Final Exam

4. A photo that I took this past year that became my transforming photo is this portrait shot of my close friend at the park. This is one of my decisive photos because it taught me how to take portraits in a more creative way. Not only does it focus on the subject, it depends on the leaves in the hair and its surrounding elements to make it the photo it is. I had to challenge myself with that. Only focusing on the subject with good lighting isn't that hard, but using creative elements such as symmetry and patterns can be quite difficult. However, with many trials and errors, I was able to align the hair and the leaves to make it most pleasing to the eye and outstanding among other portraits. It changed my view on photography, especially portrait photography, from only having to focus on the subject to using different elements of art and principles of design to capture the highest quality photo.

5. A shape is in 2D. It is defined by its lines and angular relationships and has the basic dimensions of length and width. Examples of shapes would be squares, triangles, and circles. Shapes exists in the space of flat paintings, drawings, and photographs. 

A form is in 3D. It is defined by the dimensions of not only length and width, but also height. Forms are the area of space bordered by the lines. Examples of forms would be cubes, cones, pyramids, and spheres. Although forms are usually used to describe the elements seen in sculptures pottery, and etc., they can be captured by using photography. 

You can see on the second photo on this blog post that the shape looks like a 2D figure. The leaf  has lines and angles that form a closed polygon and therefore, creating a shape. On the third photo, the succulents present a form rather than a shape. It looks 3D because the photograph was able to capture the different shadings of the plant so it stands out. It is considered a form because the photo doesn't only focus on the angles and lines of the subject, but emphasizes the depth it has. 

6. Repetition refers to one object or shape that is being repeated throughout. Repeated use of a shape, color, or other art element can help unify different parts into a whole. It is to reinforce certain aspects of a work.

A pattern is a combination of elements or shapes that is repeated in a regular arrangement. A pattern can also be used to cause a visual echo and accent parts of the photo. 

Source: http://flyeschool.com/content/repetition-rhythm-and-pattern

7. Movement is the path the viewer's eye is led through the photograph or artwork. It usually takes the viewer to a focal area. It is directed through many different ways such as lines, edges, colors, and shapes. 

This photograph shows movement because the eye is first directed to the shadow, and then the subject. This occurs because the overall picture is colorful so the eye sees the first thing that is one uniform color, and that is the shadow. Then the viewer is led to the person because the shadow connects to her. 

Source: https://sites.google.com/site/principlesofdesignsite/home/rhythm-movement

8. My final project is my best project not because they were the best photos, but because I was able to challenge myself through these pictures and overcome them. The challenge was to use the setting sun to create a hazy yet bright atmosphere in the photos. I tried to use the light to blur and overexpose the background, but at the same time bring out the subject from the photo. I tried to enhance her features to make her stand out from the blurred background. This was hard because it all depended on my use of the light, and with only a limited amount of time, it was hard to find the right angle and place to create the atmosphere that I wanted. In the end, I was very satisfied with the way the photos turned out and my use of the natural and beautiful lighting of the setting sun. This project changed me because it helped me realize the importance of working with different types of light. Taking a photo at 1PM can be drastically different from taking the same photo at 4PM. I learned how to capture the best moments in different lightings.