Week 3: Photo Design Elements

Upon reading various materials about photography, I re-learned some ideas that I had come across in a photography class I took in high school. I remembered the importance of angle, placement, and interrupting objects (i.e. an airplane coming out of a subjects head). I took what already knew (but forgot) about photography and built on it with more compelling aspects of photos. The "Rule of Thirds" is not something I have ever heard of, but I can see how it makes a difference in filling white space and increasing the movement of the photo. The lighting is something I need much more practice with as I just bought a new camera about a week ago and have very limited experience with changing the settings. Overall, I really enjoyed the project. As I said in last week's post, I take very little notice of art in my personal life. My apartment is completely without decoration, and I've never been up to date with what is "fashionable." I usually rely on the keen eyes of my friends to tell me what looks good, otherwise I come out looking like a Raggedy Ann doll.

Photo Module Project 1-30

Here are the two photos for my module project. The idea of the photo was to convey the importance of my studies in my own life. In the first photo, I have taken a picture my laptop, textbook, and glasses atop my bed. My bed is where I complete most of my studies and so it has some significance to me. The shot is taken overhead in an effort to incorporate those objects I deem important. It gives a sense of a spatial overview of my apartment and where I spend most of my time completing my studies. The first picture is set in no particular order, with very little thought about object placement, lines or an overall consideration for aesthetics.  Although the main objects appear in the first photo, the overall appearance is unappealing and, as a result, meaningless.

The second photo is the "work of art."  I decided to zoom in on the textbook and my glasses in order to focus the subject of the photo, which is my studies. I placed the laptop behind the textbook because I feel it is secondary to my studies (since a book convey's more of a studious affection).  I placed the globe in the background purposely in order to make a loose connection between my studies and the goal of becoming more worldly.  The last object I wanted to fit into the image is a picture of my niece, Kate. The reason I incorporated the picture of Kate was to include not only the importance of my studies but of my family as well.

Week 2: Elements of Photography

Upon reading various articles about photography, I am beginning to make a connection between art and teaching. In comparing pictures because of their lighting or composition, I can see how subtle changes can make a photo much more beautiful. In relation to my classroom, I can see how Jade making a rude comment can totally change the mood, feel, and overall quality of the lesson. If I can take out the opportunity for rude comments, or explain that they are unnecessary, then the feel of the lesson would be entirely different. I like the idea that a small change can have a few impact, I just need to first be aware of it.

I am also starting to consider the composition of my classroom. I have never had an "eye" for art, and I put very little effort into the overall makeup of my classroom (and my apartment, for that matter). I'm always noticing how my friends' apartments are always so much more welcoming because they have pictures and decorations; I just never considered putting in the extra effort in my own space.