This assignment asks you to take a number of pictures (approx. 50) and to print your best (approx. 5-8). The emphasis here is on camera work and strategic cropping in the darkroom. The theory of camera work is discussed in Basic Camera Operation. The definitive treatment on camera work is found in Ansel Adams's books, The Camera and The Negative. (See the bibliography.) Camera work is discussed in chapter 5 of the Schaeffer text.
Basic Approach
The photographic print is physically two dimensional; however, the image in the print can represent three-dimensional space. Image management in camera work and strategic cropping in darkroom work can enhance the image's spacial representation. When the subject is more-or-less purely "pattern," you may want to create a flat, two-dimensional image. Other subjects, however, demand strong spacial presentation and you may want to arrange objects so that they actually lead the eye through the image. About half of your images for this assignment should represent each of these.
It is relatively easy to create a two dimensional image. Photograph a flat surface and position the camera in order to exclude any objects that might lead the eye out of the two dimensional plane. Confined in this manner, it becomes an interesting creative situation to still make an image that possesses excitement and interest. Look for textures, natural shapes, and good zonal balance.
You might think that aiming the camera into three dimensions will produce a three-dimensional image, but this is not really so. In fact, you may want to experiment with three-dimensional subjects, taking some photographs that print as two dimensional images and others that show three dimensions. What are the features that enhance the representation of three dimensions? Constructing a three-dimensional image requires positioning the camera in strategic ways that use lines and planes/surfaces to guide the eyes back into space. Roads, walls, and fence lines are great. Rows of trees and architectural features also work. Think about using the naturally available objects as though they were geometrical objects through which you attempt to "draw" space.
Understanding spatial representation is the first step toward artistic composition.
Updated on October 2, 2002; click here to return to Course HomePage.