Photographer of the Week: Sandro Miller

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Sandro Miller, known simply as Sandro to most of the photography world, is a portrait photographer who has been creating images for over three decades. Sandro decided to do a project to honor the photographers who had inspired him and shaped his career, he called on his longtime friend and frequent collaborator John Malkovich to help him. The Hollywood legend instantly agreed, and consequently helped bring to life Malkovich, Malkovich, Malkovich: Homage to Photographic Masters, a brilliant series of 35 recreations of iconic portraits, all starring the actor as the subject.

Sandro’s depictions are so spot-on that, at first glance, it might appear as though each shot was a mere Photoshop creation. It’s even more incredible to learn that he took the time to recreate each famous portrait with an individual photo shoot. Let’s take a closer look at how he accomplished this exactly.

After viewing the slideshow of Sandro’s images, answer the questions below (in paragraph format) in the comments section of this post.

• In what ways do you see Sandro recreate the same composition of the original photo?
• How do you see that he captures the same lighting as the original?
• In what ways is he able to recreate the mood of the original photo?
• List one other way Sandro has successfully mimicked a style from one of the above photos.

POW: Mitch Feinberg

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An American product photographer Mitchell Feinberg has distinguished himself as one of the world’s premier still life photographers. He has built a large and prestigious base of clientele, shooting major campaigns for Louis Vuitton, Zegna, Tod’s, Bulgari, Ebel, Mac and LaMer, and editorial content for Numero, The New York Times Style Magazine T, Vs., GQ and National Geographic. 

After viewing his photos, respond the the following questions about Mitch in the comments section of this post:

• What are some common themes in Mitch’s work?
• How does he draw attention to the product?
• Choose an element of design (color, texture, shape, size, value, line) and tell me how Mitch incorporates it into his photography.
• Find a photo where you feel he combined a product with an unexpected object and describe it. How do you feel the unexpected object contributes to the photo?

Photographer of the Week: Dan Mountford

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Dan Mountford is a freelance graphic designer and photographer residing in Brighton, England. He is most well known for his stunning double exposure photography, which he describes as “a visual journey through our minds by calm and tidy means which the reality of everyday life does not show”. Mountford captures his dual subjects beautifully, giving life to new composite images that take on unique, surreal forms. Even more impressive, the exposures themselves are created entirely by camera (no photoshop involved)!

After viewing the images above, answer the questions below in the comments section of this post (in paragraph format. No #’s and PLEASE type in complete sentences).

• Choose one image above. Describe the photos that are layered together to create the final image. How does combining these photos create a new, unique image?  How is the mood of the photo changed?
• What do you think Dan Mountford is attempting to communicate through his work?
• How does contrast play a role in the images above?

 

www.facebook.com/danmountforddesign
www.danmountford.tumblr.com

 

Photographer Of The Week: Heidi Kirkpatrick

Click HERE to view Heidi Kirkpatrick’s series of photos titled: Lost and Found Dearly Departed Critical Mass 2014. Answer the questions below in the comments section of this post. Be sure type your responses in paragraph format (not with numbers).

• What sorts of objects does Heidi use to frame her photos?
• How do the objects she chose for framing relate to the rest of the image? 
• In your own words, what is Heidi Kirkpatrick trying to communicate in this series of images?
• How would you describe the mood of her photography?

POW: Scott Morgan

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Write in complete sentences. Compose answers in Word, then copy and paste.

Most photos are form Mr. Morgan’s Antigravity series, the last three at the end are from a series entitled frozen.

In your comment please respond to the following questions:

• What do you think makes Scott Morgan’s work interesting?
• What sort of feel or mood do his photos have?
• What type of company could these shots become ads for?
• How is  shutter speed used in his photos?
• What is a consistency you notice in his lighting technique?

POW: Mary Ellen Mark

Possibly the most famous black and white photographer alive today, Mary Ellen Mark’s work is able to stand alone and tell a complete story. Mark’s photographs should be looked at as individual images. Her photographs are mostly black and white, which may add to the drama of the already charged images.

The common thread in her work has always been a central interest in people. The people she photographs are the “unfamous,” those who occcupy the fringes of society, whose stories might otherwise never be told. Her work offers a different perspective on such societal concerns as homelessness, drug addiction, mental illness and teenage pregnancy.

Mark tends to seek out individuals in their own environments, becoming an integrated part of their world. Her images are very personal because she observes from within that world rather than from outside it.

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After viewing Mark’s images, answer the questions below (in paragraph format) in the comments section of this post.

• Which photograph above stands out to you the most and why?
• What sort of mood do you think Mary Ellen Mark’s photos have?
• How do you think the black and white photography adds to the overall mood of her photos?
• Mary Ellen Mark likes to photograph those whose stories may go untold (think opposite Kim Kardashian..) If you could photograph someone in their environment to help share their story, who would it be and why?

POW: Alejandro Chakielsberg

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DEPTH OF FIELD MEASURES HOW MUCH OF THE IMAGE IS IN FOCUS.

As you look at the work of Alejandro Chaskielberg, tell me the answers to the following questions in the comments section of this post. As always, please answer these in complete sentences, don’t number the answers, and write in complete sentences.

Describe one of Alejandro Chaskielberg’s images that demonstrates shallow Depth of field. Describe one of Alejandro Chaskielberg’s images that demonstrates deep Depth of field. In your opinion, what makes his images interesting or different?  How does camera placement (point of view) play a part in these images? Choose your favorite image.. describe it and tell me what you like about it.

POW: Levi van Veluw

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Artist/Sculptor, Levi van Veluw has what many would call a strange canvas, himself. He covers himself in the surfaces he wants to disappear into. The surface might be wood, tile, ballpoint pen, or grass and shrubs. He might have a railroad car go around his head. Either way you look at it, Van Veluw’s work deals with our shifting identities we carry as people, as well as touching on themes of the different roles we play, as well as exploring how art can make us disappear.

After viewing the photos answer the following questions in complete sentences. Compose your answer in Word first, then paste it into the comment field above.

How does Van Veluw use texture in his photographs? In your opinion, what do you think Veluw is trying to communicate to the viewer by doing this? What sort of material would you cover your face with if you tried this same idea and why? Do you think Veluw is a madman, a genius, or both? 

http://www.levivanveluw.nl/

Photographer of the Week: Paul Octavious

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In these images, POW Paul Octavious plays with LINE, which is not only  one of the principles and elements of design but also our Photo Challenge for this week. As you can see, Paul Octavious plays with line in a number of ways.

Line is a mark with greater length than width. Lines can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal, straight or curved, thick or thin.

Since Line is our Photo Challenge for this week, answer the following questions in complete sentences. Don’t number your answers. Use Word, and spell check and use correct grammar.

Paul Octavious uses line to bring ideas to the viewer’s head, but HOW does he use line?  How is he able to add imagination to his photos? What is the mood/feel of his images? What could you do to be playful with LINE in your photos?

How awesome is Paul Octavious?

POW: Stanislav Odyagailo

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Ukrainian photographer/digital artist Stanislav Odyagailo comes up with some pretty wild ideas for his images. I think we can agree he doesn’t lack in the imagination department. He manipulates his photos to create a surrealist effect. What is surrealist, you say?

Surrealism is a cultural movement that began in the 1920’s, and is best known for it’s visual artworks that incorporate an element of surprise or the unexpected.. often dreamlike. Artists used this as a way for the subconscious to express itself. Anyone recognize this famous surrealist painting by Salvador Dali?

Please respond to the questions below in the comments section of this post and write your answers in complete sentences.

Choose 3 photos that strike you. Answer the following about EACH photo, all in ONE POST, in the comments section of this post 🙂

• What made you notice this image?
• Describe what you see.
• Is this image digitally altered? How/where in the image?
• How do you interpret the image? As in, what does it make you think/feel, or what do you think the artist is trying to communicate?

 

POW: Pablo Picasso!

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Most people know Pablo Picasso as a famous painter & sculptor that developed the “cubist” style  (above), but did you know he also enjoyed photography? This little-known series of photographs were made with a small electric light in a darkened room; in effect, the images vanished as soon as they were created — and yet they still alive, six decades later. By leaving the shutter open, Picasso caught the light streaks swirling through space. Some of these photos were put on display in early 1950 in a show at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. 

After viewing the slideshow above, respond to the comments section of this post answering the questions below in essay format:

• What kinds of images do you see in Picasso’s drawings?
• How is Picasso using shutter speed in these photos?
• Let’s get past the most common images in light painting (hearts, smiley faces, the word Love). What word or drawing could you “light paint” that would express something about YOU?

POW: Mitch Feinberg

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An American who divides his time between Paris and New York, Mitchell Feinberg has been shooting luxury still life for over twenty years, distinguishing himself as one of the world-premier still life photographers. He has built a large and prestigious base of clientele, shooting major campaigns for Louis Vuitton, Zegna, Tod’s, Bulgari, Ebel, Mac and LaMer, and editorial content for Numero, The New York Times Style Magazine T, Vs., GQ and National Geographic. 

After viewing his photos, respond the the following questions about Mitch in the comments section of this post:

• What are some common themes in Mitch’s work?
• How does he draw attention to the product?
• Choose an element of design (color, texture, shape, size, value, line) and tell me how Mitch incorporates it into his photography.
• Find a photo where you feel he combined a product with an unexpected object and describe it. How do you feel the unexpected object contributes to the photo?

POW: Scott Morgan

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Write in complete sentences. Compose answers in Word, then copy and paste. Each answer should be at least a one inch-long paragraph long.

Most photos are form Mr. Morgan’s Antigravity series, the last three at the end are from a series entitled frozen.

In your comment please respond to the following questions:

• How does Scott Morgan create such interesting work?
• What themes do you notice in his photos? How does he get these themes across?
• How is  shutter speed used to bring his images to the audience?
• Do you notice any composition techniques in his photos that you have learned in this class?

Photographer Of The Week: Rupert Vandervell

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Look at the photography of Rupert Vandevell in the slideshow above and answer the following questions in the comments section of this post. Be sure type your responses in an paragraph format (not with numbers).

• How does Rupert Vandevell frame his photos?
• How would you describe the mood in his photography?
• How does he make his subjects look in comparison to his surroundings?
• How is color value and camera placement used in these images?

POW: Alejandro Chakielsberg

DEEP DEPTH OF FIELD MEASURES HOW MUCH OF THE IMAGE IS IN FOCUS.

As you look at the work of Alejandro Chaskielberg, tell me the answers to the following questions in the comments section of this post. As always, please answer these in complete sentences, don’t number the answers, and write in complete sentences.

Describe one of Alejandro Chaskielberg’s images that demonstrates shallow Depth of field. Describe one of Alejandro Chaskielberg’s images that demonstrates deep Depth of field. In your opinion, what makes his images interesting or different?  How does camera placement (point of view) play a part in these images? Choose your favorite image.. describe it and tell me what you like about it.

Photographer of the Week: Paul Octavious

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In these images, POW Paul Octavious plays with LINE, which is not only  one of the principles and elements of design but also our Photo Challenge for this week. As you can see, Paul Octavious plays with line in a number of ways.

Line is a mark with greater length than width. Lines can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal, straight or curved, thick or thin.

Since Line is our Photo Challenge for this week, I want you to answer the following questions in complete sentences. Don’t number your answers. This is an essay, in comment form, so use Word, and spell check and use correct grammar. As always, refer to the syllabus on making comments to POW posts.

Paul Octavious uses line to bring ideas to the viewer’s head, but HOW does he use line?  How is he able to add imagination to reality? What is the mood/feel of his photos? What could you do to play with LINE goes in your photos?

How awesome is Paul Octavious?

DUE TOMORROW

Photographer of the Week: Timur Zhansultanov

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In these images, POW Timur Zhansultanov experiments with Point of View, our Photo Challenge for this week!

Sometimes it’s the simplest ideas that end up leaving an impression on people and inspiring them. Case in point: Astana, Kazakhstan-based photographer Timur Zhansultanov has created a project he’s called “In My Own Eyes“, which features pictures of himself from — well — his own eyes in the past two-or-so years.

Since Point of View is our Photo Challenge for this week, answer the following questions in complete sentences. Please don’t number your answers. This is an essay, in comment form, so use Word, and spell check and use correct grammar. As always, you can refer to the syllabus on making comments to POW posts.

HOW does Timur use Point of View in his photos? What are the different points of view/angles you see in his work? How do you think Timur took  the photo when you can see both of his hands? If you took 3 snapshots of your daily life through your eyes, what would they look like?

POW: Alex Solis

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You thought your filtered selfies were artsy? Check out the quirky brilliance that lives and breathes in the images of illustrator Alex Solis. Far from the traditional photos of food and other sunsets, the American illustrator / graphic designer based in Chicago is having fun with objects from daily life through his illustrations. Solis’ inspired feed combines hand-drawn illustrations with odd objects, creating a playful world somewhere between two and three dimensions. So next time you’re going to upload another photo of your delicious Sunday brunch, stop yourself and ask: What would Alex do?

Choose your 3 favorite images above and respond to the questions below about each photo. 1 post. 3 paragraphs.

Describe the photo. How does the added illustration change the object in the photo? Is the illustration simple or detailed? Do you think this is something you could do? What do you think the final image is trying to communicate? How does the image make you feel when looking at it? If there was a word bubble above the character in the image, what do you think it could be saying?

Want to see more of Alex’s work? Click HERE to see his Flickr feed!

POW: Stanislav Odyagailo

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Ukrainian photographer/digital artist Stanislav Odyagailo comes up with some pretty wild ideas for his images. I think we can agree he doesn’t lack in the imagination department. He manipulates his photos to create a surrealist effect. What is surrealist, you say?

Surrealism is a cultural movement that began in the 1920’s, and is best known for it’s visual artworks that incorporate an element of surprise or the unexpected.. often dreamlike. Artists used this as a way for the subconscious to express itself. Anyone recognize this famous surrealist painting by Salvador Dali?

Please respond to the questions below in the comments section of this post and write your answers in complete sentences.

Choose 3 photos that strike you. Describe them and try to interpret the image in your own words. What does it mean to you? 1 entry. 1 paragraph per image.

POW: Craig Wolf

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Craig Wolf makes his living photographing the elements. He has documented his travels of the Southwest, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon. His career began in television. In 1996 he won an Emmy as a Video Editor on the Olympic Games in Atlanta. Some of his photography can be seen on book covers, in magazine articles and on TV commercials.

For more of Craig Wolf’s photos, check out his photostream on Flickr!

Please respond to the questions below in the comments section of this post and write your answers in complete sentences.

As you look at these photos, ask yourself, what makes these photographs striking? How do they draw you in to the environment? What are some photography concepts we’ve learned in class that are visible in his photos? If you could magically dive into one of these photos right now, and be in that environment, which one would it be and what would you do there?