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.