Documenting the Ordinary

Documentary photography shows us exactly what our world looks like at any given moment in time. Whether the pictures are bleak or playful, they all serve a historically significant purpose. The camera is a powerful tool for communicating visual information to others, describing the world in which we all live but cannot wholly see.

Assignment

For this first assignment, you will photograph the Urban Landscape of downtown Abilene, and its surrounding areas (Pine St.  Treadaway St, etc.). Suggestions: look for strong elements—architectural details, lines and other forms, reflected surfaces, isolated elements – details of objects, textures, typography, etc.

Criteria

• Total number of final images: 5
• Print Size: 8×10, mounted on white matte-board (14×16)
• Email final images. They will be compiled for an online display in our blog (email to nil.santana@acu.edu) Presentation – Thursday, Sep 25th (works must be ready for critique at the beginning of class)

Grade Criteria
• Research 10 points: go online and look for some inspiration, photographer’s works, etc.
• Concept, Creativity 50 points: apply some composition techniques you’ve learned, but also try something different.
• Execution/technique 20 points: make sure you have well-exposed images, in-focus, presenting good contrast.
• Visual/Verbal Presentation 20points: articulate about your images, and critique the other works.

Student Samples:

by Yvette Torres    by Mara Fleet   by Bailey Evans          by Chase Martin       by Glenn Halbert          by Lauren St. John by Evan Marks by Leanne Kawahigashi by Amy Castleberry