Robin Michals | COMD 1340 Photography 1
4 pts. Due Feb 20. This assignment is inspired by the short movie ” the Powers of Ten” made by the Eames office in 1977.
Working outside in good light, photograph 5 different scenes in four ways:
Post your 20 photos to an album on Flickr. Send your best group of four photos – in other words four photos of the same scene – to the class group.
Imagine that you have a hula hoop. Put it on the ground (during the day in a place with good light) and do not step out of it. You could also think that you are in one of those social distancing circles that have been drawn in some parks. Take 10 photos without leaving the circle. Use every strategy that we have discussed in class: angle of view, close ups and long shots, negative space, filling the frame, diagonal lines, leading lines, to make the most interesting and varied photos possible from that one place.
Find two more spots and repeat for a total of 30 photos.
Post to Flickr and put in an album.
Due Tuesday, February 13 at 12 pm noon.
https://www.thomasholton.com/work/chinatownsurface
Thomas Holton’s “Chinatown Surface” is a captivating photographic series that offers a unique and intimate glimpse into the daily lives of Chinese-American families living in New York City’s Chinatown. Through a meticulous and thoughtful approach, Holton delves into the complexities of cultural identity, family dynamics, and urban life.
Holton’s project spans over a decade, showcasing a deep commitment to capturing the multifaceted aspects of Chinatown’s community. The photographer’s immersive engagement with the subjects and their environments allows for a nuanced representation that goes beyond stereotypes, presenting a rich tapestry of stories within the Chinese-American experience.
Chinatown Surface by Thomas Holton masterfully employs the principles of the rule of thirds, Fill the Frame, and Patterns and Repetition to create a visually compelling narrative. Holton’s adept use of the rule of thirds guides the viewer’s gaze through each frame, skillfully placing subjects at key intersections, enhancing the overall composition. The Fill the Frame technique is evident in the tight, intimate shots, immersing the audience in the details of daily life within New York City’s Chinatown. Furthermore, Patterns and Repetition play a crucial role in conveying the rhythm and harmony of the community’s existence, as seen in the recurring motifs of bustling market scenes, intricate architectural details, and the ebb and flow of daily rituals. Through these compositional elements, Holton not only captures the essence of the Chinatown experience but also invites viewers to connect with the subjects on a profound and personal level.
In Thomas Holton’s “Chinatown Surface,” the meticulous combination of elements such as color, composition, and narrative intricacy serves to evoke a poignant mood and a rich emotional atmosphere within each photograph. Holton’s careful consideration of color, often vibrant and culturally resonant, contributes to a visual vibrancy that reflects the dynamic life within Chinatown. The composition, with its thoughtful framing and attention to detail, captures both the intimacy of family life and the broader urban context. This balance adds layers to the mood, offering viewers a nuanced understanding of the subjects’ experiences. Furthermore, Holton’s incorporation of audio interviews and written narratives deepens the emotional impact by providing a personal context to the visual elements. These narrative layers allow the audience to connect not only with the visual aesthetics but also with the stories and emotions embedded in each frame, fostering a profound and empathetic engagement with the subjects and their daily lives. Through these carefully orchestrated elements, “Chinatown Surface” resonates with authenticity and emotion, creating a mood that transcends the visual to offer a profound glimpse into the human experiences within this vibrant community.
On Feb 6, bring in a single shoe to photograph. It can be anything from a worn flip flop to the latest Jordans.
4pts. Due Feb 6, 12 noon. Post to OpenLab.
Review the Steve McCurry video:
http://petapixel.com/2015/03/16/9-photo-composition-tips-as-seen-in-photographs-by-steve-mccurry/
Look at the work of the photographers listed below. Then select one photograph by one of these photographers that really speaks to you and that you think is visually engaging. Once you have selected a photograph, write a 300-word post on OpenLab about the photograph.
Category: Student posts>HW1-Composition
1. Identify the photograph with the name of the photographer and the name of the photograph. Write a short description of the subject matter and location. Then, identify the intention of the photographer. What is the purpose of the image? What is the mood or feeling of the photograph?
2. Select three of the formal elements from the Steve McCurry video that are most important in the photo that you selected. Write a second paragraph describing the photographer’s use of those three compositional principles.
1. Rule of Thirds
2. Leading Lines
3. Diagonals
4. Frame within a frame
5. Figure to Ground
6. Fill the Frame
7. Dominant Eye
8. Patterns and Repetition
9. Symmetry
How do these elements help create the mood or feeling of the photograph?
Include a link to the photograph if you can’t include a version of the image so I can easily find it.
1. Suzanne Stein
https://www.suzannesteinphoto.com
Pick from either New York Street One, Two, or Three
2. Laila Annmarie Stevens
A House is Not a Home
https://www.lailaannmarie.com/a-house-is-not-a-home
3. Thomas Holton
The Lams of Ludlow Street
http://www.thomasholton.com/
4. Michael Kenna
Due April 17th, 12 pm, Noon. 4 pts.
Create a series of 30 portraits of at least 3 different subjects using window light or outdoor diffused light.
For each subject, shoot some in front view, some in three quarter view and some in profile.
Use the window as front light, side light and back light. When you are working with a window, you can’t move the light source so you and the subject must move.
You should be near or next to a window during the day.
The window can be in the photo or you can just use the light from the window.
Pay attention what is in the frame and make sure the background adds to the photo and is not distracting.
Your photos should use light and expression to be expressive. No props. If you have curtains or venetian blinds, you may use them as elements in the photos.
Experiment with different expressions and gestures and different framing (how much of your subject is in the frame.)
Upload the 30 photos to OpenLab and put them in an album. Send your best 3 – the best of each subject- to the class group.
Examples from previous semesters
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