Work in class on Assignment#2
FINAL PROJECT explained and assigned
For next week:
Continue shooting/printing for assignment #2
photogram demo
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FINAL PROJECT for COLOR PHOTOGRAHY :
(this is an important part of your overall grade)
Final critiques will be held during class on May 16th and May 23rd
Your Final Project - Photo Essay should
consist of at least 10 images that follow a theme of your choice. See below the dotted line for
more info.
This series can contain a text explanation,
text with each image, or no text at all.
Though they need not be “formally presented”.
i.e. in frames or mounted, please think about how you want them to be
seen. Will they be pinned up
horizontally, vertically, in the hallway, on the floor, in the elevator, on the
table, as a book, in a box, etc?
Will they have borders or be borderless? Think about photographs as
objects. Even if maybe the
arrangement isn’t quite right, we will discuss your projects possibilities
during the critique.
Images do not have to be “singular”, they can
be “compositions”. In this case,
we can figure out the exact quantity for the final, especially if they end up
being “larger”.
Need help thinking of an idea? Read the following info about photo
essays:
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From Basicphotography.com:
How to make photo
essay?
●
A photo essay is not
necessarily a group of pictures that tell a story, it can also be a group of
related images that reveal different aspects of a subject or theme. The purpose
of the essay is that the images taken as a whole provide the viewer more
information than any single picture can do on its own.
●
To make a successful
photo essay the photographer must have sufficient understanding of the subject
to portray more than merely its superficial qualities. This requires time as well
as making a lot of exposures. Each picture in an essay should be more than just
technically good; it must also show an interesting aspect of the subject and
relate to the overall tone. A good photo essay should have at least one
outstanding photograph, strong enough to stand on its own, which ties the whole
essay together.
●
I feel that producing
a picture essay is one of the more challenging assignments in photography. One
can portray a feeling such as the serenity of life in the country, or convey
one’s impression of a single building or a whole city. The range of subjects is
limitless.
Excerpts from “TRY A PICTURE ESSAY, It Can
Really Get You Hooked!” by Arthur Bleich
(http://www.dpcorner.com/howto/shoot.shtml)
● A picture essay is a group of photos connected by a theme. It's easier to shoot than
searching randomly for picture possibilities because the theme determines the
kinds of shots you'll need.
● Is there a bridge that’s always fascinated you? An
intriguing deserted farm? A particular block in your city that’s alive with
action? Choose anything that can be tied together by the sum of its parts, but
not something so big that it becomes overwhelming.
● Instead, stick to essay themes that you can control and which are relatively
self- contained. Remember, you don’t have to shoot the whole enchilada. For
example, if you choose a bridge, you can narrow it down to exclude certain
aspects such as people and cars if you’re just interested in exploring its
design elements such as cables, towers, and structural patterns.
● Your pictures should make people say: "Gee, that's an interesting angle," or
"I never noticed that before," or "What a beautiful time of day
you chose to shoot this." Don’t forget the little details. They may not be
particularly outstanding alone but when used in the context of the essay will
enrich it. For example, if you’re shooting that exciting city block, a fire
hydrant with a smiley face drawn on it or graffiti sprayed on a wall are images
that make strong visual statements so don’t neglect to shoot them.
Some example photo essays:
●
http://jpgmag.com/themes/closed has a list of a lot of theme ideas. NOTE: these are not photo essays, as
the photos in each category have been taken by various people. But this is a
good place to look for ideas.
Lots of great content.
