EXTRA CREDIT

1. The man was pushed onto the subway tracks in front of an oncoming train, and the photographer said he was using his flash to try and warn the conductor.
2. The photographer, Umar Abbasi, claimed he was using his camera flash to warn the conductor, but the photograph looks suspiciously well-taken, as if he stopped to take a picture of the soon-to-be dead man.
3. I think the photographer should have put down his camera and ran over to try and lift the man out from the tracks: somebody's life should always take priority over a photograph.
4. I don't think the photographer did a good job: he claims he couldn't help the man off the tracks but that just seems unreasonable. I think he saw an opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime photograph and took it instead of attempting to help save somebody.
5. I don't think the photograph should have been publicized, as one of the commenters said: the man's family is forced to see that image of their loved father, moments away from death.
6. I think photojournalists value capturing the ugliness of life rather than trying to prevent it. Many of the most renowned photojournalists have photographed tragedies: wars, shootings, natural disasters, etc.
7. Yes, I think it's ethically acceptable if they have the opportunity to help somebody in need. They shouldn't care about moral value or their photograph.
8. I think, if it's safe for a photojournalist to take a photograph then they should: but afterwards, they should do whatever they can to help a situation, like any decent human being would.
9. The first response stands out the most in my eyes. He's right, the photographer should not have stopped to take a photograph instead of helping. He claims he did his best to help, but I think that's a lie so he won't get attacked by the public for his actions.

Magazine Cover #2

Magazine Cover #1

Top 100 Photos of All Time

Image #1:

1. I picked this image because it shows a man who truly has no fear. He's standing in front of four high-grade military tanks.

2. It was the day after the Tiananmen Square massacre and tanks were brought into the area. This man was apparently tired of all the meaningless killing so he decided to put himself in harm's way in order to stop the mechanical beasts. The tanks tried to move around him a couple times but he continued to step in their way, he wouldn't budge.

3.I learned that the chinese military was ordered to shoot down hundreds of innocent protesters at the massacre the night before this photo was taken. The event was almost completely hidden from the Chinese population shortly after it happened. Although the government went to great measures to mask the event, this famous image never died.

4. 

5. The photographer's name is Jeff Widener.

Born in 1956 and is still alive.

Born in Long Beach California.

Studied at Los Angeles Pierce College and Moorpark College.

Image #2:

1. I picked this image because it looked strangely like Nike's Jordan logo.

2. During a magazine shoot for LIFE in 1984, this photo of Michael Jordan was taken mid-jump. The photo was later borrowed by Nike in order to design their, now famous, Jordan logo.

3, I learned that Nike didn't actually tell the photographer they were using his photograph for their logo, he attempted to sue them but settled for $15.000.

4. 

5. The photographer's name is Jacobus "Co" Rentmeester.

He was born in 1936 and is still alive today.

Born in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Studied at Art Center College in Los Angeles.

Image #3:

1. I picked this image because this man is seemingly content while covered in flames.

2. This Buddhist monk, Thich Quang Duc, set himself ablaze in 1963 in order to protest the president's treatment of monks at the time. He sat, legs crossed, completely still the entire time: this demonstrate's the enormous mental willpower of monks.

3. I learned that the new president strongly supported Catholicism and made the Buddhist flag illegal shortly before this event. He passed laws discriminating Buddhists and didn't support their freedom of religion at all.

4. 

5. The photographer's name is Malcolm Browne

Born in 1931 and Died in 2012.

Born in New York City.

Studied at Swarthmore College.

Image #4:

1. I picked this image because it shows a gorilla being carried out on a stretcher, seemingly dead.

2. Criminals had illegally entered this forest in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2007 in order to harvest wood for the making of illegal charcoal, a huge industry during the Rwandan genocide. Wanting to revolt against the park rangers, the intruders shot multiple gorillas for no apparent reason, including this alpha male which weighed at least 500 pounds.

3. I learned that rangers had an ongoing conflict with the charcoal producers, destroying their kilns and raiding their hotspots in order to discourage the production of the product. Many rangers were also killed while trying to protect the forest's gorillas.

4. 

5. The photographer's name was Brent Stirton.

Born in 1969 and is still alive today.

Born in Durban, South Africa.

Image #5:

1. I chose this image because it symbolizes one of our world's biggest mysteries: the Loch Ness Monster.

2. This photo was originally thought to be taken by Robert Wilson, but that information has been proven to be uncredible. Now, many photographers have taken credit for this famous image, but the original person is still unknown.

3. I learned that this image has inspired thousands, even millions, of conspiracy theories, from ones involving the government all the way to aliens.

4. Unapplicable.

5. Photographer unknown.

Fashion Photography

Video #1:
- Put makeup on the model.
- Made lips fuller.
- Made neck longer.
- Moved eyes down.
- Made neck skinnier.
- Made eyes larger.
- Made face slimmer.

Video #2:
-Put makeup on and fixed hair.
-Blemishes removed.
-Eyes made bigger
-Shoulders made higher.
-Made stomach smaller.
-Made legs slimmer and longer.
-Made neck longer and skinnier.
-Made complexion lighter.
-Made butt smaller.

Video #3:
-Made butt smaller and legs skinnier.
-Made arms skinnier.
-Removed stretch marks.
-Made stomach smaller.
-Made waist smaller.
-Made breasts smaller.
-Made head smaller.
-Filled in hair.
-Made chin smaller.

Questions:
1. No, it's not ethically acceptable to make these changes to a model's body because people should be accepted for how they are. Nothing about their appearance should be changed.
2. It's more ethically wrong to make these type of changes in the modeling industry because they are idolizing skinny women with perfect faces, bodies, and skin. They're giving regular women an unachievable goal.
3. Removing blemishes here and there and fixing a model's hair is acceptable, but nothing else should be changed about their faces or bodies.
4. Photojournalism values real situations, whereas the modeling industry is a big hoax full of fake women.
5. I think we are being shown these videos in order to understand what is morally accepted in the photographic industry, modeling companies have it all wrong.
6. Most women are seen as sex symbols in today's society, which is why they are made out to be perfect. It's horrible but it's true.

Magazine Cover Images

Portraits and Self-Portraits

Portrait and Self-Portraits Preview

1. Shoot Candidly

Sometimes posed shots can look somewhat…. posed. Some people don’t look good in a posed environment and so switching to a candid type approach can work.

Photograph your subject at work, with family or doing something that they love. This will put them more at ease and you can end up getting some special shots with them reacting naturally to the situation that they are in. You might even want to grab a longer zoom lens to take you out of their immediate zone and get really paparazzi with them.

2. Hold your camera at an angle

Horizontal and Vertical framings are not the only options when it comes to shooting portraits. While getting your images straight can be important in when shooting in these formats holding your camera on a more diagonal angle can also inject a little fun into your images.

This type of framing can add a sense of fun and energy into your shots. Just don’t ‘slightly’ do it or you’ll have people asking themselves if you might have mistakenly held your camera crooked.

3. The Casual Portrait

Wherever you are with your camera, always be on the lookout for those moments when a person's character shines though. If you have a formal portrait session with someone, make some frames of him while he straightens his tie or while she brushes her hair before the formal sitting. Walk back to the car with her and shoot her on the street. If you are on a spring picnic with the family, look for that moment of bliss when your wife leans back, sated, to enjoy the caress of the warm sun. If you're on the street, look for the impatient expression on a pedestrian's face as he waits for the light to change. Always be on the lookout for the telling moment. Every person has a story, and every picture should tell part of that story.

Environmental Portraits:

I like how this man's environment is depicted. I picked this photo because it stands out from all the other photographs.

I like this photo because this fisher looks content with his surroundings. The water in the background looks beautiful.

Self-Portraits:

I like this photo because it's not as intense and form as most other self-portraits I saw.  I chose it because it's funny and stands out from the others.

I like this photo because it's from an interesting perspective, I assume he's standing below a mirror. I chose it because I like the style of this photograph.

Casual Portraits:

I like this portrait because it's really well positioned. I chose it because the man looks formal yet full of emotion.

                                       

I like this portrait because the woman looks genuinely happy, and I also chose it because it portrays a good use of aperture.

For my portrait assignment, I plan to shoot my friend Lilly in a semi-urban setting, like an outdoor shopping mall or something of that sort. I plan to shoot during the sunset in order to achieve a nice warm lighting, and maybe shoot under a street lamp or something. I like my photos being a little dark so I won't set the shutter speed that low. And for my self-portrait, I plan to shoot in my backyard against the wall of my house in the afternoon.

Magazine Tips

1. It should be emotionally irresistible
2. It should arouse the viewer's curiosity.
3. It should be intellectually stimulating.
4. It should be efficient, fast, and easy to scan.
5. It should be worth the investment of money and time.

American Soldier

A: The most powerful image from the article is the one depicting Fisher laying in bed, talking on the phone and holding his handgun. It shows how accustomed he's become to military lifestyle.
B: The images work together to tell a story by portraying the transition of Ian's physical appearance, his attitude, and his perseverance.
C: The captions enhance the photographs by giving the viewer a back-story as to what's happening in the photo.
D: Ian Fisher graduated high school and immediately decided to enlist in the military, he felt the need to support his country and its people. Fisher was reluctant at first, constantly wondering about life back home but, over time, grew stronger and stronger. He powered through months and months of strenuous training, testing both his mind and his body. Once his training was complete, Ian served in Afghanistan for an entire year before returning home and marrying his girlfriend.
E: The verbs are usually written in Third Person POV.
F:
1. The captions average 2-3 sentences.
2. The first sentence describes what's happening in the photo.
3. The second sentence provides a little background information.
4. The third sentence usually provides more background info on top of what's already given.
5. Yes, some captions include a quote.
6. Yes, there are a few that have four sentences.
G: It's possible to tell an entire story with just photos and captions because photos contain lots of emotion, and the viewer picks up on those emotions.
H. Although photos are powerful, they omit a lot of information, which is why people write stories instead of just taking pictures.

Composition Rules Part Two

Rule of Thirds:

Balancing Elements:

Leading Lines:

Symmetry and Patterns:

Viewpoint:

Background:

Create Depth:

Framing:

Cropping:

Mergers and Avoiding Them:

Funny Captions

This is Mickey, 54 years old and homeless, living a life full of struggle in New York with only his shopping cart, his trusty companion, Homer, and his $1000 laptop. Mickey's house burned down 4 years ago in 2012, but thankfully, he was able to save his most prized possession: the laptop given to him on his birthday.

Carla is 85 years old and still doesn't need some stupid exterminator, she knows a rifle like the back of her hand; she kills this beaver from 200 feet away in less than ten seconds. Carla grew up in Kentucky, learning how to use a gun from her dad; she still utilizes this skill today...obviously.

This is Paula and Julia, best friends since day one; they sit here smoking cigars at 90 years old, not giving a single care about society and it's normalities. These girls have smoked a cigar every day for the past 85 years of their lives, and they're not planning on stopping anytime soon.

Warm Up

1. As I viewed Merendino's images of his wife, I felt deep remorse and sympathy.
2. I think these photos represent the entirety of Merendino's life, supporting and loving his wife until the day she died.
3. If I were in his situation, I don't think I could've shot photos like his. I'd be too overwhelmed in sorrow.
4. If I could write Angelo a letter, I'd thank him for taking these powerful photos, because it must've taken a strong willpower. I'd apologize for his wife's death but also celebrate her life, as she seemed happy up until her last day.

Prompt Shoot #2

Cold:

Purple:

Electric:

AFRICA

1. My initial reaction to Nick Brandt's photographs is disbelief. The animals in his pictures look extremely surreal, as if they are painted. Turns out, these creatures are just naturally magnificent and Brandt is blessed with their presence.

2.

3. This photograph depicts a caring lioness holding her cub in her mouth. At first look, it seems she has caught and killed her prey, but the reality is quite different. This image is my favorite because it shows the compassionate side of an animal usually portrayed as a vicious creature. 

4. Simplicity is evident in this photo, demonstrated by the simplistic background. The rule of thirds is also used because the lioness's head is in the top right third of the picture. Her head and the cub balance out her large body. 

5. Brandt used a Pentax 67II with merely two fixed lenses. This is important because he doesn't use a zoom lens like most nature photographers. He chooses to get within point blank distance of his subjects.

6. Nick wanted to display these beautiful, ethereal creatures in their natural habitat. He wants to fill viewers with awe and encourage others to support the well-being of these animals.

7. He hopes that, after viewing his photos, viewers will have sympathy for the animals in East Africa and help to make them safer or donate to certain charities.

8. "In 1995 I first drove the main road from Nairobi down through southern Kenya to Arusha in northern Tanzania. Along the way, in completely unprotected areas, I saw giraffes, zebras, gazelles, impalas, wildebeest. A few months ago, just 13 years later, I made the same drive. I didn't see a single wild animal the entire four-hour drive." -Nick Brandt

Mural Project Preview

1. We could base our on-campus theme on the unseen parts of Bowie. The trash, the roaches, the dirty bathrooms. etc. As for off-campus, we could do the same thing except relate it to the neglected aspects of society: the poor, the homeless, the starving, etc.

2. We should use camera phones and real DSLR cameras.

3. I'd want to put the mural on the side wall of the weight room, between the portables and the courtyard.

Great Black and White Photographers PART 3

When I initially viewed Lee Friedlander's photos, the peculiarity of them caught my eye. Some of his pictures are also a little creepy. They look like they're out of a thriller movie.

I see an artistic genius, utilizing his own body as the subject of this photo. I smell whiskey and cheap, dollar-store cigarettes. I hear the shutter of his camera snap, over and over again. I taste citrus floor-cleaner, compensating for the general mustiness throughout his entire household. I feel the emptiness and sorrow in the air, unaware of the cause.

I see four iconic teenage boys, each with their faux leather jackets. I smell the streets of New York, a potent mixture of feces and pollution. I hear the simultaneous honking of dozens of cars' horns. I feel the foundation of this marvelous city under my feet, and everything it's been through. I taste the pungent dryness of my mouth, I haven't had a glass of water since last night.

I would like to make a powerpoint to display Lee Friedlander's photography.

Camera Simulator

1. The aperture settings range from f/2.8 to f/22.
2. The shutter speed settings range from 1 second to 1/4000 of a second.
3. The ISO settings range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600

ISO

(Photo taken at ISO 200)

(Photo taken at ISO 1600)

1. The advantages of shooting at a higher ISO at a sporting event at night is the increased capture time. The photos will also be brighter at a higher ISO.

2. The author recommends using low ISO when there is plenty of light or if you have your camera mounted in a dark environment.

3. The author recommends using a high ISO when there is not enough light or when trying to capture something in motion.

Shutter Speed

(Photo taken at 1/2000 Shutter Speed)

(Photo taken at 4-second Shutter Speed)

During The Day

1a) Medium Shutter Speed

1b) Medium Shutter Speed

1c) High Shutter Speed

1d) High Shutter Speed

1e) High Shutter Speed

1f) High Shutter Speed

At Night

1a) Low Shutter Speed

1b) Low Shutter Speed

1c) High Shutter Speed

1d) Low Shutter Speed

1e) Low Shutter Speed

1f) High Shutter Speed

2. Aperture Priority mode lets you choose the camera's aperture, but automatically chooses the shutter speed. Shutter Priority mode lets you choose the camera's shutter speed, but automatically chooses the aperture. Manual mode lets you choose both the shutter speed and the aperture.

Aperture

(Photo taken at F/2.8 Aperture)

(Photo taken at F/16 Aperture)

1. We should closely relate aperture to the pupil of a human eye.

2. The smaller the aperture, the larger the f-number. The larger the aperture, the smaller the f-number.

3. A smaller aperture results in a smaller depth of field. A larger aperture like F/16 or F/32 will result in a photograph with everything in focus (subject and background).

Great Black and White Photographers, PART 2

Lee Friedlander was born in Aberdeen, Washington (July 14, 1934) and is currently 82 years old. He studied for two years at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena before moving to New York at the age of 36. He mainly worked for Atlantic Records, shooting pictures of the company's musicians. As a side job, he worked as a freelance photographer for magazines like Collier's, Esquire, McCall's, and Sports Illustrated. Lee mainly photographed New York's busy streets and social scene. His self-portraits, which he began taking in the 1960's, are his most widely renowned pictures. Friedlander has published countless books (more than 50) displaying his photography. Some of his most recent ones are The Nudes: A Second Look, Mannequin, In the Picture: Self-portraits, America by Car, and Witness Number 6.

Sources:
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lee-Friedlander
https://fraenkelgallery.com/artists/lee-friedlander