The number of images in a portfolio and their appearance will vary considerably depending on the amount and type of work involved in their creation. It will be best to develop the ideas behind the portfolio first. We can discuss quantitative issues later. Portfolios will be due during the last week of classes. All images will be returned to you. [The end-of-semester show is separate from portfolio preparation but may utilize one or more images from the portfolio. We will talk more about the show as we go along.]
When we view photography as an art, we engage with three basic elements --- the artist (photographer), the medium (camera, film, digital files, etc.), and the artwork (prints). Strictly speaking, these elements are present every time you "take a picture," even a family photo of turkey-stuffed uncles and aunts hunkered down at the Thanksgiving table. But what makes these elements come together in the relationship that we call "art"? That, in fact, is a big question, and the meaning of art has been discussed and written about for centuries. In the practical sense, development of a portfolio is a beginning toward defining one's personal approach to art. As a collection of created images, it is an opportunity for both the artist and the audience to see what connections lie across the elements, that is, how the artist uses the medium to create specific kinds of images.
Just clicking the shutter and printing the results will quickly result in a large collection of ho-hum images. What makes us want to keep a particular image? In fact, what kind of image would you like to put in a frame and show to other people? As we take pictures, we begin to see "ones that are striking," that have an emotional impact. To re-create images of this kind in different contexts and with other contents challenges us to understand the nature of that impact and to feel it in advance of taking the picture. This "visualization" of the image is how Ansel Adams described the artistic process in black&white photography.
One way to start developing your portfolio is to look over the photographic work that you have already completed and to separate out the images that you feel best about --- one's that you feel are "striking". Then, ask yourself if there are subjects or forms here that you would like to continue working with. The next time you take pictures, try to re-create some images of this(these) kind(s). When you begin to see an accumulation of images that affect you in a similar way and that seem to belong together, you can begin to ask yourself how to tighten and improve the collection. How can you intensify the relationship(s) between these images. This will begin to drive your photography and, in particular, your "visualizations".
Portfolio projects must be approved in advance! Submit project ideas by e-mail. All projects should be approved before March 27th.