Friday, February 14, 2014

Week 2

Hello everyone! I realized that I haven't really explained much of the concept of my project in my first post so I will take the time to do that now.

Since I'm taking AP Studio Art, what's required of me is that I submit a portfolio with 3 categories: Quality, Breadth and Concentration. Quality is 5 physical pieces that I mail to College Board. Breadth is 12 photos (electronically) displaying a variety of different skills using the elements and principles of art. Concentration is another 12 photos investigating a theme in an intellectual or thoughtful way. I still need to knock that category out, so Mr. McDonald suggested that I combine my SRP and AP Art together and kill 2 birds with one stone. For my Concentration, I wanted to tell a story using documentation because we found that it had been my strong suit in previous projects. Some of my well mastered elements and principles of art include shape, movement and value so those are going to be incorporated into the final product of my project which is going to be a photo essay. I chose to focus on religion and the effects of it in teenage behavior because I often photograph a friend group that loves to go out and do things and from what I know, they're not very religious. I'd love to compare their activity with that of someone who is a little more and even devoutly religious and investigate why it may or may not be different.


Sunday: I met with Jonathan and his wife Sharon. He introduced the 360 degree technology he uses, along with the basics of how to use it. He also showed me clips of the 360 films he shot in Alaska of bears to get me familiar with how they looked and generally how to construct the 360 film. He explained that I will be very involved with the filming process, making sure the technology is functioning properly and also shooting behind-the-scenes stuff along with taking my own film stills to distribute (with my name accredited to them!).




Tuesday: I went to the ostrich farm with Jonathan and his friend Jeff who is a photographer/filmographer who will be helping with the project as well. It was my first time ever going so this trip was to acquaint me with the area and different exhibits, and also to start doing tests with the technology to see what material works and what needs improvement for the actual filming. The whole experience of the farm was fascinating and very interactive. I got to feed the birds, the ducks and the goats along with seeing prairie dogs and the ostriches. At one point, we were able to go inside the ostrich pent and let me just tell you, the fear was real. They kept following us and getting close to us and pecking the camera. Getting the opportunity to be up close and personal with these animals is such a privilege. Also, I was able to drive one of the huge monster trucks there for fun. The people who run the farm are pretty cool.



© JEFFSMITH

© JEFFSMITH

Thursday: I met Fred Araiza, senior photographer of the Arizona Daily Star, downtown to observe an assignment he was on. Him and a reporter were following a man who's conducting a project on making a symphony from the sounds of Tucson, including Reid Park and downtown. After that was finished, he was so nice as to stay for an extra 2 and a half hours for a one on one photography session with me. I was able to fully follow him around downtown, listen to him talk about photographing tips, observe his manner of documentation and see his raw images. One of the things I took away was something I had already been taught but hadn't had the courage to apply: don't be afraid to take some measures to capture the perfect photo. This includes things like standing on tables, laying flat on the ground, waiting until the moment comes and getting up close to the subject. It's my job as a photographer to just do my job and not care if other people think it's excessive or dramatic.






Friday: Had my AP Art meeting with Mr. McDonald. Regarding my SRP, we talked about making more contacts and finding opportunities to start taking some shots so we can see what works and what to edit down.

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