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!