Propose, explore, and complete a project that demonstrates your skills within a concise concept, theme or idea. The subject matter and approach is entirely up to you, but should express a cohesive concept with technically strong and well-designed images.
Be strategic. Carefully consider and choose a concept that you will be able to explore through available subjects that you can photograph multiple times over the several-week period. An important part of your project evaluation will be evidence of steady development and growth.
The final group of photographs (10-12) should consist of the strongest images from your shooting sessions that also most support your concept.
Proposal:
- Description of subject matter, concept, approach
- Discuss 2 well-established photographers (sourced from lenscratch) that are relevant to, and who might inspire, your subject matter or approach
- Any technical hurdles you might anticipate
Due dates:
- Proposal: Monday 4/4
- Initial critique: Monday 4/18
- Final critique/images: Wednesday 4/27
Your projects will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- Original, inspiring, and creative idea/vision/approach
- Quality of photographic design
- Technical (camera, lighting, file management, etc.)
- Consistent weekly work and overall growth of the project
- Deliverables (prints, files, etc.)
- 1200 pixel jpegs in UA box
- Final prints must be made from the full resolution files, not from the 1200 pixel jpegs
Example of a good proposal:
For my final project I am wanting to take pictures of busy spots around town and do a side by side to compare and contrast how they look during the day and at night. I am wanting to use long exposures to show movement and how it can change in a setting between night and day. I will be placing my camera on a tripod and attempting to position the camera in the exact same spot for each set of pictures. I will be going around town to look for the best places to shoot and interesting locations that might drastically change from one time of day to another.
An artist I found that inspired me was Henri Prestes. He depicts a lot of landscapes in his work which is something that interests me. Almost all of the photos are taken at either dusk or during the night which adds to the unsettling factor of his work. His use of light is also very interesting, whether it be shining from the doorway of a house or the headlights of a car. It adds a layer of mystery that compels the viewer to think more not just about the image itself but the story behind it. In looking through Prestes works I have gained some more inspiration and ideas for my own work. I am wanting to experiment more with photographing at night and telling stories through lighting and settings rather than through the use of figures.
Another photographer that I was inspired by is John Banasiak. He is another photographer that works mostly during the night to create his pieces. He shoots different buildings and landscapes at night through black and white film. He chooses locations with interesting architecture and lights to photograph. His work gives more of a somber mood, both through the use of night photography and the old buildings he takes photos of. The subjects tell a story in every piece and the lack of figures makes the work seem more personal and private. They are the photographs taken by a man who wanders and captures moments of solitude and peacefulness.
The only technical hurdle I believe I will run into is being able to set the camera and tripod in the exact same spot for each picture during different times of the day. I do not have much experience using long exposures either but I believe it should all work out alright. I am interested in trying a new type of storytelling that I have previously done through the use of figures and models. I think this would be a great project for me to develop my photography as well as my storytelling skills.
