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Final Portfolio Project: Photomontage

My inspiration came from John Stezaker’s work where he would put a montage together with humans and a scenic landscape image over the face of each person. For this, I wanted to capture someone in their most humanistic state and overlay some landscape images that I thought would best suit the scene. These are all my images, though the landscape ones are older but the background photos are all recently captured for this assignment. I wanted there to be a saturation of color in the background so that the foreground images could stand out. I love capturing everyday moments of someone being their most selves without the judgement of the world. So I went to their own personal world to capture my subject in a time where he was most comfortable and most vulnerable. I decided for him not to wear a shirt to exaggerate the fact that he is human and that underneath superficial appearances, he is just like everyone else. I also Incorporated natural landscape shots to match the mood of each pose for the image. My work for the past few years, has been used for me to create a type of “moving” feeling for the people who view it. I mostly try to do abstract and interpretive work to try to have the audience make it something of their own. The culture today is based on customization and personalization. Everyone wants to have things personalized to feel special and have a type of uniqueness that only they can have and experience. By making my work abstract and interpretive, I give an open space for them to imagine whatever they would like, so that it touches them in a more personal aspect, rather than something they look at when passing by. Colors play a key role as well, because that is where the emotions evoke from. People find my eclectic projects to be interesting to look at, but overall it makes them think. I enjoy hearing the possible outcomes of what they get from the images and the variations of meaning behind it. My work has progressively grown from when I first started. When I initially began, my projects came out very sloppy and overdone. I used too much and tried to fit everything that came to my mind onto one canvas. It was overbearing. I learned that a little goes a long way. I am further exploring these simple and modern types of art so that my projects can portray everything I’d like it to portray; while also keeping it neat and pleasing to the eye. The challenge I face with this is that it is hard for me to keep things minimalistic. I often feel as though my art is missing key components that it would be better without. I hope to get better at keeping things minimalistic, as well as eclectic and interesting. It is very scary to think of the unknown, especially when you have an inspiration blockage. Nevertheless, I am eager to try to overcome these obstacles and dive deeper into my art.

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Artist Research Paper

For my research paper I wrote about the Dada movement and how it was was developed around the time of World War I, around 1916-1924. This art movement was in response to the war and the negativity it had on people. Artists wanted to find a way to express themselves and get rid of the negative emotions that the horrors of war brought.The artists who participated were anti-war and against the high-class society. They were radical leftists when it came to their political agenda. Ultimately the founder of Dada was in Zurich and was a writer named Hugo Ball. He started the idea by creating a satirical night club that was called “Dada”. From then it became an international artistic movement to rebel against the high classed society and the politics involving war. 

These are the two pieces I analyzed and discussed in my paper. The first one is called  The Spirit of Our Time - Mechanical Head, by  Raoul Hausmann in 1920 which was meant to symbolize the people after World War I and how they turned into empty machines with no spirits. The second one is the famous Fountain which is by artist Marcel Duchamp in 1917.  He took an upside-down urinal and signed it with the name R. Mutt Fountain to symbolize that the readymade art as conceptual rather than an object. He wanted to prove a point with this piece and test what people would consider being art. He also wanted to prove that art can come from any object or thing if done correctly. This movement was not only a movement in art but also a movement for rebellion in the art world and society in response to the war and the materialism in the world. 

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Passage 

The term passage means to me a period in life where you are able to get through the flows in life and continue pouring out into the loves of others in order to help them gain the courage to go on. This video is a symbolic example of that and how we all go through different stages in life and often times it is in a continuous pattern, but no matter what happens things will be okay after those slow seasons and you will find your right pace in life once again. I always look to water when I think of my life and I thought that this would be a good process to capture. 

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Project Proposal: Photo Montage

I will be doing a photomontage inspired by the works of John Stezaker. I want the image to address the reality people face with now showing their true personalities and wanting to blend in with the crowd. This generation faces a huge identity crisis where people are no longer authentic, I want to try to express that through self image without showing my face and inserting something in place of it as a symbolism for this maybe a mirror reflecting trends people home for or something like that. I will develop my idea by playing around with different props and edits to try to reach a point where I’m satisfied with the outcome. It’ll be a bit more plain and serious toned so I don’t want too much bright colors as the main attraction but probably in the background to show how we get bland trying to look and act like celebrities or influencers around us. The location will be in an empty room or empty wall space, and the lighting will be semi lit. I am thinking of altering the brightness and opacity of objects on photoshop or moving other things around in the process. I want to frame each shot as a close up eye to eye level angle to capture my face itself rather than anything else and a little background. I want the main focus to be the edges and a separate focus to be in the middle. I’ll be implementing color, lines, space, pattern, and rhythm in my photos while I’m doing things. I’ll be using color as a contrast of moods along with the lighting in the background and foreground.

Example photos of John Stezaker

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What is Video Art?

Video art is different than moving picture art or film really. It is art combines with technical aspects of video that create illusions and movement to an art piece in order to change its meaning. Sometimes it may be different than looking at a move or film because the artist has a specific way of doing it to express a certain idea. Martha Rosler and Joan Jonas had a similar approaches to their video art when it comes to it being in black and white but also it being simple and plain. I did not really enjoy their videos as it seemed like not much was happening in it. Andy Warhol’s video was captivating because it was him just eating a burger and I thought that it was different and creative but also funny. Martha and Joan were just showing things and saying what they were but Andy did not say anything really and just sat in silence. I prefer when the artist does that to make the audience think for themselves especially if its for a simple video. My favorite was Tony Oursler’s work and the way he incorporated words with motion and imagery without being straightforward with what he was doing. I like how contemporary and abstract it was. 

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Video Art Prompt Oursler @ AROS

The artist for this video is Tony Oursler and his installation is very interactive, captivating, and live. He incorporates movement in his pieces through video and projects it on different blank shapes. I believe that he wanted the audience to think deeper when they were looking at each installation piece and come up with an idea that intrigued them. His work is very different and weird which is what I enjoyed about it, it has a type of disturbing yet interesting theme to each. You can’t help but watch even if you want to look away and feel uncomfortable. It reminds me of those depictions they teach you about what your brain sees on drugs. Very trippy. I don’t necessarily know what he was trying to evoke from the audience but I know it was super interesting to look at. I would definitely like to see this in real life. It pushes the boundaries of art in a sense to make others see that video art does not have to be flat and boring but can also be used to make sculptures come to life. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HjR1X0a4e4

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Sequencing Prompt

The fate of unsuspecting bon-bons. I wanted to document what it was like eating these delicious little treats because as quickly as you plate them its over in a few seconds. Sadly, due to how small they are I can inhale about 30 of these in one sitting. But since I am practicing self control, I only had two to eat. It’s always sad watching them diminish and for it to all be over. 

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Virtual Tour

Light Waves: Giraud Polite-Church Mountain

4-Step Critiquing Process for Works of Art

Describe: Tell exactly what you see

This is a photograph taken in a setting located in Iceland. In it we can see a beautiful lush, green mountain with a stream of water trickling through it. There is also a cute bridge on the side of the mountain and the clouds in the sky cover it in a strange but interesting pattern.

Describe the subject matter. If there is no subject, describe the shapes and colors. Describe the line quality, spaces, color relationships, etc.

There is a distinguished line across the horizon that separates the mountains from the land. There are contrasting colors of bright green, black, dark green, and also white. The clouds are framing the mountains and the stream of water is also framing the bottom half of the image. It is a gorgeous landscape view.

• What is happening in the work? What do you see (landscape, portraiture, still, historic)?

This is a captured image of a landscape in Iceland. Not much is happening except tranquility that radiates from the image itself, it feels as though you can step in and be relaxed in such a calm and peaceful place.

• What is in the foreground? In the background?

The foreground is the stream and grass on the side of the mountain while the background is the mountain itself along with the clouds.

• Old vs Modern? Historic vs, Contemporary? What do you see to make you say that?

I would say that this a modern type of photo given that it was taken recently and has more modern landscape qualities to it.

• Are there clues?

I don’t think there are any deep clues within the image other than it is supposed to give off a tranquil feeling.

• What do you see, feel, taste, smell? Why?

By looking at the picture I can almost feel the crisp air coming from the scenery. The grass looks very soft and the air probably would smell very fresh.

Analyze: Use the elements/principles to reflect upon the art form

• How are the design elements used and organized?

The use of lines is prominent in the photo as everything is angled at a certain horizontal angle. The horizontal lines in the image creates a feeling of stability. There is also a shape created by the clouds in the sky. The use of colors also contrast the elements in the image and make them stand out all on their own yet creating a balance in the photo.

• What is the strongest part?

I would say the strongest part is the mountains meeting the sky, my eyes just gravitate to that area the most when looking at it.

• How has line been used to create movement?

The lines from the sloping stream makes for apparent movement as well as the way the clouds are shifting in the sky.

• Would you take away or add anything to this artwork? Why or why not?

I would not add anything more or take away any element because I feel like if there is something added there will be too much going on while taking something away will leave the image looking like something is missing.

Interpret: Consider the following

• What is the artist trying to say?

I think that what he was trying to say is that sometimes we have to observe nature and it’s stillness to gather that everything ebbs and flows in its motions just like life does. The stream flows without force or stopping just like in this world.

• What do you think is the main idea of the artwork?

The main idea could be that nature itself is a form of art, and that there is also light and darkness in the world due to the dark and light contrast but it still makes the world balanced.

• What is the function of the work (political, social, religious, etc.)

The function could be related to religion due to the fact of its name “Church Mountain”. It could be a type of religious land that locals go to in order to fellowship with one another.

• What caused the artist to say it? Why do you think this artwork exists?

I think this exists because the artist was so taken back by the beauty of nature that he wanted to capture the memory and share it with others who are not able to see it for themselves in person.

• What mood or emotion is portrayed?

Calmness is what the audience can get mostly from the image, as it is very peaceful and something comforting to look at.

• What is the historical milieu that surrounds the work of art?

I don’t believe that there is any historical or social involvement with the image itself as I heard the artist say in a conference that he just saw something beautiful at the moment and wanted to capture it.

• How does this artwork relate to your experience?

I can relate with this picture because I’m used to always being involved with nature and enjoy taking landscape photos to look back on later on in life and remember the time I was at the location. I really appreciate a good landscape photo.

• Why was the work of art created in this particular style?

I think it was the artists preference and what he enjoyed doing, for example playing around with contrast to make certain aspects stand out more.

Evaluate: How successful or important is the work of art

• Have your perceptions/feelings changed about the work?

I don’t think my feelings changed about the work but my perception has, some night think that this image has no real thought put into it but when you dive closer and see the elements that he used to his advantage you can tell that the artist used a lot of his experience to capture it.

• Does this work possess high technical or conceptual skill?

This work does possess high technical skill as it showcases the setting in a very realistic and crisp manner than only some are able to capture.

• Is this an effective piece or work? Why or why not?

I believe that this is an effective piece of work because it is one of the favorites of many who come across this photo because it is easily able to capture the attention of viewers to not only glance at the image but take a deeper look at it.

Fotofest: Anderson Wrangle

4-Step Critiquing Process for Works of Art

Describe: Tell exactly what you see

This is another type of landscape image of a group of colorful condos or apartments taken from beyond the ocean. There is one person walking on the beach as it is being taken. The sky is cloudy and the sand is beige, the ocean is also dark blue and calm.

Describe the subject matter. If there is no subject, describe the shapes and colors

Describe the line quality, spaces, color relationships, etc.

I would think that the subject matter is either the lone person walking on the beach or the colorful apartments near the water. Or maybe even both. The person walking along the beach is just a dark shape in black, kind of like a silhouette of a person while the apartments in the background are uniformed, colorful, and hold a type of pattern that is so pleasing to the eye. The pastel colors are perfect for the neutral colors of the beach and water and sky because it doesn’t add too much to the picture but just the right amount of color.

• What is happening in the work? What do you see (landscape, portraiture, still, historic)?

A person is walking alone on a beach with a beach background of pastel apartment homes in the background. The calm waves are crashing on the seashore and everything looks calm and still.

• What is in the foreground? In the background?

The foreground would be the ocean and the person walking on the beach alone, while the background would be the apartments and the sky.

• Old vs Modern? Historic vs, Contemporary? What do you see to make you say that?

I would say that this is modern because of the way it is taken, and contemporary because there could also be a type of deeper meaning behind the image itself. I don’t think it is only meant to be a landscape photograph.

• Are there clues?

The clues are the calmness of the water, the way the sand is so leveled, and also the person walking alone while uniformed houses are behind him on a cloudy day.

• What do you see, feel, taste, smell? Why?

I feel very content while looking at this image, as something is telling me that I would enjoy being the person walking alone on a calm beach with almost nothing to worry about. Another side of me wants to say that I feel also a type of loneliness and solitude coming from the image as well as happy feelings because of the calming colors and the tranquility in the sky and water. It is very conflicting. I would image that there would be a salty smell in the air.

Analyze: Use the elements/principles to reflect upon the art form

• How are the design elements used and organized?

There is definitely a pattern being used as the apartments are all quite the same. The horizontal lines make us feel a type of drama and stability but also the contrast in the image gives us a type of uncertainty. The colors of the house make the audience feel happy and bright but when put together with the other elements can give a varied meaning.

• What is the strongest part?

For me the strongest part would be the pastel apartments because it’s the most captivating section of the photo.

• How has line been used to create movement?

The horizontal and diagonal lines create the illusion that the waves are moving on the shore.

• Would you take away or add anything to this artwork? Why or why not?

I would take away the boats or houses at the far end of the apartments because I feel like it throws off the image and distracts a bit from the beauty of the main focus. When I noticed it in the right corner it didn’t sit right with me.

Interpret: Consider the following

• What is the artist trying to say?

I think the artist is trying to say that you can still be content even when you are alone and that being alone isn’t always such a scary thing and can oftentimes be peaceful.

• What do you think is the main idea of the artwork?

I think the main idea was to capture the scenery itself and then also the person walking was just added in to make it not seem like just a scenery photo but one that people can relate to.

• What is the function of the work (political, social, religious, etc.)

I think this might be a social commentary on being alone but not necessarily lonely.

• What caused the artist to say it? Why do you think this artwork exists?

The artist doesn’t say anything specific but I think the artwork exists because he thought it was beautiful and wanted to touch people with the meanings behind the imagery.

• What mood or emotion is portrayed?

Sadness but also contentment, like a mix of both.

• What is the historical milieu that surrounds the work of art?

There’s none that I found.

• How does this artwork relate to your experience?

I relate to this because I see sceneries like this a lot especially growing up and there’s something comforting about it, I also enjoy taking photographs such as this.

• Why was the work of art created in this particular style?

I think the artist has the same style that he goes for in all his pictures and it is just what makes his art known to him, his artistic choice and preference.

Evaluate: How successful or important is the work of art

• Have your perceptions/feelings changed about the work?

No I really like this work even after I looked thoroughly within it, even though I don’t like the one part of the image it doesn’t change the whole piece for me.

• Does this work possess high technical or conceptual skill?

This possesses both high technical and conceptual art because it seems to have a hidden meaning but it also is taken so professionally and artistically that you have to really appreciate the scenery itself then dive deeper to the context.

• Is this an effective piece or work? Why or why not?

I think this is a very effective piece of work as it drew me in at first glance. I want this framed on my wall if I could, it’s such a good piece of art.

Tate London:John Harland

4-Step Critiquing Process for Works of Art

Describe: Tell exactly what you see

I see an explosion of color everywhere, and eclectic images and props places in certain corners of the room. I also see a collage of smaller paintings on a wall. And just a lot going on.

Describe the subject matter. If there is no subject, describe the shapes and colors. Describe the line quality, spaces, color relationships, etc.

Wow, there isn’t a specific subject matter but if I were to say one thing was the subject of this exhibit would probably be color. There are colors everywhere in every shape and corner. They all have a unique relationship because they fit the theme and each of them are so bold and bright.

• What is happening in the work? What do you see (landscape, portraiture, still, historic)?

There are tons of colors plastered on the floor, walls, and furniture. Paintings are everywhere and pictures, statues and books. They’re all just normal but covered in a rainbow of paint. It is an exhibit so there are multiple things going on.

• What is in the foreground? In the background?

The foreground has the actual bottles of paint set up in piles while the background is filled with things that were painted with the bottles.

• Old vs Modern? Historic vs, Contemporary? What do you see to make you say that?

Very modern, very contemporary. This is a new age idea that expresses many contemporary artistic choices due to the variety.

• Are there clues?

The clues are probably in the colors, the artist is trying to express himself through the use of color.

• What do you see, feel, taste, smell? Why?

I feel very happy seeing the bright colors and I also think it smells like paint in there.

Analyze: Use the elements/principles to reflect upon the art form

• How are the design elements used and organized?

The elements are organized by pattern, shape and color but also by the form of art is is created in.

• What is the strongest part?

The dedication to the theme.

• How has line been used to create movement?

To create the paintings as well as the photographs and borders of the room.

• Would you take away or add anything to this artwork? Why or why not?

I would add a little more interactive pieces but not take anything away. I like the idea and the theme. I just think an exhibit needs interactive pieces too.

Interpret: Consider the following

• What is the artist trying to say?

He’s saying he doesn’t care about the Normal rules of painting and art, he can do whatever he wants to express himself and it can still be beautiful.

• What do you think is the main idea of the artwork?

To step outside the box and challenge himself as an artist and as a painter to not be discouraged because he doesn’t want to stay within the lines of art when it comes to painting.

• What is the function of the work (political, social, religious, etc.)

I think this is a bit political and social in terms of the art world because usually there are critics that think art needs to be done in a certain way for it to be very qualified as something professional but he expresses that he wants to step outside of that norm.

• What caused the artist to say it? Why do you think this artwork exists?

Because he once had his abstract work removed because they thought he wasn’t a real artist so he painted actual pieces and made his own exhibit to prove a point that he can do both and art can be anything he wants it to be.

• What mood or emotion is portrayed?

The mood is fun and carefree but also creative and abstract. The artist wanted to keep things light and playful but also serious and inspiring.

• What is the historical milieu that surrounds the work of art?

The artist went to an art college where he tried to do abstract art and got a lot of criticism on it because the president of the school did not see it fit to be displayed. This is what inspired him to take it further.

• How does this artwork relate to your experience?

It relates to me because I also think like the artist and love abstract and eclectic work, I don’t think art should have rules or boundaries but they still tell us it does in school and want to police our creativity. I admire what he did and how he was able to showcase his thoughts with his exhibit.

• Why was the work of art created in this particular style?

Because he wanted to show people that art can have many styles and it does not always have to be straightforward and boring.

Evaluate: How successful or important is the work of art

• Have your perceptions/feelings changed about the work?

No, I loved it from when I laid eyes on it and I still love it after reading more about it and looking at the displays.

• Does this work possess high technical or conceptual skill?

Yes it does, even if those around can’t see it, there are many who can think of it as a masterpiece. It possesses both.

• Is this an effective piece or work? Why or why not?

Yes this is effective because the craziness and the colors and the way he has everything set up really gives character to his work and shows his personality as an artist too.

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Glitch

I decided to alter an image of my puppy to see how it would look if he were glitching out in real life. Sometimes I wonder how it would be if they weren’t real or if years later I would not remember this exact moment with him, so seeing the glitch reminded me of what I see in my head when I have flashback memories and come back to reality and watch it all fade away. 

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Triptych-Hillard

I chose to mimic the Triptych by Hillard to do a deconstructed photo of a bouquet of flowers that I had recently received as a gift. I wanted to capture this moment and really enjoyed the way it turned out. The colors also make me happy because they are so vibrant and beautiful so I felt like if I captured the best angle in sections that it would make the viewer see something different. I just really enjoyed this and like looking at my end result. Everyone knows that I enjoy flowers from I was a child so just having them around make me feel bright. 

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Dadaism Response

I get excited during every class when Dadaism is mentioned because it is one of my favorite artistic movements. I love that art can not only be things that are beautiful and deep, but also things that can also be done rebelliously and be a total troll to society. For example, one of my most recent favorite images that I’m not sure if it is directly dadaism,  is Immersions (Piss Christ) by Andres Serrano in 1987. He basically took an image of Christ on the cross and immersed it in his own urine and took a photo. The image itself is beautiful and you could never guess that any of that came into play, and it is actually very controversial. But the thing that stood out to me the most was the meaning behind the image. The intention of the artist was not to be disrespectful  or anti religious because he was a Catholic himself. He wanted to make a statement criticizing the cheapening of Christian icons in contemporary culture and how our consumerism of so called “Christianity” is actually polluting Christ. The entire Dada movement inspires me to try to take my art to another level and try not to always be so serious and delicate in what I am creating. It’s okay to get a bit offensive and use ugly things to make something beautiful. It’s just a bunch of edgy artists trying to make a statement to society. With the right perspective, things that aren’t seen as very artistic and beautiful can easily be changed if you mess with it a little. Who would have thought that a urinal would have such an impact in art history just because the artist titled it “fountain”. I think its super cool and hilarious that these artists challenged themselves and went outside of the traditional artistic norms to do whatever they wanted and expressed a deeper more complex meaning. 

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Photomontage: Just a Glimpse.

I used both object and images of myself for this work, to further express what it means to be me. I chose to keep my colors similar and chose to work with my tan skin, yellow, and white and black. The yellow colors are kind of a reflection of my aura and the color that makes me happy. While the items themselves reflect a little about who I am, what I enjoy, or what I hold dear to me. These are all my images and things that I own. I often go to them in my dark times to shine a little light on my sadness. While the self images are a bit of a statement about me and how I tend to hide behind my hair or behind objects when I am uncomfortable. I think the way I set up the objects and images can tell a story depending on who is looking at it. There can be several narratives for this image. The one I mostly lean towards is kind of a statement of, just because I take a picture of myself does not mean I want to share what I look like with you, which is why my face is hidden and only certain aspects are captured. Either way, I think that there can be different stories that come about from looking at this which is pretty fun. 

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Visualizing Identity

I picked this image because I feel like the colors and the layout of the buckets represented my life. I am always attracted to bright colors but sometimes I don’t feel as bright in a dark world around me. I liked how the buckets were crooked because my life is a little crooked as well. The dead flowers on the floor were really nice to me too as they kind of made me think of all the past memories and friendships I’ve had that all managed to run its course and diminish in the background. Sometimes these flowers can fill up my bucket and leave a lasting memory but often times they are best to be forgotten and left to wither away from my space. 

The second image I chose was the flowers themselves, as they are my favorite color and small. They are beautiful and frail and must be cared for gently or else they can easily dry up and fall to the ground. I think of these as the experiences and moments I go through in my personal life and the things that I’d like to keep my bucket filled. Those great people that leave a mark in your life and leave your heart feeling full after you spend time with them. I’ve always loved flowers in this color and thought they had a uniqueness to them, especially in this shade. 

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Reading 1: S. Shore

How does a physical print differ from a virtual one? Does viewing photos online change the experience, the meaning?

I think that physical prints have a more intimate connection with a viewer, whereas virtual prints may save a memory but not having a tangible item also leaves room for a bit of disconnection (or maybe that’s just in my case). Virtual pictures can often be manipulated to the point of looking like something entirely knew, but if you have a physical copy, you just have to savor the time and memory as it was. I do believe that it changed the experience because of the emotional connection one can have with a memory they can actually touch versus one that can easily be deleted with the press of a button. 

How important do you think paying attention, actually seeing, your surroundings is  to photography/art?  How do you see?

Paying attention to your surroundings is always a lesson to be learned at a very young age, our parents always tell us to be aware of what is happening around us to be safe and also to know what is going on. I don’t think that photography should be any different. As a photographer, you must look at all aspects of a person, place or thing, and take every detail into consideration so that you can show the viewer something that would commonly not be seen at first glance. I often find myself to be oblivious to my surroundings so it takes a lot of will power for me to pay attention to detail unless I personally find something interesting to look at. 

How  does what is in the frame - or out- affect the descriptive qualities?

What is in the frame vs what is left out of the frame can change your entire story on a whole. If there are key aspects to what you are trying to portray in a photograph such as taking a picture of a fisherman, it would kind of be important to capture the fish he has caught or the boat he is in. Without those things, we would just see a random person and have no reference point to what the photographer is trying to portray to their viewer. This is also why photographers use props to enhance the meaning of their image. 

Shore spoke of the "visual relationships" and "filling the picture with attention." How might taking this approach challenge or change your photography? Do you agree - or disagree -  with this approach?

l think that it depends on the photographer and their artistic choice. Personally, I prefer a visual relationship. But often I find that images that are just filled with attention catchers are always interesting to look at and if done right can be beautiful in their composition. This will be challenging to me as I still have not found my style of photography yet, so I might try to incorporate both and see what I prefer best. 

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Prompt 3

Composition. 

Four Corners.

Divided.

Close up.

Far away.

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Prompt 2

Photo Elements.

Texture.

Lines.

Patterns / Repetition,

Space.

Geometry.

Color. 

These elements are able to strengthen composition by making the image a lot more interesting and striking to the viewer. If the images did not have some kind of elements in them, I would think that they would appear flat and lifeless. When you are thinking of what to photograph you must have the elements in mind in order to get a out of the ordinary image that can speak to the audience. These elements show the nature of ordinary objects in ways that probably are not seen in the day to day life. People do not take the time out to look at things closely in their busy lives and I feel like the elements help them gain a new perspective. 

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Alex Reyes 

This is a photo I took in 2016 while I was abroad in Bali, Indonesia on a photography volunteer program. It is not the best photo or one I am very proud of but I thought that this inspired me back then. In some parts of Asia (or most of it) they value photographs a lot, especially wedding and engagement photography. I saw how they went all out to capture these special memories and treat it like a prized possession. When you step into a modern couple’s home you will be greeted by giant blown up images of their engagement or wedding photos that they had done. Watching this unfold in front of me really showed me the lengths people will go to make a memory last and inspired me to continue appreciating and perusing this art. Even though I have been slacking off with photography in itself due to the college workload, it has not stopped me from appreciating good photographs. Photographers can mean a lot to someone especially if the image is thoughtful and the best that it can be. This is why I would like to continue doing my best to get to that level of professionalism where I can help someone capture their cherished memory.