India Master | Digital Photography SP2019: February 2019

Monday, February 25, 2019

Assignment 3: Depth of Field

F-Stop/Aperture 4.0 | Shutter Speed 1/3,200 | ISO 16,000

F-Stop/Aperture 25 | Shutter Speed 1/60 | ISO 16,000

Reading Assignment 2

What is the author’s thesis?

The author's thesis proves that interpreting images does not necessarily mean that

the viewer has knowledge of the medium or the context. He also proves that the

viewer can also analyze the image in a factual perspective and then be more creative

interpretation when trying to connect with the image and the artist intent for the photo.
What examples does he use to support the thesis?

The example he uses is an image called Dead Troops Talk which illustrates dead and wounded soldiers in battle. He goes in-depth with what the image actually portrays, making it more factual and descriptive, and then he changes to an interpretation which consist of more creative description and ideas.
In your own words, how does Barrett define interpretation?

Barrett defines interpretation as the viewers' ability to connect to it based on their prior knowledge. The viewer has to be able to understand the context of the photo and artist as well as the time of which the work was done in order to understand what it represents and reveals itself to be. It allows the viewers to make a criticism within reason.
According to Barrett, why is interpretation important in criticism of photographs?

Interpretation is important in criticism as it allows the viewers to fully grasp the importance and significance of the image. The criticism helps the photographer's vision become more concise and clear to the viewer and gives them the opportunity to be more creative in their thoughts. Barrett brings up the point that newspaper images are factual, and therefore do not require criticism; yet other photographs that can potentially depicts a more abstract life is free to full criticism.
In Chapter 3 Barrett gives examples of various interpretations from different “interpretive perspectives” and “interpretive strategies” - choose one that stood out, surprised you, or interested you in some way and discuss why.

Johnathan Green's interpretation stood out to me, as I found it a bit different to my interpretation of the image.cGreen depicts her as "the word made flesh" which reminds me of biblical terminology describing God. I view Eleanor as a woman that is attempting to be confident and yet she is still wanting to be reclusive. It is a though she is trying to overcome her vulnerabilities and sharing them with the camera alone.
In your own words, what is/are the main point(s) the author is trying to make in the section “‘Right’ Interpretations”?

Barrett point is that the "right" interpretation varies based on the artist and the critics. The interpretation the critics give can be different, some being better than other, and yet they are all equally valuable as they both represent similar and/or different viewpoints. Interpretations are based on the knowledge of the subject and it having meaning within the context. Criticism has to have reason in order for it to have meaning.
In your own words, what is/are the main point(s) the author is trying to make in the section “Interpretations and the Artist’s Intent”?

Barrett is making it clear that the relationship between the interpretation of the viewers and critics in comparison to the artist's intended interpretation. Artists can sometimes have the intent to invoke one emotion and then critics will have a vary different reaction to the photo. Artist may also allow their photos to be lead through their subconscious so that their intent is a bit blurred and can allow themselves to interpret their own images. There are also times when the artist's interpretation influences the critic's and therefore that interpretation is solidified as factual.
Write about two other key points that you learned from this week’s reading.

Other key points Barrett makes is that interpretation is meaningful to the viewer; it would be that the audience had a personal connection with the work. He also made it clear that having a "community of interpretations" is important because people within it are well informed. These people consist of art dealers, collectors, conservationist, etc. These people use interpretations to have a better understanding of the work.
Summarize - what is the author’s conclusion?

The author want it clear that interpretations of images are different cased on a person's knowledge on the image, the context, and their means of connecting to it. The artist intent can be different based on if they want the audience to see something specific or if they want to explore their subconscious in order create their own interpretations as well. Critics come with various interpretations based on their understanding of the image and it is completely normal for them to have different and creative interpretations.

Monday, February 11, 2019

Reading Assignment 1: Describing Photographs

What is the author’s thesis?

The importance of a description for an image. It is important to explain the image in a considerable way; being able to explain the significance and details in an image allows the the audience to understand the artist's point of view.

What examples does he use to support the thesis?

The exhibition that he uses is Avedon's "In the American West", where its goal is to depict the image of the American west and the contrast in the lifestyles. Discussing the style and the subject of the images are interesting to the exhibition.

In your own words, how does Barrett define: 

Description: He definition of description is similar to the understanding of how information is stored. Meaning that person viewing this image will be able to see this picture and can interpret its meaning. It is their way of interpreting the image to their understanding/comprehension.
Subject and Subject Matter: It is being able to identify the object in the image as the atmosphere the object is in it. It could contrast from the object being positive and the surroundings be negative. It is mostly the ability to capture the tone of the background and the
Form: This is the way that is the art is displayed. The audience has a view of the art based on how the artist arranged it, as well as its location and placement; an art piece in MET may not have a place in MOMA.
Medium: Medium is the the art form. It could be the a photo, a painting or a sculpture. This art form gives meaning to itself and therefore give meaning for the person viewing it.
Style: Style is the artist's interpretation of the piece in the hope that he could convey it to their audience. The artist's style is a form of expressionism that is specific to them and their creativity, making it different to each artist.

In your own words, summarize what Barrett means when he refers to:

Comparing and Contrasting: Comparing and Contrasting is the ability to see the differences and similarities in an art piece. It is artist comparing their work to their previous works and to another artist's work.
Internal and External Sources of Information: Having an internal source of information pertains to the information derived from the subject. Getting external sources of information allows the artist to include the history and factual information pertaining to the artwork.

In your own words, summarize Barrett’s position on the relationship between:

Description and Interpretation: The relationship between description and interpretation depends on the critics understanding of the physical image and their understanding of the art. They are able to conceptualize the art to their own experiences, which will enhance their experience of viewing the exhibition.
Description and Evaluation: The relationship between description and interpretation is based on the being descriptive of artwork in relationship to other works. It is the critics ability to compare the standards of the artwork in comparison to the artist's previous work as well as works of other artists.

Write a concluding paragraph that includes:

The author explains the significance of image descriptions. The author explains that descriptions allow the audience to view the image as "window rather than a picture". The images give the audience the ability to conceptualize the work using their own experiences. The author wanted it clear that descriptions are extremely important for the artist to truly convey their thoughts to the critics. I thought that some of the images were interesting, as they were not necessary traditional; yet they gave me a sense of unsettledness as I am not to familiar with the concept.