm so indecisive. If I was to do an earlier series, I'd probably expand on either light or illusion... or both. I liked the dream/memory project as well. Although I'm not good at producing it, Surrealism is my favorite form of art, and I am also in love with the photographer I researched Elina Brotherus and how she made photos look like paintings. Lastly, I'm also in love with Keffer, the French photographer I recreated. I'd really have to think about what to do. I like photographing landscapes, light, mirrors, water, and food, and I like dark themes with an extremely strong contrast. Maybe I can make a series of the beauty of nature with a romantic gothic style like Tim Burton.

Works in Progress 2: Pop Culture

Selling a Jar

Facebook

Fashion Photography

Works In Progress: Pop Culture

Recreation 4- Boot Ads

ecco Boot Ad

 

My Boots

The inspiration for my recreation was an ecco boot ad. I wanted to do the same thing but give the photo an edgy feel.

Aesthetics In Media

Describe some common aesthetic aspects of “news”-related photographs. 
Some of the most common aesthetic aspects of 'new's related photos would be being in black and white, playing with composition of the picture to give it emotion, and being more literal than abstract.

Describe some common aesthetic aspects of “snapshots”.
Some aesthetic aspects of 'snapshots' would be the candid aura, the true sentiments in the photos, and the capture of something in its real state.

Describe some common aesthetic aspects of advertisement photographs. Fashion photography? Product photography?
In advertisement, there is usually a glossiness that emphasizes what is being promoted. The actual product is also made to look better than what it really looks like. In fashion photography, the retouches beautify the models. The model poses in a way to emphasize the clothing. Colors and trends are placed perfectly to bring out a want to purchase. In product photography, products are shot in a way that gives favor to the object.

Describe some common aesthetic aspects of film or movie stills.
Movie stills are shot to show an exciting part of the movie that makes everyone want to see it. It also shows the popular actors that are going to be in it.

Describe some common aesthetic aspects of yearbook photos and/or senior picture
Yearbook photos are pictures frozen in time. It lends a nostalgia when you look back to view them.

Finals

Composition: I wanted the emphasis to be on the seedling. I placed it in the middle and made sure it's smoothness was in contrast with the rough ground.

Concept: I liked the idea of something so small being the most important part.

Method: I upped the contrast in the photo to bring out the lights and darks. I like the texture emphasis and I also want the curl of the seed to stand out. It was on the ground the way it fell.

Motivation: My goal was to photograph and edit something tiny so that it appeared large in the photo.

Context: This photo relates to abstract place photographers. I think it would be in line with environmental issues. I never touched the seed to photography it, and I liked the idea of shooting something in its natural state.

Interpretation: Others weren't sure what it was, but was surprised that it was a seedling.

Evaluation: Classmates thought I should try to position the seed in another position besides the center to see what happens.

Extension: I could make a series of different small things I find on the ground.

Composition: The ducks never separated and I wanted to reflect that one duck was being pursued. I also wanted to give emphasis to movement through water ripples.

Concept: My concept was to show the grace and beauty of birds in water.

Method: I stood on the edge of the river and caught the birds when the water was at a soft ripple. I also created more highlights in the water.

Motivation: My main goal was to capture a natural creature in its habitat.

Context: This relates more to wildlife photographers. It's another environmental issue of capturing something without disturbing it.

Interpretation: Others thought this was portraying a duck romance.

Evaluation: Some suggestions were to burn and dodge to make the duck in the upper left stand out more.

Extension: I could make a series of wildlife photos.

Composition: I took this photo in the planetarium. I am fascinated by outer space, and I wanted a picture to reflect that.

Concept:I felt I needed to make this picture look real. I wanted it to convey the rough loneliness of the moon.

Method: I took the shot in front of the dark background in a way that would portray the usual photos of the moon. When I edited it, I cropped the top, added more shadows, and upped the contrast so the texture of the moon would stand out.

Motivation: My goal was to turn a replica into a real-life.

Context: I think this photo could go with photographers that sometimes give the illusion that they took a picture of an actual thing, when in reality it's a fake. This relates to social issues on what to believe in photographs.

Interpretation: Others thought this was a real shot of the moon or a picture of a picture.

Evaluation: There weren't many suggestions, I think it was successful in being an illusion.

Extension: I could definitely create a series of illusions.

Composition: I made the composition with the stairs being the most central and important thing.

Concept: I wanted give a dark side to going down the stairs.

Method: I took took the photo using natural light and used shadows to my advantage. I created a contrast where the top was the darkest and the bottom path, the lightest.

Motivation: My goal was to make it so that you would get a weird sensation like you were about to actually go down these stairs.

Context: This can relate to place photographers that capture plain scenes and make them one of beauty. This is a psychological issue as the what defines beauty.

Interpretation: Many liked the contrast of the photo and thought it relates to everyday life of coming and going.

Evaluation:No suggestions, but I think I could make a smoother transition in the tone of the path.

Extension: I can make this a series to turn ordinary things in a house into something beautiful.

Works In Progress

Seedling

Feeding Ducks

Moon

Ducks