Artist Statement

This year I was not sure what to expect coming into my first photography class. I imagined it as us, the students, going out and taking pictures of whatever we like, then turning them in to be evaluated by the teacher. I was not expecting to receive assigned photoshoots, do hands on activities, or collaborate with my peers. Mrs. Hahn changed my perspective of what photography really is. Some of my favorite photoshoots have included the scanner gram (seen above), noun photoshoot, and the Earth Day photoshoot. In all of these photoshoots we were required to incorporate our voice. It took a lot of help from my peers, friends, and family to accomplish the tasks given by Mrs. Hahn. We were given two weeks to finish a required photoshoot outside of class, with a mid way check point one week in. Then we would bring our photos into class on our memory cards to turn them in. Our class was extremely lucky to be provided with laptops with the necessary programs we needed to edit our pictures. Next, we would upload our pictures to Google Drive and then create a contact sheet on Photoshop. Usually by the next class Mrs. Hahn would select our 'top three images' for us to edit again on Photoshop. 

The elements and principals of design are required tools in any art class. In all of our photoshoots we were required to use the compositional strategies, including: rule of thirds, close and far, don't center, get close, avoid distractions, and leading lines. These would make our photos look more sophisticated and professional. Looking back over the year, rule of thirds and get close are definitely my most used rules, as seen in most of the images attached to this blogpost. 

This year, second semester specifically, we focused on incorporating and finding our voice in our photoshoots. Since I am moving onto AP Photography next year, it is important for me to find a common theme in my photoshoots. This year I kind of focused on taking pictures that look pretty, rather than my own voice. I am at the point in my life where I am still discovering who I am and who I want to be, so it is hard to pinpoint one specific trait to capture through my photography. However, one common theme I have found in some of my best photoshoots is that I like to find beauty in things that most people would not consider beautiful. For example, in the two pictures above these were both taken at an abandoned building in downtown Noblesville. Last year I would have walked right past both of these spots and not thought nothing of it. But now I find myself driving down the road or walking down the street, stopping to look at odd or quirky things, thinking, "this would make a great photo."

I have realized in mys lifetime that I am not an artistic person. I can't draw, paint, sing, or play an instrument. I have found myself frustrated in past art classes for not meeting the expectations. This year in photography, I have discovered many talents I did not know that I had and a place in the art world where I fit in. I have always been good with computer programs and figuring out technology on my own. I also learn very well from step-by-step instructions and by watching examples. Over the course of the year I have discovered that I am very good at Photoshop. I figured out most of the program on my own and I accomplished the simple tasks given in minutes because I am now so familiar with the program. Above I attached my photo emerge assignment which is one of my images made up of a bunch of tiny images. I loved that I was able to find something I was good at and not feel frustrated with myself. Also, it is a good skill to have for AP and maybe even a future job. 

Nature Field Trip

For this photoshoot we took a field trip over to White River Elementary on the paths by the cross country course. I was disappointed to realize that my camera did not have my memory card in my camera so I had to use my phone camera. For this photoshoot we had a list of items that we needed to find and photograph. Since many people would be taking pictures of the same items it was important to incorporate voice through the elements and principles of design. I used rule of thirds and close & far, as seen in the images above. Overall I feel this is one of my weaker photoshoots, specifically because I could not use my camera. I had high expectations for myself for this photoshoot, so I feel I let myself down.

Food

For this photoshoot we did a pitch in of food in class. Not only did we get to eat snacks all class, we got to work together as class to set up scenes for each other. We used the professional lighting and colored paper to make the food look better. For this photoshoot I rule of thirds and close in far, as seen in the pictures above. I also used the rule of get close.
We did not really get to incorporate our own voice into this photoshoot since most of the scenes were already set up for us. But we could put our own spin on the different stations. I think overall I have a couple of strong photos but also a couple of weak ones. I definitely think this is a good skill to have for future photoshoots.

Portraiture

For this photoshoot I decided to take pictures at my house. I figured there was no better place to show my voice then to be in a place where I spend a majority of my time. For this particular image, I sat on the landing of my stairs. I used close and far with the texture of my hair and the texture of the wall in the background. I also used rule of thirds by sitting just off center.
I found this particular photoshoot hard to incorporate my personal voice. Most of the things I use to describe myself are hard to find in Indiana. I feel this is one of my weaker photoshoots and I wish that we would've been given more time to shoot.

Panorama

For this photoshoot I took them while I was on spring break. I wanted to capture what the town was like. I went out really early in the morning so not a lot of people would be out. I used close and far to get the objects on the street and the entire buildings.

I chose to do my panorama here because it is a place that I am the happiest. I wanted to be able to share with people a place where I can call home. I think my panorama is very strong but it does have a crease down the middle of the sky. Overall, I am proud of this photoshoot because it turned out better than I had expected.