Artist Statement

This semester of digital photography has been an experience of learning through failures to accomplish success. There are a variety of pieces of artwork throughout the portfolio. These vary from basic compositional techniques to complex Photoshop skills.

In the early stages of the semester I realized had decent success with understanding the compositional tricks. This was probably the only thing that was simple for me. It also made me feel better that as time progressed I started using the tricks naturally to take interesting photographs instead of just finishing the assignment.

When it came to struggles, they were all over the place. Then when I really think about it, all my struggles were caused by one thing; lack of interest. I would constantly be off task or refuse to take pictures when given the opportunity; basically just not take advantage of class time. If it is possible for me, I would like to be able to have motivation to complete my work.

Overall I feel that although my artwork is nice, it is not to the best of my ability. There is always room for improvement. Especially from all the different tools I have learned. This is only the beginning.

Personal Words

The lyrics i chose for this project are "Can't be Stopped" by Roy Jones Jr.. "Can't be touched Can't be stopped Can't be moved Can't be rocked Can't be shook I mean what I speak I do as I say I hustle, I grind Don't get in my way....you will not win Cause I will not lose" I chose these lyrics bacause it has been my mentality throughout life. I take pride in never backing down and i will never quit. Determination through competition is my drive. it makes me who I am.

Social Issue: "Your Not Allowed To Be Great"

This picture shows a young football player with his eyes closed reminiscing on what could have been. As the shadows creep towards his face, having already taken everything else, all he has are the thoughts of what was taken away. In bold red are the devastating words of "you are not allowed to be great."

This picture represents the stereotype and hardships that have to be overcomed by todays youth minority. No matter what he accomplishes, the shadows are slowly taking everything away. Everything he has worked for will never be known behind the shadows of mislead stereotype. Because all his hard-work will go unnoticed, he is not allowed to be great.

Scary Effects

My favorie is probably the alien because the background gives me dramatic emphasis. The most effective tool i learned was burn and dodge tool because they add great accents to make photo "pop". The most difficult thing was probably fading things n making it look realistic. I think i used the burn tool 2 create a more distint third dimension. These effects could be used in animation/movie-making.

Contact Sheet

My favorite compositional trick was simplicity because it was the easiest way to enhance an emphasis. I will probably use rule of thirds frequently because it is simple. The trick i dislikes the most was fill in flas because although it works in some situations it doesn't add an artistic feeling. My favorite photo was the black & white simplicity photo because it has an artistic feel and is as it says; simple.

Compositional Trick #8 Fill in Flash

Fill in Flash adds light to your picture. Some people are under the impression to always use flas at night and never in daylight. Wrong. You should use flash in day time at certain times because depending on the angle, the sun creates darkening shadows. The negativity of flash is that it makes objects oily and makes them white.

Compositional Trick #7 Drawing With Light

Light adds shadows and creates emotions. In mine, since there is alot of light it is a kind of happy feeling. With the shining sun and a girl just texting on her cell phone peacefull creates a feeling of a tranquil day.

Compositional Trick #6 Framing

Putting a frame around something is an artistic way to enhance the emphasis. It drws your eyes to whatever is being "framed". In the first frame the tree is framed by shadows making it the only thing as a possible emphasis. But in my second photo the frame, in a way, actually competes for attention because it is more in focus than my emphasis.

Compositional Trick #5 Extreme Angles

Extreme angles is a technique that if used correctly gives a different perspective of the world. Because these angles are rarley seen they have an artistic feel to the photo. The photo of the door handle from down low is a good example because it feels as if i really have to look up to see it which is different than usual. Even though my up top photo is at a downward angle, it isn't an angle that is extreme to the extent that it creates that feeling of looking down at someone

Compositional Trick #4 Simplicity

Simplicity is a compositional trick in where you still have an artful and interesting emphasis, but u simplify the background so there is no distractions.

Compositional Trick #3 Macro

macro is a compositional trick that is focused to be up close so that only the emphasis is clear and the background is blurred.

Compositional Trick #2 Leading Lines

Leading lines is a compostional trick in which the photographer uses linear surroundings that take a viewers eyes to the image of emphasis or deep into the picture.

Compositional Trick #1 Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is a compostional trick of positioning. Instead of placing the image in the center, divide your picture plane into thirds both horizontally and vetically and position it in on 1 of the 4 corners of the center square in the "tic-tac-toe" diagram that appears on your camera.