Digital Story/Narrative

Easton

Final project -- final images

1. Composition

A. Amount of subject: For these photographs, I wanted to emphasize the alcohol bottles in the places that they were hidden.  I wanted to include the bottle in all of the photographs, but I did not have a certain idea of how much had to be in each one. I just wanted enough visible and present so that the narrative and idea would come across.  I wanted the viewer to be able to see the bottle and its surroundings together. 

B. Background elements: The subject is very important, but I also really relied on the background to provide context and part of the narrative. Therefore, it was important for me to capture the background effectively. 

C. Perspective and point of view: I worked from many different angles and perspectives to reflect the different hiding spots that the bottles were in. I thought that the different angles and perspectives would help to highlight the areas that the bottles were in and would help the viewer to understand the narrative and show the authenticity of the locations and the situation.

 2. Concept, Motivations, Method

In creating these images, I am conveying a narrative about alcoholism and how it penetrates all aspects of the alcoholic's life and others -- it is part of a daily routine.  I also am working through my own emotions and feelings in this project, so it is very revealing and personal. These images are actual places that the bottles were hidden in an attempt to hide the fact that the person was drinking. After much debate, I decided to keep these photographs in color because I think it helps to keep the authenticity, and helps my concept in that I am revealing my emotions to an audience and shining light on alcoholism, and how it effects others.

3. Context

This image deals with alcoholism and my own personal struggle and feelings dealing with the knowledge that someone very close to me is an alcoholic. I really want to document this because, I do not know why, but it helps me -- maybe it is a way for me to feel in control over the situation -- to find the bottles and see where they are hidden. Even though they are always empty when they are found, it confirms my belief that the person is drinking. And this is not because I want them to be drinking, but because the constant lying about it can at least be confronted. One of the things I have noticed the most, is that dealing with an alcoholic sometimes makes you feel like you are the crazy one -- should I believe that he says he is not drinking, should I look for bottles, etc. So finding proof that you are not crazy sometimes helps.

Final project -- works in progress

My concept is alcoholism and how it is part of a daily routine.  I wanted to capture/document these bottles in their authentic places.  I originally thought about making some of the images blurry to convey the state of mind of the alcoholic, but as I was doing the project, I realized that it was not really about the alcoholic, but really myself and working through my emotions.  I included 8 images in the series, but I was not sure which ones to include or not, so if you have any suggestions that would be great.  I am also not sure whether I should do them in color or in black and white.  I posted the black and white because I like them better, but I am still not sure.

Assignment 5 -- final images

1. Composition

A. Amount of subject: For both of these photographs, I wanted to show the dogs and enough context so you could know what was going on. But the background was not the focus, the focus is on the subjects and a constructed identity for them. 

B. Sharpness and blur: I wanted to keep the subject in focus, and  there was not as much of an emphasis on the background, so it is not as sharp as the subjects. I did this to emphasize the subject and the activity going on with them. 

C. Contrast: I decided to make these photographs in black in white because I wanted more of a contrast. I think it turned out well with the top picture, but it worked really well with the black and white of the bottom dogs fur and the computer.

 2. Concept, Motivations, Method

In creating this image, I wanted to explore and construct an identity for dogs. I love dogs so much and I am so interested in them, I started to wonder what parts of my life or things that I use I could incorporate into their daily activity. If they had a choice, would they wear sunglasses? Would they go on the computer? Not only is it interesting, but it is kind of funny to see them engaging in "human" activities.

3. Context

This image deals with animal and human interaction -- the things that we as humans project onto dogs -- like feelings, behaviors, and even apparel. I was inspired by all of the dogs I always see wearing clothes. I always wonder if they had a choice, would they put that on?

4. Interpretation

Students in the class interpreted it as a constructed identity for a dog, and that the dog was participated in "human" activities.

5. Evaluation

I like them both, but I think the second one in the series may have been more successful. I think this is true because maybe the dog is doing something funny or unexpected. Students did not have as much of a reaction to the top one, maybe because seeing a dog in sunglasses is not as unexpected as a dog on a computer.

6. Extension

I would love to do an extension on this project with different dogs and play off of their personalities. People in the class suggested an extension off of the dog and the computer -- maybe dogs interacting with different technologies. I think not only is it interesting to see dogs in human clothes or doing human activities, but it also playful and makes them seem even more unique and cute for what they are -- so loving and trusting -- doing whatever to please!

1. Composition

A. Amount of subject: For this photograph, the emphasis is on the face of the dog. But I also thought that the body language was important, and I wanted to show as much of the dog as I could. I wanted to include the location, because that tells part of the story.

B. Lighting: The lighting turned out really well and I like the way that dog is well lighted against a darker background. It makes him stand out and emphasizes his facial expression and his innocence.

C. Contrast: The same as the dog on the computer, I really love the contrast in this one in the dog himself -- between the black and white parts of his fur. Also I wanted to keep this in color because of the color of his eyes kind of stood out against the white and black.

 2. Concept, Motivations, Method

For this photograph, I wanted to tell a story and convey the dogs emotions after a traumatizing event -- being neutered. I wanted to capture what he was thinking and the authenticity of the moment.

3. Context

This image deals with dogs and psychology, again. But I think more so then any other project, this deals with the trust that dogs put into people. This dog is a rescue dog -- he was abused and abandoned -- but he is the most loving dog ever.  He trusts his owner and loves him, and did not really have a choice about getting neutered. So I wanted to capture his emotions, and I think it really shows his innocence and maybe how miserable he was feeling after the operation.

4. Interpretation

Students in the class liked this one because of the dogs expression -- the could recognize emotion -- and thought it was a good photograph to capture personality/emotion.

5. Evaluation

Based on critique, I think emotion was conveyed. I really like the way that this one turned out, I think it is one of the best dog pictures I have taken so far, even though I take so many because I am really interested in it!

6. Extension

It might be interesting to do a series on shelter dogs or dogs after they are adopted to see a different perspective.

1. Composition

A. Proximity to subject: For this photograph, I wanted to get really close to the subject, becuase it is a small toy. But I also did want to get too close and only include the figure -- so I left enough space so that the viewer could easily see the figure and his creation. 

B. Background elements: Because the focus was on the figure and what he was drawing, I did not really want to include a lot of background information. There is enough context to see that he is drawing on cement with chalk -- I did not think that the exact location was important. 

C. Contrast: I decided to keep this photograph in color because color was such a key aspect of the photograph and the concept. The bright colors contrast against the figure and the cement and provide visual interest and context.

 2. Concept, Motivations, Method

In creating this image, I wanted to set up a narrative scene with toys and play around with different possibilities. I thought it would be interesting to explore a toy creating something and I went along with the Star Wars theme. It is playful and kind of inspiring to see the toy creating something new!

3. Context

This image deals kind of with popular culture and maybe childhood. Star Wars is a very popular movie and has a lot of marketing that goes along with it. I remember when I was a kid, children were interested in Star Wars, and they still are today. So it kind of reminded me of a child playing around outside and drawing and creating something out of their mind. It is also kind of humorous in terms of scale -- the figure creating a drawing much bigger then himself, depicting another character from the movie.

4. Interpretation

Students in the class liked this image a lot. I think what was successful was the playfulness and the creativity, and maybe the energy that is given to the toy.

5. Evaluation

I like the way that this one turned out a lot. I think if I went back, I would do more of these because this one was so successful.

6. Extension

It would be interesting to do a series of Star Wars toys and to see what they would create if given the chance, or even to just explore the idea of a toy creating something -- sometimes larger then themselves.

1. Composition

A. Framing: For this photograph, I wanted to find a unique way of photographing the collage made out of chalk. I took a lot of pictures from above and the side, and wanted to try something different. So I put the camera directly on the ground and took the picture.

B. Background elements: A large part of the focus is on the chalk and the colors/washes that it creates, so I did not want the background to be in focus, because it creates one more color/layer to the photograph. Also the texture is emphasized in the small strip that is in focus, so that the viewer can tell what the material is.

C. Contrast: I really think that the colors contrast each other in a good way. I increased the vibrance in this photograph so that the colors would really pop and it would be more interesting.

 2. Concept, Motivations, Method

For this photograph, I wanted to capture my sister creating something. She decided to draw a collage on the sidewalk with chalk. I loved the colors that she used, so I really wanted to emphasize color and the individual image that she created. I think it portrays a sense of playfulness, creation, and summer.

3. Context

This image deals with a compilation of ideas and thoughts that were turned into a work of art. It deals with color, texture, and composition. I also think it is psychological, because it was one more way for me to bond/spend more time with my sister before she has to leave for California.

4. Interpretation

Students in the class really liked the color and the washes that were created because of the focus, but also the fact that they could tell it was chalk because of the one strip that was in focus. They also thought it was an interesting angle.

5. Evaluation

I like this photograph a lot. If I had to redo it, I might try to have more sections that were in focus, for more texture and detail. But at the same time, I really like how it is almost abstracted and you can only tell what it is because of the one little hint/spot in focus.

6. Extension

It would be neat to explore and go around and find chalk art or works of art and try to photograph them from angles that abstract them, and include only hints of texture of detail of what they really are.

Assignment 5 -- works in progress #2

in camera collage

Blog prompt 6

1. Ideas sometimes grow out of irritation. What is a negative thought you are having about your project? What is the opposite of this negative thought? How could you implement a change in your project so that this negative thought will subside? 
2.      One negative thought that I am having is that I hope I am not glamorizing alcoholism in anyway, because that is not my intention. The opposite of this negative thought is that I am working through some of my emotions through this project and that is definitely not viewing alcoholism in a positive way. I think that when people see the pictures all together they will understand the theme. I think maybe if some of them were alone, then the idea may not be clear. But as a series I think they convey my message.    
3. What is a consistent theme/visual element in your project? What would be the opposite of this? How can you implement that into your project? 
4.      A consistent theme in my project is the empty vodka bottle in its various hiding places and locations. The opposite of this might be the vodka bottle in inauthentic locations or different types of alcohol, maybe reflecting a drunken state of mind. I was originally considering it, but as I started taking pictures, I realized that I did not want the project to be about the alcoholics feelings/state of mind, but rather the people looking in or finding the bottles.
5. Type twenty words or phrases that relate to your project.
6.      Alcoholism, emotional, liquor, environment, location, home, abuse, addiction, stress, anger, sadness, reflection, authentic, life changes, unbelievable, caught off guard, denial, refusal, excuses, rehab, ROUTINE.
7. At the deepest core, describe why you like this project. Dig deep! 
8.      At the deepest core, my project is about human feelings and experiences that bring them on. I like this project because it forces me to confront and work through some of my emotions that are very hard to talk about, think about, or deal with. 
9. Contract your project. What would it boil down to if squeezed and contracted to its simplest form?
10.      If it was boiled down to its simplest element, it would be about alcoholism and the pain caused by it.
11. Divide your project into three components. Rearrange and reassemble them in your mind. 
12.      1. Alcholism    2. feelings/emotions    3. authenticity
13. List your assumptions about your project. Reverse these. 
14.      My assumption about this project is that maybe it will not be taken seriously by the audience. I really hope that it comes across as serious and authentic and shows just how much alcoholism is a part of daily life and changes so much.
15. What would your project look like 100 years ago? What would your project look like 100 years in the future?
16.      I think 100 years ago, my project would be different because of the technology.  But alcoholism is not a new experience.  People have been dealing with and struggling with this issue for a long time. 100 years in the future it may look similar, but also probably a lot different because of the new technology and maybe new inventions in alcohol or ways to control addiction.
17. Remove something from your project. How does it change?
18.      The only thing I could imagine removing from my project is maybe color. I think it would change the project a great deal, as I think it takes away some of the context (the environment as it is) and may make the focus less prominent. 
19. How would you convert your project into a narrative? How would you remove any narrative from your project? 
20.      My project already is a narrative and I am hoping, and think that viewers will definitely pick up a narrative from the series of images. If I had to remove narrative from the project, I probably would not give any context about the concept and idea of the project, but I think it would be very hard to not have any in this project.