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

Do's and Don'ts of Photography

Can you think of anything that:

1) should not be photographed? Why?
2) cannot be photographed? Why?

and

3) you do not want to photograph? Why?


The main thing that I think is wrong to photograph is nude photos of children. I think it's wrong and nobody should ever try to be that comfortable with a child to exploit them like that.


Pretty much anything is capable of being photographed. Although something may be difficult to do, it's not really impossible so much as you try.


I probably will never want to photograph things that I think are disgusting like dead bodies, creepy nudes, and pics of trash.

Works-In-Progress

Down The Stairs

Behind A Building

Through A Backyard

Elina Brotherus

The New Painting- Horizon6

http://www.elinabrotherus.com/photography/the-new-painting/

Elina Brotherus is a Finnish photographer born in 1972 in Helsinki, Finland. She currently is living in Paris where she does portrait and place photography. I really loved Elina's series called "The New Painting." These photos are based on a quote Elina's friend said: "Photography is the new painting." They are meant to portray the beauty of a painting in a photograph. The photos are in vivid color and gives the actual place an artistic aesthetic. It makes the photo more effective in its portrayal of the place because the emphasis of the beauty of the area brings emphasis to the place itself. It makes you want to know where the scene is and brings emotional attachment from the viewer. Elina's intent can be summed up with this quote she stated:
"With the camera I try to approach the same problems that painters have been dealing with for centuries: light, color, composition, figures in space, projection of the three-dimensional into the two-dimensional. I find these questions fundamental in all visual arts."

Horizon 4

Perspective 2

Horizon 2

Photography Quotes

“I think photographs should be provocative and not tell you what you already know. It takes no great powers or magic to reproduce somebody's face in a photograph. The magic is in seeing people in new ways.” Duane Michals

I like this quote because I understand what this person means. It's fun to see photographs from a different perspective and maybe done with different settings so that the photo is more interesting. I like seeing normal photos that capture a scene or the beauty of a face, but when a photographer takes the time to spruce the photo up by adding their own style to it, I love it more.

“Landscape photography is the supreme test of the photographer—and often the supreme disappointment.” ~Ansel Adams

I find this quote funny, and I think I disagree with it. Landscape photography is a great subject for many photographers to take on, and it's definitely a challenge however I don't think there is that many failures in trying to take the photos. I'm an extreme beginner photographer so I know the struggle of trying to capture a piece that says something about you that others will find beautiful and will like. I think photography is an art that can be seen the way art is seen, meaning that the idea of something being beautiful or being good art is open to interpretation. Some people may find the photos not very good while someone else may find them wonderful. I think it's this that makes art more interesting as a whole and make everyone feel like they can be accepted in the art world.

“Photography can only represent the present. Once photographed, the subject becomes part of the past.” Berenice Abbott

I believe this quote to be true on both a literal and figurative level. Once a photograph is taken it becomes a memory that is often looked at to remember the past. It freezes a subject in time and when you look at it again, you feel almost the same emotions that you felt about the scene originally. Although time changes and the actual subject changes over time, the photograph will be one of the only things remembering it how it was.

Recreation: 3 Recreate Memory

 Not all memories become those that you want to replay in your head over and over again. Some memories become nightmares.

In-Camera Collage

I'm not really aware of the double exposure thing, but from photos I've seen it looks like a cool way to show two photos at once. In order to capture two moments in one image, I would use double exposure to have one scene on one side of the photo and the other scene on the other side of the photo. As far as slow shutter speed I would use it to have the two scenes blur into one.

Unknown Vs. Familiar Space

In order to convey the difference between an unknown and a familiar space, I would capture the familiar very close up and imperfectly. I would make sure the space has a lived in feel and not touch up the photo too much. For a faraway place, I would capture it as a voyeur. I would make the place look beautiful, but cold as if I'm not quite there yet. I would photograph places that have been touched very little by humans like this as well. I would want it to look like a desired and obtainable place, but still distant enough that only a few can actually reach it.

Human-Made Space

If I was to create a landscape with natural materials, it would definitely have to look like it belonged. I would use fallen branches to create a 'tree' in the forest. I would used tons of stone to create a small 'mountain'. I would even like to use fallen leaves, seeds, and maybe fruit to create a 'garden'. All of these things would give the appearance of the original without ruining the look of the natural landscape. Something that brings an illusion to the eye and a smile to the face.

Memory of a Photograph

A photograph I remember the most is the very first one I remember of my being a baby. I didn't get the 'just born' pictures that every baby gets and that my sisters got, (and because of this they tease me and say I was adopted) but I pretend like it is my 'just born' pic. I was a cute chubby baby and I had the cutest smile even though I do say so myself. Then I stopped drinking milk. I most definitely changed from sweet and innocent. Hopefully one day a reenactment of this photo would be my own child smiling and supporting herself on her arms for the first time. If I myself was to reenact this, I would definitely not look too cute. There are things babies can do that adults cannot (I was topless). But I guess it would mean my dad was still alive. How has the place changed? I don't remember the actual place I was in, but my entire life of viewing and loving this photograph I was so positive that I was rolling around on my parents bed while they snapped a picture of me. A week ago I looked at the picture with my little sister and she pointed out crib bars. Funny how a change so small can completely change your perspective!

Memory of a Place

Although not a very significant place, a place that shows up in almost every one of my realistic dreams is my grandmother's old house. I'll start someplace else, but it always turns into her old house. I don't have a picture of the full place, I probably have one of me or my sisters there. I remember it being a small house with a big, dark basement. There was an added room in the back where I would sometimes sleep when visiting, and there was a backyard where everyone used to play. Many good and terrible things happened in that place. A photo of it would most definitely show the huge Evergreen tree outside of it, and the front door that looked like a side door. This would be true in both the past and the present. In the past it would probably look like a big house with an extremely long driveway. Today it would look like a house that I barely know anymore. I would definitely be standing in that driveway looking towards the big backyard where the garage is. The only other thing that I can see is the huge white dog that used to constantly bark in the backyard next door where there used to live a 'witch'. We used to pretend like when the dog died, she disappeared. I would almost always envision the place in the daytime with the tan bricks and the white siding. A red car would sometimes be in the driveway. The rest of the block would be completely empty with no associating sounds except for the dog barks and a chirping bird. Now, thoughts of the bird reminds me of that stone zig zag path....

Final Images

The Crying Child?

Composition: I wanted to get as close to Anthony's face as possible so that the background could frame his head. Usually when I see pictures of sadness, the person's face is the majority of the picture, so I wanted to copy that look. I also thought that the darkness inside of his hood would give a darker tone as well.

Concept: My image was about the illusion of pictures and what you think they are about. I wanted Anthony to look distraught so that you would want to comfort him. He was, however, faking. The piece supports my concept because in photos, to know emotion, you look for creases at the eyes and mouth. The expression was perfect for sadness in that his eyes were turned down and his mouth contained no hint of a smile.

Method: This was a spur-of-the-moment image. Anthony told me he can fake crying and the image popped into my head. I took many of his faking pictures.

Motivations: My goal was to capture a perfect illusion of something that wasn't happening. I want to give the illusion of a story when there wasn't one.

Context: I think this relates to many other photographers. Not every model that is smiling is happy. Alot of expressions are used for the beauty, or to make a point. I believe my photo does this as well. This relates to social issues about how photos may not be exactly what they seem or can be compared to the controversy of retouching photos to make it not as real as it may seem.

Interpretation: Others interpret my image as something is wrong with the boy.

Evaluation: Some thought that I should white out the background. Another liked the floating head image.

Extension: I could make a series of kid's emotions, and others like the idea of keeping the 'floating head.'

The Laughing Child

Composition: This composition was an accident. I thought Anthony's laugh was beautiful after he had been pretending to be sad. My mother walked into the shot and I decided to make it work.
Concept: My image is supposed to be the next step in the scene above. It goes with the concept of photos not appearing to be what they are. He was laughing right after being supposedly sad. It also appears to be some interaction between the figures when in fact there was not.
Method: While I was taking Anthony laughing, my mother walked in the shot, but I got his face perfectly before she walked completely through. I thought it looked very unique, so I kept it.
Motivation: My goal was to create the next 'scene' in the concept of images not being what they appear.
Context: I think this is a candid photo that can be related to many photographers including amateurs that are only taking for Facebook. The main difference is that I intentional did this as an artwork where as others are done to just post. This goes with psychological issues as candid photos elicit a more natural response.
Interpretation: Others interpreted the image as funny, happy, and that the other figure just told a joke.
Evaluation: Others would like to see more contrast in the grass by use of more blacks.
Extension: Many said that I could do a series of candid shots of a family at a picnic.

Carmen In Motion

Composition: I wanted to show motion in this picture. I also wanted the picture to be sharp on the subject where the hair will be greatly seen, but blurred in the background.
Concept: I think my image is about a child having fun. She was clearly enjoying herself and I wanted to capture the emotion.
Method: I wanted to capture this photo because I thought the motion would be perfect. I move my camera a little with her to get the blurred background.
Motivation: My goal was to portray emotion in motion. Not every time do you capture a child's smile on a bike.
Context: I think this photo also relates to candid photography, but I decided to capture the motion of the subject as well. This is also more psychological as brings to mind happy memories.
Interpretation: Others interpreted the image as Carmen being on a swing. They thought it was candid and natural.

Evaluation: Others liked the sharpness and composition. The hood should have more detail.

Extension: I could do children on swings or doing other things that require motion.

Diva Debut

Composition: This composition is cropped. I wanted to zoom in on the subject and leave her balanced on the left side of the photo.

Concept: I wanted to show a sexy femininity, but also give a dark emotion.

Method: I took advantage of lighting to cast a shadow on the face. I also wanted extreme sharpness of the hair and the highlights in the hair.

Motivation: My goal was to create an image that show a diva side to what is really a very shy girl.

Context: I think this photo more relates to photographers that take photo shoots for magazines and advertisements. The main difference is that the actual pose is more mocking of these types of photos as it is a cliche pose that represents and outgoing, sexual nature. Social issues come to mind because I think the photo is a good example of what women are seen as when only evaluated with their body language.

Interpretation: Others thought of modeling and gender/ sexuality.

Evaluation: Others thought there should be less light, yet the light also works. There is also a mental thing about how there appears to be two backgrounds.

Extension: The series of images could play off of the two backgrounds and illusion.

Portraits: Works In Progress

John Berger Quote

“All photographs are there to remind us of what we forget. In this - as in other ways - they are the opposite of paintings. Paintings record what the painter remembers. Because each one of us forgets different things, a photo more than a painting may change its meaning according to who is looking at it.” ~John Berger



I agree with this quote. If I looked at a scene and went to paint it later, the entire scene can change depending on what I remember, and how I am feeling. If I take a picture, what was in the scene is recorded in that picture until I decide to add to it or remove it. I take his last statement to mean that I could think of a birthday long ago and not remember I used to have an old best friend that was there until I see a picture of it. Another person may remember the old friend but may not remember whose birthday it was until the picture shows who has a birthday hat on. It adds new revelations to different people.

Ansel Adams Quote

“You don't take a photograph, you make it.” ~Ansel Adams



This quote reminds me of what Richard Avedon was trying to say. It is up to the photographer what he wants the photo to say. The entire scene, set up, pose, and lighting is of his or her choosing, so technically they 'make' the photo what they want. They also choose who sees it and what captions they want to add. Whatever changes the photographer makes is what influences what the photo says.

Richard Avedon Quote

“My portraits are more about me than they are about the people I photograph.” - Richard Avedon

I think that this quote means that although the people in the photograph are the focus of the portrait, it is ultimately up to the photographer on what he wants to portray. He or she can set up the lighting, retouch, and capture at just the right moment to create a piece that speaks about what his theme is.

Lauren Greenfield Photography (USA)

Skyler on the phone with his father Malibu, California

Artist's Intent: Lauren Greenfield is an American photographer with interests in a wide range of portraiture. This photo is from her group called "Fast Forward" which is about a child's experience growing up in LA, under the influence of Hollywood. Greenfield stated that she wanted to capture, "the early loss of innocence in a media-saturated society and how kids are affected by the culture of materialism, the cult of celebrity, and the emphasis on image."

Interest in Portraiture: From what I've seen in the topics of her portraits, Lauren is interested in capturing as much reality as possible with her pictures. She wants to keep the population informed of issues in body and personal images in children and young adults.  She tries to catch the individual in their natural situation, while also playing with background and facial expression to convey the hidden meaning in the photography.

Why I Think This Is A Good Portrait: I think this is a good portrait because I love how although the boy is younger, he is having a mature and probably stressful conversation. I also think the colors of the portrait is very well blended, as is the open space and reflections.