American Soldier- Photos Make The Story

Set 1 - at home  - Image 1 to Image 3
Set 2 - basic training - Image 4 to Image 13
Set 3 - in Iraq - Image 14 to Image 27

Which set of images was the most powerful? Why?

The set of images that was the most powerful was when he was in Iraq because that's where all his handwork is being payed off and that's where the most danger is at. What is unique about this set of photographs is that it does not only focus on the man but also on his surroundings and captures both their and his emotions, and you are able to see how they both work together. 


How do the images work together to tell a story?

The images work together to tell a story because it captures the man's transformation as he leaves his home and starts basic training. Not only is he changed physically, the photos are able to document his mental change of mind. The photos become even more enriched with emotion as he goes into Iraq because you can tell he has become more toughed by all the weapons and danger around him. 

 For the photos in which Ian is the main subject of the photos, in what tense are the verbs usually written?

The verbs are written in present tense.

How do the captions enhance the photographs?

The captions enhance the photographs because they make you feel as though you are right there while that moment is happening. It lets you know the background information of the photograph and goes into specific detail that usually would not be included in an article. 

Summarize the story of Ian Fisher, based just on the captions. 

Ian Fisher goes into the army right after graduating high school, but soon begins to feel out of place because of his injuries. While in training, he goes through physical and mental challenges because the program is designed to affect you that way. He is well liked and gets along well with the other troops and is successful in his missions. After serving in Iraq, he comes homes and marries his girlfriend, with the thought he is done serving. 

Self Portrait and Portraits Part I

Best Tips 

1. Focus upon one body part -get close up
2. Play with backgrounds
3. Alter your perspective


Environmental Portraits 

I like this photograph because although the background isn't simple, it is still focused on the girl sitting on the bed very easily. I like how the subject is right in the middle and her surrounding easily convey a story. You can tell it is dark outside, and maybe even cold because she is covering herself with a blanket, and you may also assume she is a student because there is a notebook next to her. 

I picked this photo because its very raw and emotional, although its just composed of a man sitting against a wall. The man's facial expression puts the whole photograph together and his clothes and surroundings just add to it. I think it can be hard to accomplish a photo like this, and a very good job was done here. 

Self Portrait 

I picked this photograph because its colors really stood out to me. I like how the hue of the photograph is the same, but the shades of blue are different. It's interesting how the subject is looking out somewhere, making you wonder what is outside the space of what the camera lens can capture. 

This is a very interesting photograph because you don't know what the subject truly looks like, and end up looking at Marilyn Monroe from a magazine page. The photograph and the picture are perfectly lined up, when you look at it for the very first time, you almost think that is actually the woman. 

Casual 

I like this photograph because the woman is framed which I think always makes the picture more pleasing to look at. The colors of the photograph complement each other very well and again the photograph conveys a story and makes you wonder what the woman is looking out to. 

I picked this photograph because it's very candid and you are able to see everything that the baby is doing and looking at. The colors and surroundings make you feel very happy which I think makes a great photo. 

I have two ideas of what I want to shoot. I want to take a picture of one of my friends and either have it be a close up or a part of their body (not including their face). I would want to take these photographs in a lively place, such as downtown, sixth street or zilker. What I will do to make my photograph successful (if i do a close up of the face) is play with the eye contact and find a busy/interesting background and blur it out but you will still be able to make out what it is. If I decide to take pictures of their bodies, I would probably take it in portrait and have a lively background and try to incorporate depth in it. 

Love and Loss Warm-up

1. What emotions did you feel as you worked your way through these images?

As I first started looking at the photographs, I knew about the story but still felt hope because they were so positive and raw. The photographs were shot at a close angle which gave a feeling of intimacy. But as I began to scroll down, some of the photos made me feel almost uncomfortable because it was such an invasion of privacy. I know that if I were in that situation, I wouldn't want anyone to see me in that sort of state. At the very end, I felt sad because reality had kicked in, and if you look at the very first photograph, the woman is beautiful and happy, and then when you get to one of the last ones, she's sick, looks older and worn out. It scares me because beauty and health don't last forever, and this is a prime example. 

2. The photographer said this: "These photographs do not define us, but they are us." What do you think about this comment now that you have looked at the photos?

What I think this comment means is, yes these photographs are us, and you are looking into part of our lives. But there is so much more to a person, which you simply can't capture with a camera lense, and that includes, their past and their mind and thoughts they perceive. 

3. Do you think you could shoot photos like this if you were in this situation?

I don't think I would be able to shoot photos like this becuase when there are negatives in my life, I try to stay away from them as much as possible. And capturing the negatives and having them to look back on is too much for me to handle. I might be able to take photos of the person when they are in a happy, but not at difficult times. 

4. If you could write Angelo a letter, what would you say to him?

I would start out by saying that his work is beautiful and inspiring. It shows the challenges of life and what one person can handle. To me, the defintion of a great photograph is when you look at it, you are able to feel a strong emotion and see the story behind it. And it every single one of the photos, those elements were loudly present. I would also say that he is incredibly strong to be able to capture one of the toughest parts of his life, and then share it with the world. 

Rules of Photography Part II

Rule of Thirds 

Background

Depth 

Framing 

Viewpoint 

Lines 

Repetition 

Balance 

Cropping 

Mergers