1. Arts 2001-3 Fundamentals of Photographic ArtsWeek 6: ReflectionWalden UniversityProfessor Olga WorkmanMay 26, 2010 The Affects 1
2. 2`` When I began this course all I knew about photography was that I enjoyed looking at pictures. I have always been the type of person who loves to look at all kinds of photography; I try to find meaning in everything (that may be my investigative traits at work). I had never really thought of becoming a photographer or photojournalist so the extent of my knowledge on cameras was miniscule and limited me to using Kodak disposables. Although photography was new to me, I’ve always taken great pleasure in all forms of artistic expression and am sure this fact has much to do with my new found passion for photographic arts. With what I learned about the elements of composition and design (framing, graphic and photographic elements, composing with light and color, and intent), I am now able to utilize this series of actions toward the aim of expressing art and literature in a fresh new way. Growing up, I loved to read but always thought chapter books should still have pictures in them. Not that I didn’t enjoy imagining what was going on; visual stimulation simply made the story more interesting for me. I can especially appreciate illustration without literature or explanation and now I understand that sometimes, pictures are purposed for what Ernst Gombrich (the influential art historian) called the beholder’s share. “The less obvious the point of the photograph, the more it involves the viewer in reading and thinking about it” (Freeman, 2007 p. 140). This was one of my favorite concepts in learning intent. The ambiguity in an artistic expression of any sort not only increases the viewers thirst for information and awareness, but it creates an open mindset to unlimited possibilities. It causes us to inquire, and imagine, and gives us the opportunity to come to our very own conclusion about what is happening. On the other hand, when the intent is to be clear, the artist is challenged to find just the right shot that will express their subject in a way that’s understood by their viewers. I found this to be quite demanding as I worked on my final project. I knew the topic that I wanted to exemplify, but it was not as easy a subject to find as I thought it would be. Some days I would think I had taken enough great photo’s to sum it all up and would find later on that not a single photo was suitable. Other times, I would feel as though I hadn’t taken a single shot relevant to my topic and discover later that I had taken the perfect picture to express my heart on the issue. I had the most wonderful time being stretched in that way. It made me push myself and in the end, I discovered how much I really love photography.
3. 3 As I begin to develop this new gift and skill, I am noticing the beauty around me more and more. I can honestly say that I have taken for granite the perfect simplicities of nature. Of course this wasn’t intentional; there’s something about capturing a beautiful scene on camera that makes it jump out at you in a different way. Many of the pictures I took in the first week of study were right here in my neighborhood. Now when I ride down the street, I look intently for beauty, poverty, and unusual scenes to capture. My understanding of the terms and how to apply them is becoming like second nature to me and my husband and I have found yet another common love to nourish together. Composing with light and color was another lesson I rather enjoyed learning. Of all the elements from this perspective, I feel designing with chiaroscuro , or “conveying the essential contrast that establishes tonal relations”, is an area I want to improve in. I was fortunate to have taken a beautiful shot for that particular assignment , but I found myself trying to stage settings for dramatic effect rather than capturing natural occurrences. The differences that lighting and color make in photographic composition are phenomenal! Being a writer, I found so much inspiration in the photo’s I have taken for this class. Chiaroscuro plays a major part in story telling from my perspective. So many aspects of photographic arts are worthy to be combined with my true artistic persona. I am excited to see what the future holds as I embark on a new journey in expression. I can only hope that with this additional knowledge, I will be better equipped to create an outward reflection of my hearts passion. I am appreciative of every lesson I have learned in this class. God Bless-
