ASSIGNMENT 4 - VIRTUAL ESSAY
Nigel Barker (born 27 April 1972) is an English fashion photographer and former model of English and Sri Lankan descent. He is best known for his participation as a judge and photographer on the reality show America's Next Top Model. Nigel learned the techniques of photography by trial and error. His technique was always to make the focus of the photo stand out, whether thats by centering the main idea or taking the photo from a completely different angle.
http://images.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/20081029/293.barker.nigel.102908.jpg
This photo is very similar to a photograph Nigel Barker would take. Its very adventureous and examplifies a moment of reality that a true photographer can capture. Nigel Barker`s main goal when taking a photo is to bring out the story of the photo in the best way possible. I believe this photo could have been influenced by him because the guy jumping in the water is the main aspect of the photo. Most of Nigel`s photos have lightening or some sort of feature in affect aiming to the focus of the picture. In this case, the walls on the left and the sunlight from the top right guides the audience of the picture to the boy who is jumping into the water.
http://s3.amazonaws.com/data.tumblr.com/tumblr_l1z7pkTONi1qzfrcto1_1280.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=0RYTHV9YYQ4W5Q3HQMG2&Expires=1281317575&Signature=NV%2FQyZnVJKFS%2BtSfK312kMjqfck%3D
This photo is very similar with the others I explained that are Nigels photo. The photo is centered in the middled bringing out the main attraction in the image. This photo is very creative with how the sunlight shines through between the girl and guy. The pose is very natural and the way the sky goes flor blue to white makes this picture looks stunning. Nigel would take a picture very similar to this because alot of his techniques are shown in this picture. This picture is simple, real, and Nigel inspired.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura-gommans/3802124302/in/set-72157622270563193/
ASSIGNMENT 1 - PART 3
ASSIGNMENT 1 - PART 2
Nigel Barker (born 27 April 1972) is an English fashion photographer and former model of English and Sri Lankan descent. He is best known for his participation as a judge and photographer on the reality show America's Next Top Model. Nigel learned the techniques of photography by trial and error. His technique was always to make the focus of the photo stand out, whether thats by centering the main idea or taking the photo from a completely different angle.
This photo is very similar to a photograph Nigel Barker would take. Its very adventureous and examplifies a moment of reality that a true photographer can capture. Nigel Barker`s main goal when taking a photo is to bring out the story of the photo in the best way possible. I believe this photo could have been influenced by him because the guy jumping in the water is the main aspect of the photo. Most of Nigel`s photos have lightening or some sort of feature in affect aiming to the focus of the picture. In this case, the walls on the left and the sunlight from the top right guides the audience of the picture to the boy who is jumping into the water.
This picture reminds me very much of a Nigel Barker’s photo session. The way the girl is perfectly centered in the photo utter that she is the main focus of the story telling. The way she angles her body with her legs, reflecting the lights along her long legs allows the audience to guide through this picture from bottom left to top right. The angle of this photo could have also been inspired by Nigel because it was taken from the flat surface of the photo and not high above or inbetween.
I believe of all the pictures I came across while researching for this assignment, this is the more inspired one from a Nigel’s photoshoot. The girl in this photo is centered, leaving equal space from the sides, top and bottom. The fact that the front of this picture is lighter and then it goes dark in the back brings out the girl in the picture. Every aspect in this photo balances itself out nicely allowing the audience eyes to flow through the picture acknowleging the girl and the beauty of her surroundings.
This picture is very unique. I love everything about it, from the sand, to the trees, to the sunset. Its actually quiet different from a Nigel’s photo, however, it displays some techniques that were used that could possibily be influenced by Nigel. The way the sunset is in the sky, leads to the man standing on the mountain. It’s also kind of mysterious because you can’t even tell what gender of person is there. The way the sand falls like a step endeavour the top half of the picture showing the beauty of what the photographer was capturing. This landcape photo sets out many unique techiques used by artists/photographer to take a great photo.
This is a very glamourous photo that portrays Nigel’s work of art. In resemblance with a Nigel’s Barker photoshoot, this photo demonstrates purity and attraction. The colour texture of this photo flows naturally throughout the image. The girl’s reflection in the mirror is very similar to a water photoshoot Nigel would do. This is a professional image that sells the product it is intended to sell very well. This is not done just by the photographer but the model in the photo has to communicate well with the photographer to have such a successful photo. I truly believe that the key to Nigel’s photoshoot is communicating well with the person he is working with to bring out the best picture possible, and this is exactly what seems to be portrayed in this photo. The angle and colour balance of this picture is very similar to a picture Nigel would take.
This photo is very similar with the others I explained that are Nigels photo. The photo is centered in the middled bringing out the main attraction in the image. This photo is very creative with how the sunlight shines through between the girl and guy. The pose is very natural and the way the sky goes flor blue to white makes this picture looks stunning. Nigel would take a picture very similar to this because alot of his techniques are shown in this picture. This picture is simple, real, and Nigel inspired.
ASSIGNMENT 1 - PART 3
Photo alterations have a tremendous impact on journalistic photography. A journalistic photo should not be altered or edited at all because it creates illusion and deception. Photographers are increasingly capturing images of important events; however, they are manipulating the photos instead of publishing the original picture. This act on their part can influence the audience understanding of what really happened because the story may be twisted or interpreted in different ways by different people. Therefore, it is significantly important to tell or portray images (unedited) that are true to the story, or else readers can be mislead or undermined by the facts of an event.
It is unethical and unacceptable to alter press photos. I believe that photos that are used for the purpose of journalism and reporting should always be original. Readers want to see what actually happened, not what the photographer has done to the photo to create storytelling. Photographer like Eugene Smith is a manipulator to press photos because he would take an image several times until he gets the one he wants. Furthermore, he would tell the story he wants to tell by editing his photos rather than capturing its reality.
It is unethical and unacceptable to alter press photos. I believe that photos that are used for the purpose of journalism and reporting should always be original. Readers want to see what actually happened, not what the photographer has done to the photo to create storytelling. Photographer like Eugene Smith is a manipulator to press photos because he would take an image several times until he gets the one he wants. Furthermore, he would tell the story he wants to tell by editing his photos rather than capturing its reality.
Overall, journalistic photos that are altered should not be published by news organizations; after all, “Every news organization has only its credibility and reputation to rely on.” Photographers need to guide their decisions by the basic principles of journalisms. These principles can be achieved by telling the truth, serving the public interest, acting responsibly and being accountable.
When reading a newspaper, readers are making themselves aware of the things going on in their society or around the world. They expect to be informed truthfully as certain events could have a vital impact on them. To conclude, photo alterations are distort additions to journalism and it should not be acceptable as it does not follow the ethical principles of journalism.
Some photographers have used their own animosity against Israel to doctor photographs. Charles Johnson of the Little Green Footballs blog exposed this Reuters photo which “shows blatant evidence of manipulation. Notice the repeating patterns in the smoke; this is almost certainly caused by using the Photoshop “clone” tool to add more smoke to the image.”
History Channel Hit Piece: Dirty Tricks, Malicious Lies & Journalistic Fraud
The real story behind Brad Davis, NBC, Popular Mechanics and the History Channel - media whore stooges who engaged in deliberate deception, manipulation and chicanery to please their corporate bosses
Alex Jones & Paul Joseph Watson
http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/august2007/210807_dirty_tricks.htmASSIGNMENT 1 - PART 2
Press and Art photography distinguish themselves from each other in various ways. Press photography is taken by artists and used by the media. Art Photography could be taken by anyone and which expresses an artist creativity, thoughts and individuality though its images. Photos can easily be manipulated, however press photos are usually aimed to capture what everyone elses sees and not just the photograher. Art photography tends to capture or focus on a specific object or story line to have the audience embrace the photos.
"This was an official U.S. press photograph, showing the rest of the world what the Germans had done to Coventry - in this particular case, Earl Street as seen from Jordan Well. The stream of people still attempting to file into work the next day, picking their way through the rubble, highlighted perfectly the point that the world's press wanted to make.... the Germans cannot bomb us into submission!"
Photograph by: Lars Raun
Source: Photo.net
Art Photography
http://static.photo.net/attachments/bboard/00G/00GLZf-29870484.jpg
Differences:
Art photography on the other hand can be a picture of pretty much anything; it is in contrast to photojournalism. Some art photographs carry symbolic meaning and appealing appearances. There are so many ways to be innovative, original and artistic when engaging in art photography. Because art photography is created in accordance with the creative vision of the photographer as artist, it enables them to inspire others through their work. Art photography can be a snapshot of any object, sightseeing, or landscape that depicts an artist work from others.
"A picture of an armed sheriff moving through an American home after an eviction due to a mortgage foreclosure won the top prize in the World Press Photo competition. Jury members said the strength of the photo by Anthony Suau for Time magazine was in its opposites – it looks like a classic war photograph, but is simply the eviction of people from a house."
http://www.dvorak.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/sheriff_1295482i.jpg
Bushkill Falls, Pennsylvania
Copyrighted Jeremiah David LaMontagne
Art Photography
Press and Art photography are both interrelated because their images could be used by a variety of audiences to discuss and further explain relevant topics using visual images. In some ways art photographers could take press photographs and vice-versa, press photographers could take art photographs. These images rely mainly on artists and the ideas/story they are trying to produce, and also the content of how they express those ideas in the telling of a story.
Other Sources:
http://webct.georgebrown.ca/webct/urw/lc2044122001.tp0/cobaltMainFrame.dowebct
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fine_art_photography
ASSIGNMENT 1 - PART 1
1. Portraits in the early days of photography and portraits today have changed dramatically in some ways and are still similar in others.
Differences:
-Portraits in the early days were more exclusive and significant than they are perhaps today.
-They were also more expensive because they were very rare, and mainly only people that were wealthy could afford them.
-It was also very time consuming back in the early days as compared to today to a picture taken. Getting a picture taken took several minutes and the development process consisted of several steps. As an example, the salted paper print developed pictures using sodium chloride solution (table salt) and brushing it with a solution of silver nitrate; hence, most photographs were developed with chemicals. Negatives that were exposed to sunlight on sensitised paper in a frame resulted in visible image without subsequent development.- Today we’re able to take pictures, many pictures within seconds.
-In the Calotype Process, their sensitive materials were quite different. (the calotype process)
Similarities:
-The Calotype Process photographic technique used in the 1840’s is very similar to that used today.
-Although their camera were wooden and large, it is very easy to relate them to modern cameras. The functions were similar and were intended to serve the same purpose.
David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson, Portrait of Dr James Julius Wood, 22 October 1843. (An example of Salted Paper Print).
2. Not many people were able to call themselves photographers in the past because using a camera from a century ago was an art of science. Photos were very limited on subjects because they didn’t have much landscape imagines to go by, and the people that posed for the camera were very wealthy.
Today anyone can be a photographer. They may not be a professional photographer but anyone can basically get their hands on a camera and snap imagines of various different things or people.
Square house, 1855 Photography 2010
(a Daguerreotype imagine)
Photography - 2010
3. Technology impact on photography:
-In the past, technology was not very advanced and people were using very manual equipment to do things. There was no computer to edit photos nor were there digital cameras to capture pictures until you get the perfect picture which you like best.
-Thanks to the advancement in technology, pictures can be taken within seconds and can be edited in several programs, ex. Photoshop. We’re able to adjust the colour, contrast, lighting, and going above and beyond as far as adding and combining other images and features to perfect the photo.
-Today technology has enhanced so much that pictures can be captures from several different electronic equipments, for example: phones, digital camera, and computer web cams.
Bibliography
“The role of portraits in the early days of photography and portraits today.” Me-ography . 2009
http://me-ography.blogspot.com/2010/01/normal-0-false-false-false-en-ca-x-none.html
“The Dawn of Photography: French Daguerreotypes.” 1839–1855.” Special Exhibitions. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. 2000-2010.
“House Design with Asia Inspiration have bamboo flooring of dark colours.” Interior Design. 2007.
http://www.latestpsp.com/2010/02/11/house-design-with-asia-inspiration-have-bamboo-flooring-of-dark-colors/
“The Calotype Process.”
**Questions/Comments
ASSIGNMENT 3
Photo by: Sabita Mohabir
After
Photo Edited by: Sabita Mohabir
This photo was taken on May 3rd, 2010 at Universal Studio Orlando, Florida. This is a picture of my cousin Denish, who just thought it would be cool to take a picture like that because he’s a fanatic of Curious George. I thought it would be the perfect image to explore and edit for a great picture. I decided to have the image focus on the story of the photo. So by clouding around the photo and have the main story centered, it would implify the main purpose minus the distraction surrounding the photo. I also used the blur feature to blur out areas around the book and between my cousin. This way the image only focus on the story of the photo. Although the story is straightforward, after editing it is more visibly clear and more exciting to look at.
Before
Photo by: Sabita Mohabir
After
Photo Edited by: Sabita Mohabir
Photo Edited by: Sabita Mohabir
This photo was taken on May 29th, 2010 at Niagara Falls, Canada. It is an amazing view of the Falls and Skylon Tower. This photon was taken from the Sky Wheel at Niagara at its highest point. I loved every photos I got from the view but this one stood out among the rest. While editing this photo I used the backlight feature in PhotoScape to give the image a little touch on lighting in the background. I also used the contrast feature to darken the trees, the reason I did this was to have the trees stand out then following up to the falls on one side and the tower and buildings on the other side. I placed a mini orange butterfly on the falls just to add a little dramatic effect to it, and set the opacity of the butterfly to about 60%. Also at the bottom of the photo on the tower side I added three little orange trees. I just think it blends in well with the overall picture and it’s a guilding point to where the image starts. I added a border with a faded line down the middle simply to distingush the two main purpose of the photo. Overall I didn’t think there was much editing to do to this photo because the angle and image itself was so beautiful. The editing I did was simply just to enhance and brighten the photo to draw the audience to the main attractions.
Photo by: Sabita Mohabir
Photo Edited by: Sabita Mohabir
This photo was taken on May 29th, 2010 at Niagara Falls, Canada. After spending all day in Niagara, it was really nice exploring and seeing all the different attractions. However, the best part of the day was later in the evening. It became so much more busier and the lights and attractions was amazing to see. This photo was very unique to edit because it was dark and the lights already stood out. But with the different features offered in PhotoScape, it allowed me to darkened (70%), deepened (65%), and change the settings so it had an antique style. I also used the add an object feature to place stars in the background, giving it a rusty look. I also changed the ocapcity to about 20%. I love the outcome of this photo, its old school and stylish at the same time.
Before
Photo by: Sabita Mohabir
After
Photo by: Sabita Mohabir
This photo was taken on May 3rd, 2010 at Universal Studio Orlando, Florida. Although this photo has a completely different look to it, very little was done to edit it this way. I simply just darkened (50%), deepened (40%), and changed the saturation (35%) of it. I also changed the theme to a Cinema style. I think this image was perfect to edit because it made the important areas in the picture stand out and it displays minimal effect to the not so outstanding area. This photo was edited using PhotoScape.
Before
Photo by: Sabita Mohabir
After
Photo Edited by: Sabita Mohabir
This photo was taken on May 3rd, 2010 at Universal Studio Orlando, Florida. To edit this photo I deepened the overall image to about (70%), changed the saturation (60%), darkened the picture (78%), changed the region out of focus so that it goes from black and white to colour, then added the text “wall climbing” using the Broadway font at size 16. This is one of my favourite picture because not only does it display an activity I had so much fun doing but I love how the effect changes horizontally thoughtout the picture. It also has an artistical look to it.
**The purpose of this assignment was to edit photos. This allowed us to use photo editing programs to explore and see all the different things we’re now able to do with photos that we weren’t able to in the past because the technology was not available. It shows how technology has enhanced and changed dramatically from the past decade to now. Someone can take a photo and edit it so different from the original that it would hard to tell whats real and what is not. I enjoyed doing this assignment because it taught me a few things about editing, as well as how fun and easy it is to take your own photo and explore with it. Hope you guys enjoyed reading and found the pictures exciting to look at :) feel free to leave your comments!**
