Landscape: Activity 3

Question: Compare and contrast a landscape with a landscape painting. Discuss the expressive possibilities of each medium using your examples to illustrate your argument. Choose your examples carefully as representative of the medium.

Example: The two images below are similar in subject matter, how are they similar? How are they different? What options dose a painter have compared to the options a photographer has in terms of expression.

A painter compared to a photographer has total control over their piece and what they are trying to accomplish with it. They are similar because they display a canyon that is similar in colors and appearance. They are difference because the photograph displays a more rich, more realistic version of the canyon while the contrasting one is sharper and the colors are harder. Though a painter may have more control over a piece, a photographer captures the now and the more realistic aspect of it. 

David Edwards
A Monsoon Storm In the Grand Canyon

Ed Mel
Ascending Storm

Landscape: Activity 4

Question: Create two photographs in a location with tall buildings or trees using both formats. Create a closed and open landscape at one location. Discuss the different ways we read the resulting images. 

This first image was taken in Sedona as a portrait formatted closed landscape. An image such as this witch has a farther depth of field and creates a leading lines composition.

Closed Landscape - Portrait Format (Calista Gonzales)

This photograph was taken at a lakes while I was out camping with my family. The composition of the photography is well defined as well as the colors on the lake. The image as described in the caption is an open landscape in a landscape format. Unlike the picture up top, a portrait photograph would cut out most of the image as well as the unique charm and characteristics that it holds.

Open Landscape - Landscape Format (Calista Gonzales)

Landscape: Activity 5

Question: Create a landscape utilizing foreground subject matter to create a sense of depth. Discuss how the resulting image is likely to read by the viewer.

Calista Gonzales

The image that could be perceived by the viewer can be varied based on who is reading it and when. To one eye it could appear to be a desolate landscape, while on the other it can be viewed as an open lake that creates calamity and welcome into one's eye. Though the colors are darker and less inclined to create a welcoming atmosphere, some people may consider the isolation to be an escape from the basics of every day human life. A vacation of sorts.

Landscape: Activity 2

Find two landscape photographs that question social values or act as a metaphor for personal issues that the photographer is trying to express. Discuss whether the communication is clear or ambiguous and how this communication is conveyed.

Landscape photography in general can be a very tricky thing to achieve. The following images may present troubling dilemmas for some people, while others it may not effect at all. 

Benoit Paille

In this image by Benoit Paille, you can see a young girl (and from my best guess to be) planting trees. She is surrounded by lush bushes and great branches around her, yet in the back ground is the harsh glow of the city lights; a rising problem in today's society. This pictures, as a whole, can reflect on two opposing sides. On one side, one may argue that trees and lush parks such as the one depicted in this photograph take up space that can be used for industrial buildings. On the other hand, one may argue that the rapidly enlarging cities provide problems and diminish the calamity of the wilderness; such things like forests and meadows and other things along those lines. 

Stain Klo

This image by Stain Klo could reflect the same issues as the one above. Here, instead of a beautiful wooded area backing a cityscape, you have a gorgeous mountain view that is obstructed by the harsh glow of florescent orange lights. In my own views, such places should remain undisturbed by the hands of man, only to be touched by those who will appreciate such a scenic place. From the views of another, they could argue that there are viable materials in the mountains that we could use to help further the human race.

Overall, I believe that the ideal image of a landscape is up to the audience to decide it's message. No one can say for certain what the artists truly meant to say with either photograph (for every picture tells a story). We can ponder and assume but there is no for sure. Therefore, it is up to the viewer to decide what the ultimate message is. Some may be extremely controversial such as the above photographs, or others may be more simple minded and not as off putting and mind rearing. A photograph is what the audience makes of it.

-C 

Landscape: Activity 1

View the image by Walker Evans on this page and describe what you can actually see (objective analysis) and what you think the image is about (subjective analysis). Discuss how effective Walker Evans has been in using a landscape image to communicate a point of view. Can this photograph be considered as Art? Give two reasons to support your answer. Make sure you include the image in your blog post with credit in the citation. When you analyze the photo, look for deeper meaning beyond the literal description of the Photo.

Walker Evans

In the image by Walker Evans; I am able to immediately see the cross that is presented in the front left of the picture. Though less obvious, I can also see the smaller more concealed crosses and grave markers that are in the near distance. From the overall size of the cross, I could assume one of two things. 

One; that the cross utilized as a marker to represent the number of people that have died, making it seem larger than it actually is, or two; that the overly large cross serves as a postmark for those who lay in the graves below.   

In my own opinion, this photograph can be described as art for the simple reason that it captures something that most people may not take the time to look at. It also carries a heavy hand of emotion, something that I believe every art piece must have. Most people choose to focus on the life in images; weather it be writing or drawing or photography or some other medium. This piece on the other hand, stands out because it is encircling death. 

Overall, I was very intrigued as by the nature of the image as well as hit by the weight of its concepts. 

Light: Activity 4

Find two examples of photographs, which make use of maximum depth of field, and two examples, which have very shallow depth of field.

Describe how the photographer's selective use of aperture affects the subject in each of the photographs you have chosen. 

Now I'm going to take moment to return to some of the basics....shallow and great depth of field! 

This photograph utilizes a greater depth of field. This allows the picture to appear deeper than it actually is, and helps to enhance the surroundings as well as add a better appeal to the overall image. The photographer's selective use of aperture effects the subject because if he/she decided to use a shallow depth of field then the picture may be harder to read as well as less appealing to the eye.

This photograph uses a shallow depth of field. Unlike the great depth of field picture, only a small portion of the subject, in this case a small dog, is n focus. It creates a centralized point of focus and helps direct the audience towards where the photographer wants them too look. A great depth of field would not work well in a photograph like this because since the dog is so small, it is better to get up close. It also helps to enhance some of the features of the dog. 

Light: Activity 3

A light meter is a tool that is commonly used by photographers in order to determine which shutter speed and f-stop should be utilized for optimum exposure of an image given the surrounding lighting and/or possible film speed. 

In the case of digital photography, obviously, there is no film used although the lighting situation will vary from place to place. For example, the lighting of a setting sun will be different than the hard light of stadium lighting. 

To enhance more on the subject of light...

Devin Peterson

In the photographs below I can provide further evidence about how light can change a piece. 

In this photograph, the photographer, Devin Peterson, must have gone bout using a light meter by calculating the exposure that was required to enhance the colors of the sunset but at the same time creating a silhouetted look to the couple.  

Devin Peterson

In this photograph the sun is behind the subject, giving her an enhanced, almost angelic type look. While the photograph is of lighter origin, the background is darker, creating a clear point of where the subject is. The photographer most likely went about using a light meter by taking into consideration the positioning of the sun and what effect he was aiming for in the photograph. 

Light: Activity 2

Single Light Source vs. Multiple Light Source

When taking photographs, there are things to consider that do not fall under the simplicity of poses or stay hairs. Lighting is a crucial part any photograph, as it can contribute to mood and/or effect of the piece. 

In this photograph, the model is light by only one source, her hair and other features almost obscured by the blackness while only her face is in true clarity. This creates a slightly more dramatic appearance. It also makes the image potentially look darker in mood, while a photograph using multiple light sources of the same model may cause it to appear more uplifting and cheerful. The light strikes the face of the subject, illuminating only her and nothing in the background. It also helps to add a dynamic of exaggerated light and shadows. 

Josh Lynn

In this photograph, a multiple light source is used. The light comes from both the setting sun behind the couple and the car headlights. The setting sun allows for the image to have a softer glow while the lights of the car add additional lights to couple. Even though there are multiple light sources, there are ways to achieve softer looks and include deep shadows as well as pools of darker color. 

Though it may seem like light is not a very big point in a photograph, it can possibly make the picture; or break it. 

Light: Activity 1 blog

Light

The effect that light can have on a subject is crucial both when viewing and taking a picture. It can add character to a piece or it can take it away. Some people may believe that a soft, more diffused light will look better when it comes to taking pictures; especially in relation to portraits. However, this is not always the case. In some cases, a harder light may add something more to the piece and enhance shadows along the grooves and curves of a subject to add to the charisma.

Matthew Hanlon

In the case of this photograph, the hard light enhances the portrait rather than take away from it as a softer light may do. The shadows that are created from the lighting choice creates a mood that is more serious and harsh. It also helps to define both the muscles and the tattoos that are displayed on the boxer. The picture appears to be deeper than it really is, looking almost as if the boxer's fist is going to be coming out of the photograph.

Jim Hermer

 The hard light in this portrait helps to define the features on both people and creates what appears to be an uplifting atmosphere. It creates pools of shadows that add to the charm of the piece as well as add an additional balance of contrast. 

In this photograph, a softer light is used to create a more joyful appearance. The soft light also helps to hide the hard lines on the face of the model. The light also enhances the colors and smooths out the details of the face.




Through these three examples a photographer can see that light can enhance a picture; if it smooths the details out or brought out. It depends on the quality of the light and what one may choose to utilize to achieved the desired photograph.  

Taylor Swift/Vance Joy Concert

Frame and Composition Blog 4

Balance and Visual Weight 

Balance is an essential piece of every photograph.

Taken by: Julie Waterhouse

Even though the subjects in this photograph are in the distance and to the bottom left corner, there is still a stable and consistent balance throughout the composition. The horses are a dull brown, and do not jump out too much against the misty gray background and swampish green grass; but are vibrant enough to be noticed. 

Taken by: Julie Waterhouse

This image is very unlike its counterpart. The flowers are very vibrant against the darker background, creating an overall distracting visual effect. This, therefore, is an example of a photograph that has a very poor visual balance and unlike the image above, is not very appealing to the viewer. 

Taken by: Calista Gonzales

This image is balanced because the subjects are not bright enough to be disorientating and the background matches smoothly with the composition of the subjects. The subjects fill the frame instead of being in only one part of the frame. 

Taken by: Calista Gonzales

This image has a good visual balance. Though the subjects are to the side of the frame, the background is not to bright or distracting and it is clear where the subject is and what they are doing. The composition is smooth throughout the photograph as well.

Taken by: Calista Gonzales

This photograph is a good example of a visual balance. Even though the composition was taken in a concert setting, the subject is still clear against the dark background, but is not bright enough where it is distracting or hides some of the details. 

Taken by: Calista Gonzales

This picture has slightly different characteristics as the rest of them. The image is brighter and the composition is lighter. The background is lighter, witch matches with the lightness of the rest of the image. This photograph also displays a well preformed example of a visual balance.

-Calista

Frame and Composition Blog 3

Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds states that a photograph should be divided into nine squares of equal sizes with two horizontal lines and two vertical lines. At one of the intersecting points should be the subject.

Taken by: Jim Zuckerman

This composition is a very successful and well-defined example of rule of thirds. The subject of the photograph, witch in this case is the cheetah, is aligned in an intersecting points of the vertical and horizontal lines. The photographer made the image more interesting and appealing to the eye by not positioning the animal in the center of the image, rather on the side. 

Taken by: Kathryn Schauer

This is another example of rule of thirds. Unlike the above picture, the graph is not visually represented on the photograph, but if applied it would be come clear that the subject, witch in this case is a do, is at one of the intersecting points of the lines. 

Taken by: Nick

Taken by: LaForge Photograp

This image is a very poor example of rule of thirds. Instead of lining the subject, which in this case is the surf board, up with one of the intersecting points of the grid, the photographer centered the subject, witch overall is not very interesting or appealing to the eye. 



This image is also a poor example of rule of thirds. The photographer, much like the above photo, centered the image rather than placing it of to the left or right, which would have made the composition more interesting as a whole.






Rule of thirds, overall, is something to consider when taking photographs. In some cases it may not matter, but in others it could mean the difference between a well-taken photo to a breath taking one.

-Calista  

More Portraits!

It is important to remember that you need to focus more on your subject than the background; a shallow depth of field generally helps the viewers focus on one main point. 

Frame & Composition: Blog 2

"To quote out of context is the essence of the photographer's craft. His central problem is a simple one: what shall he include, what shall he reject? The line of decision between in and out is the picture's edge. While the draughtsman starts the middle of the street, the photographer starts with the frame. The photograph's edge defines content. It isolates unexpected juxtapositions. By surrounding two facts, it creates a relationship. The edge of the photograph dissects familiar forms, and shows their unfamiliar fragment. It creates the shapes that surround the objects. The photographer edits the meanings and the patterns of the world through an imaginary frame. This frame is the beginning of his picture's geometry. It is to the photograph as the cushion is to the billiard table." John Szarkowski 

Questions to consider...

Q. What does John Szarkowski mean when he says that photographers are quoting 'out of context' when they make photographic pictures?

A. When John Szarkowski states that photographers are quoting out of context, he means that they are taking an image and/or situation and applying their own contextual ideas or thoughts to the piece in the way it represented. 

Q. The frame often 'dissects familiar forms'. At the end of the last century photography was having a major impact on Art. Impressionist artists such as Degas were influenced by what they saw. Look at these example of Degas work, which clearly shows the influence of photography and explains why the public might have been shocked to see such paintings. 

A. The public may have been shocked to see such paintings because of the strong influence that photos gave in reference to the actual image that was captured inside the painting. 

Taken by: Calista Gonzales

Macro Photography

Taken by: Calista Gonzales

Macro photography is very useful if you are looking to make the subject into a stronger focal point. The usual goal of a photograph  that is taken using a Macro lens or setting, is to make the subject appear clear and detailed while the background appears fuzzy. 
This picture of two bear cubs is a representation of Marco photography. I zoomed in closer on my subjects to make them appear not only closer, but be able to capture them in a clearer detail. 

Taken by: Calista Gonzales

In this picture of a rose, I used the Macro setting and got very very close to the subject. The lens was nearly touching the flower when I took the shot, but I still managed to make the background appear very blurry and the petals of the flower to remain vibrant and clear in detail. 

Ansel Adams

"When the world becomes unclear, I shall focus with photographs.  When images become inadequate I shall be content with silence." ~Ansel Adams 

Fram and Composition: Activity 1

Filling the frame 

 The photographer that took both of these pictures found a simple background in order to keep the focus on the subjects; rather than the whole image. 

Yellow Summer Taken by Nadin

In the first image, the photographer used a shallow depth of field in order to focus in on the coupe. She also picked a very simple background (a meadow and a blue sky) in order to not distract her audience by anything that is busy. The subjects stand out more because the background is light while both hair and clothing choice is dark.

Russian Winter_5 Taken by Nadin

For this Russian Winter picture, the photographer again blurs out the background in order to ensure that the focal point is the subject. Instead of taking it from a slight distance, as she did in the above picture, she fills the photograph with the subject's face, making it nearly impossible for something else to be the focal point of the image. The subjects face and clothing is in sharp detail while the things around it are out of focus.

This skill is very useful when you want to make sure that the subject of your photograph is clear, and there is no possibility of it being something else. In my own opinion, it also looks nicer and more appealing to the eye. Not only is the subject taking up a majority of the image, the background is blurred to a point where you can only concentrate on one thing. There is no busy work in the background to distract your eye, and it is simple enough to be nice but complicated enough to be intriguing.