Robin Michals | COMD 1340 Photography 1

Author: MARCEL

Final Project Statement & Mood Board

My project is not just about capturing portraits; it’s a visual exploration of the connections and routines that shape my life. Each of the 10 people I have chosen holds a unique place in my heart, and by photographing them in my workplace at different times of the day, I am not only freezing moments in time but also revealing the subtleties of their personalities and the roles they play in my daily life.

Photography, as a medium, has the extraordinary ability to convey emotion and atmosphere. Shooting during the afternoon, with its warm, soft light, can emphasize the familiarity and comfort that these individuals bring to my routine. As the day transitions into night, the changing light can be used symbolically to represent the evolving nature of my relationships, as darkness falls and the workday winds down.

My reference to the compositional principles, as introduced by photographer Suzanne Stein, is a clever choice. The rule of thirds, for instance, helps create a balanced and aesthetically pleasing composition, guiding the viewer’s eye to the subjects. The “frame within a frame” technique adds depth and context, effectively capturing not just the person but the setting in which I connect with them. “Fill the frame” focuses solely on the subject, intensifying the viewer’s connection to the person. Lastly, the “dominant eye” technique can bring out the soulful essence of the people I am photographing, emphasizing their character and presence.

As I capture these individuals in their workplace, I am also documenting the intersection of my personal and professional lives. This blend adds a unique layer to my project, revealing the spaces where my bonds with these people unfold. It’s a testament to the richness of my daily life and the significance of these individuals in my journey.

In conclusion, my project is not just a series of portraits but a deep exploration of the connections and routines that shape my world. Through photography and the application of compositional techniques, I am telling a powerful narrative about the impactful faces in my life and the spaces where these bonds are nurtured, bridging the personal and professional aspects of my daily existence.

HW#2 – Hula Hoops

For this assignment, I went to a few spots scattered over the weekend, taking shots in Queens and the City. I went to places such as areas in Forest Hills and the Metropolitan Museum on Fifth Ave; the reason I chose these places was because the museum was for the ease of capturing a photograph in one spot, for instance, I took photographs of statues, relics, and other artifacts I found interesting. In Forest Hills, the largely woodsy neighborhoods have old style houses that are great for taking up the frameā€”filling the frame.

I also included some night shots that looked great; check them out.

In the link provided, I put together an album of photographs from my visit. Enjoy!

https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAUuRP

Marcel Roman_HW1-Compositions

For my assignment, I chose a portrait photograph by Suzanne Stein. Suzanne Stein is aĀ social documentary/street photographer currently in New York City. Through her photography, Suzanne captures the intensity and emotions of those living and suffering with addiction on the streets. The portrait I was drawn to the most was from her ā€˜Kensingtonā€™ project, where Suzanne captured the raw life of Philadelphiaā€™s drug ridden side of the city. The portrait instantly reminded me of a time I lived near the same area of Philadelphia and how I would avoid the ā€˜zombie-landā€™. The photograph I chose, by Suzanne, was one of a subjectā€™s portrait, where I believe their intention is to show a side of beauty even through disasterous circumstances.

Suzanne encapsulates the subjectā€™s beauty with a close-up portrait, in the highlight of a sunny day in Kensington, Philadelphia. This method of portraying the subject creates a tremendous contrast between the subject and their environment. What is key in this photograph is the ability to see these contrasts and understand the difference between a subjective- and objective-view. My biased opinion is that the subject is attractive, whereas some others would see the subject and look at them in distaste for being from the drug infested environment, or even in pity for partaking in such drastic activities.

The photograph depicts a young brunette with European facial features and freckles over the ridge of their nose. The subject holds a sultry gaze over you, with parts of their hair billowing over their face. The photographer chose this subject as part of their ā€˜Kensingtonā€™ photo project, so I am to assume the subject is also one of the unfortunate citizens of the ā€˜zombie-landā€™. In the portrait, the photograph uses a few compositional aspects as once, such as ā€œCenter the Dominant Eyeā€ā€”centering the subjectā€™s eye along an intersectionā€”ā€œFill the Frameā€, where the subject is taking up the entire portrait, and ā€œFigure to Groundā€ā€”using the darkness of the subjectā€™s hair to contrast with their skin tone and face.

Linked below is the photograph, by Suzanne Stein, and their project on ā€˜Kensingtonā€™.

https://www.suzannesteinphoto.com/Kensington/i-Zbw5sVG/A