DUE BY MONDAY@ 4:30
Email Q & A for Chapter 7.
DUE BY MONDAY@ MIDNIGHT
Upload your new 7 images to your Series blog. If you have recently changed your idea, you must now have 21 NEW images uploaded to your Series Blog site.
Finalize your Book Idea. Have your statement visible on the blog and one "sketch" image posted.
DUE BY TUESDAY @ MIDNIGHT
Please offer your peers a critique of their "Series" project. Please use the language of your readings.
Please write three short paragraph critiques of each artists "Series" blog.
The first paragraph should address any lingering formal issues
within the entirety of the blog, including color, font, text, weak statement, and
usability/navigation of the blog.
The second paragraph should address any lingering conceptual issues
that could be strengthened. Offer suggestions to do so. Remember...addressing THE WHY is key!
The third should address the photographs that are NOT supporting the overall
theme/concept of the blog. Tell the artist why! Then point out the photos that do it really well.
The first paragraph should address any lingering formal issues
within the entirety of the blog, including color, font, text, weak statement, and
usability/navigation of the blog.
The second paragraph should address any lingering conceptual issues
that could be strengthened. Offer suggestions to do so. Remember...addressing THE WHY is key!
The third should address the photographs that are NOT supporting the overall
theme/concept of the blog. Tell the artist why! Then point out the photos that do it really well.
Gabe, youre first up because youre the only other one who has all of his photo's up. =)
ReplyDeleteYour blog is extremely cool and I wish i was that computer savvy. I like the you can click to each week and that it is organized by weeks. Its very cool. The name is awesome but the statement is a little straightforward. It may need some work to make it more interesting.
I have no issues with your concept. I like how you're shooting a different color everyday. I like trying to figure out what some of your subjects are, but the colors are beautiful.
You do a very good job of honing in on the colors instead of focusing on the object itself. I did not see any that did not fit.
CATHERNE
ReplyDeleteSeriously, I wish i was as computer savvy as you guys. Your blog is very functional and I like the TItle very much. It definitely does go witht hat you are trying to accomplish.
Your concept is really cool. Where are you finding these cool structures? I'm quite intrigues to see what else you shoot for this project. I like it so far.
Your photos mostly all cover your concept pretty well. The only one I may have an issue with is the water tower and only because its all of the others are specifically buildings. However, I dont think it doesn;t miss the concept, its just a little out of place. My favorite photo of yours whats History. I loved it. The textures, the colors, everything. Great job,
HAILEY JARRET
ReplyDeleteI like the simplicity of your blog. It has a certain no nonsense thing about it. The title is good but the artist statement could maybe be changed up a litle. It may be too direct.
I really really like your concept. Yours is another I look forward to seeing more of. I used to sing with a group that went into nursing homes and assisited living communities. At the end I would talk to these people for a long time and I always enjoyed it, so I really and interested in what you will do with your series. No problems understanding what you are portraying.
Your photos are mostly all pretty good. There are a few of just the inside of the building that I'm not really sure about. The only reason I say that is because to me it deoesn't show assisted living, just a building. If i didnt already know you were in an assisted living home, I wouldn't be able to tell right away. But the black and white photos are beautiful and I really like them.
HALEY HAGLE
ReplyDeleteYour blog is very well organized and easy to follow. I'm really liking the title you created. Very good job with that.
Your concept is good. I wish I had the lens to capture the little things. We don't always notice those little things and I like that you are going to capture them.
A few of your photos don't completely show me the concept. Like the puddle. I really like this photo actually but it doesnt look little to me from the photo. It looks like a reflection. Until I saw the title, I though maybe the photo was about the umbrella which isnt small either.
MARVA STROUD
ReplyDeleteThe blog is looking great. I'm having no issues navigating or looking trhough. The colors of it are great too.
I'm not sure I understand your concept. Stock photography is so broad and I'm just not sure what youre trying to capture particularly. Is it just what you find interesting that day? Maybe change your artist statement to reflect what it is youre going after, I feel like just stock can be anything.
Since I'm not sure about your concept.. Your photos seem to be unconnected. I dont know how to say these dont fit or these dont fit because I'm really not sure what your subject matter of your project is. However, I do want to say that your pictures are very good, and I really enjoyed looking at them.
MELANIE MONTA
ReplyDeleteYour blog is great. I like that w dont have to click several times to get to the older posts. I like the font and the overall look. The artist statement could use some work though, I think. Its also pretty direct. Make it a little more interesting so I'm more excited to see whats being posted.
Your concept works and I like that you are doing a different type each week. It'll be interesting to see what you see while you are traveling. I'll be looking forward to your photos to see where youve been. I love to travel.
All of your photos fit to me. You did a really great job of sticking with your subject and I have no issues with your photographs. I like the water ones particularly but maybe just because I grew up at the beach. haha.
PATRICK MEAD
ReplyDeleteYour blog is great. I like the black background with the blue letters, I think it goes with your idea very well. It requires no navigation so i dont have to click to see older posts and I like that.
Your concept s very cool. I can see your passionate about music and its very interesting to see it from your point of view. I have no issues with your concept.
Your photos all fit well for me as well. i really like the second photo from the bottom on week 3. I like that you made the focus off to the right side of the photo. It really gives it depth. I also like that your putting in behind the scenes of music like the sound board and the computer. It makes for a more interesting series. It shows how much work goes into making a good sound. Great job.
Emily
ReplyDeleteI love that you're aiming to capture a feeling of nostalgia through your photographs, however your blog points more towards a tropical nature vibe. There are lots of easy ways to change the background in blogger, here's a website to help you!
http://mayura4ever.blogspot.com/2011/09/how-to-change-your-blogger-background.html
maybe a stock image of a picture frame, or an old memory quilt would more suit your aesthetic.
As far as your artist's statement, using the phrase "happier times" somewhat implies that times aren't happy as you're taking the pictures. Maybe something along the lines of how happy times of your past have helped foster a strong, loving present. I'd like to say again that I love that you're looking to the past for inspiration and am excited to see your progression.
The only picture i find incredibly striking is the picture of you and your mamaw's quilt. The diagonals of the folds cascading across you are fantastic, mixing the present with the history of your family. The series of pictures where you're holding family pictures makes it hard to see what the actual picture is. To fix this problem, maybe scan the images and display the scanned image and the one of you and the picture together. Overall, a very personal artistic approach to nostalgia, very nice :)
Catherine
Definitely love the turquoise and grey color scheme, but I think i could live without the slight green stroke around the post area- it detracts from that yummy combo of grey/blue. Your artist statement is very intriguing, and it communicates strongly your idea without the added "let's listen" at the end.
Many of the pictures you took do not seem to have been created very long ago, such as the starbucks. It's true that every building has a past, however the richness of past in the lighthouse outshines (no pun intended) the newer buildings.
Your picture "History" is so beautiful. It has the visual quality of a Rauschenberg combine, the collage elements work so well together to create a perfect little niche. Can't wait to see where you go! Safe travels!
Gabe
ReplyDeleteYour blog is very conducive to displaying your idea- it's fresh & clean, leaving the technicolor photos front and center. The navigation is very breezy, super easy to browse week to week.
Just like your blog, you idea is straightforward and made even crisper with your artist's statement. I enjoy how each week starts with the next color in the spectrum.
All of your pictures support your idea, however your violet picture in week two looks like a sad little flower surrounded by other sad flowers. I would enjoy to see a flower with a little more life, and if it's dead maybe compose the picture differently to put more focus on the every thriving violet flower. Your speckled pottery (maybe that's what it is?) thing is gorgeous, love the tone, color, and texture- it's so mesmerizing. Do more like this! Looking forward to next week's roy g. biv update.
Hailey
Digging the black and white blog, and nice font choice! The only critique I have is that I might want the white blog space narrowed a bit to bring the viewer closer into the photos, but with the somber pictures of assisted living arrangements i might want a little space. Nice statement, very explanatory without overdoing it.
Conceptually I think you capture your idea quite well. You show pictures of their living areas, of the types of people there, and you don't lead the viewer to have any opinion. You show it as it is, which is what your statement leads us to know.
The picture of the man with the guitar is by far the comic relief of the blog. Not saying that all the pictures are gloomy, but it shows a reality not many people see unless they have a loved one there. I love that your series is in black and white, and i think you should amp up the contrast just a bit in photos that have a vast accumulation of grey tones. Pictures of the individuals there should especially receive a little more contrast so we can connect with them better. Very cohesive series, I'd be interested to know the reactions you got from the residents and staff.
Marva
ReplyDeleteYour blog is very smooth, love the how the grays and whites, and light blue font, complement your pictures. I'm a fan of your photo titles + the .jpg to add the stock photography aspect of your idea.
Your concept is strong, and your pictures are definitely functioning as stock photos. Just a suggestion- maybe make your blog have three columns so you can browse the whole library of stock photos in a faster amount of time. The way you have it works fine if you choose to keep it that way too :)
A few of the portraits of people on your blog are highly entertaining (derp face, sad face, etc.), however i wouldn't consider those stock images (unless the viewer is looking for a new meme, then my opinion is invalid lol). The park bench is a great example of the textural stock photo, it's color and wood grain would be a great asset to someone who needs that sort of photo. The composition is off-balanced in a good way and i love it! You captured the rings of the spray paint so beautifully.
Melanie
The blurred landscape in the background is perfect for your blog! Your title font is a wee bit distracting, but not so much that i'd advise you to change it. Your statement is straight to the point, it's perfect.
I'd like to see the same vibrance as your background picture in your industrial photographs. A little photoshop tweak and your pictures would really show off the places you're going.
The only picture that doesn't go with your theme is the very first picture of the jellyfish; all of your other photos show both sides of the horizon line, but this one is focused in on the jelly and not the ocean scenery. Also, there's a blurry picture i assume is from inside a moving car which could be blurred more for dramatic effect or replaced with a crisp in focus picture. I adore how you shot the mountain landscapes with the super defined foreground, middleground, and background. The colors in those photographs are also very rich, which is why my eye is drawn to them.
Patrick
The neutral colors with the pop of blue is such a nice color scheme for this blog. I like how you can navigate by month at the very left hand side, it's useful as you track your band's progression.
To help strengthen your site and it's aim to promote your band, you could add a new track to the site every few weeks to set the tone of what you guys are really working for as far as bringing the classic spirit of music back. Even just a music gadget under your header would bring your band alive through sound in addition to the visual.
The pictures of the sound board and guitar picks are sweet! Nice contrast in the pictures, it really pops and comes alive. The two pictures of your band members make it hard to decipher what was going on, maybe captions would be nice for photos like that. And some color correcting and/or just make photos like that black and white if the yellow is too strong to edit out. Nice compositions!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletePatrick
ReplyDeleteI love your blog. The simple background and the border around the pictures really make them stand out. Your artist statement clearly shows your point of view and passion for music.
Some of the pictures in the blog seem to be shifted just a little to the left. It doesn’t look intentional since it happens here and there and doesn’t seem to be in any pattern, but other than that which is a very small thing, I think it look clean and professional.
The pictures all seem to go well with your blog, except for the last one. I know at one point you explained in class that you were thinking of using that as an album cover, so I think with maybe a little more explanation, it would fit in nicely.
Marva
The simple off white background along with the white around your pictures really lets you focus on the pictures themselves, rather than being distracted by bright colors or flashy backgrounds. Although, personally, I might change my font color to black just to make the titles pop a little more.
The concept of just photography is great. It really opens up what you can put on display. I look forward to getting a glimpse of your everyday through your pictures.
Because your concept is such a broad one, I think the organization of the pictures is going to be key. Right now they feel like just some random pictures that were taken, but if you could find a way to group them together to tell a story or gradually guide us through the different types of pictures you take, for example, textures or landscapes, I think it will be very beautiful and interesting.
Haley
I love how your pictures pop off the page due to the stark white background, unfortunately, I am losing the words a little bit. They are so light that they kind of fade into the background.
I really like that you are showing the little things. It is usually the little things we take most for granted and at the same time are the things that usually make us the most happy. Your blog reminds me of that.
The only picture I had any problem with was called little plant. The, reserved 612, written on the curb is so predominant in the picture that I felt myself having to search for the plant.
Hailey
ReplyDeleteI really like that you are using black and white pictures with the black and white background. They really go well together. Your statement is very straightforward and leaves no doubt about what I going to look at.
I think your concept is a really good one, but could be very difficult. The pictures though beautiful could be very difficult to look at. The subject of age and needing assistance when we are older is s subject most people don’t want to think about, which is why I say it may be difficult to look at.
The pictures seem to flow nicely, but I wonder about the pictures of the inside of the building. They seem so sterile which is in direct contract to the life the pictures of people seem to have.
Gabe
I like your blog. I like that you can click to get to the different weeks. Your statement is pretty direct and gives me an idea of what I will be viewing.
The concept is very cool and yes, I agree each color does deserve its own week, which brings me to, I think I would rather see a color each week rather than every color each week.
The pictures themselves all seem to belong, they just don’t flow for me as well as I would like them to. I liked the idea of doing just one color at a time like you did for the samples we did in class.
Catherine
I like the colors you used except for the green around the pictures. I think if you had used the same turquoise that you used for the font it would be more pleasing to the eye, instead of a distraction.
I really love your idea. We take for granted the things that we see around us every day and you are highlighting some of those things. I love the idea of each structure having a history.
Your pictures are beautiful and really do seem to tell a story. The one called history is breath taking. I just want to stare at it and get lost in it for ever.
Emily
I really that you used turquoise and pink. They are colors that general just give you a happy feeling.
I like your idea, because we all have those memories that just make us warm and fuzzy inside. I am looking forward to seeing what gives you that feeling and reminiscing in my own history as I view yours.
Because some of the pictures are you holding a picture, it makes it difficult for me to see what I am supposed to be looking at. Is it you, the picture or your reaction to the picture. It makes it a little confusing for me
Emily
ReplyDeleteThe site looks good. The colors make it look very girly. I think it’s fitting for the subject matter portrayed in your photos. The background image works well with the serif font. The statement seems to ask a question of another person, when the images are specifically what make you think of happier times. This isn’t a bad thing necessarily, just thought it was worth noting. Maybe rephrase the statement for you.
I don’t see any major conceptual issues. For the most part, the concept makes sense to me.
Several of the photos are cropped in a way that seems a little unnatural. For example, the photo of the photos of you and your brother when you were babies cuts off the left side of the picture frame, but shows the right side. Maybe this was intentional, but it seems like an awkward location. This could easily be a personal preference, and I just see it a little different. Also, the video camera doesn’t fit in to the group of photos that well. It seems like a somewhat industrial object in comparison to all of the childhood keepsakes.
Catherine
ReplyDeleteThe use of white on the gray background gives the site a very clean and contemporary feel. I was thinking that your Greek looking font kind of conflicted with your 1900’s American architecture photos, but I saw the photos of the beachside grill and changed my mind. The font almost perfectly matches the roofline of the porch. It really helps to pull it together.
The concept totally makes sense. I get it.
Your photos go along well with your concept. They look like they were well thought out and executed. I really like the shots of the small white brick building, the light house, and the wood building with the red doors. I think those photos best portray the concept stated in your artist statement. They look old and historic. In my opinion, the cabin and the Starbucks building don’t fit in quite as well, but you’re the artist.
Hailey
ReplyDeleteThe site looks great. The black and white theme fits the subject matter perfectly. It’s clean and simple. The serif font works as well. The statement is basic but it makes sense.
It takes guts to go in to a nursing home to shoot photos of people who are living out the last years of their lives. This is a very vulnerable time in a person’s life, and some might think of it as preying on the weak. I think it’s a great topic. Aging, it’s something that no one wants to do, but everyone will. In the end we all end up as these wrinkled prune people that look nothing like what we see ourselves as. If done correctly, I think this project could be the best of the bunch.
By far, I like the eleventh photo the best, the one with the old woman with white hair sleeping next to the window. I honestly can’t tell you exactly why, but I think it’s just a matter of the photo being shot at the right time. I think the high contrast helps too.
Haley
ReplyDeleteI really like the font at the top of the page. The photo showing through gives it a very personal touch that really makes the site your own and not some instant template. The use of light gray font on a white background is a nice touch. Though slightly harder to see than a darker color, it gives the site a modern feel.
For the most part, I understand your concept. Your statement says that you are photographing the tiniest things and how they relate to our big world. It seems that some of the objects are small, and others are relatively large, but in the distance. Overall I think the concept works, but I think it would be stronger if the meaning of tiny were more clearly defined throughout the series.
Your photos are very nice. They are well composed and very colorful. I have no problem with the composition of any of your photos. As far as what was said in the prior paragraph about the meaning of “tiny”, I guess the sailboat photo is a good example. Though the sailboat appears small in the photo, in reality it is probably thirty or more feet long. I guess it just a matter of perspective. Overall, your photos are very artful.
Marva
ReplyDeleteYour site looks good. The white on gray background along with the san serif fonts give the site a clean and modern feeling. The site is easily navigable and the statement is clear.
The stock photography theme could use to be honed a bit. It seems somewhat broad. I just think you could put a photo of almost anything in and call it stock photography. This is only a suggestion, but maybe you should narrow your topic a bit.
Your photos all look very professional. The composition and cropping suits them well. The first three photos are very colorful mosaic like patterns that seem like there building you up for more in this style. Then you’re hit with several nature photos. It’s a major contrast in style and subject matter, and is a bit dizzying. It might help the viewer not to build an expectation of similar objects if you were to randomize the photos from the start rather than grouping like photos. As far as order is concerned, instead of 1,2,3, you could do 1, 4, 9 for the colorful mosaics.
Melanie
ReplyDeleteThe overall layout of the site looks playful and fun. The font at the top of the page reinforces this. I like the way the background photo is blurred. This really focuses the viewer on the photos posted in your blog. Your artist statement is clear and to the point.
Your concept makes sense and seems like an interesting idea. I don’t see any problems with the concept, other than finding enough different types of landscapes to keep things interesting.
I definitely like the water series the best so far. The others seem to be shot from a location that might not show the best perspective of the subject. The water shots seem to be more thoroughly thought out before they were shot. Also, if you shoot a shot that clearly shows a known horizontal line like a water line, use the straighten tool in Photoshop to give you a perfect horizon in your shots. This really improves the quality of the final photo.
Patrick
ReplyDeleteThe layout of the site looks good. The gray on black background gives it kind of an underground spacey feel. The light blue font does a good job of reinforcing this. Overall, the site seems easy to navigate and functions well. The artist statement is clear, although a bit long.
The concept seems clear enough. The artist statement has a real anti-consumerism type vibe going on with it that the photos don’t totally reflect. If you’re trying to harness the rage against the machine thing, try to include it in the photos. I honestly don’t know how to do that, but maybe more sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll. Maybe not, that’s probably as commercial as it gets. Anyway the concept works.
I really like all of the equipment photos. They have way more impact for me than the photos of people. I like the heavy use of the depth of field in the equipment photos. Honestly, I wouldn’t change anything at this point. It works well and the photos all look good.
Emily
ReplyDeleteEmily, I think your blog has a nice overall cheery atmosphere which coincides with your statement. The titles above your photos seem almost too revealing to me. Having the photos stand alone would allow the viewer to try to understand what we see and what these photos may mean to you. This is just an idea, of course.
I think that the photos you have definitely support your idea. The only thing I would suggest would try more interesting compositions and angles. I noticed that you did successfully use the rule of thirds on several of your photographs.
All of your photos seem to fit your concept well, although I think some may have been a little confusing had you not put the titles in.
Catherine
I love the way your blog looks. It is very clean, and everything about it reminds me of the subject of your photos. It is very architectural and neat, including the font. I think the colors also work as well. There is a lot of green and blue in your photos from the natural landscape around the structures which works very well with the font color choices. Good job!
The photos are great. The structures that you chose to take photos of are really unique and interesting. The “History” photograph is beautiful. The compositions and color in all of the photos seems spot on.
There were no photos that did not fit your concept. Each one seemed to highlight a unique feature, or different way of looking at these ordinarily mundane buildings. You made them look interesting, while still fitting into the concept.
Gabe
I think your blog is nice and clean. The layout of the photos is really interesting. Your statement tells me exactly what I need to know about your series. Overall, I think you did a good job.
The colors of the photos are really vibrant and they stand out great on the blog’s background. I think all of them fit in well with your concept. They are really unique. I really enjoy how to zoom in on an object and you almost can’t tell what the object is.
All of your photos fit your concept well and are spot on color-wise. In class you mentioned that you were going to post the photos in the order of a rainbow, which you didn’t do in week 2 and 3. Are you still going to do this in the future?
Haley
Your blog is simple, clean, and beautiful. I don’t think you should change anything about it. The vibrant photos and blog title compliment the stark white background beautifully.
I really love this concept, and I think you are executing it fairly well. You seem to put your subject directly in the center, which I think works in several of your photos, but it would also be great to see you trying different angles and compositions in your future photos.
One image in particular doesn’t seem to fit the concept for me all that well. The sail boat image, while very beautiful, doesn’t seem to fit your statement. You say that this blog is about the tiniest things and how they relate to our big world. I assumed you’d be sticking to very small things, and a sail boat just didn’t seem to fit that for me.
Marva
ReplyDeleteThe layout of your blog works well, as do the colors and font choice. Maybe try making the photos larger on your blog.
Your concept is a bit confusing for me. I like the idea of stock photography, but I feel like you need to narrow it down a bit. I think your photos are beautifully shot and the colors are great, though.
Like I said before, I think your concept could be narrowed down. I’m still not entirely sure what your concept really is, so I can’t say if any of these don’t belong.
Melanie
I think the template of your blog fits your concept, but there is one thing I think could maybe be improved a little. I think you should make your photographs large enough to where they take up almost the whole screen. They are beautiful landscape and I think they should be shown big.
The landscapes you are choosing are nice because they are quite different and I like that they vary in sizes. I’m guilty of taking while driving, so I do enjoy those few. It will be interesting to see where you take this and what landscapes you find over the summer.
The only photo that doesn’t seem to entirely fit is the one of the jellyfish on the beach. I suppose you could call it a landscape, but compared to your other photos it seems a little out of place.
Patrick
Your blog looks nice. I like the color choices and layout. I especially like the font of your title. It is strong and seems cohesive with your photos.
Your photos are composed well, and I think they definitely represent your concept. I like a lot of the angle you are using. The colors and focus on a few seem like they could be improved slightly, but other than that I think you’re doing a good job.
The only photo that doesn’t seem to fit is the one of your friend is week 3. Other than that, keep up the good job.
Emily Delaune
ReplyDeleteEasily navigable blog interface. Would change font because Times New Roman just reminds me of “default”; might I suggest some curly serif to support the memory book theme ? Definitely digging the colors. Very appropriate per your concept. Have you considered a more grid like display ? Something that might mimic a photo album would be interesting to see. Your artist statement is a question, and I'm not sure what to make of it. With some more work around the other parts of the blog (mostly cosmetic), I bet it could work.
Thanks to the content of your pictures, your concept is entirely clear. I love that your project is addressing moments and mementos captured using photography. This is a chance to explore how photos are stored, used and displayed in our culture. Great job on choosing such a rich subject matter. I'm excited to see how it develops.
Since we haven't had much time to get to a scanner, I can totally understand having pictures of you holding photographs. By just scanning and editing (minor Photoshop adjustments) all the photos stuck in frames, your collection would really improve. If you want to be lab time buddies, contact me. I've got a date with a scanner myself. (: Lambie and Darlin' are pretty good photos; just minor crops and lighting edits need to be made.
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ReplyDeleteCatherine Rowan
ReplyDeleteSound blog interface. Fun colors and font. I was pleasantly surprised to see that your photographs actually reflect the colors and shapes found in your blog design.
Your concept is expressed very well in your artist statement. I am expecting to see more buildings with differing stories, because I'd love to hear them. Don't get me wrong, the photos you've taken so far are excellent. Maybe I'm detecting a lack of variety because you have about 8 photos of very picturesque places and that's it. So to be fair I can't be so very judgmental. So far, I am really interested in seeing more content.
As I've said, you've done well photographing your subjects. Weakest photo is Caffeine (good titles by the way). The sliver of sidewalk (or curb?) at the bottom is bothersome, but that's my only problem with any of your photos. Favorite is Beachside. Great composition; good show all around.
Gabe Taylor
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun blog ! Did you know we could change the display mode ? That's going to look fantastic when your rainbow is complete. Awesome template choice. Too cool that users get a choice of interface. Shorten the subtitle (statement?), and you're golden. Its a bit long for the display. I also think I'll enjoy your series just fine with out being told to do so. (:
I don't think your concept could be anymore clear, really. Its rainbows. Who doesn't like rainbows ?
Your photos are a treat. They have gorgeous texture, and gorgeous color. You might have hit the sweet spot. Can't wait to see more !
Hailey Jarrett
ReplyDeleteNavigable blog. I've already said this to someone else, so I'm beginning to think its just my bias, but I'm not a fan of Times New Roman because it just looks like “default” to me. Otherwise, not a bad design. Would be neat to see these read horizontally, like a book or even a single photo at a time.
Awesome concept. I was just having a conversation with a good friend about assisted living facilities, and how American culture deals with old age. I am intrigued to see your take on the matter. So far, I feel like I'm being introduced to the facility and a few of the residents.
Over all, I find your photos are good, although some are much more convincing than others. Let me say this: black and white serves you best in well composed photos with high contrast lighting. You have many such photos (specialty3.jpg, kate.jpg, nails.jpg), but others look a tad artificial (robert.jpg, richardespanol.jpg). Still, we're at stage one and I think it'll improve as weeks go. Good job so far.
Hailey Hagle
ReplyDeleteThe space is beautifully designed. I really mean it. I want to give you top marks on your artist's statement as well.
Concept is strongly expressed and well supported. Not much else to say here. Awesome show, great job !
Your photos are very well shot, but I have some gripes with a two images, even though I love looking at them all. I'll start with “little tree in the garden”. The house in the back ground distracts me from scale because, in comparison, its smaller than the tree. This wouldn't be an issue so much, accept in the case of “little sail boat”, you use the surrounding space (the sky, the waterway) to make a big thing seem so very tiny. Its no longer about really tiny things. Its about the appearance of tiny and scale by comparison. “Little sail boat” changed your game quite a lot, which is okay. Its a beautiful photograph and it deserves to be apart of the series because it introduces some conceptual complexity. It just might be worth updating “little tree in the garden” for it.
Now about “little reflection”. I love what you're thinking here. But I think it falls down visually speaking. The image doesn't show anything small. In fact, even from your description, something very tiny has just produced something very big. And then again you had to have a caption – title's not enough. All the other images stand on content and title alone. I know it can be hard to part with something so brilliantly made. But it also might be worth replacing. We have time though, so don't fret if you don't get worthy replacements this week or even in the next. It will be tough to replace such great photos just because they don't quite fit the concept. You can do it. (:
Melanie Monta
ReplyDeleteFirst thing that caught my eye about your blog – you categorized your photographs. This is a very smart way of displaying your work simply because its organized. Good idea. (: Although its easy to navigate your blog, its visually a lot to handle. You've got landscapes against landscapes. If you want to make connections to your photographs through your design, consider using muted versions of colors found in your photos as colors for background, font, etc. Even with that, use sparingly. Consider a gray base ?
Can't argue with your concept, but I think you've got just a little more to learn about shooting landscapes. This has been done so many times, there are practically manuals written about it. Good thing for you because that means you've got plenty of reference material from which you can work. You also might want to try to get differing locations for your categories each week. It'll be hard to get variety otherwise. No matter, right ? Its an excuse to travel. I wonder where you're going this week. That's the best part of this project; its a great travel document.
Some of your photos are a tad fuzzy. If you're having a hard time steadying your shots, a tripod can become your best friend. I have one, and I'm not afraid to lend it. Your pictures all seem to have pretty good color, not much color correcting needed on many of them.
Patrick Mead
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed with your layout. Great color and font ! Your artist statement was the lengthiest by far, but I'm not sure what it had to do with your photos. I think your point is that your music is made with genuine sentiments and you're documenting the way you do it. Fair point to make, I just would have worded it more directly for the sake of clear expression. Great choice with the large photo display. I think you're the first to do it this way. Supports your photos well.
Since I lost it a little in your artist statement, I'm not entirely clear on your concept. When I consider that it must be about you and your friends making music (what I remember from class), you're not doing so bad. But most of your photos are of equipment and tools.
At least its well shot photos and tools. When humans enter the scene, they seem a bit fuzzy or blown out. Also, if this is about recording with your buddies, I'd love to see more of them. Even though I absolutely love the paperweight photo, its really the only one I couldn't see fitting. Overall good work.
Emily Delaune
ReplyDeleteThe layout seems fitting; the color choices make it all very calming and peaceful. Since the background of the blog has a floral feel to it, it might look good to try a script font on some of text…just a thought. Navigation of the site is pretty easy to understand. The artist statement is simple, but I think it gets the point across.
The concept seems solid. Perhaps you could make the images slightly larger so you can focus more easily on one at a time and enjoy the details of each one. I particularly like the one with the quilt; it creates a unique split diagonally in half, and the lighting on the quilt creates a smooth texture.
The photos all support the theme given the headings you've included for each one. I like that you took pictures of yourself with other pictures. It's an interesting method and adds to your personal connection with the subject matter. Some of the images seem a little too straightforward though. Perhaps utilizing some interesting angles or the rule of thirds could add a little more to the composition of each photo. Overall, everything flows well together, great job!
Catherine Rowan
ReplyDeleteThe blog is very clean and free of clutter. Navigation is easy. I particularly like the choice of font styles. The only thing I would suggest is possibly changing the color of your statement or adding a different colored background behind it just so that the text sticks out a little more. However, the overall layout is very effective.
I find no issues with the concept. Very solid. I like that your taking such beautiful photos of things we typically take for granted.
The only photo I see that might not work as well is "Step Up." I don't feel like this one adds as much to the overall feeling created by the rest of the images. Perhaps the one titled "Indian River" would look a little better if you could see more of the tower, or be able to read more of the logo. Other than that, I have nothing to say except that these are some spectacular photos!
Gabe Taylor
ReplyDeleteThe blog is very impressive! Definitely creative, clean, and professional. All color and font choices allow you to focus on the vibrant colors in the images themselves. It may just be my computer, but the very end of your artist statement gets cut off by the search bar. Perhaps the photographs could be enlarged a little to help focus on each color you analyzed. Other than that, layout and statement are just as they need to be: clean and minimalist.
These are some interesting photos that definitely go along with your concept. For the most part all photos are great examples of the colors you are focusing on.
Maybe some of the images could be a little more zoomed out and show more of the subject matter, so that the audience can more easily tell what some of these objects are that have such interesting colors. However if your intent is to focus more on the texture associated with each color rather than the actual objects themselves, then I could see why you would take such close up pictures. Aside from that, excellent work!
Hailey Jarrett
ReplyDeleteThe overall feel of the photos matches the layout perfectly. You can really appreciate each photo individually. I like the simplicity of the layout and artist statement. Nothing distracts you from the photographs.
These are some very poignant and well composed images! I think it was a great idea to do these all in black and white; it adds so much emotion to each one and alludes to the "aged" nature of your concept. The hallway photo is very eerie, almost like a "light at the end of the tunnel" reference.
The images of the piano and the door don't display a sense of being in an assisted living facility as much as others. However, the ones of the elderly women are particularly intimate and really grab your attention. They help the viewer experience the photo instead of just seeing it. You picked a touching subject matter. Very impressive!
Haley Hagle
ReplyDeleteGreat layout. I really enjoy how you formatted the main title. Using all lowercase lettering was a subtle but effective choice. No navigation issues; overall format seems solid.
The concept seems very clear and unique. In a world were many individuals think in "bigger and better" terms, this really shows appreciation for the seemingly insignificant things in life.
My only concern is that some of the images don't display a sense of "littleness" as much as they do a sense of isolation, mainly the sailboat and the scooter. I get more of a sense of solitude from these photos than I do minuteness. Other than that, the images themselves are very well composed. I particularly enjoy the flower on the fencepost and the little rainbow. I look forward to seeing what other little things you find!
Marva Stroud
ReplyDeleteAt first glance, the layout almost seems just a little bland, but it does allows each picture to stick out more. Maybe I would say try to get rid of the "About" link at the top if it doesn't link to anything. Other than that, navigation works well.
The statement is solid, but I feel like the concept might be a little vague and hard to really depict in the photos. Maybe if you focused on particular subjects each week to do stock photos of, it would be a little easier to find the connection between the photos.
That being said, some of the photos, like the rainbow, waterfall, beachball, boats, and pierpeers effectively give off a stock photo feel. The sunset, rockswater, and images of the people at the beginning don't seem to demonstrate this as much for me. With a little more specific direction, this concept could work really well!
Melanie Monta
ReplyDeleteThe layout works well. I really enjoy the blurred out background, and the white text for the title and statement. It adds flavor to the blog without being distracting. Navigation of the site is easy, and the statement is clear and precise.
The concept is well supported, but I hope you can find enough different landscape scenes to photograph while making each one unique. I'm not entirely sure how, but maybe you could try to challenge the conventional ideas of what a landscape photo is.
As far as the photos themselves go, they all support the topic, except for the first one of the jellyfish. I would possibly do some color correction on the industrial/city photos. A couple of the water landscape photos came out a little crooked, so you could probably just twist them a little in photoshop. Other than that, great job! I particularly enjoy the mountain landscapes.
Emily
ReplyDeleteYour blog looks good. I like the colors, they are nice and soft and they go along with childhood. I believe you should find a softer font to match the colors and theme and pictures.
I enjoy your topic. There is a mixture of what your past is and what you like. I think there should be a stronger connection to things because some of them are very strong and other are just a object that you just like.
I think the Video Camera does not really fit in because most of them are your childhood or something that has got passed down. The video camera just seems a little out of place.
Gabe
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy how clean your blog is. I also enjoy how you click into each week. The side to side also goes really well with your theme. It lets your pictures stand out and let them speak for themselves.
Your blog is very unique and flows very well. I look forward to seeing all the weeks up there.
All your pictures go very well with your theme and blog. I enjoy how they have different and interesting textures also.
-Catherine
Hailey
ReplyDeleteYour blog is very clean and simple and your pictures look very good with it. The black and white was a very good choice, they make them more serious and to the point.
Your pictures all go very well together and they are very touching. I look forward to seeing more.
I enjoy looking at the different things that go on in the assisted living. You show many different views and things that go on, it is like we are there.
-Catherine
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ReplyDeleteHaley
ReplyDeleteYour blog is nice and simple. I love your title and how everything corresponds with each other and flows very well. Your blog lets your photo stand for them selves and is very nice.
I would stay with small objects comparing them with a larger similar object.
The little sail boat is a beautiful picture but I don't think it is as stung as the others because a sail boat is still large. My favorite is the little birdhouse, it goes so well with your theme and is a great picture also.
-Catherine
Marva
ReplyDeleteYour blog is very clean. I don't really understand your blog but the pictures are beautiful. and I can't wait to see more.
I would find a more solid theme but I can't wait to see more pictures over the weeks.
The tree picture is beautiful but does not really fit because most of them are close up.
-Catherine
Melanie
ReplyDeleteI enjoy how clean your blog is. I like your cloud background. The font of your title is nice but maybe not with your theme.
I like how each week is a different landscape and I think it a great theme.
I think with each landscape they should be a little more different but I enjoy the views.
-Catherine
Patrick
ReplyDeleteI like the colors you chose for your blog. The blue and black is very clean but different. Your font also helps with your colors and pictures and fits your theme nicely.
Your blog flows nicely and I can't wait to see more.
Your pictures are very interesting and exciting to look at. They show your journey with your music and I think all your pictures express that.
-Catherine
Emily:
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you went with this theme! I think you will find that it will be a beautiful experience for you. The images of the quilt and superwoman are wonderful. I think they are the strongest because you are letting the objects tell you what to do with them. You are playing with them, and feeling them, as opposed to the photos of you sort of “posing” smiling with the snapshots of the kitties. Those feel forced, like you don’t know what to do. Just meditate on that. How can you make all of your future photos feel as natural as the quilt and superwoman images?
A few suggestions:
• Make photos larger on your blog.
• Make sure you set your white balance—many of your images are a bit yellow, so be sure to color correct them before you post them.
• Perhaps ask a friend to photograph you or set up a tripod and use your timer. I say this because it might support you in two ways. 1) You could turn your attention to the object you are using to reflect, and you could be “caught” in the moment a bit easier. 2) You will have a better chance at getting more air around the subject (you and the object) so that you have more area to work with when you crop. Most of the photos of objects, the doll, the photos of the babies, cut off part of the image. Remember rule of thirds and be sure to give “air” around your objects. The photo of the bunnies in the chair is a good example of composition, and is not an awkward crop.
• I love that you are in a domestic space, and we can see that. It is a warm context that works with your idea. That being said, use your furniture as a both props for the idea, and to physically prop up the objects.
• Look up Janine Antoine’s photos “Coddle” as she lovingly cradles her own leg (google it) and this image of her mother. Janine is under her dress, hugging her. http://interstatearts.com/ephemera/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Antoni.jpg
Val
Catherine:
ReplyDeleteThis new idea is really going to work. Your images are crisp, well composed and the lighting is lovely.
In your title: It should read .....that surround me.... no "s" on surround.
Otherwise, keep it up, and I know it will take you a sec to get caught up--but you can do it!
Val
Gabe,
ReplyDeleteLooking good! I appreciate the new photos that you took to replace some that were not working as well in the first weeks. Nice job editing!
Also, crafty move to get your statement to fit. ;)
These images have beautiful textures and colors. Keep it up!
Val
Hailey,
ReplyDeleteWow. This is going to be wonderful!
I can tell that the real challenge for you will be lighting. Indoors can be tough. With practice, attention to details, and some help from Photoshop, these will be gorgeous, revealing and sensitive photos. The most eye catching image, formally, is the image of the woman sleeping by a window, the soft light illuminating her cloud of white hair. She is angelic, almost childlike, and that feeling is a direct effect of the light.
I would like to see you tackle the rest of these portraits in Photoshop, brighten them a tad, as most are a bit dark, and use the dodge and burn tool like a paint brush. Do not be afraid of retouching. In the wet lab, we always used these tools to enhance our photos. Please re-post them before next week. I know I am asking you to do a lot of work, but it will make you a better photographer!
The black and white works nicely for this series. It is timeless, yet the subject matter is so much about time, about age, about mortality and fragility of life.
Also, while I believe these images can stand alone, particularly the portraits, I am wondering how our experience on this blog might change if you added text. Just meditate on that idea. Do you have any interest in personalizing these photos with your voice? With theirs? I am not saying that you should--but it might enhance the project. It might not...but it is worth a try.
Nice work!
Val
Haley,
ReplyDeleteI think you have got it down pat! Your images are nice and clean, well composed, and are tonally sound. Well done lady! Keep it up!
Val
Marva,
ReplyDeleteThese new images really show of your eye for composition and color! They are much stronger in terms of color and lighting than the portraits. When you tackle images of faces, remember lighting is the key!
I think that the idea of taking "stock photos" in the context of the "art project" is a good idea, however a tic difficult to play out. Our reading covers the topic of Art Photography verses Artfully composed images. Spend time with that section in the reading. Let us think on the purposes of stock photography. What is it? What is it used for?
When I think of stock photography, I think of images that are used to help market a consumable object or experience to the masses. Therefore, they must be generic, appeal to a broad range of the population, be unoffensive, digestible and pleasant.
What I find interesting about them, however, is their limitations.I am more interested in what they ARE NOT. They cannot be difficult, challenging, ugly, real, depict people or ideas that are unconventional, that are marginalized, or steeped in fantasy.
So here is your challange. You have to decide how YOU want to approach your interest in stock photos in an ART context. To get your gears spinning, perhaps you could try taking a stock photo and juxtaposing it with a contrasting image? Just a thought, perhaps you have a better solution that would reveal your artist slant on the topic, but it might help you get your angle nailed down.
Val
Melanie,
ReplyDeleteOK. I have a few suggestions. I think that your statement should address more of the "why" than the "what." The images are obvious enough that we can tell that you are posting various landscapes each week. Perhaps it would be more intriguing to read about your interest in landscape photography. Why is it important to you to document these places? Think deeply. I understand you are traveling, but why take a photo of a skyline or a landscape? Historically, why have people done it? Ansel Adams? What was his mission? Yours is different than his, surely, but there might be similarities. Get to the bottom of why it is important to take and share these images for you and your viewer.
Next, I think that you should attempt to vary your seven images each week. They are so similar. How might you change your angle or focus so that we see a different side to the landscape in each frame.
Also, tonally, they are all so similar. Try shooting at dawn, dusk, noon and night in the same place. Then we get a feel for the personality of the place as it changes in the light.
Also, get in the habit of retouching each image in Photoshop before putting them up here.
Almost all of your images could benefit from a boost of contrast and saturation. Landscape photography will always have a relationship with Landscape painting. Do not be afraid to put your hand in the images.
Keep it up lady. Glad to see you traveling and shooting. Keep your camera on you at all times!
Val
Patrick,
ReplyDeleteIt is easy to see that you are really LOOKING at your world now. The images posted this week are strong formally, and your eye is much more sensitive to the subject matter.
Keep it up. Don't be afraid to get in there and move things around. There are no rules, and you should certainly see the objects that surround you as shape, color, and line. Stack things up, turn them on their side, light them and shoot them. Don't forget that it would be nice to see some hands in there, to see the people that make the objects sing!
Looking forward to next week!
Val