The three-chapter guide to photo criticism, now christened as the Fatty Packet", provides relevant insight on how to move beyond "I-like-it-I-don't-like-it" "it's-good-it's-not-as-strong" critiques. However visually stunning an image may be upon first glance, that which the art lover seeks is surely to understand, and to express the figment of the world that image has chewed up, swallowed, and regurgitated on glossy, luster, or matte. From this text, I take it that criticism is classified as "discourse on art" that furthers its appreciation, and that critics are essential because they actually have the time to delve deeply into artworks and artists, therefore arriving upon greater insight. Critics become contemporary sages that place works within the context of history, and speculate its influence based on their knowledge of works now deemed "influential". Interpretation of works, which often dilute down to "how-we-feel-about-works" commentary, can become multi-faceted and exhaustingly complex. Photographs can be interpreted with all of the following in mind: subject, style, medium, time period, the artist's life, the artist's personal views, other works of the artist, works of other similar artists, juxtaposing works of other artists, feminist POV, socialist POV, christian fundamentalist POV, etcetera. Just like in literature (sorry to bring it up again), there is no "right" or "wrong", and whether or not the artist intended for such intrepretation is irrelevant.
All in all, the Fatty Packet interprets interpreting, and provides a variety of directions to go when criticizing (with a new and improved meaning) the works of others--whether they be in MOMA or 20A.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Margaret Bourke-White
Who is the photographer?
Margaret Bourke-White
What is their work about? Or what is a recent body of their work about?
Bourke-White's work was largely documentary. In many ways similar to Lange, she worked during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression. She also became known for being not only the first female but also one of the first people to be allowed to travel with the military. Bourke-White began her career in this line of photography when she was hired, soon after graduating from Cornell, for Life magazine. After that, she went on to travel the world, building relationships with other countries eventually being the only foreign photographer allowed into the Soviet Union to photograph.
How did you find out about their work, where have you seen their work?
Since I began photo, I've been exposed to her images. Her documentations of WWII and the Great Depression can be found as easily as Lange's Migrant Mother in history books.
What is compelling about their work?
Bourke-White had the ability to convey her subject's hardships and dignity, something I've recently been trying to do myself. In some of her work, she could also find irony and humor.
Are they an insider or and outsider to their subject?
Bourke-White was an outsider, a clearly fascinated individual who took advantage of her surroundings and could portray that in her work.
What kind of story does the work tell/ communicate?
Her work communicated struggle and strife as well as the respect she had for them.
-Meryl Manaog
Margaret Bourke-White
What is their work about? Or what is a recent body of their work about?
Bourke-White's work was largely documentary. In many ways similar to Lange, she worked during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression. She also became known for being not only the first female but also one of the first people to be allowed to travel with the military. Bourke-White began her career in this line of photography when she was hired, soon after graduating from Cornell, for Life magazine. After that, she went on to travel the world, building relationships with other countries eventually being the only foreign photographer allowed into the Soviet Union to photograph.
How did you find out about their work, where have you seen their work?
Since I began photo, I've been exposed to her images. Her documentations of WWII and the Great Depression can be found as easily as Lange's Migrant Mother in history books.
What is compelling about their work?
Bourke-White had the ability to convey her subject's hardships and dignity, something I've recently been trying to do myself. In some of her work, she could also find irony and humor.
Are they an insider or and outsider to their subject?
Bourke-White was an outsider, a clearly fascinated individual who took advantage of her surroundings and could portray that in her work.
What kind of story does the work tell/ communicate?
Her work communicated struggle and strife as well as the respect she had for them.
-Meryl Manaog
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Art Criticism
Art criticism has gain the notorious reputation of being a negative thing, when in actuality it is a description, a interpretation, an evaluation, and a theorization of art; more than just an expression of likes and dislikes. Rene Richard says: "Why give publicity to something you hate?"
I personally enjoy critiques, they'e helpful one to look at his/her work in someone elses perspective as well as to gain new ideas. Someone else looking at your work may point out something you wouldn't have noticed, tell you something that turns them off from the piece as a viewer, or encourage you to go further with a project. As the artist, you of course retain the final say in the future of your work, which is great that with a critique you still retain that power.
Critics search for words that images provoke and display them to the public. It is important to remember any critism is just one persons opinion and, as an artist, one can choose to take it to heart or disregard it. Either way, it is silly to get worked up or offended that one person isn't fond of your art work, since both art and criticism are both very subjective forms of expression
-Auroa Fisher
I personally enjoy critiques, they'e helpful one to look at his/her work in someone elses perspective as well as to gain new ideas. Someone else looking at your work may point out something you wouldn't have noticed, tell you something that turns them off from the piece as a viewer, or encourage you to go further with a project. As the artist, you of course retain the final say in the future of your work, which is great that with a critique you still retain that power.
Critics search for words that images provoke and display them to the public. It is important to remember any critism is just one persons opinion and, as an artist, one can choose to take it to heart or disregard it. Either way, it is silly to get worked up or offended that one person isn't fond of your art work, since both art and criticism are both very subjective forms of expression
-Auroa Fisher
Christian Patterson
Who is the photographer?
Christian Patterson.
What is their work about? Or what is a recent body of their work about?
I am getting that Patterson's work is mainly about the exploration of new places and the aesthetics of everyday objects.
How did you find out about their work, where have you seen their work?
Momo said that a photograph of mine reminded her of his work, so I decided to research him.
What is compelling about their work?
The fact that he takes portraits of things rather than people, something that I've been exploring.
Are they an insider or and outsider to their subject?
I would think an insider, a lot of his subjects, the inanimate ones at least, and he seem to be sharing a secret with the cloud walls and Graceland monkeys...as if you could share a secret with Graceland monkeys, right?
However, at times he seems like an outsider, specifically in the portrait of a drag race spectator's mullet. He and the mullet seem to be in cahoots, but the owner of the mullet is completely oblivious to the situation.
What kind of story does the work tell/ communicate?
Christian Patterson is a wanderer. He wanders and takes (pictures) of what he finds.
Christian Patterson.
What is their work about? Or what is a recent body of their work about?
I am getting that Patterson's work is mainly about the exploration of new places and the aesthetics of everyday objects.
How did you find out about their work, where have you seen their work?
Momo said that a photograph of mine reminded her of his work, so I decided to research him.
What is compelling about their work?
The fact that he takes portraits of things rather than people, something that I've been exploring.
Are they an insider or and outsider to their subject?
I would think an insider, a lot of his subjects, the inanimate ones at least, and he seem to be sharing a secret with the cloud walls and Graceland monkeys...as if you could share a secret with Graceland monkeys, right?
However, at times he seems like an outsider, specifically in the portrait of a drag race spectator's mullet. He and the mullet seem to be in cahoots, but the owner of the mullet is completely oblivious to the situation.
What kind of story does the work tell/ communicate?
Christian Patterson is a wanderer. He wanders and takes (pictures) of what he finds.
About Art Criticism
This article is sort of a portrayal of several art critics and their opinions of criticism, the words "critic" and "criticism", and also definining criticism. At times, the article feels like a sort of talking heads documentary on criticism with transitional fluff in between quotes.
Criticism is defined as something much more than judging a piece of art. The article talks about an aesthetician (a philosopher of art) named Morris Weitz studied every single piece of criticism written on William Shakespeare's Hamlet to discover the methodology of critics. Weitz deducted that critics either do one, some, or all of the following: they describe, interpret, evaluate, and they theorize about it. Some critics used description to further their interpretations. However, Weitz noted that evaluation of a work didn't constitute criticism. However, the writer of the article did give criticism a broader definition: "Criticism is informed discourse about art to increase understanding and appreciation of art."
According to this article, several critics feel that the word "critic" has several negative connotations, which, quoting Lucy Lippard, "place the writer in fundamental antagonism to the artists." I have to agree with that statement, as both an artist and writer. One critic who writes for ArtForum (and also discovered Basquiat), Rene Ricard, would rather himself be called an enthusiast.
Criticism is defined as something much more than judging a piece of art. The article talks about an aesthetician (a philosopher of art) named Morris Weitz studied every single piece of criticism written on William Shakespeare's Hamlet to discover the methodology of critics. Weitz deducted that critics either do one, some, or all of the following: they describe, interpret, evaluate, and they theorize about it. Some critics used description to further their interpretations. However, Weitz noted that evaluation of a work didn't constitute criticism. However, the writer of the article did give criticism a broader definition: "Criticism is informed discourse about art to increase understanding and appreciation of art."
According to this article, several critics feel that the word "critic" has several negative connotations, which, quoting Lucy Lippard, "place the writer in fundamental antagonism to the artists." I have to agree with that statement, as both an artist and writer. One critic who writes for ArtForum (and also discovered Basquiat), Rene Ricard, would rather himself be called an enthusiast.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
ART PHOTOGRAPHY AFTER PHOTOGRAPHY
"The photograph was thus used as a hybrid medium to create works that priviledged art-as-activity over art-as-product." I find this pretty interesting because I have never really considered art as an activity in this day and age...I have always thought of an activity as something physically stimulating, so i've always thought of it as a product, an outcome of all of the work you do is a product. there is some physical activity involved in a shoot perhaps and you get your hands dirty in the dark room. But, this is an odd quote to me. Later on in the article it goes into how photographs can be decieving and have "hidden" messages, but these types of photographs to me are mostly advertisement for the consumers, the article mentions the Marlboro man and such which is a prime example of making someone look extremely glamourous in the photograph with the intentions of your product selling. This paper talks about how photography wasn't really meant to be a fine art-it was created at first to record really what was going on, but the more people starting to look at the medium, the bigger and bigger it got...
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
color:additive or subtractive
in the reading of additive or subtractive i learned about making colors by adding or subtracting primary colors. The primary colors are red, green, and blue. Those primaries are used in the additive method while magenta, cyan and yellow are the primaries in the subtractive method. Green and red added make yellow. Red and Blue added make magenta. Blue and Green added make cyan. This is all figured out by looking at the color wheel. where yellow and cyan overlap, they pass green. Where cyan and magenta overlap they pass blue. Where magenta and yellow overlap they pass red. This is also seen on the color wheel.
-lacey
-lacey
Glenna Jennings
Who is the photographer?
Glenna Jennings.
What is their work about? Or what is a recent body of their work about?
Her recent body of work, entitled "Inheritance", is dealing with her father's death in 2006 and the inheritance of his gun collection, as well as their relationship and women gun owners. It's told through not only photographs, but performances and writings as well.
How did you find out about their work, where have you seen their work?
She was my first formal photography teacher in high school, but I became familiar with her work through galleries and the internet...and of course, slide shows in class.
What is compelling about their work?
Her lighting, her set-ups, and the expressions, the poses of her subjects.
Are they an insider or and outsider to their subject?
I would think an insider, as many are candid as well as obviously posed.
What kind of story does the work tell/ communicate?
Well, some series, like these "postcards" she "sent" to writers, were set-ups, but they were expressionistic in the way that they were telling the viewer that this was how Glenna felt while reading their writings, an encompassion of her visual feelings.
http://ucsdopenstudios.com/2007/artists.php?a=Glenna_Jennings
http://www.glennajennings.com/
Glenna Jennings.
What is their work about? Or what is a recent body of their work about?
Her recent body of work, entitled "Inheritance", is dealing with her father's death in 2006 and the inheritance of his gun collection, as well as their relationship and women gun owners. It's told through not only photographs, but performances and writings as well.
How did you find out about their work, where have you seen their work?
She was my first formal photography teacher in high school, but I became familiar with her work through galleries and the internet...and of course, slide shows in class.
What is compelling about their work?
Her lighting, her set-ups, and the expressions, the poses of her subjects.
Are they an insider or and outsider to their subject?
I would think an insider, as many are candid as well as obviously posed.
What kind of story does the work tell/ communicate?
Well, some series, like these "postcards" she "sent" to writers, were set-ups, but they were expressionistic in the way that they were telling the viewer that this was how Glenna felt while reading their writings, an encompassion of her visual feelings.
http://ucsdopenstudios.com/2007/artists.php?a=Glenna_Jennings
http://www.glennajennings.com/
Dorothea Lange
Who is the photographer?
Dorothea Lange
What is their work about? Or what is a recent body of their work about?
Dorothea Lange's work usually consisted of the conditions of poor migrant workers whom were traveling to California during the great depression.
How did you find out about their work, where have you seen their work?
I saw a bunch of her work in many gallery's and in art semenaries.
What is compelling about their work?
Her work is very compelling because she tells the audience a story through her photographs.
Are they an insider or and outsider to their subject?
she is an insider to her subjects.
What kind of story does the work tell/ communicate?
she tells the story of the great depression.
http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/aa/lange
Dorothea Lange
What is their work about? Or what is a recent body of their work about?
Dorothea Lange's work usually consisted of the conditions of poor migrant workers whom were traveling to California during the great depression.
How did you find out about their work, where have you seen their work?
I saw a bunch of her work in many gallery's and in art semenaries.
What is compelling about their work?
Her work is very compelling because she tells the audience a story through her photographs.
Are they an insider or and outsider to their subject?
she is an insider to her subjects.
What kind of story does the work tell/ communicate?
she tells the story of the great depression.
http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/aa/lange
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
David Lachapelle
Who is the photographer?
David Lachapelle
What is their work about? Or what is a recent body of their work about?
David does a lot of color celebrity photography. In his most recent book "Heaven to Hell", David puts together a collection of celebrity photographs but ties in references to the bible, renaissance art, and porn.
How did you find out about their work, where have you seen their work?
I've heard about him and a couple of friends told me about him so i decided to research him.
What is compelling about their work?
His work is compelling because some of them almost look like paintings because of how they are staged and the vibrant colors in the photos. He takes celebrity photography to a much theatrical level.
Are they an insider or and outsider to their subject?
He is an insider because he is staging his photographs and his subjects.
What kind of story does the work tell/ communicate?
His art communicates growing pop culture while refelcting back on renaissance and biblical images.
David Lachapelle
What is their work about? Or what is a recent body of their work about?
David does a lot of color celebrity photography. In his most recent book "Heaven to Hell", David puts together a collection of celebrity photographs but ties in references to the bible, renaissance art, and porn.
How did you find out about their work, where have you seen their work?
I've heard about him and a couple of friends told me about him so i decided to research him.
What is compelling about their work?
His work is compelling because some of them almost look like paintings because of how they are staged and the vibrant colors in the photos. He takes celebrity photography to a much theatrical level.
Are they an insider or and outsider to their subject?
He is an insider because he is staging his photographs and his subjects.
What kind of story does the work tell/ communicate?
His art communicates growing pop culture while refelcting back on renaissance and biblical images.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Reading Blog
Hi-
FUN COLOR!...I'm writing about Ectoplasm: Photography in the Digital Age. I find it really depressing that the birth of photography already implied the situation of death. When people had their pictures taken they were supposed to stay really still or the the picture would turn out blurry. And while they were trying to stay still, they looked as if they were dead. interesting, non?
"'Space of a single minute,' in which space becomes time, and time space. I've never really thought about photography as something that combines something really still and eternal-like with something that will never occur again.
I feel so weird after having read this. Photography used to be about what is real and what has happened and its become this thing that looks like it's happened but could be a complete lie. However, this brings an element of mystery and evokes thought which is also important..
Way to make me more confused!
-Karin.
FUN COLOR!...I'm writing about Ectoplasm: Photography in the Digital Age. I find it really depressing that the birth of photography already implied the situation of death. When people had their pictures taken they were supposed to stay really still or the the picture would turn out blurry. And while they were trying to stay still, they looked as if they were dead. interesting, non?
"'Space of a single minute,' in which space becomes time, and time space. I've never really thought about photography as something that combines something really still and eternal-like with something that will never occur again.
I feel so weird after having read this. Photography used to be about what is real and what has happened and its become this thing that looks like it's happened but could be a complete lie. However, this brings an element of mystery and evokes thought which is also important..
Way to make me more confused!
-Karin.
Who is the photographer?
Larry Clark
What is their work about? Or what is a recent body of their work about?
He does a lot of photography on urban youth including sexual behavior, violence, and the drug culture. This is depiced in his first book "Tulsa".
How did you find out about their work, where have you seen their work?
Watching his film Kids, which his photography was featured in.
What is compelling about their work?
It's very in your face, and eye opening. It depicts what most of America ignores and chooses to pretend doesnt exist. It shows the very popular culture of the youth and is thus shocking and equally enticing.
Are they an insider or and outsider to their subject?
He's an insider because he is photographing his own friends.
What kind of story does the work tell/ communicate?
It tells the story of Midwestern youth participating in a very accepted culture.
Larry Clark
What is their work about? Or what is a recent body of their work about?
He does a lot of photography on urban youth including sexual behavior, violence, and the drug culture. This is depiced in his first book "Tulsa".
How did you find out about their work, where have you seen their work?
Watching his film Kids, which his photography was featured in.
What is compelling about their work?
It's very in your face, and eye opening. It depicts what most of America ignores and chooses to pretend doesnt exist. It shows the very popular culture of the youth and is thus shocking and equally enticing.
Are they an insider or and outsider to their subject?
He's an insider because he is photographing his own friends.
What kind of story does the work tell/ communicate?
It tells the story of Midwestern youth participating in a very accepted culture.
Andreas Gursky
Who is the photographer?
Andreas Gursky
What is their work about? Or what is a recent body of their work about?
Gursky's work is about expressing the patterns of culture through the patterns of photography.
How did you find out about their work, where have you seen their work?
My art teacher told me to look at his work for an extended essay that I have to write. But, I chose to write about him because I was talking to one of my RA's and they told me I should look at his work..(obedience!) and after I googed him I realized that I had already seen his work before and decided that I should do further research. I have seen his work at his exhibit in the MoMa.
What is compelling about their work?
The aesthetically pleasingly weirdness... I love patterns in photography and the patterns in his work grasp the attention of the viewer to think about the patterns- in the photo and the culture.
Are they an insider or and outsider to their subject?
Gursky is an outsider...but I can't really express why. Yes I know that is not a sufficient answer. I'll think of something clever later on in life and get back to this.
What kind of story does the work tell/ communicate?
For example, in "Tokyo Stock Exchange," he communicates the repetitive lives that the men who work in the Tokyo Stock Exchange lead. You can tell by the way that they all look the same and have the same expression. However, that's only what he communicates to me because I sort of -already know what Japanese businessmen are like so it might be completely different for people who don't know.
-Karinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
http://www.moma.org/exhibitions/2001/gursky/gursky2.html
Andreas Gursky
What is their work about? Or what is a recent body of their work about?
Gursky's work is about expressing the patterns of culture through the patterns of photography.
How did you find out about their work, where have you seen their work?
My art teacher told me to look at his work for an extended essay that I have to write. But, I chose to write about him because I was talking to one of my RA's and they told me I should look at his work..(obedience!) and after I googed him I realized that I had already seen his work before and decided that I should do further research. I have seen his work at his exhibit in the MoMa.
What is compelling about their work?
The aesthetically pleasingly weirdness... I love patterns in photography and the patterns in his work grasp the attention of the viewer to think about the patterns- in the photo and the culture.
Are they an insider or and outsider to their subject?
Gursky is an outsider...but I can't really express why. Yes I know that is not a sufficient answer. I'll think of something clever later on in life and get back to this.
What kind of story does the work tell/ communicate?
For example, in "Tokyo Stock Exchange," he communicates the repetitive lives that the men who work in the Tokyo Stock Exchange lead. You can tell by the way that they all look the same and have the same expression. However, that's only what he communicates to me because I sort of -already know what Japanese businessmen are like so it might be completely different for people who don't know.
-Karinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
http://www.moma.org/exhibitions/2001/gursky/gursky2.html
Who is the photographer?
Alex Prager
What is their work about? Or what is a recent body of their work?
A recent body of her work is "Polyester", she works with color, and her photos are pretty amazing. She also takes portraits of musicians and actors.
How did you find out about their work, where have you seen their work?
I saw her work in the LA Times, and then checked out her website.
What is compelling about their work?
The first time i saw it in the paper i was very drawn to it by both color and composition. I also like the subjects she photographs as well as the lighting.
Alex Prager
What is their work about? Or what is a recent body of their work?
A recent body of her work is "Polyester", she works with color, and her photos are pretty amazing. She also takes portraits of musicians and actors.
How did you find out about their work, where have you seen their work?
I saw her work in the LA Times, and then checked out her website.
What is compelling about their work?
The first time i saw it in the paper i was very drawn to it by both color and composition. I also like the subjects she photographs as well as the lighting.
David Maisler
Well, here goes another one, I guess:
Who is the photographer?
David Maisler, American.
What is their work about? Or what is a recent body of their work about?
I think his "Lake Project" and "Terminal Mirage" projects are the most striking--they're of toxic sites, pools and swirls of chemical waste in beautifully artificial hues.
How did you find out about their work, where have you seen their work?
I found him on the blog Conscientious, a great art photography site kept up by astrophysicist (!) Joerg Colberg (www.jmcolberg.com/weblog/).
What is compelling about their work?
The paradox of beauty in hazardous materials. Saw his work before I read about it--at first the subjects (is toxic waste the subject?) looked natural in form, but bizarrely artificial in color. Its also hard to tell the scale of these sites when you first see them--are they the size of rubix cubes or small farms? After reading about his work, my previous reactions of awe were replaced by fascination tinged with disgust.
Are they an insider or and outsider to their subject?
An outsider, I think, because he just observes.
What kind of story does the work tell/ communicate?
It tells of planet reigned by men, and of the complicated beauty in that which destroys. It's also presents an odd cycle of excreting waste to produce, and then producing art from the waste, and then maybe one day Maisel's photographs will end up as a confetti of rubble that a sculptor in 2030 uses as paper mache? Obviously far-fetched. A toy of a thought.
-Momo
Who is the photographer?
David Maisler, American.
What is their work about? Or what is a recent body of their work about?
I think his "Lake Project" and "Terminal Mirage" projects are the most striking--they're of toxic sites, pools and swirls of chemical waste in beautifully artificial hues.
How did you find out about their work, where have you seen their work?
I found him on the blog Conscientious, a great art photography site kept up by astrophysicist (!) Joerg Colberg (www.jmcolberg.com/weblog/).
What is compelling about their work?
The paradox of beauty in hazardous materials. Saw his work before I read about it--at first the subjects (is toxic waste the subject?) looked natural in form, but bizarrely artificial in color. Its also hard to tell the scale of these sites when you first see them--are they the size of rubix cubes or small farms? After reading about his work, my previous reactions of awe were replaced by fascination tinged with disgust.
Are they an insider or and outsider to their subject?
An outsider, I think, because he just observes.
What kind of story does the work tell/ communicate?
It tells of planet reigned by men, and of the complicated beauty in that which destroys. It's also presents an odd cycle of excreting waste to produce, and then producing art from the waste, and then maybe one day Maisel's photographs will end up as a confetti of rubble that a sculptor in 2030 uses as paper mache? Obviously far-fetched. A toy of a thought.
-Momo
Friday, July 13, 2007
Contemporary photographers
Thanks to all of you for working so hard this week. Color printing is challenging to learn and you are all doing a great job.
For the Contemporary photographers assignment I want you to answer these questions in your response. I would like you to post a new entry to the blog, not just a comment.
Who is the photographer?
What is their work about? Or what is a recent body of their work about?
How did you find out about their work, where have you seen their work?
What is compelling about their work?
Are they an insider or and outsider to their subject?
What kind of story does the work tell/ communicate?
Take time with your responses, and think about the criticism article I handed out.
Email me with any questions.
Cheers,
Jess
For the Contemporary photographers assignment I want you to answer these questions in your response. I would like you to post a new entry to the blog, not just a comment.
Who is the photographer?
What is their work about? Or what is a recent body of their work about?
How did you find out about their work, where have you seen their work?
What is compelling about their work?
Are they an insider or and outsider to their subject?
What kind of story does the work tell/ communicate?
Take time with your responses, and think about the criticism article I handed out.
Email me with any questions.
Cheers,
Jess
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Color Photography
Welcome Color photo students.
This blog is a continuation of the blog started for my other photo classes. You will find helpful links and other information here.
Jessica
This blog is a continuation of the blog started for my other photo classes. You will find helpful links and other information here.
Jessica
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Adobe Lightroom vs. Adobe Bridge
Hi all,
Good show yesterday. It was great to see everyone's work.
Jon, Janet, and I were discussing Adobe Lightroom yesterday and the topic of 'how is it different from Adobe Bridge (with Photoshop, CS2 or CS3). I found these links that discuss the topic.
O'Reilly Digital Media Blog
Adobe FAQs
BTW, I've been using LR for the past week and really enjoy it; especially the "develop" modules that you can create and share on the web. I've downloaded a number of them and really enjoy their settings and workflow.
-Josh
Good show yesterday. It was great to see everyone's work.
Jon, Janet, and I were discussing Adobe Lightroom yesterday and the topic of 'how is it different from Adobe Bridge (with Photoshop, CS2 or CS3). I found these links that discuss the topic.
O'Reilly Digital Media Blog
Adobe FAQs
BTW, I've been using LR for the past week and really enjoy it; especially the "develop" modules that you can create and share on the web. I've downloaded a number of them and really enjoy their settings and workflow.
-Josh
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Show
Hope everyone is looking forward to the final class and show. We will be working from 10-12 on final prints and then curating the show for any opening from 12:30-2. The show will be in 20a which is the room further down the hall and at the bottom of the stairs. There was another conflict with 16b the room next to ours, but 20a is a larger room so that means we get to show more work! If you have time and want to print larger remember the DIS is open 10-6 M-F and Wed late night until 10. Call 351-3501 for reservations.
Please bring some food to share and invite friends and family to see the wonderful work you have created in this class.
Cheers,
Jess
Please bring some food to share and invite friends and family to see the wonderful work you have created in this class.
Cheers,
Jess
Friday, April 20, 2007
Lens and tripod
Hey there,
I'm looking to buy a tripod and a lens (one that I can really open up the aperture with, less than f3). Anyone have any advice or can recommend models that they like.
Thanks!
Agata
I'm looking to buy a tripod and a lens (one that I can really open up the aperture with, less than f3). Anyone have any advice or can recommend models that they like.
Thanks!
Agata
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Kicked out
Rules change but no one tells me. I can no longer sign up printers for the class in the Digital Imaging Studio. Which means if you want to print larger than 17" you will need to call and make an appointment with Dave in the DIS. Call Dave at 415-351-3501 for an appointment. The DIS is open M-F 10-6 Late Night Wednesday until 10pm and Sat 12-6. Sorry about the misunderstanding.
Cheers,
Jess
Cheers,
Jess
Friday, April 6, 2007
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Okay, this is me in my own self-portrait embedded in my silhouette (with a hat on.) I hope I never have to take a self-portrait again.
Obviously, this was done with the help of photoshop. I cut out a silhouette of me against an eastern window, put it on a new layer and filled the background with red. Then, I merged my selected face from another photo, changed the slant of the silhouette a little and painted around my chin and I was done. Later, I dodged the eyes and burned around the mouth a little but was too lazy to convert that one for posting.
If I had been able to move fast enough to get into position, I wouldn't have had the blur!!!
See everyone tomorrow night.
JR
Obviously, this was done with the help of photoshop. I cut out a silhouette of me against an eastern window, put it on a new layer and filled the background with red. Then, I merged my selected face from another photo, changed the slant of the silhouette a little and painted around my chin and I was done. Later, I dodged the eyes and burned around the mouth a little but was too lazy to convert that one for posting.
If I had been able to move fast enough to get into position, I wouldn't have had the blur!!!
See everyone tomorrow night.
JR
First Thursday
First Thursday is tomorrow. Funny how the week passes so quickly.
Lets meet at the 49 Geary Building. We will meet in front at 5:30 and work our way down from the top floor. We will start at the Haines Gallery, then go to the Koch Gallery, the Frankel Gallery, the Wirtz, and the Catherine Clark.
You can find out about all of these Galleries here: San Francisco Art Dealers Association. All of these Galleries are open late for First Thursdays.
The 49 Geary building is located here:
49 Geary
Any questions please let me know.
If you can't make it at 5:30 either call me 415-971-2139 or try to find us. The building isn't that big, it will be easy to spot us.
Cheers,
Jess
Lets meet at the 49 Geary Building. We will meet in front at 5:30 and work our way down from the top floor. We will start at the Haines Gallery, then go to the Koch Gallery, the Frankel Gallery, the Wirtz, and the Catherine Clark.
You can find out about all of these Galleries here: San Francisco Art Dealers Association. All of these Galleries are open late for First Thursdays.
The 49 Geary building is located here:
49 Geary
Any questions please let me know.
If you can't make it at 5:30 either call me 415-971-2139 or try to find us. The building isn't that big, it will be easy to spot us.
Cheers,
Jess
Monday, April 2, 2007
Inkjet paper, etc.
Hi all, Sorry for all the posts; my school is on Spring Break this week and I'm diving into my photography.
I spent today hunting for the different types of paper we printed on in class. I went to Photographer Supply first. They have the Epson papers, as well as some limited types of the Hahnemuhle. Just Film (inside New Lab) had very limited supply except for Epson papers. Lastly (and maybe a bit unfortunately) Calumet had all kinds in stock. I purchased a sample pack of Hahnemuhle and found lots of the Moab papers.
I found a deal on a used Epson R2400 printer on Craigslist and bought it yesterday. It included an entire extra set of ink, so now I'm ready to start producing some test prints. I hope to have these next week.
Lastly, did we make a plan for First Thursday Gallery visits? It's this week, right?
-Josh
I spent today hunting for the different types of paper we printed on in class. I went to Photographer Supply first. They have the Epson papers, as well as some limited types of the Hahnemuhle. Just Film (inside New Lab) had very limited supply except for Epson papers. Lastly (and maybe a bit unfortunately) Calumet had all kinds in stock. I purchased a sample pack of Hahnemuhle and found lots of the Moab papers.
I found a deal on a used Epson R2400 printer on Craigslist and bought it yesterday. It included an entire extra set of ink, so now I'm ready to start producing some test prints. I hope to have these next week.
Lastly, did we make a plan for First Thursday Gallery visits? It's this week, right?
-Josh
Shameless Promo #2
Thanks for bringing that up Josh. Yup, I too submitted a photo. Check it out here http://www.jpgmag.com/photos/101653 and please vote if you think its appropriate for the theme. The theme is "breakthrough" and this photo is supposedly to convey a "personal breakthrough" aka self discovery.
thanks! :)
thanks! :)
Sunday, April 1, 2007
SFAC Show of Interest...
All,
The San Francisco Arts Commission is sponsoring a show:
Breakthrough: An Amateur Photography Revolution
April 20 - June 16, 2007
Location: SFAC Gallery
Go to the following links for more info. If you upload pictures to JPG Magazine to the "Breakthrough" theme, they will be displayed, in some form, in this show.
http://jpgmag.com/blog/2007/03/jpgsfac_breakthrough.html
http://www.sfacgallery.org/exhibitions_detail.fsp?id=304053
-Josh
The San Francisco Arts Commission is sponsoring a show:
Breakthrough: An Amateur Photography Revolution
April 20 - June 16, 2007
Location: SFAC Gallery
Go to the following links for more info. If you upload pictures to JPG Magazine to the "Breakthrough" theme, they will be displayed, in some form, in this show.
http://jpgmag.com/blog/2007/03/jpgsfac_breakthrough.html
http://www.sfacgallery.org/exhibitions_detail.fsp?id=304053
-Josh
Shameless Promotion?
I started submitting some photos to JPG Magazine. I think Agata has too (post your link too). Click and vote if you feel moved.
http://www.jpgmag.com/photos/106348
-Josh
http://www.jpgmag.com/photos/106348
-Josh
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Holga Info
All,
We talked about the Holga in class on Saturday. Here are some links for those interested:
-Josh
We talked about the Holga in class on Saturday. Here are some links for those interested:
- Holga Mods (discussed in a recent JPG Magazine article) - http://www.holgamods.com/
- Argonauta's Site - http://www.argonauta.com/html/holga_cameras.htm
- Apogee Mag's article - http://www.apogeephoto.com/july2001/plastic_fantastic.shtml
- Freestyle Photographic Supply (lot's of Holga products) - http://www.freestylephoto.biz/sc_search.php?q=holga&catsel=all&
- Pricy Urban Outfitter's Holga Kit - http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=25405&itemType=PRODUCT&iProductID=25405
- Lomography Society - http://www.lomography.com/
- Lomography Holga Mini-site - http://shop.lomography.com/holga/
-Josh
Google address
Christina, you said you could not gain entry through your google address. I noticed an email I had to respond to when I was looking through old mail. Did you ever get an email from Google asking for a formal sign-in?
Friday, March 23, 2007
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Aperture on a PC?
Hi,
Does anyone know if its possible to run Aperture on a PC? I tried to download the free 30 day trial but my PC doesnt seem to recognize the DMG file extension.
Thanks!
Agata
Does anyone know if its possible to run Aperture on a PC? I tried to download the free 30 day trial but my PC doesnt seem to recognize the DMG file extension.
Thanks!
Agata
Sunday, March 11, 2007
My blog got twisted
The first stairs you see are the stairs to the park. The stairs in wide angle descending are the Chestnut Stairs. How did they get mixed up? I don't know.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
If there is one thing I will remember about Russian Hill it is the endless stairs you find everywhere. The ones on the near right lead to Polk Street from Chestnut and Larkin and have an eerie feel to them all the time. I actually lassoed some of the trees on the left and increased the exposure...the first time I had ever done that! The ones on the far right lead from Larkin into the neighborhood park.
These brick steps take you down the beginning of Lombard Street, the "crooked" street. Stairs, stairs everywhere and not an elevator in sight! I hope as a trio they give a feeling of the neighborhood I have been living in for the past six months.Janet R
Low-Angle Shot
Hi All,
I found low-angle shots to be tough for me on a number of levels. First, I found myself having to, no matter what, "imagine" the shot rather than "view" the shot because I couldn't quite get down as low as the camera's eye. Secondly, most of my shots appeared to end up just looking like a picture of the ground. Lastly, even the shots I ended up liking felt too forced; as if, amazingly enough, the "point" of the picture wasn't of anything in particular except, a low-angle picture.
So, with that, here's one shot that feels like it "almost" works.
-Josh
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
one more introduction: navneet
took this up as a challenge to explore a side of photography i have admired and have dabbled in but haven't been too serious - its been a lot of fun - sometimes too much.. i bought a digital camera about a yr. ago and ever since i have been mesmerized with what is possible - i would've loved the darkroom as well - but there is an element of instant gratification that is very hard to pass up. and the experimentation possibilities - and even better the instant getting rid of bad photographs (without harming the environment !). there are basic skills that i want to get better at as well; to me sound fundamentals and understanding light and colors is the key - i am hoping by the end of this i am a little bit better at these with all your help and valuable critique.
Sunday, March 4, 2007
These are cropped pieces from much larger photoshop files that cannot be uploaded until I transform them into jpegs, but I thought you might be interested in those Chinese junks I referred to in class. They were sailing by my window for two or three days. I think you can see why I could just sit in a chair and watch the bay forever. (Actually, I could probably sit in a chair in a ground floor apartment and watch the sidewalk forever!) But I am really pleased with these not because of any artistic quality or creativity but because I think I got the color developing right apropos of what we were talking about in terms of hue, saturation, curves, etc. etc. The sails really did have that rosy blush to them and the bay really was a greenish blue. Generally, the bay and everything around it has been very grey and brown and not too picturesque which has made it a real challenge to photograph.
Technically, the bay is not in my neighborhood, Russian Hill, so I have decided to go out on my feet next week and shoot around. Beware.
Janet Rotter
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Jon Carr Intro
The whole digital SLR world is completely new to me. I vaguely remember the photography class I took in high school in relation to aperture, shutter speed, and ISO and have grown accustomed to the convenience of the modern point and shoot camera. These entry level cameras left a lot to be desired in relation to the more professional result I was looking for. I recently purchased my new upgraded camera and debated heavily on purchasing an additional lens or taking a class until a good friend suggested to me that I learn to use the one lens I already have. Rationality ultimately won out and here I am excited to learn more and explore the world of photography.
I just joined the group flicker site if you would like to view some of my photographs. The Bay Bridge is one of my favorites.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Another Introduction: Ron
Hello there,
Typically in the past, instead of choosing insight and understanding, I've always gone with blissful ignorance when it came to understanding the theory of photography and cameras, despite the fact that aesthetically it's something I've always enjoyed.
For years I've been trying to convince myself that I should find out more, but the whole chemical-based film process always left me feeling a little intimidated, never mind the prohibitive cost of keeping a healthy stock of red light bulbs for my potential darkroom.
While I can definitely be considered an "early adopter" when it comes to technology (sigh, I still miss the flashing lights and digital screeching of my first 300 baud modem), all the digital cameras I've owned in the past have seemed more like fun toys than something to get relatively serious about. Fortunately DSLRs are kind of affordable now, so most of my remaining excuses are left looking rather feeble. And, significantly, since I've sworn off my previous hobby of Peruvian nose flutes, I finally have the time.
I'm originally from Scotland, although I've lived in California for about 10 years. I incessantly get teased about my "American Accent" when I go back home. Come to think about it, that teasing began before I'd even left the country, but that's a whole other story...
Anyway, to get back on topic, I've joined Josh's Flickr group, so you can find my photos there or directly through my username: ohblithespirit
Ron
Typically in the past, instead of choosing insight and understanding, I've always gone with blissful ignorance when it came to understanding the theory of photography and cameras, despite the fact that aesthetically it's something I've always enjoyed.
For years I've been trying to convince myself that I should find out more, but the whole chemical-based film process always left me feeling a little intimidated, never mind the prohibitive cost of keeping a healthy stock of red light bulbs for my potential darkroom.
While I can definitely be considered an "early adopter" when it comes to technology (sigh, I still miss the flashing lights and digital screeching of my first 300 baud modem), all the digital cameras I've owned in the past have seemed more like fun toys than something to get relatively serious about. Fortunately DSLRs are kind of affordable now, so most of my remaining excuses are left looking rather feeble. And, significantly, since I've sworn off my previous hobby of Peruvian nose flutes, I finally have the time.
I'm originally from Scotland, although I've lived in California for about 10 years. I incessantly get teased about my "American Accent" when I go back home. Come to think about it, that teasing began before I'd even left the country, but that's a whole other story...
Anyway, to get back on topic, I've joined Josh's Flickr group, so you can find my photos there or directly through my username: ohblithespirit
Ron
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Flickr Group too
Hi All,
I created a Flickr Group for us too. That way, we can link our own personal Flickr accounts to the Group and manage it that way. It might be easier to critique our work each week too, since we can use the group page as the "table of contents" for our individual accounts.
You can search at the main Flickr page for "SFAI Digital" or click HERE to go directly.
-Josh
I created a Flickr Group for us too. That way, we can link our own personal Flickr accounts to the Group and manage it that way. It might be easier to critique our work each week too, since we can use the group page as the "table of contents" for our individual accounts.
You can search at the main Flickr page for "SFAI Digital" or click HERE to go directly.
-Josh
Monday, February 19, 2007
Photographers to look at
Hello,
Hope you are enjoying some of the better weather we are having.
Agata pointed out a great photographer on Flickr to check out. If any of you stumble upon other interesting work please share with the group.
Some other photographers that work in a similar way are the Parkeharrisons. Robert and Shana Parkeharrison taught a class here at SFAI a couple of years ago. Check out some of there work here: http://www.parkeharrison.com/
Also check out Maggie Taylor: http://www.maggietaylor.com/ Maggie uses no cameras in her work, but is considered a photographer. To be a photographer do you have to use a camera?
Cheers,
Jess
Hope you are enjoying some of the better weather we are having.
Agata pointed out a great photographer on Flickr to check out. If any of you stumble upon other interesting work please share with the group.
Some other photographers that work in a similar way are the Parkeharrisons. Robert and Shana Parkeharrison taught a class here at SFAI a couple of years ago. Check out some of there work here: http://www.parkeharrison.com/
Also check out Maggie Taylor: http://www.maggietaylor.com/ Maggie uses no cameras in her work, but is considered a photographer. To be a photographer do you have to use a camera?
Cheers,
Jess
paint on concrete
I LOVE the photos by this flickr poster (antimethod). The lighting and texture in this one (and most of his others) is amazing and I want to know how to do that. Is it photoshopped? I find it hard to believe that it isn't. Jess?
Question about Flickr
I believe it was Ron who mentioned in class yesterday that its possible to see what settings were used to take pictures that are posted on Flickr. I don't seem to be able to find that feature. Can anyone help?
Thanks!
Agata
Thanks!
Agata
Introduction from Agata
Ah ... finally figured out how to post on this thing :)
A bit about me: I'm originally from Toronto and have lived in the Bay Area for about 5 years now. From early childhood I've always loved taking pictures but have never taken any classes. I thought it was about time. What I find really frustrating sometimes, is not being able to capture an image in the way that I envision. I'm really lacking in technical skills and am hoping that this class will help with that. I hate to admit, but I don't even know the first thing about using photoshop! That is also something that I'm eager to remedy.
It's been a pleasure meeting all of you and I look forward to learning from eachother over the next several weeks.
Cheers!
Agata
P.S. You can see my photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/agatasf/
A bit about me: I'm originally from Toronto and have lived in the Bay Area for about 5 years now. From early childhood I've always loved taking pictures but have never taken any classes. I thought it was about time. What I find really frustrating sometimes, is not being able to capture an image in the way that I envision. I'm really lacking in technical skills and am hoping that this class will help with that. I hate to admit, but I don't even know the first thing about using photoshop! That is also something that I'm eager to remedy.
It's been a pleasure meeting all of you and I look forward to learning from eachother over the next several weeks.
Cheers!
Agata
P.S. You can see my photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/agatasf/
Saturday, February 17, 2007
janet rotter
just want to give some info about myself and to let you all know that I have photos on flickr under the name jrotter3. Years ago I was a magazine editor and I actually assigned photos and photo sessions monthly. Well, I will never be as good as the people who I worked with. Truthfully, I never even thought about photographing very much during those years when I was a writer/journalist. It is only with the advent of digital photography that I have become hooked. I love being in on the newness of the movement and I love the thrifty quality l of being able to take as many snaps as I want and then...toss em if I want. There is something very democratic about this process and I feel I have a head start being able to shoot and develop in digital! My goal is to be able to visualize and then capture photographs that I could sell at crafts and arts fairs around the east coast. My husband and I are having a huge giggle about this and are fantasizing about driving up and down the countryside in a van with my photographs inside. Is this really something to look forward to?
Introduction: Josh
Hi all,
Josh here. I hope this is where we're supposed to introduce ourselves.
Here goes:
I am a decidedly enthusiastic photography hobbyist. I've played with both film and digital for the past 10 or so years, however, I've never really found my "eye" for it. I enjoy playing with different types of cameras, equipment, and styles, and am looking to hone my skills in order to take this interest of mine to the next level. Right now I'm most interested in exploring street photography, though I also really enjoy landscape work.
I live in Noe Valley with my wife Maida and our menagerie of pets (2 cats, Rocket and Bandit and dog, Topher). I am a principal of a small public charter school, City Arts and Tech HS, located near City College.
Recently, I became more interested in my photography after spending 4 weeks driving around the desert southwest and the Navajo Nation this past July. I'm excited about our work together.
-Josh
Friday, February 9, 2007
Welcome
Welcome,
We will be using this blog as a way to communicate and share our images throughout the course.
This course is designed to develop your skills in photography, in a digital world. The dream of film-less photography his finally become a reality. Cameras, printers, inks and paper have evolved that are able to not only match traditional continuous tone photographic quality, but can also extend traditional possibilities. In this course we will use digital tools as we explore our ability to create, edit, post and share our images electronically.
Cheers,
Jess
We will be using this blog as a way to communicate and share our images throughout the course.
This course is designed to develop your skills in photography, in a digital world. The dream of film-less photography his finally become a reality. Cameras, printers, inks and paper have evolved that are able to not only match traditional continuous tone photographic quality, but can also extend traditional possibilities. In this course we will use digital tools as we explore our ability to create, edit, post and share our images electronically.
Cheers,
Jess
The human urge to make pictures that augment the faculty of memory by capturing time is at the conceptual base of photography.
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