Unit 1: Blog Entry

In Photo 5-6, I want to take more of a variety of photos. Last year I mainly took pictures of nature or already interesting objects, but this year I want to try and find plain objects to photograph to bring out the beauty of them.

The camera I'm using this year is one of my own, but is the same model we used in class. Using it over the summer I got a better understanding of all the features of the camera, discovered the continuous shooting mode and became comfortable using different lenses.

One of my favorite pictures I took last year was of the Empire State building on a family trip to New York. It's not taken form a traditional angle or location but the surrounding buildings I think add to the effect of the photo. I also edited the photo to bring out some of the yellow and blue hues, showing a more colorful view of the traditionally gray city.

Summer Photos

Over the summer I went to Zion National Park in Utah and saw some of the most beautiful and powerful scenes I have ever seen. While on the 8 mile Observation Point hike I walked through a canyon with pools of water at the bottom, making it almost look like a mirror that the rock is reflected on.

Montage: Activity 4

Montage: Activity 4

Question: 

• Find two examples of photomontages that are either from a commercial source or from a fine art background. Discuss in what context they have been produced and what techniques they share with political photomontages. 
• What messages, if any, are communicated through these photomontages and how effective do you think they are? Consider different ways that each image could have been tackled by the artist and come up with an idea for ‘another in the series’. 

This montage was created by Greek designer Charis Tsevis, for personal and public enjoyment. I believe he meant to convey how influential these icons were in the media, or perhaps that they were the highest earners of the time, due to the fact that the photos of the people are composed of and blurred with various currency. It is similar to a political photo montage because it uses public figures and conveys a hidden message about money, status, and power. 

http://www.kuriositas.com/2012/07/the-amazing-photomontages-of-charis.html

With this montage, the meaning can almost not be deciphered due to the many elements merged together and incorporated in the photo. However, it was made for personal pleasure and does not convey a political message, and if anything references a happier time. The moon in the background references the first film ever released to the public in 1902, "Le Voyage Dans La Lune" which translates in English to "a trip to the moon." That time was full of technological advancement, and was overall a time time for enjoyment before harder times to come, such s World Wars I and II and the Great Depression. The flying car and the grandfather clock could represent time passing, and that you must stay conscious (unlike the man without a head) to enjoy it.

http://minzzzoey.wordpress.com/2011/10/08/nm3223-exercise-3-digital-collage-or-photomontage/

Montage: Activity 3

Montage: Activity 3

Question:

• As editors exercise their ever-increasing power over information control, what limits would you impose on them as to the extent to which they can manipulate the photographic image? 
• Devise a series of guidelines that will control the release of images that have been constructed for media use so that the public is aware as to the extent of the manipulation. 

In a world with technology that has the capability to realistically alter images, certain guidelines have to be set up to limit the amount of fallacy and lies in the image:

1. No alteration of the photo as to edit people or places to create an event that did not happen, or to be untrue to the series of events which did occur. For example, this event didn't happen; however someone may be confused and believe the presidents actually did this to support that organizations message.

http://www.livelife.pl/moda/felieton-moda/beneton-w-morzu-kontrowersji/

2. The only thing that should be altered is light exposure, colors (to an extent), or other elements to make the photo more appealing or clear. I edited this image I took of my dog only to make it more appealing, the only aspect I changed was the exposure and contrast.

3. The only people who have the authority to edit and publicly share images should be authorized credible news sources or websites. This image was produced by a very non credible certified source, and may confuse viewers.

http://www.india.com/topic/Photoshopped-Celebrities.html

4. The public should know or be warned to inspect the credibility of each image they see, or be more selective on what they believe to be true. The same example as number three can be used.

5. All images released to the public by a large and influential news source should be inspected for credibility by a third party organization. Although there is no organization that currently does this, there should be one to regulate the authenticity of photos.

These guidelines may seem strict, but in a world where political tensions and relationships are as fragile as they are, great care has to be taken to ensure the  peace is sustained, and no one is offended or lied to. 

Montage: Activity 2

Montage: Activity 2

This historical montage was made between the two World Wars by John Heartfield. The swastika on the right side of Hitler's spine represents his heart, and how he cares for nothing else but the Nazi Party. The fact that his insides and spine are made of coins and money also convey that he is strongly motivated by money and greed. This is a very strong and impacting image due to the controversy of the figure Hitler. This doesn't look like a photograph originally, so the image of Hitler was probably a drawing/sketch. He could have made this image more effective by adding a meaningful background such as a Nazi rally or other image to amplify his message.

This photo was also created by Heartfield, however a little later in the 1960's. This image us more hopeful than the previous one, because the message is that peace will overrun destruction and warfare. Although the missile has no logos to tie it to a particular country or event, because of the time it was created it could be referring to the Cold war or the tensions the U.S. had with other nations at that time. Again, the image could have been more impacting if it had a background or more details to make it more specific to a particular event. 

Montage: Activity 1

Montage: Activity 1

- Any new art form when it is first introduced will have its doubters or critics. Especially in a time when such a advanced art form as photography was just beginning. A combination of new ideas and an almost bizarre style of composition would have confused people of the time. And when people don't understand something, they become angry or frustrated. 
-This new art form may have also excited some people, as new trends also often do. The public could have been excited with this new style moving art and culture into the modern age. 

- I think this old technique may be making a revival because:

1.  With better editing programs like Photoshop, there are more possibilities for the artist to experiment, and make his/her images even more surreal or realistic looking.

2. Nowadays artists will do anything to stand out, and this older technique isn't very common; making it a perfect time to bring it back.

Self Image: Activity 3

Self Image: Activity 3

There are many outside forces that influence the way we behave, the way we dress, and out overall image and identity. 


One thing that influences the way I dress is tumblr, I follow many fashion and clothing blogs and often find outfit inspiration from them. 

As far as behavior and school go, my parents are my main motivators. They punish me for acting out or not achieving good grades, and influence me to work hard and take challenging classes in school. They also pressure me on choosing a career in math, science, or engineering, because they are both engineers. My dad even made a list for me of 10 careers I have to choose from, and is not letting me pursue anything else. 

I also try to wear not too much makeup, because I think natural looks better; and Leighton Meester is my influence for that. She is gorgeous either way, but no makeup is a much better look.