Working with Concepts in Photography

My students were given different themes to create a series using their new understanding of photography compositions and image adjustments using Photoshop.  They chose between 7 Heavenly Virtues, 7 Deadly Sins, 6 Pillars of Character, Phobias, Myths/Superstitions, or Fairy tales.

This project gives them an opportunity to put this new knowledge to the test, but also allows them to have fun with costumes, makeup, and props that they bring in to school or set up at home.

Fear of Being Alone by Eric K.

Fear of Germs by Mikel H.

Gluttony by Bailey H.

Greed by Breanna S.

Fear of Being Trapped by Jacqueline L.

Lust by Kara E.

Lust by Todd Y.

Bloody Mary by Miranda B.

Persistence by Caitlin F.

Pride by Sarah M.

Fear of Open Spaces by Stephanie P.

Fear of Hell by Torey K.

Working With Composition

During the first few weeks of my Photography & Photoshop class, we explore a variety of compositions to use when planning out our camera shots.  This allows students to think about how they are organizing their subject within the viewfinder while choosing designs that are more advanced than your typical snapshot.  Below are examples of their work while taken at school.  These images have not been adjusted aside from possibly re-cropping in Photoshop.

Rule of Thirds by Tyler B.

Rule of Thirds: This device keeps your focal point or emphasis away from the center to create more visual weight on one side.  This creates an interesting asymmetrical balance to the work.

Leading Lines by Rachel H.

 Leading Lines: Finding natural lines in your environment that lead the eye to your subject or through your work.  They can be actual lines or implied lines.

Framing by Lauren K.

Framing: Capturing subjects in the foreground that help to frame your main subject or using subjects to create an artistic edge to your work.

Close-up by Rahela G.

Close-ups: While using Macro mode on the camera, get in close so that you can capture detail in your subject.  In this composition, your subject should take up most of your frame.

Abstraction by Megan L.

Abstractions: This works nicely with close-ups in getting close and creating a sense of ambiguity that keeps the viewer guessing about what it is they are looking at.

Reflection by Kylie N.

Reflections: This device can help to repeat your subject if you or create layers in a work.

Shadows by Efren L.

Shadows: This will show the importance of dark values in a work while capturing interesting shadows of your subject.  This can help to create patterns or keep your subject ambiguous.

Using Light by Kayla A.

Using Light: Take the time to see how light interacts with  your subject.  Notice natural light during different times of day and the difference between natural and artificial light.  

Unusual Angle by Gracie H.

Unusual Angles: Capture your subject or environment at an angle or view that is different from the norm.  This can help to exaggerate your subject or allow the viewer to see from a direction that is unfamiliar and more interesting.

Changing Focus by Kylie N.

Changing Focus: When selecting a subject and focusing in, it may be important to eliminate distracting details in the background or foreground.  Your camera will do this for you if it is on automatic focus.  This effect may also be used when choosing your Macro mode during close-up Photography.  The distracting details in a photo will be blurred out so that more emphasis is placed on your chosen subject.

Kiln Gods

During the 1st week of my 3D/Sculpture/Ceramics class, I like to introduce the creation of kiln gods.  Historically, kiln gods were used as "good luck charms" during firings to protect the work from explosions.  In the creation of kiln gods (or kiln creatures) new students are introduced to the clay media and have a lot of freedom of expression, while getting to create something right away.  I stress that that experiment with texture, and later can experiment with glaze colors.  Since the purpose is to stay small, it also doesn't use up a lot of material. Once completed, these gods/creatures stay on a top shelf in my kiln room to "protect" our firings. 

Kiln gods waiting to be fired.

What can you share in just one snapshot?

Artist, Francois Robert completed a body of work titled "Contents."  In which he had strangers take everything out of their pockets, purse, bag, or desk and lay it out to photograph. 

See his website and gallery http://francoisrobertphotography.com/#/portfolio/fine_art/contents

ACTIVITY:
What can a single snapshot say about you?  Challenge yourself to this form of identity communication by sharing your "contents" with others.  Empty your purse, backpack, pockets, desk, etc. and place the objects out on a table, counter, or floor.  Photograph from above, at an angle, or from a worm's eye view.  You may even consider including your face, hands, or feet in the image.

What does my picture communicate?

I sold artwork this summer!

Negril Sunset

No Admittance

This summer, I entered a Postcard Art Show in Wauconda, Illinois and two of my five submissions were purchased.  I was a painting major in college, but the filing ease and cleanliness of digital photography is allowing me to create and express in a smaller, carpeted home!

Keep taking photos, wherever you are!

Why blog?

I am a high school art teacher and I want to find a way to showcase the creativity going on in my classroom, including completed projects, ideas, questions, artist highlights, book/show/article reviews, etc.  One of the most exciting things about teaching art is seeing the variety of creative minds at work.  I feel all students have something unique to bring to the canvas of life and I want to encourage students to express ideas through art. 

This blog was established to share what my students are doing in the classroom and to speak to them through a venue they are familiar with.  However, as an individual not directly involved with education or art, you may find interesting ideas to spark your own creativity.  I will try to post at least once a week.

Getting ready for the new school year?
If you are a high school student and you know you will be in an art class this coming school year, here are some ways to get ready for an exciting and creative filled year:

• Keep the creativity flowing-always have a pencil, sketchbook, and/or digital camera with you to document all things inspiring to the mind.
• Actually UPLOAD pictures from your digital camera and save them in a folder on your computer.
• Sketch from observation while outside, inside, upside down, backwards, forwards, etc!
• Go to an art musuem or art show
• Collect interesting objects that you find at garage sales or things that others are throwing out.  Remember, one person's trash is another's treasure!

Looking forward to creating art with you!