Project 2: Constructed Image Final

This is my final poster for Project 2: Constructed Image.  I felt more confident going into my third photo session, but I also felt very nervous.  As in the past I had not been able to replicate any of the set-ups; I was nervous that I would not be able to have a successful session.  This was mainly due to the fact that for the last critique I ended up using a photograph that I took during my first session, even though I had done two sessions.  I was pleasantly surprised that during my critique on Monday in class that there were not many changes for me to do before I sent the composition to be printed.  In this final composition I chose an image that focused on the replication of the clock in the various mirrors, almost giving the illusion that there was more than one physical clock.  I ended up using a piece of white foam board to reflect into the mirror with Vonnegut pasted across it.  I thought it helped to make the white in the clocks pop as well as create a larger circular focus in the image that leads the viewer's eye around.  I kept the background behind the clocks black to help the clocks and name Vonnegut pop.  I placed the mirror with the phrase towards the bottom, because although it is a key component to the composition, it is not the primary or secondary focus.  It also helped to frame the name Vonnegut and the clock on the bottom of the composition.  

Project 2: Mock Up Poster

I ran into a bunch of problems while attempting to take this photograph.  I ended up doing two different photo sessions.  I failed to take into account how difficult it would actually be to take a photograph with 15 various sized pieces of mirror, reflecting me, chairs, carpet, or whatever else was in the room.  I had initially thought that light was going to be the difficult part of the shot, when in reality it was simply all of the reflections.  I ended up with one photograph that I really liked (which is not the one below) but there were a couple different reflections of chairs that were in the room.  So I decided against that image and went with the one below.  

My problems with the photograph below is that it was from my first photo session.  I was hesitant on using the tripod because I did not have much experience with a tripod.  It was only my second occasion of using one, and I felt very limited.  When I don't use a tripod I feel that I have more flexibility and can move however and wherever I want, but I understand how the shakiness of my hands add to the visible motion blur on photographs.  And I could definitely see that when I printed the photograph out large.

Feedback from class:

• More depth of field, longer shutter speed
• Use a tripod
• Nice composition
• Clean the mirror
• Good use of repetition with the clocks
• Nice curve of mirror and clock reflection

Project 2: First In Class Set Up + Sketch

This is the "in class" set up of our poster proposal including the sketch.  I did not remember my black cutting mat, so that is not in the photos but will be in the final.  I know that a few of the photographs have me in it, but I was trying to figure exactly what angle I wanted.  If need be, I can set the timer on the camera and jump out of the mirror shot.  I know that taking the actual photograph and setting up the lights will take quite a bit of time because of all of the mirrors.  When I am done, the image will be awesome with a reflections of the clock, as well as no shot of me.  I also need to make sure that the text that reads "Vonnegut" is set in a reflection of the white clock face so "Vonnegut" gets more emphasis.

Project 2: Preliminary Photographs of Scene

Determine subject: Kurt Vonnegut

Research: In his books and short stories, Vonnegut makes fun of himself, and leans heavily on sarcasm and humor.  Short biography about his life is: he was in the army, laughs often in his stories whether at his main character or at others, self-reflective and deals with fragmented movement of time.  All of his stories has at least one story about something that happened to him or relates to him; could be the fact that the character is in the army, uses extreme sarcasm, or odd use of humor.

Determine at least 3 objects to pertain to subject: mirror, clock, army men

Item Set-Up Ideas: Use several mirrors to reflect the clock multiple times but at different angles to portray the fragmented time/odd movement of time.  Trying hanging pieces of mirror from fishing line.  Possible addition of extra clock hands to be hung or placed on set up.

To try to figure out a good layout, I decided to set up the scene and take some photographs to then sketch.  I really liked the layout of the first few photographs that I took of the layout before I added the quote and name.  I am trying to get as much of the clock in the different mirrors as possible.  I liked how in the quote, there was the shadow of the quote on the ground - very cool addition.  I know the light got into some of the photographs.  I know that it will be difficult to take the photograph to make sure that I am not in the shot or any of the background, but I am not excited for the concept!