Part 1: Statement of Intent

Familiar but Unfamiliar

As a photographer, I am drawn to the beauty and complexity of abstract forms. My intent in capturing photographs of abstract objects is to explore perception and reality, making viewers engage with familiar objects in unfamiliar ways. Through this lens, I aim to deviate away from theconventional context of objects, focusing instead on their shapes, textures, and colors. Each image serves as a visual dialogue, encouraging the audience to interpret meaning based on their own experiences and emotions. By emphasizing the play of light and shadow, I hope to reveal the inherent beauty in simplicity and abstraction, transforming everyday objects into thought-provoking art.

Part 2

Weston’s photographs often emphasize the inherent qualities of the subjects, such as their shape, texture, and form. He frequently used close-ups to reveal the details of objects, transforming everyday items into sculptural forms. For example, his images of peppers demonstrate their curves and surfaces in a way that evokes a sense of tactile feeling. His use of light and shadow is a critical element in his abstract photographs. He uses natural light to create dramatic contrasts and highlight the three-dimensional qualities of his subjects. This use of light contributes to the emotional evaluation of his images, adding depth and dimension. He often focuses on organic shapes found in nature. His photographs of shells, vegetables, and landscapes reveal a fascination with natural forms, demonstrating them with a sense of appreciation. The author’s abstractions also evoke emotional responses. His ability to transform familiar objects into something enigmatic leads to a deeper exploration of perception and meaning. This aspect of his work resonates with the viewer, making them to reflect on their own experiences and interpretations. Weston’s technical skills allowed him to capture remarkable clarity and detail. His understanding of exposure and composition played a crucial role in producing images that are both aesthetically enjoyable and intellectually engaging.

What I like about this style is the sharp focus in the subject and the emphasize on lines and textures. It allows the viewer to interpret his image of familiar objects unfamiliarly. The sharp contrast and the use of black and white colors also makes the photo more emotionally detached and interesting.

“Anything that excites me for any reason, I will photograph; not searching for unusual subject matter, but making the commonplace unusual” (Edward Weston).

 

Part 3

  • Form and Texture
    • Weston has focused intently on the intricate, sculptural quality of the subject
    • Transforms a natural, living form into something with architectural and abstract qualities.
  • Lighting and Contrast
    • The high-contrast, black-and-white colors creates a sense of depth and volume
    • With the interplay of light and shadow, it emphasizes the three-dimensional nature of the subject. The dramatic lighting gives the image a sense of solemnity
  • Composition
    • The composition is carefully balanced, with the organic, flowing shapes filling the frame and drawing the viewer’s eye inward
    • The placement and orientation of the subject creates a sense of movement and dynamism.
  • Tone
    • The monochrome color, with its strongs contrasts and gradients of gray, adds a sense of solemnity to the image
    • This tonal treatment heightens the psychological and emotional resonance of the subjet
  • Emotion
    • The sensual, organic forms evoke a profound sense of wonder and contemplation in the viewer, allowing deeper personal interpretation and engagement

 

Part 5

Contact sheet (All photos)

Part 6

Contact sheet (Green):

The reason why I chose these photos are because they fit my statement of intent and is focusing on texture, lines, and tone of familiar objects. While some of my other photos may be mistakenly taken for turns out to be overly exposed or not focused enough. According to the characteristics of my artist’s style, my photos should be sharply in focused and should emphasize on shapes, lines, and repetition. These photos are all the ones that follow the foundation characteristics of my artist.

 

Contact sheet (Green):

These photos I choose out of my yellows ones are following the style of my artist and is sharply in focused and looks good. They also give a sense of emotional detachment with mostly cool colors. one of the main difference I see in my green photos and yellow photos are the some of the yellow photos may be two plain without much emphasize on the subject, while the green photos contain aspects of repetition of lines.

 

Contact sheet (Red)

The reason I chose these three pictures out of my green photos are because they strongly align with the characteristics of Edward Weston. They are sharply in focus, they all have a obvious contrast between the subject and background, they all have an emphasize on lines and shapes. Lastly, they also all have a interesting pattern and repetition, making familiar objects seem unfamiliar.

 

Part 7

  • Light and Shadow
    • The dramatic effect, with the interplay of light and shadow, creates a sense of depth and drama within the frame
    • This picture has used the strong contrasts to emphasize the intricate textures and forms of the flower petals
  • Composition
    • The image is tightly framed, filling the frame with the lush, organic shapes of the flowers
    • The overlapping and layered petals create a sense of movement and visual rhythm, guiding the viewer’s eye through the composition
  • Texture
    • There is a focus on texture, enhancing the tactile quality, making the viewer to imagine the sensual feel of the subject
  • Tone
    • The monochromatic palette gives the image a sense of emotional detachment and solemnity
    • The tone of this picture emphasizes the emotional and psychological resonance of the subject matter
  • Emotion
    • The organic, sensual forms evoke a deep, visceral response in the viewer, allowing personal interpretation and reflection