Still Life with Studio Lighting

Digital Abstract Photography

In this project we took abstract photos digitally and then edited them using Photoshop to make them more abstract and interesting. When taking my pictures I experimented with using water and putting different materials in the water. I wanted my photographs to be about the shapes and textures created within them. I think that this was successful, especially in the first three photographs. I also tried to have my photographs capture a sense of movement, especially in the first two. 

This photograph was solarized in photoshop. 

This photograph was made cyanotype in photoshop. 

Abstract Photography

 For this project we experimented with taking abstract pictures. We tried to take pictures that focused on texture and detail instead of specific objects. We also used abstracting materials to enhance the picture. In my picture of wine glasses I filled the glasses with marbles and water to make it look more interesting. I also took pictures through a vegetable steamer, which created an abstract pattern. When printing these pictures we experimented with the techniques of sepia-toning and solarizing pictures in the darkroom.

 This print is made sepia-tone using coffee in the darkroom to give it a brown tint. 

This image has been solarized in the darkroom by exposing it to light for a few seconds halfway through the developing process.

This photo has also been sepia-toned using coffee in the darkroom.

Portraits

For this project we experimented with taking portraits. We took a series of portraits of the same person. Before starting to shoot, we looked at many different portrait photographs on flicker to get ideas for what techniques we could use when taking pictures. I tried to focus on capturing emotion and taking photos in an interesting setting. I think that my photographs would have been stronger if I had gotten closer and focused more the face. 

Urban Photography

For this project we focused on taking pictures in an urban setting. We tried to focus on the buildings and the setting more than the people. We each chose one famous urban photographer whose work we liked and took pictures in a similar style as them. The photographer I was inspired by was Eugene Atget. I noticed that many of his photos focused on alleys so I took multiple pictures of alleys, but I only printed one of them. I also tried to take pictures that focused on the lines of the architecture, more than the people, because Atget often took pictures early in the morning, so that there would be no people in them. Unfortunately, the photographs for this project did not scan very well, and have red at the bottom of them. I think some of my photographs, such as the second one down and the last one, were much more successful than others, but overall I am happy with the project.

Adjective Project- Weathered

The adjective I chose was weathered. The reason I chose that word was because I think things that have gone through time and are worn or antiquated are really interesting, because it makes an object have more personality. 

This image addresses the adjective because the wood the chair is made of is worn and the paint is chipped from being outside and exposed to the elements.

This image relates to the adjective because the wood is weathered and also has lichen growing on it, which makes it more interesting and shows it has been around for a long time.

In this image the wood is weathered and the picture itself looks antiquated and mysterious. 

This image addresses the adjective weathered because is old and rusted but also interesting and beautiful.

This image relates to the adjective weathered because the bricks are worn and they have texture. There are also plants growing in the bricks and bricks that are broken or missing.

This image looks weathered because the archway is made of old bricks that have been exposed to the elements. It is also not a modern looking structure, it's more antiquated and intriguing. 

Color

For this project we studied the color wheel. We make our own color wheel on photoshop, learning the different types of color groupings, such as complimentary, analogous, split complementary, and monochromatic. We then choose one successful photo to represent each type of color grouping. We tried to find object around campus and in nature that had these specific color themes. I think these photographs were successful because they do not look staged, but they have an intentional color composition. I also think they are successful because they do not only use color, but also use texture and detail. 

Complimentary

Analogous

Split Complimentary

Monochromatic