Landscape: Activity 5

Depth

Picture by Megan Arnold

 Using foreground subject matter to create a sense of depth is a crucial element of any good photograph that aims to establish a sense of depth. First off, this image uses a few different subjects to establish that depth. One is the large tree on the left side, followed by the road and the wooden (mini) pillars, and then the large tree on the right. All of these elements carry on through the image and decrease in size as the distance between where I stood and where they stood. The image is likely to be read with a sense of longing and desolation (just the time of year) but also one of curiosity that is fueled by the great distance that is portrayed. If one focuses on the road itself it also conveys a slight sense of motion.

Landscape: Activity 4

Effects of Closed and Open Landscape Photographs

 

Closed Landscape

Megan Arnold, Sedona 2013

The closed landscape above is read as a comforting place that has room for "questions" and thoughts as to what is covered by the tree and where the river leads to. In this sense, it has a tinge of mystery and intrigue that many don't realize to begin with. (I didn't allow myself enough processing time in Photoshop to accentuate the colors.. oops) Moreover, it is nothing like the following image...

Open Landscape

Megan Arnold, Sedona 2013

 Open landscape images leave no room for questions or mysterious moods. Taken on a cloudy and somewhat dreary evening, the photograph was hindered slightly but oh well; I still like it. This image looks nothing like the above picture and is read in an entirely different manner. Everything in the frame is clearly seen and there is no area of detail that is left out. The horizon line can be seen clearly and there is detail in every minute area of the frame. In addition, it has less elements of leading lines and other photographic techniques and is mostly "there" to showcase the beautiful landscape of Sedona, Arizona.

Both images taken by myself, Megan Arnold, on November 4, 2013

Landscape: Activity 3

Photographs vs. Paintings

Expressive possibilities, similarities, and means of expression.

"Eiffel Tower" - Cindy Winter

This painting of the Eiffel Tower is open to many expressive possibilities in that the painter can decide which colors they wish to use, which point of view they will paint the tower from, and which details will be included in the painting. Here, Winters made the background contrast with the Tower but the colors chosen also complement the Tower. Winters' means of expression is also complex yet simplified - she excluded most of the Eiffel Tower's structural detail as well as the detail in the trees, which makes for an interesting point of view. The viewer is able to focus on the painting but is not able to focus on the details that they know are present on the tower. Winters' expression with this painting falls along the lines that we can see the tower but, in reality, we cannot see the tower.

"Eiffel Tower from Below" - Fredrik on fredriksadventures.com

This image by Fredrik has a few similarities to the painting above; it is taken from, relatively, the same point of view, the colors and content are similar, and the details of the structure are discernible. Fredrik does not have as many options as to what the atmosphere of the image has, what colors and tone are used, and from which angle the image is taken (to some extent). Expression is also a bit more difficult for the photographer in that he is limited to what is presented before him rather than what he is artistically capable of.