- In class discussion of Class Blog topic
- CRITIQUE! Printed - Assignment #2
- PHOTOSHOP: Layers, Masks, Smart Objects, Compositing, Better Burning and Dodging
- Assignment #3 given - compositing
For next week:
- READ/ANSWER QUESTIONS: Class Blog discussion topic
- DROPBOX: Source files for Assignment #3
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ASSIGNMENT #3
Create 4 composited images (2 or more images per composition) loosely based on these parameters:
1) A combination which is believable (such as replacing a blank sky with a cloudy one)
2) A combination which somewhat believable (think of the in class scenario of the skier on the beach)
3) A combination which is not really believable (something crazy)
4) A combination of anything you want!
Have the files ready for class next week.
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Discussion Topic #7:
Take a look at the work of these artists:
Mary Mattingly (read more info here)
Each of these artists use composted photography in different ways to further their conceptual ideas:
- Mattingly uses composited images to speak about consumer culture
- Gutschow (in her color landscapes) uses composited images to mimic idealized landscapes from paintings in the 1800's
- Gonzalez uses compositing to whimsically image vernacular architecture bloom into highly designed spaces.
- Lux uses photographs and photoshop to (somewhat) mimic painting
Does this way of working speak to you or is it too far removed from the idea of photography being" the decisive moment?". Leave a response below
Also - pick an image which you are interested in an explain why. This can be something that you like OR something that you don't like - just leave a response as to why.
- I find this way of working extremely creative despite what the "rules/ideas" of photography may be. Photomontages have been around since the very beginning and are a form of art. even though the image is not generated strictly in the camera, it is still photographic. I do see the opposite point of view and understand why he/she would say that it is removed from the idea of capturing the decisive moment. But it is made from a photographer's vision and concept.
ReplyDelete- My favorite image is Loretta Lux's "Sasha and Ruby" - 2005
The possible twin girls with the gingery hair caught my attention. the colors are really soft from their faces + hair to the background. and the blue in their eyes to match the polka dots in the dress. The photograph's painterly qualities give the image an elegant feel.
In my opinion, collages are one of those genres in photography that acts like the party boy in a very snobby, academic museum crowd. They bring sensuality and energy in viewers eye. In New York galleries, I used to see more works on collages or distorted images. I feel like they don't have their spots as they used to be or maybe I haven't seen much yet. However, I truly salut the sense of creativity and humor in the distorted images or collages. They are part of the photography but a lot of the art society doesn't think that way and try to ban them from exhibiting. This type of works are definitely should be highly rated.
ReplyDeleteI loved Gonzales's work. I loved the energy in them. Distorted architectural forms with odd angles are truly hip and opens up the mind for potential design ideas.
I usually really don't care how does the artist/photographer managed to get his/her work done, meaning I prefer to look at the results, as any viewer who is not versed in photographic techniques, formal rules, history of the practice, etc. I feel any kind of technique is valid per se and that it doesn't determine if a piece of art (photo in this case) is better, worse, more artistic, authentic or whatever. What I'm not very conviced about is all this conceptual and explanatory stuff that seems to be a condition out of discussion for most contemporary art supported by established institutions. Maybe I have a more traditional approach when looking at these images, I'm interested in the ones that leave some open space for the viewers imagination to complete or not; one of those I think is Beate Gutschow's landscape with a tree: http://seizingthelight.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/beate-gutschow_5.jpg
ReplyDeleteI can see the pictorial references to 18th century painting and glimpe some of the hidden Photoshop make-up, but still is more welcoming to me than the super carefully crafted and thought-out others.
There's no reason why photographers should be limited to what the camera produces. The "decisive moment" is simply an aspect of photography, and just like these artists have done, we should be able to manipulate photography as we have our own artistic license.
ReplyDeleteMarry Mattingly's "House and Universe" photo set is pretty thought-provoking. I was drawn to "Floating a Boulder" because there's an aspect to it that's very possible, but then again, it's obvious that this an exaggeration. It's important to see her message, the harsh reality of how trash is overwhelming the planet and soon we won't have anywhere to deposit it. She's creating her own "decisive moment" using great skill to create a believable combination of images.
This way of taking photos does speak to me. I feel like art and photography in general should have no limits. The only limit should be a persons imagination. To put things together that wouldn't normally go together shows a creation in mind and soul.
ReplyDeletePhotographers can choose to capture the moment, or choose not to. The moment is already altered by their very presence and perception, and all that goes into physically capturing a image with a camera. There is something to be said for an image that is so manipulated, it distorts any foundation of reality. Photography, comes so close to us feeling like we are seeing the "real thing" that photographs can be used to manipulate peoples visual perception of the world, or prove a case in a court room without the shadow of a doubt.
ReplyDeletePersonally i prefer the images that are creatively manipulated in a subtle way, or in a way that creates a new world, based on inspiration.
This image, i feel captures that very essence the best, without distorting the physics of reality in a super unrealistic way.
http://seizingthelight.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/guetschow_s10_300dpi.jpg