Photography Assignments

To prepare for the trip, we had a class on how to take good photographs with our cell phones.

We used online resources to get information on how to do this as well:

3 Easy Tips for Photographing Details in a Scene

Dr. Santana-Rogers gave us some training on types of photo shots, tips, and techniques for obtaining effective photos. We went over composition, light, and distance. The lectures can be found below:

Resources for Photo Ideas and Examples

https://trip101.com/article/souvenirs-argentina

https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/gaucho-argentina?page=2&phrase=gaucho%20argentina&sort=mostpopular

Assignments

Instructions: Please read the power point presentation, view the videos suggested in the presentation, complete the assignment given in the presentation and upload it. This assignment is due on January 5, 2022 by 6 PM. All homework is due at 6 PM, not midnight.

Choose two photographs (https://eap.bl.uk/archive-file/EAP207-3-1 )

What do you see in the photograph? Where are the subjects, How is their pose?, What objects are around them?

Photo 3

The objective of the photograph is to illustrate a daily ritual in the countryside.  In the photo we can observe a group of 5 men (some sitting down and some standing looking down at the men playing cards).  It could be a moment after the work is done when the gauchos are sitting down to rest and to find some form of entertainment (cards and talking).  One of the men is drinking mate.  In the background we can see an empty carriage which is on its side since the horses have apparently been let loose, probably to get some rest and food as well.  The photo also shows cooking implements such as a kettle and a small pot.   I think the photo is framed in a way that clearly conveys the message of an easy-going camaraderie among the men as they prepare to rest.

Photo 11

This photo illustrates a moment in the life of a family in the countryside.  The house is made of wood and straw, demonstrating that the family is probably poor.  The woman is grinding something, probably wheat to make bread.  Meanwhile the young man is sitting down  talking to a small girl who is holding a mate container.  A sheep hangs from the rafters, indicating that it will be the family’s dinner once it is dried up.  In the background we can observe a carriage with a loose horse nearby.  The photo would seem to be taken after the work is done and before dinnertime.  A guitar can also be seen leaning against the side of the house, indicating that music will probably be played at some point in the evening.

I believe that the composition of the photo is well-balanced, with objects in the foreground and the background that complement each other rather than competing with each other. It does a great job of showing a quotidian moment in the life of a family.

Homework (Slide 5):

1. Select one photo from the video Witness and
2. Analyze it for your students.
3. Upload (or describe which photo you selected) and description together. Your description should be more than 100 words.

I chose this photo because it very powerfully illustrates the fear that a very close encounter between two opponents can engender.  In the photo, we can see two young men, probably of similar ages, forced to be in an extremely close proximity.  One of the men is seemingly in a position of power since he is the one patting down and searching the other man.  However, his face shows a great deal of fear and distrust.  You can almost feel the fear that he has that the man could have explosives strapped to his body under his clothing.  The other man is standing tense with arms wide open in a very vulnerable position.  Although we cannot see his face, the position of the arms and head signal an extremely uncomfortable position both physically and psychologically.  In my view, the picture depicts the geopolitical positions of both sides of the conflict.

Homework (Slide 6):

This picture was taken by me on June 2011. The occasion was a speech that Bolivian president Evo Morales was giving in La Paz’s main plaza.  Hundreds of people came to the listen to him and pay their respects.  In the picture, we can see a band of indigenous musicians playing traditional instruments.  They seem to be totally oblivious to the crowd and are intent on providing music for the president.  The significance of this photo is that indigenous people such as the ones depicted in the photo were not even allowed into the plaza until a few decades ago.  The inauguration of Evo Morales was a step forward in achieving the recognition that this sector of the population needs as an integral part of the nation.