Grad Reviews

Brooks Dierdorff had some really interesting work displayed during Grad Reviews. His works directed at hunting culture referenced different aspects of the sport and its prey. In one piece a large print was displayed facing the wall and curled back towards the Arrow that pinned it. Another was a segmented print that was divided by two lights, which cast light on the image in order to demonstrate deer vision. On the opposing wall, Dierdorff displayed a series of works that explored the boundaries of inkjet printing. This series of work was particularly interesting to me because it coincided with the same approach that I have taken to my final project. His exploration of color and quality limitations ended up creating beautiful abstract prints.

A couple other artists in mediums other than photography utilized scanners and photocopiers or explored limitations of the digital in their work. Seeing the different approaches and interests was inspiring and encouraging as I continued to work through my final project. It was a bit of unexpected motivation.

Final Project Contact Sheets

Final Project Proposal

For my final project I want to continue to explore alternative approaches to digital photographic techniques. For my last project I utilized a basic at-home scanner as my camera. By removing the lid and lifting it up the scanner provided a very minimal depth of field, which presented a segmented picture plane and a very interesting effect. The movement of the scanner from my inability to hold it perfectly still was registered in the final image as very thin (almost unnoticeable from viewing distance) vertical lines. Similarly, the printable image size was determined through the speed/quality of the scans, which I set relatively low. This was because the high quality scans were much slower and posed a challenge for me to remain still for that period of time. The limitations, however, provided an interesting effect that helped strengthen the final images in the project. For my next project I would like to further explore staging of the subject matter and possibly some still life as well. I am interested in continuing this investigation of different approaches to the digital photographic process and here are some of my ideas for the technical side of things:

Scanning film.

Shooting all of my images using color film, I am interested in setting up staged scenes as the basic subject for the images. From there I want to scan in the negatives and use software such as Lightroom and Camera Raw to manipulate and edit them. By combining the techniques involved in both types of photography I can try to close the division and explore their compatibility.

Over-enlarging dimensions to achieve a pixilated look.

Shooting with the digital camera, I am interested in either starting with a small file format or converting after editing. Then printing at 17” x 22” will create a pixilated effect. This technique would consist of still life shots or landscapes. I think the final images could transform into almost a cubist or impressionistic aesthetic and really draw their strength from becoming abstracted by the process.

Screen shots

Using the web cam on my computer as the lens or setting up the image on the computer screen, I would capture screen shots and then edit and print them. I’ve also been interested in using this technique as a means of appropriating movie stills. Another option is to address how people Skype to spend time with loved ones, screen shots as snap-shots of these moments that we can’t be in the same room for.

Because I am working with the nuances of digital imperfections, I believe these images will be most effective if printed at 17” x 22” on luster photo paper. I think I will begin by exploring all of these possibilities and then continue with one after evaluating how well each one comes across.

I like the idea of utilizing the limitations of digital approach to my advantage. There is a trend that is pushing for the capabilities of digital cameras and software to become more and more flawless in order to achieve the perfect image with the perfect colors and resolution. High definition is becoming the standard and all of the sudden amateur photographers can disguise themselves as professionals because of their ability to purchase the top-notch equipment. Yet, there is also a movement towards the aesthetic of the imperfection and deterioration of vintage photography. I want to address all of the above through embracing the imperfections and deteriorations of the digital world and use them to the advantage of fine art.

Panorama

Gregory Crewdson

Gregory Crewdson’s work is highly influenced by film. His work becomes a full-blown production utilizing lighting equipment, a management crew, and even sometimes a set. And although he isn’t creating a film, his work always becomes a narrative, which pulls the viewer into spiraling interpretations of potential explanations for the work. Drawing influence from great American directors like Alfred Hitchcock and David Lynch, Crewdson’s work also tends to have a dark and mysterious reoccurring theme, which is emphasized by his use of lighting and staging.

I’m really drawn to Crewdson’s work because of its cinematic qualities. I love that he is able to tell a story with one image. Where photography is most frequently understood as ‘in the moment’, he draws out the process (literally) and gains control of every single aspect of the final images. That extent of control and deliberation is rarely seen or associated with photography.  

Project 4 Final Images