Document your machine through photography.
You machine already is telling a story. A story of material, fabrication, function, and human interaction are just a few concepts inherent in your object that are ready to be revealed and expressed through your photographic exploration. This is your primary objective. Find and express the existing story of your machine through photographs.
This part of the assignment will allow you to investigate and document your object with depth and breadth with photography. You should capture a minimum of 5-10 times the number of photographs required in the assignment. For example, if you are required to have 8 images to reveal the form and shape of your object you should capture 40-80 images and edit and present the best eight images. This builds a bread and depth of investigation in your photography process and allows creative exploration and risk taking. You are to find the significant properties and qualities inherent within your object and present them with a sense of presence through photography.
Craft: All photographs are to adhere to high standards of craft. Please be aware of the following issues:
- Undesirable Visual Noise/Distraction - All photographs should be presented without unintended distraction. These items may include, but are not limited to, unwanted background information, unintended or distracting dirt, dust, and/or objects in the photograph. Is the designer using an appropriate background?
- Lighting - Does the use of lighting enhance the quality of the photograph? How is light or the absence of light used to create visual focus or attention to particular qualities in the object? DO NOT USE THE FLASH IN ANY PHOTOGRAPHS IN THIS COURSE.
- Focus - Does the student have command of the use of focus? Are the correct elements in and out of focus? Did the student use the macro and micro focus modes on the camera? How is focus used to create visual hierarchy?
- Composition – How does the information in the image relate to the edges of the photograph? Are elements properly scaled for the concept? Are the elements of the photograph presented in an expressive, logical, or manner that expresses a quality inherent quality of the machine?
8 (or more) Photographs - Object as Whole: Create 8 or more digital photographs describing the overall nature of your found object before it is taken apart. Investigate the following issues:
- 4 photographs should emphasize shape
- 4 photographs should emphasize form
Experiment with the lighting to reveal different aspects of form and shape.
9 (or more) Close-up Photographs: Using photography illustrate the details of your found object prior to disassembly. Investigate the concepts as they appear as natural elements in your machine. These photographs should enhance and further communicate the following concepts inherent in your machine.
- 3 Close-up Photographs Illustrating Fabrication - Do the images document and/or describe the construction of the object?
- 3 Close-up Photographs Illustrating Material - Do the images reveal the materiality of the object? Do you document and describe differing and similar materials? How are texture and pattern part of your object?
- 3 Close-up Photogaphs Illustrating Color- Do the images reveal interesting aspects of color within the object? Do the images support the knowledge of color theory/color relationships.
Create blog entry with a gallery and print to PDF and turn in a copy on Blackboard.