At this point in our lives, we've been provided an anthology of images through photography that has helped shape, remember, and understand the world. I can now feel as though I have been to remote parts of the world or better understand a period of hardship in history through the experience of a photograph. But i am also a part of something greater. I have the ability to contribute to and help develop what we know as modern, so that through pieces of here and there, people of importance or not, can be captured in a way that I want them to be remembered...because it's how I see it.
We have a constant stream of images passing through our head due to the extreme number of photographs there are in the world. The development of the photography book has made photography, in a sense, physically immortal. Before, there was a greater risk of damaging, destroying or losing individual photos. Now there is a way to "guarantee longevity", but also improve the overall visual clarity and emotional response to a series of images. Instead of flipping through a box of old photographs which come and go at random, the book allows for the photographer to truly tell a story, whether by organizing them chronologically or through a recurring theme.
When it comes to photographs, the photographer holds all the power. We have documented everything at this point, but how many photos do you think have been taken, yet never shared? A photo only takes a moment, but if multiple images are captured in the same sitting, a choice is able to be made. What message is this photo depicting? Depending on exposure, angle, facility expression, etc., the photographer has the control over the standards of the subject.
Creating a photo collage also give the photographer all the power. I've captured 300+ photos of one place. I've chosen where they're placed, if they make the cut, and how I want to make the final image appear. It's the ultimate photo manipulation and as the photographer, it's up to me how I want you to see.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Photography Legitimacy
'The Photographer's Eye'
This article had a variety of reactions from me throughout its entirety. It started off with a comparison on the process of a painting vs. a photograph, with the key point being "paintings were made...and photographs were...taken." Photography was not viewed as art during its early years. The craft was new and innovative for its time, but compared to old artistic traditions, was deemed a hobby, not a skill. Anyone could be a photographer, where painting and drawings was a craft for the elite and learned. This view of photography irritated me, but I soon realized as I kept reading, that my reaction to this opinion was based off of years of personal experience and knowledge on photography.
In the beginning stages of photography, in order to be credited as an art form, photographers had to find new ways and approaches to capturing an image. The mass production of the daguerreotype allowed for anyone to have access to a plethora of images and prints, opening the eyes to many on a different way to view the world. The subject in a painting typically demonstrated a person or image of importance, but when photographers from any background began to shoot, atypical subjects started to appear. Photography changed the expectation for subject matter, allowing anything, anyone, or any place to be remembered, regardless of birth or value. "Photography had become easy," and "trivial things took on importance." The accessibility of photography allowed anyone to participate in showing how they viewed the world.
Out of the millions of photos being taken, occasionally, a memorable photograph was discovered. But the underlying question throughout the article was, "is photography artistic?"
Was the photo a result of skill or luck? Who taught the photographer how to photograph? There were no schools focusing on the art, but people learned from the success stories.
Well, they learned from each other. From observing. From mistakes. From shooting, shooting, shooting.
In the end, it was learned:
Photographers had to realize that a picture was not reality, but that this view of the actual could hold more importance than the event itself.
The purpose of photography is not to explain a story, but to make it real. A narrative story has a small place in photography, but graphic images can make a situation come to life.
Framing and the realization that photographers can play with their subject space opened doors for a way to view the world. It's no longer just about the subject, because the space around them can be manipulated to change the entire image.
And lastly, that a photograph is more than just a moment. The simple truth that a photograph is captured over a few moments, allowed for us to realize how movement truly looks. Subjects gained clarity by putting them into sequence, allowing time to be broken up in a way that enlightened us to anatomy and the way things move.
Turns out, it pays off to be open minded. All artists can learn something from each other, because at the end of the day, we all see the world in a different way.
The question "is photography artistic" really rings true to the photo collage project. I remember feeling like the photos I were taking nothing special. That 4x6 image zoomed into the side of a building on its own is not, in my opinion, artistic. However, piecing 75 unartistic photos together to create one large idea makes it an exceedingly creative work of art.
This article had a variety of reactions from me throughout its entirety. It started off with a comparison on the process of a painting vs. a photograph, with the key point being "paintings were made...and photographs were...taken." Photography was not viewed as art during its early years. The craft was new and innovative for its time, but compared to old artistic traditions, was deemed a hobby, not a skill. Anyone could be a photographer, where painting and drawings was a craft for the elite and learned. This view of photography irritated me, but I soon realized as I kept reading, that my reaction to this opinion was based off of years of personal experience and knowledge on photography.
In the beginning stages of photography, in order to be credited as an art form, photographers had to find new ways and approaches to capturing an image. The mass production of the daguerreotype allowed for anyone to have access to a plethora of images and prints, opening the eyes to many on a different way to view the world. The subject in a painting typically demonstrated a person or image of importance, but when photographers from any background began to shoot, atypical subjects started to appear. Photography changed the expectation for subject matter, allowing anything, anyone, or any place to be remembered, regardless of birth or value. "Photography had become easy," and "trivial things took on importance." The accessibility of photography allowed anyone to participate in showing how they viewed the world.
Out of the millions of photos being taken, occasionally, a memorable photograph was discovered. But the underlying question throughout the article was, "is photography artistic?"
Was the photo a result of skill or luck? Who taught the photographer how to photograph? There were no schools focusing on the art, but people learned from the success stories.
Well, they learned from each other. From observing. From mistakes. From shooting, shooting, shooting.
In the end, it was learned:
Photographers had to realize that a picture was not reality, but that this view of the actual could hold more importance than the event itself.
The purpose of photography is not to explain a story, but to make it real. A narrative story has a small place in photography, but graphic images can make a situation come to life.
Framing and the realization that photographers can play with their subject space opened doors for a way to view the world. It's no longer just about the subject, because the space around them can be manipulated to change the entire image.
And lastly, that a photograph is more than just a moment. The simple truth that a photograph is captured over a few moments, allowed for us to realize how movement truly looks. Subjects gained clarity by putting them into sequence, allowing time to be broken up in a way that enlightened us to anatomy and the way things move.
Turns out, it pays off to be open minded. All artists can learn something from each other, because at the end of the day, we all see the world in a different way.
The question "is photography artistic" really rings true to the photo collage project. I remember feeling like the photos I were taking nothing special. That 4x6 image zoomed into the side of a building on its own is not, in my opinion, artistic. However, piecing 75 unartistic photos together to create one large idea makes it an exceedingly creative work of art.
Good Design of Mine
For my first assignment, I was told to choose 3 objects in my house that I felt were good design.
But what is good design? That seems subjective, in my opinion.
If you dive a little deeper into the subject, you'll find that experienced designers have realized that a design can be deemed good based off of a variety of principles.
For instance, let's say I went to the store because I needed a pair of new socks. I walked up to a wall of socks that had every brand, colors galore, and any kind of style you could imagine. My options were endless. After looking for a few minutes, I grabbed a pair of colorful striped Smartwool socks.
But why those socks?
1. I thought they were cute. AESTHETIC
Aesthetic is important. Liking the way something looks makes you want to use it. So as ridiculous as it may sound for girls to go off of the "cute factor", it turns out they are just looking for good design interaction.
2. Brand reputation. LONG-LASTING
Whether I have personal experience with this product or it came as a recommendation from someone else, word on the street says that this company is known for being long-lasing. The longer a product lasts, the longer the user can enjoy it without having to spend more money. This is crucial, especially when it comes to something that we use on a daily basis.
3. Materials used. ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY
I love wool socks, and these are well made. Without nerding out on the benefits of wool, I can point out that it's a natural fiber. Using environmentally-friendly materials and processes is becoming more and more important as we use more and more materials.
Object 1: Smartwool Socks
I cheated. Turns out I own more Smartwool socks than I can count, so if this sock shopping scenario were real, I would have been extremely biased. Most of the time when you think of socks, you don't think of good design. The object is understandable, so when you look at it, you know it goes on your foot. Socks have been made for years, so what makes these socks better than others? Apart from the three points listed above that are from Dieter Rams: Ten Principles of Good Design, I'd say that I have a strong emotional response to using this product. They are so comfortable, that it's pleasurable. Nothing beats putting on a brand new pair of Smartwool socks. Don't believe me? Try it.
Object 2: Klean Kanteen Insulated Cup
1. This thing works. USEFUL
Nothing is worse than having cold coffee, and with this cup, I rarely do. The cup itself can keep warm beverages hot for 6 HOURS and cold for 24 HOURS. Talk about efficient. Because this on-the-go-cup is so reliable, I use it every day. I bought it to be used and surprise, the good design makes me want to use it.
2. It's simple. UNOBTRUSIVE and LITTLE DESIGN AS POSSIBLE
Because the cup is double-walled and made out of stainless steel, it doesn't look like there is much to it. There aren't handles or fancy patterns. It comes with a leak-proof screw cap that vacuum seals the beverages, but there is also an option of getting a cafe cap for ease of drinking hot coffee/tea (not leak-proof tho).
3. It's clearly a cup. UNDERSTANDABLE
Regardless if I'm using the cafe cap or the traditional screw cap, there is little to no question as to how it works. It's a travel cup. It fits in universal car cup holders. It's simple in it's design, so it could be used at work. It's made out of stainless steel, making it durable for hiking/backpacking.
Object 3: Grip Equipment Disc Golf Bag
1. There's nothing like it. INNOVATIVE
It takes a lot of observation to recognize what is wrong with the status quo of a sport, which is exactly what the designer of this bag did. This disc golf bag is a prime example of setting a new standard for design. Because the bag was "Developed on Tour" it created a design that was geared toward comfort, usability, function and aesthetic...something that didn't currently exist in the sport.
DISCLAIMER: my boyfriend is the head designer and founder of GripEq.
2. This bag has a place for everything. THOROUGH TO THE LAST DETAIL
There is a place for everything. Pencil holder, putter pocket, straps to hold a chair, water bottle holder, valuables pocket, rain fly pocket, etc. This makes the product extremely user-friendly. Players can interact with the bag in a way that doesn't require a lot of thought, but really, there was a lot of thought put into the design. It's stable. With a lot of backpacks, they tip over when they get top heavy, but the Grip bag can balance on a travel chair without tipping over into the mud...
But what is good design? That seems subjective, in my opinion.
If you dive a little deeper into the subject, you'll find that experienced designers have realized that a design can be deemed good based off of a variety of principles.
For instance, let's say I went to the store because I needed a pair of new socks. I walked up to a wall of socks that had every brand, colors galore, and any kind of style you could imagine. My options were endless. After looking for a few minutes, I grabbed a pair of colorful striped Smartwool socks.
But why those socks?
1. I thought they were cute. AESTHETIC
Aesthetic is important. Liking the way something looks makes you want to use it. So as ridiculous as it may sound for girls to go off of the "cute factor", it turns out they are just looking for good design interaction.
2. Brand reputation. LONG-LASTING
Whether I have personal experience with this product or it came as a recommendation from someone else, word on the street says that this company is known for being long-lasing. The longer a product lasts, the longer the user can enjoy it without having to spend more money. This is crucial, especially when it comes to something that we use on a daily basis.
3. Materials used. ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY
I love wool socks, and these are well made. Without nerding out on the benefits of wool, I can point out that it's a natural fiber. Using environmentally-friendly materials and processes is becoming more and more important as we use more and more materials.
 |
I cheated. Turns out I own more Smartwool socks than I can count, so if this sock shopping scenario were real, I would have been extremely biased. Most of the time when you think of socks, you don't think of good design. The object is understandable, so when you look at it, you know it goes on your foot. Socks have been made for years, so what makes these socks better than others? Apart from the three points listed above that are from Dieter Rams: Ten Principles of Good Design, I'd say that I have a strong emotional response to using this product. They are so comfortable, that it's pleasurable. Nothing beats putting on a brand new pair of Smartwool socks. Don't believe me? Try it.
1. This thing works. USEFUL
Nothing is worse than having cold coffee, and with this cup, I rarely do. The cup itself can keep warm beverages hot for 6 HOURS and cold for 24 HOURS. Talk about efficient. Because this on-the-go-cup is so reliable, I use it every day. I bought it to be used and surprise, the good design makes me want to use it.
2. It's simple. UNOBTRUSIVE and LITTLE DESIGN AS POSSIBLE
Because the cup is double-walled and made out of stainless steel, it doesn't look like there is much to it. There aren't handles or fancy patterns. It comes with a leak-proof screw cap that vacuum seals the beverages, but there is also an option of getting a cafe cap for ease of drinking hot coffee/tea (not leak-proof tho).
3. It's clearly a cup. UNDERSTANDABLE
Regardless if I'm using the cafe cap or the traditional screw cap, there is little to no question as to how it works. It's a travel cup. It fits in universal car cup holders. It's simple in it's design, so it could be used at work. It's made out of stainless steel, making it durable for hiking/backpacking.
Object 3: Grip Equipment Disc Golf Bag
It takes a lot of observation to recognize what is wrong with the status quo of a sport, which is exactly what the designer of this bag did. This disc golf bag is a prime example of setting a new standard for design. Because the bag was "Developed on Tour" it created a design that was geared toward comfort, usability, function and aesthetic...something that didn't currently exist in the sport.
DISCLAIMER: my boyfriend is the head designer and founder of GripEq.
2. This bag has a place for everything. THOROUGH TO THE LAST DETAIL
There is a place for everything. Pencil holder, putter pocket, straps to hold a chair, water bottle holder, valuables pocket, rain fly pocket, etc. This makes the product extremely user-friendly. Players can interact with the bag in a way that doesn't require a lot of thought, but really, there was a lot of thought put into the design. It's stable. With a lot of backpacks, they tip over when they get top heavy, but the Grip bag can balance on a travel chair without tipping over into the mud...
Thursday, January 3, 2013
A Graphic Beginning
"Welcome to the University of Kansas (again) and the Visual Communications Program, Miss Jennifer Beck!" the email exclaimed. I squealed with joy. Finally.
Another academic email later, I was asked to create a blog. Welcome to said blog!
After a Christmas of receiving a plethora of erasers, drawing pencils, and sketch books, I'm starting to get excited. Classes start in two weeks, and even though I'm not even remotely financially prepared, my overwhelming eagerness to be back in school is telling me "it will be ok."
And now, introductions:
My name is Jen.
I was accepted into the Visual Communication Program in the Department of Design at the University of Kansas for the Spring 2013 semester.
I have a B.A. in English Literature and Pre-Medicine.This will be my second undergraduate degree.
Another academic email later, I was asked to create a blog. Welcome to said blog!
After a Christmas of receiving a plethora of erasers, drawing pencils, and sketch books, I'm starting to get excited. Classes start in two weeks, and even though I'm not even remotely financially prepared, my overwhelming eagerness to be back in school is telling me "it will be ok."
And now, introductions:
My name is Jen.
I was accepted into the Visual Communication Program in the Department of Design at the University of Kansas for the Spring 2013 semester.
I have a B.A. in English Literature and Pre-Medicine.This will be my second undergraduate degree.
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