Crit Day

So today was crit day, and basically i got back what i thought, after showing in class the other day not the best review interms of understanding the concept fully. But it gives me a reason to push further, maybe my next step is to disect my ideas a bit more. I have explored this thing of linking myself to places or people and maybe there is something more to that. I feel after thinking about it a bit, that maybe im trying to figure out through my photographs something about who i am, and what makes me... is it who i come from? where i come from? where i lived? So i have some thinking to do. maybe imagery that doesnt have the need to be so precise? something that can be precise in its own way but not in terms of its affilation with another image.

I have a new photo to post

So after many phone calls and preparation i have a shot, one shot so far, in a way im a little frustrated at my snail like pace, but i am happy with the shot, but i feel that i still need to create another layer to the image, here is one of many that i took, i do like this one a lot. Tell me what you think.

outfits

WORK DAY

So on Thursday i wasnt in class, but i was instead out collecting wardrobe for the big day on sunday, confirming " models" location and specifics. I hope that everything turns out well... i am hoping to have a bit of help that day in terms of family members. I know im a little late here on posting but i just got home from work and realized that i had just thought about posting and totally forgot to actually do it... quite the situation. But i will post some pics of a couple of outfits ive put together for my cousin to wear, otherwise the wardrobe will be supplemented by the participants. This sunday will be the day! STay Tuned!

Some Pics of early shoots/test shoots

So there are things that need to be addressed with the quick pre shots, in terms of footware and hair, but also the complexity of lighting... I used a strobe in one of them just because at the time it was really overcast and the sun wasnt casting any kind of shadow. I think also we might change the location of the photos. especially the sitting down one, but these shots give me an idea of what to fix and where I would like to go now. Next sunday i have reserved the Barbershop that my grandfather used to own and work at. I will use the space to set up shots taken in that space and may put some of these shots in that space, just to add a sense of oddness, and maybe this space will be a space where borders of generations are crossed. we shall see.

test shots today!!!!

test shot of my cousin were taken today, and actually went to the barber shop to talk to the owners today. Next sunday will be a big day full of shooting! test shots will be up soon! keep posted!!!

Class Cancelled

Since class was cancelled today, i used the time to go and look for wardrobe for my planned photo shoots this week. Went to a thrift store and other clothing stores, found one complete outfit, off to a good start, and i have other items in my closet that will work as well. All in all went well, didnt know really what to expect especially since i haven't ever really been to a thrift shop but i had a great expierence :) I also secured a location for a shoot later on in the month.

Putting it all together

So I have my idea, not i need to figure out when and where and who i am going to shoot exactly, spent the day figuring that out, setting up places to shoot people to use in the photos and the specifics of the sites. So far so good, just trying to lock down a location that used to be in the family but now has different owners, the outlook looks good. Doing a shoot in San Fran next weekend and testing this next thursday, should be a productive week. still much work to do, interms of wardrobe, props, lighting and other small specifics but i have a positive feeling :) work to come soon!

My Project Proposal

 

Maria Elena Malovos

September 29, 2009

DigiArt Photography

Project Name:

            In Their Shoes

 

Project Description:

            I will be examining the relationship that crosses generations, the things that repeat, the things that change and that strange likeness that no matter the changes in world still exist across generations.  I will be taking pictures from my parents and grandparents and other relatives and bringing them back to life today with others from my generation, but going beyond the picture, breaking the border and letting more be seen.

 

Conceptual Concerns:

            I am exploring the goals we set in life, the things we try to mimic and the things we try to do differently.  How are we influenced by our Parents, Grandparents and those around us from childhood to young adulthood?  Who takes on which roles, are certain roles maintained. 

 

Technical Skills Covered:

            Outdoor lighting with natural and artificial light along with recreating different eras from the 1920s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 70s.  I plan to shoot Digital with a film as a backup and alternative.  I would shoot Medium format with the film and on a Digital SLR. Either converting it to black and white or creating color to coincide with the era if it fits.

 

Formal Guidelines:

            My end product will be digital prints.  I want them to be either window mounted or in a book form pasted on black scrapbook pages.  I hope to have 10 prints in the end.  My project will be due on the 29^th of October. 

 

Artistic References:

            I forget the artist but she and her sister would recreate family photos putting themselves in the photos are their parents and other characters.  The photos had almost this plastic quality.  Cindy Sherman also played a lot with identity, even though many of her photos have film like qualities they address this bridge between generations this examination of the past.

 

Readings:

            Readings that would be helpful to read would be journals or writings from my grandparents and parents from their youth.  I will also reference Historical dress and fashion books, statistics from the different periods of time I am referencing and then apply what I can to the photographs.

 

Grade: 

            I want to be graded on the execution, the quality of light and exposure.  There will also be how effectively the message is conveyed, is it obvious or does it make the view wonder and think about photos presented, are they the true past or the present remade in the esthetic of the past.

 

Goals List:

             I hope to create images to make the viewer wonder about which is the reality.  Is the distinction between photographs of old and present obvious?  Is the