Final...Life

So I finally developed all my film for my final project and made my contact sheets. I must say that I am quite impressed by the picture I captured. I feel as though I have at least 10 pictures I can choose. I am definitely glad that I took 5 rolls of film. I now must focus on trying to make prints with no dust marks. Unfortunately I feel that I do not have the best luck with my pictures.

On a different note, I wish at the last critique that we could have talked more about our photos. I feel that there is so much more meaning behind my pictures than the viewer knows. I was dissappointed in myself about the picture of Andy meditating. I do not know why I did not notice the letter coming out of his head. I think I had a hard time with portraits, because of my lack of interest in people. I mean most of my Thanksgiving pictures do not involve people.

It is weird to thing that this was the last time I have to develop film and make contact sheets. I cannot believe photo is almost over. Of course I am happy it was not all pinhole photography like Mentoring through the Arts.

I only have two weeks left of class. I am counting the days until Florida. I am excited to show my parents my photos I have taken.

That is all I feel like writing now. I am not doing all the other work I should be doing. I should not have eaten all that free candy at dinner. I am crashing fast.

Final Project- Thanksgiving

So this was my first Thanksgiving without my family. My parents moved to FL and there was no way I could fly down there with out costing me my arm and legs. So I went to my boyfriend's house. I was nervous about the whole thing. I was even more nervous because I decided to do my final project on Thanksgiving. I was nervous about how they would react to me snapping pictures left and right. Would the kick me out? I woke up at 6am with my boyfriend's mother and she was shocked. She told me to go back to bed, but I refused and started snapping away at the uncooked turkey. I was very tired so I don't know how these shots came out but we will have to wait and see. Then we all went back to bed. Then back up at 8am to do some more work. It was hard balancing cooking and taking pictures at the same time, but I did my best. His parents called me over whenever they thought something would make an interesting picture. There are a lot of pictures of food which I am sure will make me hungry when I print them. It was a nice way to document the day. His family was so amazed that I was actually using film. His dad asked if I could upload the pictures I was taking, I said they were film and he was shocked. He didn't think anyone used film now a days. I cannot wait to see how my pictures came out. I took five rolls so I am hoping to get at least 10 pictures from them. We will have to wait and see. I am going to try to finish my portrait photos and develop my Thanksgiving film on Sunday. I want to try to get a lot done. It has been had trying to balance student teaching and photo. Photo takes up a lot of time, and time is one thing I do not have enough of. I have gotten all my assignment done on time so I am pretty proud of that. I just need to keep it up. Until Sunday, CIAO CIAO!

Eek!

When things go up they must come back down... I finished all my self-portrait and portrait pictures. I am happy with how they came out. Unfortunately, my final project is not working out. I do not know what to do now. I am getting stressed about it. I need to take picture soon, because the final project is due during my takeover. I start taking over next week, which means I am not going to have a life. I talked to my Mom about the project and she said maybe I can do a Thanksgiving theme. I thought it would be cool. I am not sure how my boyfriend's family would feel about me taking pictures of them eating. It will be awkward, but of course when is life not awkward. I liked the hand idea, but I do not want to do something that everyone else does. I think it would be cool to take pictures through gates and things like that, but I just do not have the time to go and look for things. I might do the Thanksgiving thing, because I would have a lot to work with. I will talk to Sonia tomorrow to see what she thinks.

Light and Shadow

In class last Tuesday Sonia and I spent around 45 minutes trying to figure out which photos to pick for my light and shadow project. There were so many that I liked it was hard to choose which ones. We finally decided on picture that told the story of someones life and the changes that occur. It is definitely not something I would have ever pieced together on my own, but I love the outcome. I cannot wait to finish with all my pictures. It will be great to see them all together. It was funny when I was developing Snowhite (the bear) that I didn't even notice the hand in the picture. I feel as though I have a weird obession with hands or something because they are always in my photos. It probably all started with the hand and watch picture I took. Today I am going to go back to the lab and finish printing my photos. I have been working on pictures for my portrait roll. I have been taking pictures of my boyfriend Andy. I need to finish taking pictures of him today too. Also I think I am going to take my camera to school for my self-potrait. I thought I would take a pictures that are snapshots of a typical day that experience.

Contact Sheet Story

I find it interesting to see what type of story can be formed from my pictures. I was surprised by the picture the person chose. It was weird seeing certain picture next to each other. I think it is cool to tell a story with pictures.I had a lot of fun with the pictures I chose. I know we are doing it again this week and I am wondering if we will get to do it with our pictures.
This weekend I took my picture of using light in a meaningful way. On Saturday night when I was on duty for being a Resident Assistant, I took pictures with a fellow RA when we were on break. It was a lot of fun. The following morning I woke up bright and early and took pictures on Sunday morning. My plan was to take pictures on Saturday during the day, but it rained all day and there wasn't much light. I had a lot of fun taking pictures of shadows. I took pictures of my shadows a lot. My arms heurt after from balancing my camera. Anyways, I learned my lesson about trying to get the film on the reel last time, so I practiced a bit before I did. The practice paid off, because I got both films on, on my very first try. I am happy with the way my pictures turned out and I cannot wait to do the activity tonight.

Margaret Bourke-White

Today I went to the library and I looked at a bunch of books by different photographers. I looked at Richard Avedon, Brassai, Marth Casanave, Deborah Willis, and Margaret Bourke- White. Most of the books included picture of people. For some reason, picture of people do not interest me very much. I like pictures of architecture, which I have said many times before. After looking at the different books, I did not hesitate when choosing a picture by Margaret Bourke- White. I didn’t even have to look very far to find the picture, since the one I loved was on the cover. The picture is called View from Grillwork. What jumped out at me in this picture was the used of an object like a grill to frame a picture. I love pictures like this. I have tried to take picture using this effect. My first try with this was when I took a picture through the chain-linked fence. Then, over the weekend I took a picture through a grill such as this one of a shadow. I have been trying to figure out what it is about these types of picture that make me love them so much. One reason I can think of is that I like to bring the viewer into my shoes. I want them to see thing not so clearly. I guess I wish to make the viewer go into the picture. I believe it is a risky thing to do in a picture, because you must force them past the object that is stopping their eye from going into the pictures. Also I love the fact that it makes the picture like a puzzle. It breaks apart the picture into many different pieces.
Not only does this picture have the grill method, but behind it is ARCHITECTURE. There is no way I could pass this picture up. The lighting on the building really brings the picture to life. The light highlights the buildings to show the details of them. This picture is not focused on people or the street below. These two things are both left in the shadows of the architectural monstrosities from above. I often criticize myself, because I have the focus of my picture in the middle, but this picture proves to me that sometimes it is okay to do so. If I moved the building to either of the sides I do not believe it would have the same magnificent composition that it does.

Two Landscapes

* I also posted this on Sonia's site, but I figured I would post it here too!
The two photographs that depict landscape are very different from one another. I felt that the first picture by Thomas Joshua Cooper did not even appear to be a landscape photograph to me. There does not seem to be a major focus of the picture. It is full of action and it brings the viewer into the action. The picture also seems unrealistic with all the cable coming out at the bottom. It seems that it is a picture of technology mixed with natural elements. The mysterious mist leaves the viewer in the unknown. I really do not know what to interpret it as. It looks as though it could be a waterfall, but it could also just be mist. There is a set foreground, but the background is lost in the mist. One reason for this is to let the viewer decide what is actually in the background. Therefore it can be said that this picture has somewhat of a shallow depth of field.
The second picture by Ansel Adams has a different approach to a landscape photograph. This picture is an example of what I feel all landscape photographs are like. It shows a variety of different elements in the landscape. The focus of the picture is more apparent than in the first photograph. The viewer has a larger view of what is actually happening. There is action in this picture, but the viewer is not brought directly into being in the action. The motion of the picture stays in the picture, while in Thomas Joshua Cooper’s picture the action it directed toward the viewer. This picture shows the whole foreground and background and can be categorize as having a deep depth of field. It is a very realistic picture, and it does not lend itself to make the viewer really think about the photo. It is a picture that lays everything out for you.

Landscape

My second love is landscapes. I just love landscapes in nature and all around. I especially love framing landscapes at the following website:http://www.davidmiddletonphoto.com/gallery_general.html is a picture of a nice framing of a picture of a landscape. It is I believe of the grand canyon. There is this arch on the left that pulls you in and forces you eye along into the landscape. It is an incredible composition. I have been trying in my pictures sometimes to create such a frame. Like in a picture I took of Boston harbor in Charlestown with the chain. I though it was funny that it was by a Man named David Middleton. It says he takes a lot of photos for Outdoor Photographer, which is the only magazine my Mom subscribes too. She is a photographer herself and loves to take picture in nature. I think my Mom has an influence on what my tastes are in pictures. I can remember all the time that I would help her sort through her slide to find the best one's to use in a show. She always took so many pictures. It is her passion. When I walk around and take picture I appreciate more what she does. I can see how she gets sucked into taking pictures and you don't want to stop. It is such a great feeling when you find something interesting to take a picture of.

The Art of Architecture

Every since I can remember I have loved architecture. I just was amazed at all the different types and varieties. It was one of the major reasons I went to Rome. When I went there I would always take pictures of all the unique architecture everywhere I went. I was never sure why I never became an architect. I guess I just like looking at it instead of creating it. I found this photograph that caught my eye. I love doors and how they can lead you to many places. Instead of a closed door that leads the viewer to wonder what is behind it, this picture has the open door. It gives you a sneak peek at what is behind it. The architecture is so old and rustic. The floor is amazing too. The lighting brings a whole new element to the picture. It leads you to believe that the cat is just going to walk right through the door. This picture is very narrative in that it tells a story. It might not tell the same story to every viewer but it draws you into the picture.

Film Developing

Sorry I haven't had a lot of time in the past two days to write about my crazy film developing experience on Sunday. I went to cushing martin to develop my two rolls of film. I thought I had enough practice and would be able ot just put the film right on the reel, but boy was I wrong. 1 hour later I had both films on the reels and lock up in the canister. It was definitely an experience that I will remember. The dark bag was so tight it was cutting off the circulation to my hands. It was not good at all. What was happening was I would reel on the whole roll and the last part just didn't want to go on and ended up taking part of the roll off. I then would start all over again. I am happy to report that my film turnde out pretty well and there were not as may scrathes as I thought there would be.

Life

So a lot has happened since the last time I wrote in this blog of mine. I was never good at writing in journals, so I guess this is an example of that! I will have to rewind a bit to have you get the full picture.
When I heard we were doing pinhole cameras, I said to myself, YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME! I guess my experience from Mentoring Through the Arts has ruined my chances at every loving pinhole cameras. All I could remember was what a pain in the butt they were. Also, how I could never get mine to work properly. I couldn't believe I had to make them again. But then I thought maybe I learned something from the experience.
Of course this time around it seemed like it was just as hard as it when last fall. My cameras did not feel like working. I don't know, I must be cursed or something. I tried all three I made and none of them seemed to want to work. I was very disappointed about it. The frustration from last year just came back. I couldn' believe that it ws happening again! I decided to go back to what worked for me last year. I used a film canister and it seemed to work the best. So I charged back to my room and realized the only film cansiter I had was clear. Then I had to run around to Walmart, then CVS, and finally at Walgreens I picked up some electric tape. Then I ran back home to start taking pictures. For my pinholes I decided to take them all of Pooh. I chose Pooh, because for this week only I have Pooh. Pooh travel aroung in my staff each week and we are suppose to document different things we do with him. I thought this would be a great way to do that. I had a lot of fun and I think Pooh did too. He stood by me when I was failing and now he could see my succeed. My pinhole pictures came out pretty well I am happy with all of them.I was proud I actually got pictures to come out. I think what was keeping me sane was the fact that I knew I would be able to use a camera for the next assignment.
At photo class I was very impressed at some of the other students photos. I wish I could have had bigger pictures like they did. I feel mine were overlooked, because they were so small. I felt better after hearing the stories about how hard other people had doing this assignment. It made me feel good that I wasn't the only one dealing with this issue.
The next assignment was to take two rolls of film showing motion and depth of field. I thought this assignment wasn't to bad when I got it. I thought it should not take to long. I went into Charlestown on that Saturday and decided I would shoot a roll there. So that is what I did. I didn't realize how long it was going to take me to take a roll of film. I mean it had 36 pictures on each roll. It was fun and relaxing to just walk around Charlestown and take pictures of things I saw that I have never seen before. I even went to Bunker Hill, which I never had been before. It was an amazing day. I thought a lot of my photos would come out very well. I was very proud of what I accomplished. I also realized how much easier digital photography actually is. It was hard not being able to see if my picture came out or not. I just crossed my fingers and hoped for them best.
This past Tuesday in class we learn how to develop film. I definitely don't ever remember developing film to be such a lengthy process as it was. Maybe I only remember the good times of photo. Myself and another girl went into darkroom to put our film on a reel to develop. It wasn't to bad, but it was just weird not being able to see anything and just have to trust your senses. I must admit that it was very difficult to open the film canister to get the film out. It was a pain. I had to really pry it open. I tried to be super careful not to touch the film, but it was definitely hard. Finally I finished getting it in the film developer canister and started the long process. It took time, but it was worth seeing my pictures in the end. I can't wait until I see my pictures from the other roll I took too.
Now it is Sunday and I have a lot to do. I am going out to shoot a roll focused on framing and composition. I think I am just going to walk around school to take pictures for this one. I am just going to do my best and see what comes out. I can't wait to see what I can come up with. Well there is not time like the present, so next time I return I will have all three rolls developed.

Staged: Constructed Narrative in Comtemporary Photography

Last Thursday I went to Staged: Constructed Narrative in Comtemporary Photography show in Cushing Martin. It was a great show with a lot of amazing photo. I loved the compositions. I thought it was awesome how much photographs can actually tell a story. Every photo I was drawn to, because I want to understand or figure out the story it was trying to portray. Obvious the photos don't portray the same stories to everyone, but it was fun to try to make one. There was one artist that I really liked and the was Ri Anderson. I thought her work was amazing. I think I related to it more since it was black and white. It seems weird to like the photographs that portrayed death, but I guess that was what was so interesting to me. She took pictures of things that are not so pleasant and yet are at the same time. She stepped out of the safe box of happy picture and create a world of the unknown. I believe curosity of the viewers is what makes these pictures so great. None of the picture were very graphic in a violent nature, but more poetic. My favorite was called "The Burnt House". I was just totally blown away by it. The use of light was incredible and convey such a peacefulness quality. The body/person in the tub just caught my attention right away and brought me into the picture. I examed the picture closely and realized the reflection in the mirror. The reflection was of a man's sholuder and arm in a position as if he was peering into the room. I thought this element was amazing. It added another layer to her picture that most of her other pictures didn't have. I hope that one day I can capture such a rich picture. I think I learned a lot about how a pictures can tell such amazing stories all captured in one moment. I think I will definitely consider this element when taking my own photos.