Summary

Photography felt as if it it came and went extremely quickly. It was fun learning how to use the dark room although very frustrating at times. I feel that in the future I would like to take a course using only digital because I don't have access to a dark room on a regular basis. Photography will always be a little hobby of mine, where my true passion is in fashion. Check out my fashion blog at iheartgrey.tumblr.com

Photography Class Photos

Photography Class Readings

Because I am an extremely novice photographer I found all of the articles we read in class very interesting, and all of them shed light on some of my own perpetual queries surrounding the world of photography. I found, Discovery, Barriers to seeing, and reconstructing reality articles all very interesting, and filled with relevant information for someone new to the photography world. I enjoyed the Taoistic Camerawork: Method and Beyond as well, and found it interesting but too advanced for the level of skill I have at this point. There was an obvious progression with each article which I felt was very conducive to Art Education; the information almost seemed of common knowledge initially but as I read over each article a couple of time the deeper knowledge presented itself. In saying that, I would say that, I found the article “discovery” the most interesting and beneficial for me at this point. I have often looked at various photographs done by friends, family, or photos in magazines done by famous photographers and wondered why some photos feel flat with no emotion, while others can convey so much emotion. These photos are not always of humans or animals that often convey emotion but of objects such as a pile of rope that can look so beautiful. The opening paragraph states simply the answer to this question:

To master the art of seeing you have to develop the ability to become emotionally involved in what you are looking at and learn how to identify the harmonies of shapes and forms and colors that contribute to your feeling… The art of seeing, however, is on a higher plane; it enables us to discover the character of an object or a relationship between objects that moves our emotions and excites our aesthetic sensitivity. (23, Gross, Shapiro)

This made me think back to photos I have taken that have had the depth to convey a certain emotion, and this made me start to think why these photos were successful. Were these photos that I had liked, or did others comment on them as well? What was I taking photos of? Was I in a particularly good mood? All of these questions allowed me to reflect back and truly analyze successful situations that allowed me the opportunity to take some really good photos. When I think back I think that most often I allowed myself to let go of criticism; criticism of others and myself. I allowed myself to not feel embarrassed snapping photos that could possibly not turn out, and let myself become excited about the ones that possibly would.

            Some insights, regarding Art Education, I gained through the course readings were found particularly in the article Taoistic Camerawork: Method and Beyond. Henri Cartier-Bresson is quoted saying:

There should be a visual education emphasized from the very beginning in all schools. It should be introduced just like the study of literature, history or mathematics. With language, everyone learns the grammar first. In photography, one must learn a visual grammar. (101, Gross, Shapiro)

This quote made perfect sense to me, although others disagree and argue that you cannot teach artistic talent, I completely disagree. If you compare athletic talent and artistic talent you can surprisingly come up with quite a few similarities. Both the artist and the athlete have some innate talent that cannot be taught, but seems to come from within them, a part of their genetic make up. These talents are usually noticed at a young age because the child seems to grasp the concepts of either activity a little easier than their associates, and often they are just more naturally drawn to these specific activities.  An athlete is trained; they perfect their natural talents with practice, learning new methods, and repetitive movements and skills. Like Children need physical activity to learn movement and coordination of their bodies they also need art education to introduce basic artistic concepts giving children the skills to see the art around them.  Photography basic art education class could include the use of an empty picture frame. The teacher could have the children look at natural environments through the frame to see the picture there. This would allow them the to develop the initial stages of seeing through the lens before ever having to deal with the technical aspects of actually using a camera. Finally, noting the idea of “life-enhancing education” rather than “time-occupying education”.  It is stated that, “artistry must emerge from personal holistic growth, including the ability to be fully conscious while practicing camerawork” (np, Gross, Shapiro).  We spend so much time in the classroom without ever really engaging in what we are learning. Semester after semester goes by with knowledge flowing in and out of my conscious. Our photography class is an environment where we are given time to experience our way through the course, the only problem with this is allowing your self time to honor the experience. That, and the fact that depending what department you are in this type of approach to coursework may not work with your other schedule.

            To further uncover issues discussed in this paper I would start reading various photographers’ blogs, autobiographies, biographies, watch documentaries, basically just gather as much information I can on them. I would read magazines, analyze their editorial spreads, and basically just see what has worked for them throughout their careers. It would be interesting to follow the progress of one photographer that you admire particularly and follow their career from start to present, observing the different routes the have taken, and what eventually became their trademark.  It might also be interesting to do some reading on different artistic methods such as, sculpture, drawing, painting, and visual arts to further broaden your understanding, and hone your artistic eye.  Maybe taking yoga and mediation would allow you to become more in touch with yourself and your emotions allowing an environment free of judgment while you are working. The ways to improve oneself in any venue are endless; all it takes is time and an open mind. 

J preparing for our move to TO

In Flight

Not my photo but it was my concept. Working on an entire album of puff pictures from M+E wedding.