Bye high School! - final project
Artist Statement:
For our final project, we were allowed to choose the topic/theme of our project. I decided for my project to do it about my school to reminisce the past four years in it. To gather all these photos I was forced to walk around all of it, even outdoors, and I pointed out special spots that projected a nostalgic feeling. I then photographed those areas. Some successes I had was coming up with a good theme for tis project and also being able to locate lots of special spots. Some challenges I had was using rules of composition and to make sure the photos were still interesting. If I were to do this project again, that's why I would work on.
For our final project, we were allowed to choose the topic/theme of our project. I decided for my project to do it about my school to reminisce the past four years in it. To gather all these photos I was forced to walk around all of it, even outdoors, and I pointed out special spots that projected a nostalgic feeling. I then photographed those areas. Some successes I had was coming up with a good theme for tis project and also being able to locate lots of special spots. Some challenges I had was using rules of composition and to make sure the photos were still interesting. If I were to do this project again, that's why I would work on.
photo transfer
Artist Statement:
Photo transfer is when you print out a photograph and transfer it to another surface, like wood or glass. I chose a photo of my mom for mothers day. After that, I had my two younger sibling sign it and give it to her as a present. Some successes with this project was the layering of images that I did, some challenges were at first deciding what was gonn do, and what I was going to transfer them on. Next time, I would like to do a photo transfer of wood.
Photo transfer is when you print out a photograph and transfer it to another surface, like wood or glass. I chose a photo of my mom for mothers day. After that, I had my two younger sibling sign it and give it to her as a present. Some successes with this project was the layering of images that I did, some challenges were at first deciding what was gonn do, and what I was going to transfer them on. Next time, I would like to do a photo transfer of wood.
photo INSTALLATION piece:
Artist Statement:
Photo installation art is a 3D piece that is put up to transform a space, and one of the mediums used in the art piece is photography. The purpose of photo installation is to, like mentioned before, transform a space, and convey an emotion and/or a message.
The theme for my photo installation piece is not a political message or my view on gun control, but more focus on the NRA and the brainwashing they do to control our country. I decided to pick this theme because of their recent decision to speak out against Parkland shooting survivors, who are high school student, just like me. This generation was raised watching mass shootings happen on the news and on social media, it has affected my view on the world and the people around me a lot, so I was obviously inspired by all the shootings that happen around us everyday. Recently, my (our) school had an incredible sit-out, where we had a moment of silence for the lives lost at the Parkland shooting, and we discussed the steps we, as student, could take to fight for gun control. That being fresh on my mind, was the first step towards coming up with the theme for my project. From there, I started researching the NRA, and printing articles that shocked me. After lots of sketches and failed attempts, my installation piece was created.
Some successes in regards to my piece, for me, is how I transformed the space. As a student walks down this hall, they are standing in front of this gun, the NRA is shooting at them, or you can interpret it as they are standing in front of the gun, protecting the students on the other side. Some challenges I faced, or am facing, is fear. Fear of disrespecting someones view on this sensitive, controversial topic. I thought a lot about changing my theme, but I would always go back to this idea, nothing could force me to change. In conclusion, I want people to gather their thoughts while standing in the middle of my installation piece and create their own opinion on guns, gun control, and the NRA.
Sources:
https://www.dailydot.com/layer8/dana-loesch-cpac-2018-quotes/
https://www.theroot.com/the-nra-admits-to-taking-money-from-russian-contributor-1825308851
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2018/03/17/republican-who-called-parkland-teen-a-skinhead-lesbian-drops-out-of-maine-house-race/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.7e0626a29954
https://www.dailyrepublic.com/wires/nra-rejects-trumps-call-for-raising-the-age-limit-to-buy-rifles/
http://www.vpc.org/publications/start-them-young-nra-junior-members/
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/david-hogg-emma-gonzalez-parkland-florida-shooting-survivors-nra-threats/
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/florida-shooting-survivors-parkland_us_5a8c54dce4b0273053a52821
https://www.npr.org/2018/03/23/596253830/on-a-day-of-gun-protest-some-montanans-will-march-for-their-guns
Photo installation art is a 3D piece that is put up to transform a space, and one of the mediums used in the art piece is photography. The purpose of photo installation is to, like mentioned before, transform a space, and convey an emotion and/or a message.
The theme for my photo installation piece is not a political message or my view on gun control, but more focus on the NRA and the brainwashing they do to control our country. I decided to pick this theme because of their recent decision to speak out against Parkland shooting survivors, who are high school student, just like me. This generation was raised watching mass shootings happen on the news and on social media, it has affected my view on the world and the people around me a lot, so I was obviously inspired by all the shootings that happen around us everyday. Recently, my (our) school had an incredible sit-out, where we had a moment of silence for the lives lost at the Parkland shooting, and we discussed the steps we, as student, could take to fight for gun control. That being fresh on my mind, was the first step towards coming up with the theme for my project. From there, I started researching the NRA, and printing articles that shocked me. After lots of sketches and failed attempts, my installation piece was created.
Some successes in regards to my piece, for me, is how I transformed the space. As a student walks down this hall, they are standing in front of this gun, the NRA is shooting at them, or you can interpret it as they are standing in front of the gun, protecting the students on the other side. Some challenges I faced, or am facing, is fear. Fear of disrespecting someones view on this sensitive, controversial topic. I thought a lot about changing my theme, but I would always go back to this idea, nothing could force me to change. In conclusion, I want people to gather their thoughts while standing in the middle of my installation piece and create their own opinion on guns, gun control, and the NRA.
Sources:
https://www.dailydot.com/layer8/dana-loesch-cpac-2018-quotes/
https://www.theroot.com/the-nra-admits-to-taking-money-from-russian-contributor-1825308851
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2018/03/17/republican-who-called-parkland-teen-a-skinhead-lesbian-drops-out-of-maine-house-race/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.7e0626a29954
https://www.dailyrepublic.com/wires/nra-rejects-trumps-call-for-raising-the-age-limit-to-buy-rifles/
http://www.vpc.org/publications/start-them-young-nra-junior-members/
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/david-hogg-emma-gonzalez-parkland-florida-shooting-survivors-nra-threats/
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/florida-shooting-survivors-parkland_us_5a8c54dce4b0273053a52821
https://www.npr.org/2018/03/23/596253830/on-a-day-of-gun-protest-some-montanans-will-march-for-their-guns
Macro:
Artist Statement:
This project is for macro photography, where we were expected to take up close photos of the subjects in a light and dark setting. Some successes in my images is I was able to achieve a dark setting by using the camera settings. I really lived how my dark photo turned out. Some challenges I had were finding interesting things to take photos of. I overcame that challenge by sticking to a nature subject. Overall, I am proud of my images. Although, if I were to do this project again, I would try harder on looking for cool things to zoom in on, like bugs or something like that.
This project is for macro photography, where we were expected to take up close photos of the subjects in a light and dark setting. Some successes in my images is I was able to achieve a dark setting by using the camera settings. I really lived how my dark photo turned out. Some challenges I had were finding interesting things to take photos of. I overcame that challenge by sticking to a nature subject. Overall, I am proud of my images. Although, if I were to do this project again, I would try harder on looking for cool things to zoom in on, like bugs or something like that.
MEMES:
"Artist Statement":
A meme is an image that is usually relatable and it's purpose is to make people laugh. With my memes, my social commentary was basically making fun of Abraham because Ms. Ortiz likes calling him cacahuate, and that's very funny to me. I was successful in finding something that makes me laugh, and is an inside joke to make a meme about. Only certain people (Ortiz) will get my memes. At first I was struggling with that, I was struggling in finding something that is funny, but isn't overused. If I were to do this again, I wouldn't change anything because my memes are perfect.
A meme is an image that is usually relatable and it's purpose is to make people laugh. With my memes, my social commentary was basically making fun of Abraham because Ms. Ortiz likes calling him cacahuate, and that's very funny to me. I was successful in finding something that makes me laugh, and is an inside joke to make a meme about. Only certain people (Ortiz) will get my memes. At first I was struggling with that, I was struggling in finding something that is funny, but isn't overused. If I were to do this again, I wouldn't change anything because my memes are perfect.
emotions:
Artist Statement:
The emotions project was to take portrait photos to capture different facial expressions. Some successes I had were lighting, to be able to capture the expression. As well as centering the image and making sure the eyes were on the top third of the image. Some challenges I had were using the camera settings to make the picture better. If I were to do this project again, I would try to capture strangers facial expression so maybe I could get more real emotions instead of forced.
The emotions project was to take portrait photos to capture different facial expressions. Some successes I had were lighting, to be able to capture the expression. As well as centering the image and making sure the eyes were on the top third of the image. Some challenges I had were using the camera settings to make the picture better. If I were to do this project again, I would try to capture strangers facial expression so maybe I could get more real emotions instead of forced.
Magazine
Artist Statment-
For the magazine project, we were expected to take a face or body shot and transform it into a magazine cover. Some struggles I faced were focusing too hard on the graphic design protion of the magazine in relation to the actual image and “model” of the cover. Some successes I had were being able to make the image of what a magazine designed by me come to life. If I were to do this project again, I would try to of captured a better model photos, something which captures the face more.
For the magazine project, we were expected to take a face or body shot and transform it into a magazine cover. Some struggles I faced were focusing too hard on the graphic design protion of the magazine in relation to the actual image and “model” of the cover. Some successes I had were being able to make the image of what a magazine designed by me come to life. If I were to do this project again, I would try to of captured a better model photos, something which captures the face more.
Light project
Artist Statement:
Explain light painting project. For the light painting project we were expected to create a story with a beginning, middle, and end with the use of aperture/f-stop, ISO, and shutter speed on a camera and a light. I was inspired by Darren Pearson, his light paintings consisted or intricate skeletons, and his photographs as well told a story. His light paintings of skeletons inspired me to do it about aliens. The theme of my story is about an alien who is bored and sick of his planet, so it goes to a new one to be alone. Some successes with my project were that I was able to manipulate the setting on the camera to be able to capture on the light. I had more challenges than problems though. It was hard to keep track of what and where I was drawing, which made my photographs to not comet very clean. If I were to do this project again, I would be more careful with how I was drawing my subjects.
Explain light painting project. For the light painting project we were expected to create a story with a beginning, middle, and end with the use of aperture/f-stop, ISO, and shutter speed on a camera and a light. I was inspired by Darren Pearson, his light paintings consisted or intricate skeletons, and his photographs as well told a story. His light paintings of skeletons inspired me to do it about aliens. The theme of my story is about an alien who is bored and sick of his planet, so it goes to a new one to be alone. Some successes with my project were that I was able to manipulate the setting on the camera to be able to capture on the light. I had more challenges than problems though. It was hard to keep track of what and where I was drawing, which made my photographs to not comet very clean. If I were to do this project again, I would be more careful with how I was drawing my subjects.
Photo documentary - Cultural assimilation
Artist Statement:
For my photo documentary project, I decided to capture cultural assimilation, which is the process by which a person's or group's culture come to resemble those of another group. As a daughter of Mexican immigrants, but as a person who was born and raised in the United States, assimilation is rooted in my family. At times I feel like I live a double life, I go to school, learn, speak and write in English, but then I go home and talk Spanish and eat traditional foods. In my opinion, there is not a lot of coverage or support over this topic, I hope that with these photos I can bring attention to how our household life can be completely different to someone else's, even if we are doing the same things in school. I also with these photos tried to incorporate my school life, compared to the school life my parents had, and how because of them, I am able to learn the things I am learning. Some of my successes in this project are the rules of composition that I applied into my photos. I used a lot of leading lines and different perspectives to make my photos more interesting. I am also very proud of the value and shadows I had in mostly all my photos. Some of the challenges were making the photos tell a story by itself. Together, the pictures form the idea, but individually, it's much harder to capture it. So, if I were to do this project again, I would plan out my photos individually than as a group. What I want people to learn from my project is that we are not all the same, we all have our differences, and we need to take pride in them. We also need to respect each other for our differences instead of forcing each other to assimilate.
For my photo documentary project, I decided to capture cultural assimilation, which is the process by which a person's or group's culture come to resemble those of another group. As a daughter of Mexican immigrants, but as a person who was born and raised in the United States, assimilation is rooted in my family. At times I feel like I live a double life, I go to school, learn, speak and write in English, but then I go home and talk Spanish and eat traditional foods. In my opinion, there is not a lot of coverage or support over this topic, I hope that with these photos I can bring attention to how our household life can be completely different to someone else's, even if we are doing the same things in school. I also with these photos tried to incorporate my school life, compared to the school life my parents had, and how because of them, I am able to learn the things I am learning. Some of my successes in this project are the rules of composition that I applied into my photos. I used a lot of leading lines and different perspectives to make my photos more interesting. I am also very proud of the value and shadows I had in mostly all my photos. Some of the challenges were making the photos tell a story by itself. Together, the pictures form the idea, but individually, it's much harder to capture it. So, if I were to do this project again, I would plan out my photos individually than as a group. What I want people to learn from my project is that we are not all the same, we all have our differences, and we need to take pride in them. We also need to respect each other for our differences instead of forcing each other to assimilate.
"Street Photography"
Reflection:
Street photography is a style in which many photographers shoot in. Street photography, just like it says, is taken on streets, usually includes random people who are walking on the street, but isn't limited, so also interludes architecture, etc. Street photography basically has the city vibe. Our project is called the Faux Street Art project was basically to gather pictures we had already taken but they had to have the street photography style. The purpose of this project was so we understood what kind of photos we would have to take, and what locations we can take pictures. Obviously you can't use photographs that are nature shots, so this project helps us realize that. I think I was pretty successful, I wish I had more photos that contained people, so when we work on our real street photography project, I plan on taking more pictures with people in them.
Street photography is a style in which many photographers shoot in. Street photography, just like it says, is taken on streets, usually includes random people who are walking on the street, but isn't limited, so also interludes architecture, etc. Street photography basically has the city vibe. Our project is called the Faux Street Art project was basically to gather pictures we had already taken but they had to have the street photography style. The purpose of this project was so we understood what kind of photos we would have to take, and what locations we can take pictures. Obviously you can't use photographs that are nature shots, so this project helps us realize that. I think I was pretty successful, I wish I had more photos that contained people, so when we work on our real street photography project, I plan on taking more pictures with people in them.
WE ARE SOUTH - PORTRAITS:
Artist Statement:
For this project, we are supposed to interview and photograph ten people who are part of Denver South High School, that includes students and staff. Challenges I had were background and lighting. I couldn't always get the person in a well lit place and I had to adjust the background in Photoshop to make sure they didn't distract from the subject. Some successes I had was finding people who were willing to be my subject, and capturing people personality through the image. If I were to do this project I would maybe make time to try the McDonald's light box since I think that would of really improved my photographs.
For this project, we are supposed to interview and photograph ten people who are part of Denver South High School, that includes students and staff. Challenges I had were background and lighting. I couldn't always get the person in a well lit place and I had to adjust the background in Photoshop to make sure they didn't distract from the subject. Some successes I had was finding people who were willing to be my subject, and capturing people personality through the image. If I were to do this project I would maybe make time to try the McDonald's light box since I think that would of really improved my photographs.
Vector portrait:
Artist Statement:
I photographed Sophia, and I captured her personality mostly through her eyes. She is a really quiet person, I learned through the interview, so in the photograph, she is serious, but has a gentle look. What I like the most is her eyes. They're in black and white, but there is still light in them and as mentioned, she has a very gentle look. I kept her hair in color because the light brown showed you more of who she is, but her skin is in black and white. I want the viewers to look at this image and feel calm and safe because of her soft look.
I photographed Sophia, and I captured her personality mostly through her eyes. She is a really quiet person, I learned through the interview, so in the photograph, she is serious, but has a gentle look. What I like the most is her eyes. They're in black and white, but there is still light in them and as mentioned, she has a very gentle look. I kept her hair in color because the light brown showed you more of who she is, but her skin is in black and white. I want the viewers to look at this image and feel calm and safe because of her soft look.
Toys come to life:
Artist Statement:
The toys come to life project was for us to use scale to make toys look a lot larger than they really are. Scale is using depth of field and the surroundings to trick the brain into thinking that the subject of a photo is a certain size. In this case, we use scale to make the toy look larger than it really is. I think overall I succeed in this project, although I did struggle with the surroundings. Most pictures I took, the surroundings gave it away that it really is a toy. Some successes I had were convincing my brother to let me use his Avengers legos, and using the tricks in scale photography to make the lego characters look larger. In the end I overcame my challenges by using depth of field and different perspectives. In both of these pictures, I used a low angle, which really enhanced the perspective I was trying to show. If I were to do this project again, I would maybe try harder to look for new places to photograph, somewhere with less background that will affect the image.
The toys come to life project was for us to use scale to make toys look a lot larger than they really are. Scale is using depth of field and the surroundings to trick the brain into thinking that the subject of a photo is a certain size. In this case, we use scale to make the toy look larger than it really is. I think overall I succeed in this project, although I did struggle with the surroundings. Most pictures I took, the surroundings gave it away that it really is a toy. Some successes I had were convincing my brother to let me use his Avengers legos, and using the tricks in scale photography to make the lego characters look larger. In the end I overcame my challenges by using depth of field and different perspectives. In both of these pictures, I used a low angle, which really enhanced the perspective I was trying to show. If I were to do this project again, I would maybe try harder to look for new places to photograph, somewhere with less background that will affect the image.
Egg Project:
Artist Statement:
The egg project is a photography project inspired by Josef Sudek. The task is to take photographs of a “sexy egg” which means a normal egg and use dramatic lighting, shadows and value. Some challenges I had with this portion of the project was that I didn’t want to use a background that was too distracting from the egg, but a plain background with a plain egg wouldn’t be interesting. It was difficult to find a background that was interesting, but not distracting, but I resolved my problem by using a background with lines. Successes I had were using good lighting to add shadows and contrast. The second part of the egg project was to photograph a “creative egg” which means we were supposed to draw on the eggs to make them tell a story. Challenges I had were coming up with an idea that was out of the box, and not just silly since that’s what most people were doing. But then, my biggest successes was coming up with my idea. I got inspired by Greek vases, who used to be painted on to tell Greek stories, so I decided to do a Greek story/painting on the egg. Another challenge I had after was photographing the egg so I could capture the most of the painting. Overall, this was a really fun project. I learned that you can make anything look good in a photograph as long as you capture it right, even an egg. I want to improve on working more on the background. I need to make sure they are not too distracting, but still interesting enough so it’s not plain.
The egg project is a photography project inspired by Josef Sudek. The task is to take photographs of a “sexy egg” which means a normal egg and use dramatic lighting, shadows and value. Some challenges I had with this portion of the project was that I didn’t want to use a background that was too distracting from the egg, but a plain background with a plain egg wouldn’t be interesting. It was difficult to find a background that was interesting, but not distracting, but I resolved my problem by using a background with lines. Successes I had were using good lighting to add shadows and contrast. The second part of the egg project was to photograph a “creative egg” which means we were supposed to draw on the eggs to make them tell a story. Challenges I had were coming up with an idea that was out of the box, and not just silly since that’s what most people were doing. But then, my biggest successes was coming up with my idea. I got inspired by Greek vases, who used to be painted on to tell Greek stories, so I decided to do a Greek story/painting on the egg. Another challenge I had after was photographing the egg so I could capture the most of the painting. Overall, this was a really fun project. I learned that you can make anything look good in a photograph as long as you capture it right, even an egg. I want to improve on working more on the background. I need to make sure they are not too distracting, but still interesting enough so it’s not plain.
composition:
Artist Statement-
The purpose of this project was to take 8-10 photos with a specific theme, using the rules of composition. The purpose of this assignment was to work with the composition rules and get used to using them. Some successes I had were working with the colors. The bright red and the blue denim popped on the white romper, and then the colors of the outfit complimented the green/neutral tones from the background. Some challenges were making sure the background wasn't too distracting from the subject. I did not blur the background because I wanted the trees to come through and give off and fairy like vibe. I did darken some images so that the background was dark, making the subject pop out with the bright colors, not distracting the audience from the subject. Also, taking pictures of a four-year-old is really difficult, since she would not stay still. From this project, I learned that incorporating all the composition rules into one picture is very tiring and difficult, but it really does make a difference.
The purpose of this project was to take 8-10 photos with a specific theme, using the rules of composition. The purpose of this assignment was to work with the composition rules and get used to using them. Some successes I had were working with the colors. The bright red and the blue denim popped on the white romper, and then the colors of the outfit complimented the green/neutral tones from the background. Some challenges were making sure the background wasn't too distracting from the subject. I did not blur the background because I wanted the trees to come through and give off and fairy like vibe. I did darken some images so that the background was dark, making the subject pop out with the bright colors, not distracting the audience from the subject. Also, taking pictures of a four-year-old is really difficult, since she would not stay still. From this project, I learned that incorporating all the composition rules into one picture is very tiring and difficult, but it really does make a difference.
Scavenger hunt:
Artist Statement-
We were given a list of things that we were supposed to go out and take pictures of. The list included things like pictures of certain colors, pictures of certain textured things, etc. The purpose of his project was in my opinion to go out and have a certain idea of what we were supposed to take pictures of, and then it was a chance to try out the new rules of photography that we learned. Around the school, I struggled with looking for certain colors and textures since there's not much to capture around the school, and outside mostly everything is green of course. Then I decided to go down to the alumni center, and that was jackpot. There was so many interesting things to capture down there. Not everything for the scavenger hunt but it was still a beautiful place to get amazing pictures with value. I learned that you won't find everything you're looking for in one place, you really have to look and try new places if you're looking for a certain thing.
We were given a list of things that we were supposed to go out and take pictures of. The list included things like pictures of certain colors, pictures of certain textured things, etc. The purpose of his project was in my opinion to go out and have a certain idea of what we were supposed to take pictures of, and then it was a chance to try out the new rules of photography that we learned. Around the school, I struggled with looking for certain colors and textures since there's not much to capture around the school, and outside mostly everything is green of course. Then I decided to go down to the alumni center, and that was jackpot. There was so many interesting things to capture down there. Not everything for the scavenger hunt but it was still a beautiful place to get amazing pictures with value. I learned that you won't find everything you're looking for in one place, you really have to look and try new places if you're looking for a certain thing.
SElfie Project:
Artist Statement:
We began by learning about Vivian Maeir and the images that she took. We then compared that to Kim Kardashian. Our job was to take Vivian Maeir styled photos and Kim K styled photos. I did not come across any challenged maybe because I am a selfie pro. I really was proud of both of the photos, and I really feel like I channeled Vivian Maeir in my Vivian styled photos. I noticed after learned about Vivian that on Instagram there are a lot of people, including me, who who into the very grainy, black and white or dulled photos, like Vivian's. I've been doing it for a long time because I really enjoyed the vintage feel. It's awesome to know that that is a real style of photos today. Next time, I would focus more on on the Kim Kardashion styled photo, since I feel like I didn't put to much thought into it.
We began by learning about Vivian Maeir and the images that she took. We then compared that to Kim Kardashian. Our job was to take Vivian Maeir styled photos and Kim K styled photos. I did not come across any challenged maybe because I am a selfie pro. I really was proud of both of the photos, and I really feel like I channeled Vivian Maeir in my Vivian styled photos. I noticed after learned about Vivian that on Instagram there are a lot of people, including me, who who into the very grainy, black and white or dulled photos, like Vivian's. I've been doing it for a long time because I really enjoyed the vintage feel. It's awesome to know that that is a real style of photos today. Next time, I would focus more on on the Kim Kardashion styled photo, since I feel like I didn't put to much thought into it.
Vivian Maeir style photo:
Kim Kardashian style photo:
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