Short Stories 1

This assignment was very interesting as you had to take into account a lot of different factors. We used figures and created a backdrop-stage setting, the point was to try and focus on the figure and have a somewhat blurry background which added mystery. It was similar to our previous foreground/background assignment. To create that illusion we used either the macro-mode or a low f-stop. My approach was to try and capture realistic scenes that made one think of the truths in life, which is why I tried to go for the themes of violence and power struggle.

Multi-frame stories (Fight for power, struggle):

Animal Jungle:

The Proposal:

Slice of Life (War, Violence):

On the Front:

In the Sky:

Mystic Figure:

Street Photo Treasures

FINAL

Anyone can try to imitate Richard Avedon's style, but as we noticed it is very difficult to be fully successful. I think the most important aspect of this style of photography was having the right model. Talking through the photoshoot really helped capture that real, soulful gaze. There were no props, no special lighting, black and white, and little to no shadows. The final draft shows the very best from the previous 3 drafts. I think the best photos are when the models make direct eye contact with the camera.

3rd Draft

Avedon continued...

Portraits

This series was inspired by Richard Avedon, we tried to follow in his footsteps of simplicity with real expressions. No fake smiles or emotions are shown, the pictures show truth in the model's eyes. The photos reveal hidden emotions and feelings. We worked with a white wall and no other props. The most difficult part was finding a cooperative model, now people automatically smile when they see someone taking a picture of them, its become a basic instinct. This was not a problem for Avedon who used an interesting technique to have his models express abnormal facial expressions. It took a lot of tries to get the perfect picture that encompasses this idea of real, not glamour. Avedon caught the wrinkles, freckles, etc. Black and white was also a prominent theme in Avedon's pictures.

Shadow

We were so lucky to have such a great sunny day. It really emphasized all the shadows. My favorites were of the interesting shapes the leaves and plants made on walls. It really added the theme of mystery and showed a variety of shapes. We also focused on abstraction and length. The tree pictures demonstrates the idea of repetition even in shadows and shows length. The shadows are also blobs, which add to their mysterious element. They are open to interpretation. Weather creates for very interesting photography, if it was foggy we would still get the mysterious vibe but in a different way. Those pictures would show more closed and blurred pictures, while with sunlight the photos are inviting and opened. Different background textures also have a big impact on the end product. Overall I would say this album was successful.