“Getting Started”
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In your first couple of rolls, shoot whatever you like or are most attracted to- use them as visual brainstorming. But after those initial 2 or 3 rolls begin to reflect on what type of images you are shooting. Ask yourself…
1. Do I shoot the same subjects or types of places?
2. Am I attracted to concrete interpretations of things or more abstract expressions of an idea?
3. Is there a particular way I like to shoot: horizontally, vertically, full depth, shallow depth?
4. Do I compose in any particular manner: rule of thirds, leading lines, close-up, extreme points of view?
5. To what aspects of photography do my themes or ideas for the collection relate strongest: to the images (subject), the film type, or the way in which I wish to present them?
If you truly ask yourself to” define” where you have been as an artist on your first rolls - where you naturally gravitate to - it will point you to where you should go next with your collection. There is something to be said about taking a moment for reflection - especially in art. For those of you who are stuck on more than one idea run with both on film and look at the artistic or stylistic similarities between them.
The most successful collections utilize a broad idea that the artist can then “play and grow” within either in the imagery itself or with how it will be presented in the end result. Leave yourself open to being visually creative - “get out of your box!” Most successful collections rarely stay exactly as they were planned; so leave some room for “Murphy” in your shooting. Do not get to “married” to a particular aspect of your idea; let it unfold some when you see the film. As an artist you are already making connections about your style of art, the media you use, and the world around you - be willing to explore that this summer. Do not forget what you already know about composition and the technical aspects of photography. I will be watching for creativity, experimentation, technique (both with the camera or when printing and processing), as well as growth and the development of your ideas - take risks, make artistic judgments, and consider your audience. You have all the tools you need; this assignment should be a reflection of you and your knowledge - YOUR ART.
Enjoy your summer and “Shoot lots of pictures”!
1. Do I shoot the same subjects or types of places?
2. Am I attracted to concrete interpretations of things or more abstract expressions of an idea?
3. Is there a particular way I like to shoot: horizontally, vertically, full depth, shallow depth?
4. Do I compose in any particular manner: rule of thirds, leading lines, close-up, extreme points of view?
5. To what aspects of photography do my themes or ideas for the collection relate strongest: to the images (subject), the film type, or the way in which I wish to present them?
If you truly ask yourself to” define” where you have been as an artist on your first rolls - where you naturally gravitate to - it will point you to where you should go next with your collection. There is something to be said about taking a moment for reflection - especially in art. For those of you who are stuck on more than one idea run with both on film and look at the artistic or stylistic similarities between them.
The most successful collections utilize a broad idea that the artist can then “play and grow” within either in the imagery itself or with how it will be presented in the end result. Leave yourself open to being visually creative - “get out of your box!” Most successful collections rarely stay exactly as they were planned; so leave some room for “Murphy” in your shooting. Do not get to “married” to a particular aspect of your idea; let it unfold some when you see the film. As an artist you are already making connections about your style of art, the media you use, and the world around you - be willing to explore that this summer. Do not forget what you already know about composition and the technical aspects of photography. I will be watching for creativity, experimentation, technique (both with the camera or when printing and processing), as well as growth and the development of your ideas - take risks, make artistic judgments, and consider your audience. You have all the tools you need; this assignment should be a reflection of you and your knowledge - YOUR ART.
Enjoy your summer and “Shoot lots of pictures”!