What the Weston? Abstract Photography

1. Is dirt interesting to look at?

2. Are lockers and rocks interesting?

3. What items contain the elements and principles? Would these items be interesting to look at up close? Why or why not? If you can't remember the elements and principles, then review on the website.

Edward Weston's photography captured organic forms and texture. Portraits of his family taken in the 1940s are some of his best work.

This project is designed to give you a whole new way of seeing the world.

FORGET about what the object is.

FORGET about how it SHOULD look.

Break it down into the basics:

Shape, color, line, form (all of the elements and principles).

In groups of 3 answer the following questions (and email) using ONE image out of the following slides:

1. What do you see when you FIRST glance at the image?

2. Looking CLOSELY, and paying attention to every detail, what do you see? How does this change your interpretation of the image?

3. Brainstorm objects that you have seen at school, home, or elsewhere, that would be visually interesting (color, texture, shape, etc.).

Project Requirements:

1. Shoot a minimum of 10 shots of at least five different objects (total of 50).

2. Remember to use your compositional skills (Da Rules), the elements and principles, and creative thinking/ideas/expression.

3. Pick your favorite 6 abstract photos.

4. Turn in the images to the server and post on blog.

5. MYSTERY IMAGE: You will also turn in one mystery image. This is an abstract image also, but you are trying to stump your classmates so they will not be able to tell what it is.

THIS MAKES THE TOTAL IMAGES DUE SEVEN.

Your subjects: Anything that is visually interesting. Remember this is all about aesthetics and the elements and principles of design!

It is HIGHLY recommended that you check out a macro lens AND shoot using "fill the frame" composition.

The Inspiration - Edward Weston

What the Weston?

Abstract Images

As a class:

Edward Weston

A new way of seeing

Hmmm... What IS it???

Abstract Images & Close Ups

Enduring Understanding

Resources impact results.

Boring!

www.jamesinsogna.com

designyoutrust.com

Imogen Cunningham

Edward Weston

oliviaphoto.com

Elizabeth Eckford and Hazel Massery; Will Counts, 1957

Elizabeth Eckford was one of the first black students admitted to Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. This photo shows her grueling walk to class while being shouted at by white student Hazel Massery. Although Massery would later express regret for her actions, the photo showed the nation and the world the heated strife in the Southern United States.

www.wallibs.com

A few tips...

* Your object might be unrecognizable (although that is not the goal).

* The closer you get, the better.

What elements and principles do you see in these images?

Project Requirements

Let's Collaborate!

* Try new and unique perspectives and angles.

* Your COMPOSITION is your most important decision.

* You may bend or break some rules (such as not having a focal point, following the rule of thirds or fill the frame).

A pile of American bison skulls in the mid-1870s.

Nelson Rielzke - Etsy

www.fotovisura.com

Vaida Petreikis - Etsy

www.artsetter.com

fineartphotoblog.com

Etsy

This is a photograph of breaker boys – child labor used to separate coal from slate. This image helped lead the nation to outlaw child labor. The photo was taken by Lewis Hine who traveled the United States taking photographs of child laborers.

fineartamerica.com