Unit 2 Activity 3

These photographs (both taken by Mitchel Kanashkevich) show great use of the rule of thirds. The subject is put into these spots because it is the most aesthetically pleasing area. Not only is it good to have a subject in one area of the rule of thirds, but for it to flow smoothly into two or more of these spots, as shown in the second picture.

These two images (top by Brent Stirton, bottom by Rainer Pfingst) do not follow the rule of thirds. It is not always necessary to put images into the rule of thirds, it would make photography much more boring if that was the only way to have a "good" photograph. Centering your subject, creating leading lines, having varying depths-of-visions, and many more elements of a photograph can make it work well.

Unit 2 Activity 2

Part One

‘To quote out of context is the essence of the photographer’s craft. His central problem is a simple one: what shall he include, what shall he reject? The line of decision between in and out is the picture’s edge. While the draughtsman starts with the middle of the sheet, the photographer starts with the frame. The photograph’s edge defines content. It isolates unexpected juxtapositions. By surrounding two facts, it creates a relationship. e edge of the photograph dissects familiar forms, and shows their unfamiliar fragment. It creates the shapes that surround objects. The photographer edits the meanings and the patterns of the world through an imaginary frame. This frame is the beginning of his picture’s geometry. It is to the photograph as the cushion is to the billiard table.’ -John Szarkowski

The quote above talks about quoting out of context, which means to frame the subject matter in a way that can either remove distracting background matter or completely change the mood of the picture. Taken from the right angle, and image may mean a complete different meaning if it does not have any background information, much like hearing a story without knowing the background. Quoting out of context can make different forms, or a unique perspective, on regular things.

Part Two

Degas was a fairly revolutionary painter for his time. He painted images of people doing casual, everyday things. When most artwork was very dramatic, set-up, or posed, Degas showed people in their natural forms. He painted anything from cooking to bathing. His work was inspired by what was seen around him, much like most photography.

Unit 2 Activity 1

These photos (Left by Mitchell Kanashkevik, right by Brent Stirton) use very simple backgrounds to focus onto the subject more. The left picture's background is a solid color and texture, and since it water, it makes the photo very soothing. The photo on the right has a very shallow depth-of-field, creating a strong focus onto the subject, and offers no distraction.