James Coleman
Term 1 Works
Line and Shape
For the line and shape assignment, I chose roughly six photographs. Distances of the photographs take vary from 3 feet to 25 to 30 feet. Point of views also varies among each photograph. Most of my images were taken straight on but a few of my photos were taken below the subject. I used different strategies to “make the ordinary extraordinary.” In many of my chosen photos, I used the law of thirds to my advantage, usually placing the subject in either bottom corner of the photograph. I used the law of thirds in every photograph. On top of that, I used perspective to create an effect that the subject shrinks as distance increases. I would say that the image of the guardrail bordering Luther Ave. has a dynamic composition. The use of depth of field to demonstrate the decreasing size of the guardrail makes the photograph dynamic and makes the view run their eyes across the entire photograph.
Pattern and Texture
The focus for this assignment was on the use of white balance and ISO and to draw the viewer's attention to the pattern and texture of the image. In order to focus on the object's surface quality, I had to make sure I had the correct focus on the correct part of the image. White balance and focus were the two largest factors in getting good surface quality. I feel that the image of the leaf in the bottom left of the collage is the most captivating. The texture on the subject leaf as well as the background leaf grab the viewer's attention. I believe they are the strongest points in this photograph. Lighting conditions absolutely had an impact on the photographs. You had to have the correct white balance and ISO settings, or else the images would either be under or over exposed. I would take the photograph of the mantis over again because I don't feel I have correct focus within the image.
Power lines and Playgrounds
This assignment places an emphasis on different viewpoints of playgrounds and power lines. The rule of thirds was definitely considered throughout this project; Specifically in the image of the power line tower, if the subject was placed any closer to the right, it would be centered, resulting in an unappealing image. Every image in this gallery considers the rule of thirds. I believe the image of the see saws can be considered a dynamic image. The variation of the angles of each see saw leads the viewer to run their eyes across the image. The image of the slide definitely utilizes different geometric shapes the best. The round rails of the slide's stairs, the layering of the staircase and the flat line of the slide itself all portray interesting geometrical shapes. I feel that the slide best satisfies this assignment. The use of perspective, geometric shapes and the law of thirds in this image creates a very appealing image and allows a different viewpoint of a common playground item.