Composition

"Peak-A-Boo"

In this first image, I photographed Ethan Nightingale. I used two compositional strategies for this photograph: Background Simplified and Rule of Thirds. Background Simplified was a very effective compositional strategy to use for this image, because the background is less sharp than Ethan's face, carving out a significant amount of focus to be paid to his single eye. Everything that surrounds Ethan's face is reduced in depth and sharpness, thus making obvious the focal point of the photograph. The second compositional strategy I used, Rule of Thirds, was similarly a very advantageous strategy for my photograph. The center of interest, Ethan's eye, is located at an intersection point when the frame is divided into three parts horizontally and vertically. This adds more interest and excitement to the photograph as a whole. 

"On a Snow Day"

In this second image, I photographed my dog, Yogi, on a snow day. My dog, refusing to go beyond the door into the snow, simply sat on the porch and stared right at me, as if to tell me indirectly that he was not to go any further. I captured this whole moment, using most notably the Rule of Thirds and Background Included. Yogi's eyes staring right back at me are at an intersection point when the frame is divided into three parts horizontally and vertically, adding to the interest and therefore comical aspects of the photograph. I also used Background Included, for everything surrounding Yogi is included in the photograph, even the depth beyond the windows in the door. Finally, I also used Different Points of View by getting down to the level of Yogi.

Shapes, Geometric and Organic

"Song in the Snow"

"Natural Beauty"

I found the guitar and jagged piece of wood in a closet in Mrs. Noack's classroom and immediately envisioned them as perfect subjects for this assignment. The guitar's shape is fantastic, for it's body provides a sense of fluidity, while the neck and strings add a linear effect. The wood's shape is fascinating due to its organic features; the jagged edges are are all unique and interesting. Furthermore, I took both of these objects outside and placed them in the snow. I did this for two reasons: I primarily chose the environment outside because of the natural lighting. I personally do not like to use flash; therefore, I found that outside I was getting the best results in terms of the image quality without the flash being necessary. Secondly, I chose to take the photographs outside, because I thought that the snow would be a good background to enhance the unique and beautiful shapes that both the guitar and wood possess. 

Motivation

I enjoy photographing anything from landscapes to portraits to anything in between. In the past, I have had some photographing experience in which I have had the chance to explore different subjects for photography. Last summer and spring, I was an intern for The Forecaster and went to various events with my camera to shoot pictures. I had six or seven photographs featured in the paper, one being a hilarious photograph I took at the Diaper Derby during the Clam Festival. I also took several students' senior pictures this past fall. Whenever I travel with my family, I take photographs of everything I find interesting- landscapes, animals, and food. Due to my experience thus far working with photography, I have found that I enjoy photographing all kinds of things. I would say, however, that my favorite thing to photograph is people, as I discovered when I took the senior portraits this fall.

What motivates me to do well and be successful is a multitude of things. I think that, in school, a big thing that motivates me to be successful is grades. I tend to work very hard in order to receive high grades and therefore be successful. The knowledge that success could help enhance and build up my future is something else that motivates me to be successful. I work extremely hard, because I know that it will ultimately pay off in my future when I am looking for a job and trying to build a life for myself. Finally, I think that doing things that make me happy really motivates me to do well and embrace whatever it is that I am doing. Whenever I enjoy what I am doing, I end up being successful, because I am very dedicated and enthusiastic about it. I think happiness is definitely a key to success. Furthermore, what motivates me to do photography specifically is the final product. I love taking photos and then being able to view them later and look back on fond memories. The ability to capture special moments in time is incredible, and that is a big part of what motivates me to do photography.

In order to help me be successful, the best thing that the teacher can do for me is provide me with constructive feedback. I heavily value other peoples' opinions when I am working on projects, so this would undoubtedly help me be successful.