Week 2 Photo Assignment (also posted FB)

I took this photo recently and really enjoyed working on it. After reading the articles available this week, I could quickly see how my initial picture could be improved. I chose to photograph this man because I loved the peacefulness I saw in his posture juxtaposed to the business happening all around him. I feel that the photograph tells an interesting story and evokes emotion. I loved his vulnerability.

In order to "tweak" my initial photograph I decided first to change it to a black and white photo. For me, this seemed to increase the impact by encapsulating the man in what feels like a memory. Black and white shots always give me that feeling. Next, I decided to crop the photo so that my man was the central subject and the extraneous background materials were removed. Though I initially liked having the man perched on the latter above my subject, in the end I felt like he pulled focus. I decided that it wasn't necessary to try to make the latter work and to include all of the wares being sold and decided to adjust my frame. I also increased the contrast between light and dark and paid closer attention to the rule of thirds. I was drawn to the textures and shapes in the scene and the unguarded moment I was witnessing. In the end, though I believe that my photo is still a touch out of focus, I am pleased with the impact that these changes created.

Week 1 Photo Assignment

This is a photo that I took recently that I absolutely loved working on. I hoped to capture the juxtaposition of stillness amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In it, the vendor is lost in thought during the mundane activities of his seemingly regular day, while surrounded by people. Self-reflection and our... 'inner lives' is something that has always appealed to me. The idea that one can be consumed by a memory or thought and yet the external world surrounding them, continues unfazed, is something that I often recognize. I set up this photo from far enough away that I was able to sneak in a few shots, unnoticed. The first attempt I made was in color and was taken from a wide angle that was more to the rear of the vendor. It wasn't nearly as interesting as the final photo which I decided to shoot in black and white with the vendor in the center. This final angle allowed me to take in the people in the background, as well as the vendor, clearly lost in thought while smoking a cigarrette. In order to add to the overall effect of this photo, I increased the contrast between light and darkness and also darkened the perimeter. The initial picture included more of the city walls and some plants off to the side. I felt that this wider shot left my eye wondering where to look. In order to remove these 'distractions', I cropped my photo so that the vendor was the central focus.

The Art of Photography

Over the past two weeks I have had the opportunity to learn more about the art of photography and the elements that come together to create a compelling photograph. I have always loved and appreciated photography as an art form. Though I haven't participated much in the actual execution of 'artful' photographs, I have been drawn to them and surround myself with images that truly speak to me on a deeper level. I am often amazed at the work produced by those who I consider to possess an incredible 'eye' for detail and composition. Now that I have read, "How to Make Great Photographs," "Five Elements of Great Photography" "Landscape Photography Composition," and "The Photographic Technique as a Learning Experience," I have come to realize that there is more to the art of photography than just having an 'eye' for detail. These readings have given me the language necessary to finally articulate the measures taken to create a compelling photograph. I can now see the vast number of decisions that are made in order to create a particular effect. Whether it is the art of composition, perspective lighting or framing; each has the potential to create immense impact and tell an original story.

Taking all these elements into consideration, I found myself reflecting on the multiple 'tweaks' necessary to accommodate the varied learning styles of each student in any one of my classes. These adjustments are very similar to the Board mandated push for the use of Differentiated Instruction within the classroom. Furthermore the idea of straying from your comfort zone when experimenting with photography, reminded me of the courage necessary for teachers to adapt to new technology and take the time to learn and have fun with the tools available to them. It is very easy to get stuck in one's ways and fear change; instead of viewing a lesson or 'subject' from a new perspective.

I agree that photography is art and that it is something that is abstract. I needed to be reminded that I should pay more attention to the images and less to my camera. i now see that my camera is merely a vehicle to creating a but has very little to do with making great photographs. Photography, like teaching involves a learning curve and progress is made in increments with practice over time. Once again the idea of having patience is highlighted for me. After all, "brilliance doesn't work on a schedule!" This is something that I have to keep in mind when I am inflexible with time lines placed on myself in terms of curriculum delivery or on my students striving to meet their own deadlines.

The concept of paying attention to photo opportunities can easily be related to the idea of seeking out learning opportunities or teaching opportunities. Photography, like teaching, should be about "communicating passion and sparking excitement in the mind and body of another person. If you don't care about the subject then the results won't go beyond the basics. Care deeply and incredible things can happen. Don't care and you are quickly forgotten." This again is true for both photography and teaching. We have all had teachers whose enthusiasm has been infectious. They take the time to guide learning in a compelling way. Teaching, like photography, is not solely about technique but rather about communicating something. As a relatively new teacher, I can see that I can be guided by those who have more experience and whom I feel are effective, but that I must be willing to play with my own ideas, experiment often and step outside of my comfort zone in order to really begin creating artful lessons, as well as photographs.