Difference Between Portraits of Different Media

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”?

I see plenty of portraits in magazines, on facebook, on internet and newspaper ads, on movie and book covers, in photo albums, and in art. An example of how the content changes is in an artistic photograph there may be just the person with a blackened background, or the background will usually be something that brings about the emotion of the picture. On  facebook, alot of people don't pay attention to the background so you get alot of unprofessional pics that they are happy with, but is in a bathroom or in front of a dumpster. The ones you see on the news definitely needs a background that conveys the message of the story. The difference in viewpoint would be that on facebook, the viewpoint is usually straight on while a newspaper article or a work of art is straight on or maybe done in another angle that amplifies the piece. Also, the intent of someone taking a pic for facebook is for laughs and comments, and usually to keep a memory. For the news, it is strictly to capture the best picture that describes what is going on in the article.

Ethics of Altering Portraits

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?

Sometimes when you take a picture, mistakes can happen. Photoshop becomes a live-saving tool when wedding pictures are full of red eyes. Another appropriate alteration is when pictures are too dark to see and you lighten them, or when old black-and-white torn photos are restored. It may be even beneficial to erase a blemish off of your face.  I think it becomes inappropriate when someone change a persons weight dramatically in the photo to make it appear as if they are only beautiful when thin, when someone's skin is purposefully lightened, and to hide other flaws that make the person who they are. Changing someone's age dramatically can also be a problem. This is all, however, up to the person that is being photographed. If this is what they want, who are people to get upset with their decisions?

Edward Steichen quote

“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




I definitely agree with this quote. A good picture can show emotion and true beauty. A portrait can contain all of the lines in a face required to convey a feeling, and sometimes its so powerful that it elicits an emotional response in the viewer. A photograph of a landscape is something I've always considered beautiful. To show the brilliant green of trees, the vivid hues of a sunset, the chill of a frozen lake... it makes you feel as if you are there. When there is nothing words can do to get the description right, a photograph does a perfect job.

Keffer Recreation

Recreation

The photo I chose to recreate was made by French photographer Keffer, who specializes in beautiful dark photography. I searched for photography with dark themes and setting and his work intrigued me. This photo is from his Jour de Nuit Portraits collection or Night Day portraits. They are described as "an instant snapshot of life without the sun" and the piece was to show the personality of the individual only through "attitude and physical details... nothing more."  Although the entire background is dark, the figures in the photos were strangely and articulately lit with the smallest details still sharp. Although I chose to keep my picture slightly blurred to mimic the flow of the smoke, I tried to portray the darkness of his photos.

Keffer original of woman smoking.

Final Images Assignment 1

Small Aperture- Illusion

This photo was taken with the prompt 'Illusion' in mind. Mirrors can be used to distort and magnify an object, make them appear closer or further away, and even reverse messages. In this image, a small necklace mirror was taken with a small aperture to slightly blur the pop can it is reflecting. I wanted to show how the aperture can make the mirror sharp, yet blur the object reflected on it because it is technically further away. I also increased the blackness in the photo to differentiate the different tones of the pop can. Lastly, the mirror is positioned off center and tilted to leave an emptiness in the background and give a sense of suspension or tension to the mirror.

Context: I think this photo can be seen as fitting in with the works of surreal artists. I love surreal art and how it plays with the imagination and illusions. This makes the photo about psychological issues in that it allows the mind to be interactive and try to make sense of the scene in the mirror along with the odd angle and the comparison in size of the pop can to the mirror.

Interpretation: Others interpreted my image as sending an abstract message.

Evaluation: What's working in the picture is the high contrast between the dark background and the light carpet. Also, the details in the mirror are perfectly emphasized with simpleness of everything else. I would like to figure out how to make the image in the mirror slightly blurred to the point where it appears like it was just imagined in the mirror and isn't really there.

Extension: I would really like to try something like this with the reflection of water and the darkness that happens under a bridge.

Slow Shutter Speed- Light

In the night, nothing is more fascinating than the glow of light against a dark background, whether it is stars, colorful building lights, or car headlights. In this image I captured a car as it passed and used a slow shutter speed. The resulting effect was a streak of light that emphasized the movement of the car. Since my subject was about light, I wanted the lights of the street and car to be the brightest, and adjusted the blacks accordingly.

Context: This photo relates to the photographers that capture city themed photos. I loved when they streak or blur the lights and it brings to memory clubs and nightlife. Mine is a bit different in that it doesn't actually show what is causing the movement. I'd like to think it's about social issues and the beautiful congestion of campus nights.

Interpretation: Others interpreted the image as unique.

Evaluation: What's working in the picture is the straight movement of light being vividly shown. I probably would have gotten better results with a tripod.

Extension: I would like to do an entire street full of car blurs. I also think it would be fun to maybe capture the lights of an airplane in the sky or something larger casting light.

Midday Light- Alter Ego

I took this picture in midday light. I thought it would be interesting to take a photo of the shadows the light made for the 'alter-ego' prompt. I wanted the shadows to appear long and stretched as if they were larger than normal, so I took the picture at a diagonal angle instead of straight up and down. I used high contrast between the lit areas and the shadows to emphasize the shapes made. Both the angle and the contrast support the idea that shadows are the alter egos of people and objects, which is wanted I wanted to portray.

Context: I think this work can be compared to photographers that play with light to create shadow on figures that end up being the focal point or the part of the photo that makes it dramatically interesting. This photo is an alteration in that it is all shadow. This brings to mind social issues of people and their shadows. You don't really pay attention to your own shadow although it usually is around wherever you go, like a companion.

Interpretation: Others saw my picture as a nice abstract piece.
Evaluation: What's working for this picture is the high contrast to better show the silhouettes.
Extension: I would love to create a dark scene with many distorted and blended shadows.

Lewis Hine Quote

“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).



I mostly disagree with this quote. I believe that even a wonderful author that can do a really good job at descriptions can only tell so far. If it is a true story, your imagination is great to 'see' what something is supposed to be, but you'll never be able to know exactly how it truly looked unless there was a picture of it. In some situations such as how devastating an event was, you can only really know by looking at it. You can describe how the bomb went off, but there is more emotional effect to viewing a picture of the city hit by the bomb. Also, some stories that are 'too good to be true' may not be believed unless there is photo evidence. Alot of times, photos do have to be narrated which is where words come in. You might not know which city was hit or the history behind it without the story. Also, in fiction accounts sometimes it is best to let people only imagine what a character looks like. If you introduce a picture of the supposed character, fans might be disappointed.

Duane Michals Quote

“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 both agree and disagree with this quote by Duane Michals. First, I disagree because usually a photograph such as a Polaroid shot or just a developed shot shows exactly what is going on physically. It is a captured moment in time. However, pictures taken on digital photos can be changed by photoshop, and things such as flash on the camera can brighten the area or distort the original colors. This is why I also disagree in this instance. Another reason I disagree is because a photograph really doesn't show what is going on mentally. There can be balloons and smiling faces around and people might assume its a birthday. In reality, it could just be for fun, or the people in the scene could actually be angry with each other and are just posing for the camera.

Recreation: Man Ray, Solarization to Kristina Cook, Lucky

This photo is an example of Solarization by Man Ray. The lighting effect around the woman is a known experiment of his. When I first saw this picture and researching his other pictures, I thought of something sad or depressing, and the way the woman's arms appear to be shielding herself, I thought of being contained or feeling powerless. Hence, my recreation:

I used similar lighting for a warmer black and white photo. I chose to depict an animal in a cage with his arm wrapped around him. To the dog, this cage is a small trapped space in which he is powerless to escape. The look in his eyes suggests he is bored and alone.

The Word "Photograph"

When I think of the word 'photograph' it reminds me of good times that I can always pull out of my pocket and see. I think of a scene frozen in time, telling a thousand words. I think of those I've loved and lost, and how I can see their smiles 'one more time' if I look at an old photo. Photograph can mean art, inspiration, scandal, the truth, or maybe the half-truth. It's basically the usually square tangible moment that makes memories of the world that much more interesting.

A World Without Photographs

A world without photographs would be a world without any visual memories of events or advertisement stimulation. If you see a friend that you know you won't see in a while, you'd better hope they give you an autograph... or sit for an hour while you draw them. Actually, I could see that everything would be drawn, taking up precious time. Social networks like Facebook would consist of profile 'drawings' and instead of albums it would be called 'sketchbooks'. The truth would not come out so much in a real scene, seeing as anyone can just draw what they want in the picture. Also, man jobs would probably be close to nonexistent such as modeling. Who needs a model when you can draw someone up from your mind?
On the plus side, the world would probably be more creative. Authors would have to write more into their work to stimulate the readers' imagination. If the drawing scenario played out, pretty much everyone would have to learn to draw decently. I guess the world wouldn't be in total chaos if there were no photographs, but it would be a bit more boring and time consuming.