Photography Breadth Assignment #1

Still Life: Evidence of Life

Focus: Balance, Content, Composition, Rule of Thirds

Goal: Create a photograph that depicts evidence of your existence on this planet. Think about how the world would be different if you were not here, for instance. Or consider what elements of the world prove that you exist - an unmade bed, your breakfast dishes, text messages from your BFF, etc. Begin by making a list of things in your sketchbook that provides “evidence” that you exist.

Process:

1. Begin in your sketchbook by brainstorming subject matter that you could show to represent you? Your goal is to show human existence, without showing the human. You can start by retracing your journey this morning. Remember, there are no wrong answers! Push yourself.

Questions to ask when working on “Evidence of Life”:

• What imprint have I made on the world so far?
• What says ________ (your name) was there?
• Do you have anything that says you, without saying you? A distinct characteristic such as the way you dress, your hair color, something that makes you stand out?
• What items do you surround yourself with that you find to be important?

Questions to ask once you know what you want to shoot:

• How can I show this to the viewer in a new or unusual way?
• How can I use the rule of thirds?
• What will I do to vary my compositions in order to come up with the strongest?

2. Select your final subject matter from your brainstorming. Gather the needed objects to create your desired composition. Be mindful that you will be addressing the foreground, middle ground, and background within your composition. Does it make more sense to arrange and photograph your objects on location on in a specific setting?

3. Arrange and photograph your still life. You must show at least 5 different photographs. It can all have the same content or subject matter but change up some elements. For example, change your perspective, focus on a different area, the lighting, show the object or thing from a different angle, color, black and white, put more emphasis on the negative space. Each composition should look completely different.

While you shoot your work, think about creating an interesting composition. The rule of thirds and leading lines are always helpful tricks. Take more photographs than you think you will need. Take several photos of the entire composition to allow for you to select the most interesting arrangement.