Final Proposal

In my shots I want to portray myself through abstract and ambiguous photographs. The point I want to get across is that of my personality. Parts of my persona, which not a lot of people know about. I find it easier to express my self through words. But with this assignment, I will try to translate my words into photos. Though this assignment might be the hardest of all the others, I fairly confident I will do well. I never considered myself a very “artsy” person, I am just a really hard worker and this assignment it is no different. There is something intriguing in this assignment hat I find because all others required a specific content and this one requires me to use all my creativity as well as all the work I have done. I will do my best to portray myself through my own artistic craft through the avenue of photography. I will do my best to apply all my learned skills and produce the best photos I can.

class saturday

Don't forget to bring your matting and mounting supplies to class (board and mounting papers - both available at TX Art). We will spend the first half of class matting and mounting our final project - and the second half doing our final critique and assigned clean-up for the semester. See you guys Saturday!

MFAH VISIT

I really enjoyed viewing the different type of prespective in regard to the artisits that we saw that the museum. I gained a great deal of knowledge from viewing some of the portraits on display.

Magnum Photos- Dogs

Enjoy

MFAH Visit

April 8th, 11 am.

See you there! Here is a link to the correct building.

listings of famous photographers

11. HILL & ADAMSON, a Scottish painter Hill, David Octavius an arts activist collaborated with the engineer and photographer Robert Adamson between 1843 and 1847 to pioneer many aspects of photographer in Scotland. The two photographed local and Fife lanscapes and urban scences, including images of the Scott Monument. They also photographed ordinary working folk, particularly the fishermen of New Haven.
12. Lewis Hine, an American photographer. FOr Hine, the camera was both a research tool and an instrument of social reform. Hine photographed life in the steel-making districts and people of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In the early 1920s and early 1930s, Hines made a series of "work portrait," which emphasized the human contribution to modern industry.
13. Yousuf Karsh, a Canadiam photographer of ethnic American birth. Karsh was a master in the use of studio lights. He photographed many of the great and celebrated personalities of his generation.
14. Helen Levitt is an American documentary photographer. Lewitt became intrigued with the transitory chalk drawing that were part of the New York children's dtreet culture of the time.
15. Robert Mapplethorpe was a controversial American portrait and art photographer. His carrer entailed widely exhibited photos ranging from sexually explicitly to sublimely beatiful. His photos were elegantly composed, sometimes shocking nude males.
16. Arnold Newman considered a master of portraiture, Newman has produced indelible images of people from all walks of life. He is best known for his portraits of celebrites, particularly artists, whom he depicts in the contexts of their profession, identifying the sitter with his or her accomplishments.
17.Poul Outerbridge an American photographer noted for early use and experiment in color photography. Outerbridge was a fashion and commercial photographer, an early pioneer and teacher of color photography, and an artist, who created erotic nudes photographs that could not be exhibited in his lifetime.
18. Gordon Parks a groundbreaking African-American photographer, musician, poet, novelist, journalist, activist and film director. For 20 years, Parks produced photos on subjects including fashion, sports, Broadway, poverty, racial segregation, and portraits of Malcolm X.
19. Carleton Watkins a noted 19th century Californian. Watkins became interested in landscape photography and soon started making photographs of California mining scenes and Yosemite Valley. He became famous for his series of photographs and historic stereoviews of Yosemite Valley in the 1860s, and also created a variety images of California and Oregon in the 1870s and later.

Proposal Revision

When I wrote my proposal earlier this semester, I chose to work on isolation and obscurity, but directed it in three areas: isolation of communities, urban renewal and portraiture. Now that we are a little more than halfway through the semester, I feel that I was a bit too ambitious in that proposal and would like to narrow my focus a bit.

My overall body of work this semester supports the "isolation of communities" and "urban renewal" parts of my proposal. However, I have not pursued portraiture so far this semester and feel that making a concerted effort to do so outside of the context of urban renewal and community isolation would dilute the overall message I am trying to convey.

I would like to continue to focus on the mechanisms which isolate and break down a sense of community and how "urban renewal" speeds up that process. The images will consist largely of urban landscapes, though the occasional picture of a human being in that urban environment may also appear. I feel I can increase the power of my message by presenting my work as multiple sets of two related images.

Turning in work

Don't forget...

20 Famous Photographers summaries, one-page statement on your photographer, and film shot and ready to be processed for Saturday. (You will turn in a total of 100 negatives, which is roughly 3 rolls).

Re-read the assignment sheet for details, and post any comments you have.

See you soon - after a very long time...

disappointed

I really regret the fact that I had to miss class on the critique on the burning and spotting. I didn't get the opportunity to spend as much time on this subject like I would have and I believe that I would have learned additional information.

PHOTO 2: Revisiting Your Proposal

PHOTO 2: Revisiting Your Proposal

Look over your initial proposal, and consider how the imagery you have collected thus far this semester supports or rejects your initial goals. What might you do at this point to push your work, on a visual as well as a conceptual level? Read and rewrite your proposal with these ideas in mind.

Consider the technical folder as separate, unless the results you have found support or have altered this proposal.

Dodging and Burning

I am really liking this. I have not had time to look up my Artist work to see how I can emulate her. But this week I should have more time.

Subject-ives

Well, for this shoot, I tried some different things such as using people, and trying to use more depth of field. I think I gotten a little better when it comes to understanding depth of field.I had a pretty scary experience when I was shooting some train shots. Well, it started running as i was on top of it,thus couldnt get my shot. I had to jump off going at least 15 miles an hour.hehehehe... Im really looking foward to this project,using filters, time intervals. Cant wait for tommorow...

Irving Penn

I found a good article on Irving Penn. Enjoy.
GW

SAYING GOODBYE

Well I'm writing my last post in this blog. Something personal came up this past weekend and I have to withdraw from this class. I wish that there was a way to work around this but it will very difficult to do so. I enjoyed working with everybody and had a great time learning from Shannon. Again, it was a pleasure to know each of you and take care of yourselves.

Sincerely,

Juan

two pictures with substance

Today I picked two pictures to represent what I've learned thus far. The contact sheets really give myself and others the opportunity to be critical and positive about their work. At the same time this process of ultilizing shudder speeds, and aperture definitely shed a different light on photography. I welcome the opportunity to learn all the different aspects about taking pictures.

SUBJECT MATTER

I decided to photograph areas around Hermann Park to show how aperture works. Trying to go during days that the park itself was less crowded was a plan of mine. I was fortunate that on this day it was raining and that helped. Visiting places that tend to be desolate around the city always intrigued me and that gave an opportunity to have the place to myself. Growing up I used to go to abandend warehouse or homes that were left behind and forgotten and tried to figure how life existed there before. Since the city has gotten through so much change, I miss the old days in Houston. I guess when ones grows up we pass through somewhere we remember from years past and reflect on it. As far as using shutter speed, what better examples than the movement of people and cars. I think that I came up with good shots that showcased how I can blur the action. Personally the people passing through the viewfinder had a better look to it. Maybe next time I can use shutter speeds into the seconds to experiment how moving comes out. I would also like to do more photography on old places around town to show how everything around will never be the same.

Chosen Photographers

I'm selecting the following photographers:

Robert Mapplethorpe
James Nachtwey
Gordon Parks
James Van Der Zee
Roy De Carava
Carrie Mae Weems

My Subject matter

OK; so far for this class I have found myself outside in a park or on the bike trail. I am sure my assignment is landscape. I have such a sense of peace when I am outside. From watching other people, some time just walking through the park can be so relaxing. Your mind is totally free of the work and school things that so easy becomes a heavy weight on you. You have a time and sense of oneness with God; if you are a believer. If not, well I don't know. I think finding your happy spot is what makes this fun.

So far the used bridges and the world have become the theam of most of my shots. I will more than likely keep this going. I like bridges, it's kind of like the movie The Bridges of Madison County with Clint Eastwood (a girly movie but good). I don't know if I will be taking all my shots of this but it is fun. OK, for the guy in class that likes to talk, this is it.

Photographers Chosen

The artists I would like to see are the following: Ansel Adams, Sebastiao Salgado, William Wegman, Edward Weston, Brett Weston, and Manuel Alvarez Bravo. I don't have any particular images that I prefer.

Photographers by choice

Well, I would like to request the amazing Jerry Uelsmann.thanks!

artist of choice

I would like to view pictures of the below listed artist. Allan, Ted, Arbus, Diane, Boubat, Edouard, and Misrach, Richard.

subject matter approached in taking pictures

My approach is based on my past rememberance of the neighborhood that I've grown up in. The innercity hoods (1st,2nd.3rd,4th,5th, and 6th), along with the outta areas displayed have dramatically changed, since my younger days. Many of the hoods are now intergrated with many different cultures, ethic backgrounds, and sexual preferences. The intrastructure has evolved according to time; but there reflects a great disparative picture of what separates the rich from the poor. The climax of rich and poor living togeether is the fact that these group of people can coexist within the same frame work-the hood. The irony of what is transpiring in today's society is that the rich are now moving into the innercity hoods , which are ajacent to expansion, and are actually raising the property taxes ; thus driving the poor person out of the metropolital growth areas. My main focus is on the intrastructure and the rapid growth reflecting expensive housing being placed in the low income hood, currently taking place. But then I pay close attention to the movements and mannerism of the people. The people in the hood always seem to be in place either in death, spirit, or flesh. My intent is to reflect the true imagine of innercity hoods of my time and today.

well im not that familiar with houston. almost a year here. but Ive explored a couple of places.such as Hermann park.which was really great. I tried to get the best photographs of animals, nature, and objects. I also like going to the grave yards to have a little peace of mind. so i thought Id bring my camera to photograph things such as a mosulleum,graves, and just about anything there is. though im kinda new to this city, theres still much to see. I chose to photograph these things, well because they caught my attention, and thought they would make pretty good photos.

What makes a good portrait

A good assortment of opinions from several photographers:
http://www.jmcolberg.com/weblog/2008/02/what_makes_a_great_portrait.html

Request for MFA Photos

Here's my list!

Eugene Atget
Bill Brandt
Roy DeCarava
Robert Mapplethorpe
Alfred Steiglitz

Thanks!

Garth

MFAH Photographs

Spend some time looking at the work of famous photographers, and let me know several names/particular photographs you are interested in seeing up close and personal. I will be submitting a list to the MFAH on Monday morning - your submissions must be in before then.


Masters of Photography
- site was down earlier, but the list is a good one

Famous Photographers Slideshow
- coming soon!

Photography Collection at the MFAH

The Critique

Well I must start by saying this was an experience. Looking at art in this format is new to me but nice. I learnd some new things and ways to see this type of art.

Critiques

I learned critiquing is an important process. It's amazing the artist and viewer can have total different view points. I also learned doing something simple as flipping a photo or changing items around can offer a different view. For my next critiquing, I will try to offer more info on my items.

Critiques and me

well, criticizing the photograms was new to me. but I think I understand the importance. it is an evergrowing process that every photographer must learn. It also helped me understand the different interpretations that come from other people. It also helps people bounce ideas from others.

Importance of critique

Subsequently after viewing the session on critiquing , I came to realize somewhat the importamce of the critique to the photograph, artist, and the viewer. The photograph is the essence of the hard work, technique, and and vision of the artist. The artisit's viewpoint is that of detail, structure, and vision; the photograph reflects this, thereby making the photograph (the end result) the viable instrument to critique from the viewer's point of view.

The CatCam

This guy wired up a camera to his cat that takes pictures every 15 seconds. He sends him on a walk around the neighborhood every morning. Some of them are pretty good!

pinhole photography

just came across some pretty good pinhole photography. guys check em out. link:http://www.nyclondon.com/photography/pinhole-photography/

Slate's Rome Pictorial

http://todayspictures.slate.com/20080125/. Includes photos from Henri Cartier-Bresson and many others.

the chron spotted you, garth!

look beyond the kid in the first third...

Montague Implosion

Boom!

Montague Hotel implosion

Sunday, Jan. 20:
Montague Hotel implosion
6 a.m. – 1 p.m. Corner of Fannin and Rusk

http://swamplot.com/downtown-demo-party-montagu-hotel-implosion-this-weekend/2008-01-17/

photograms

I am still unable to log in to blog.com. however, here are my ideas. (1) small plate, folk and knife, signifying eating a meal; (2) tube of toothpaste, bar of soap and toothbrush, signifying hygein; (3) watch,ring, cell phone, and two $1 dollar bills signifying things of value; (4) hammer, door knob, and pliers, signifying fixing things; (5) camera, film, and a picture, signifying keeping memories.

Revision on photograms

so Ive been bombarded with unique ideas and Ive decided to replace a couple of themes. I'm replacing the theme of myself with a vision I had when I first experimented with mushrooms. The last one I'm changing is the music themes with the money(sort of the human worship idea). All other themes will be the same.thanks.

Photograms

I am going to use the idea of "Keys to the world". My objects will be keys and a sphere to represent the world. My thoughts are we have the keys to our world. Each of us must unlock our own doors. What do you think?

I am going to use Mr. Ansel Adams.

Kelley

Photograms

I've come up with the following ideas for my Photograms.

1. Love - Use different items and shape them into different hearts.

2. Circles - Will find different circles made up of different materials.

3. Peace - Will use soft items such as cotton balls

4. The Beach - So far, I'm using sea shells and maybe rice to represent sand.

5. Music - Headphones, cds, etc.

I'm very excited about this project. I'm curious as to how the items I've chosen will turn out.

Garth's Photo 2 Proposal

This semester I would like to continue with a concept that I started to develop late last semester, that of isolation and obscurity. While last semester my work with this concept was confined to self-portraiture, I would like to develop this concept further this semester and work within the scope of urban landscapes and, to a lesser extent, portraits.

The work itself will focus on a three key areas. First, some photographs will attempt to illustrate the ways in which people isolate themselves from others, either physically or metaphorically. These images will consist either of people interacting with their environment or portrait work.

Another group of photos will examine the physical elements of our urban environment and how the design of that environment works to prevent, rather than promote a sense of community. These images will be cityscapes and other outdoor images with a focus on the mechanisms that separate us.

Finally, I will also look at the ways that neighborhood “renewal” serves to divide existing communities and break down ties between friends and neighbors. These images will also be cityscapes, but on a smaller scale. Here I will be working in “up-and-coming” areas where new building is destroying older, working-class neighborhoods.

From a technical standpoint, I will be working strictly in 120mm, medium format film. I will be experimenting with different filters during shoots and multiple filters during printing and I will also work with print toning.

Library of Congress Photos

Interesting tidbit- the Library of Congress has published over 3000 public domain photos on its Flickr site- http://www.flickr.com/photos/library_of_congress/.

Enjoy...

PHOTOGRAMS

The five photograms I have in mind are the following

1)Photography: The main reason why I am taking this class, to learn how to work in a traditional darkroom and seeing the prints developing in front of my eyes. Hopefully, this experience can lead me to become a much, much better photographer.

2)Transparent Items: As I was doing research on photo grams, I was fascinated by how these things came out exposed onto the photo paper.

3)Metals: I am trying to find metals that have a very appealing shape to them. I plan on going to a hardware store and browse around the house to look for something that catches my eye.

4)Dry Things: This is anything which I am doing myself. I am using the sun or any source of heat to help me with this. It will include such things as leaves, flowers, fruits, and other assorted things I can find to use.

5)Time: I had trouble coming up with ideas about the fifth subject. After many days of what to consider, I came up with the matter of time. I was thinking to myself and realizing that the day was coming towards going to class and not being finished.

Chicago in the 40's

Today's Slate has a good video slide show with photos from Chicago in the 1940s. It focuses on working-class blacks from that era and features photos by Wayne Miller. It Check it out at http://www.slate.com/id/2182188. Yeah, you have to get past the Epson ad first.

Garth

Checking in

Hi I am checking in.

Welcome

Welcome to Photography 1 & 2. This blog has been created for our class to use frequently throughout the semester. You will be expected to check this page and post photography-related journal entries on a regular basis. You will additionally post all written portions of your assignments, allowing myself and your classmates to better understand your concepts. Please read over the Course Syllabus thoroughly. E-mail me with any questions, comments, or concerns: sladuncan@gmail.com.

Everything Photograms

All handouts, assignments, and additional information will be posted on our blog. Simply click on the link to access.

1. Information on Photograms

2. Powerpoint Presentation

3. Assignment

____________________________________________________________________
Other essential handouts:

1. The Enlarger

2. Processing Prints

3. Criticizing Photographs

Photo 2: Proposal

CRITICIZING PHOTOGRAPHS

PROPOSAL