world of bobbyp.

For my last assignment, I really wanted to explore the world of photography. This is assignment is something I looked forward to, and now i get to showcase some amazing photos and a specific style. I have looked all over to find the origin of this style of photography and it seems to come back to a fellow names Carl Weese; A photographer from the 90’s who became a influential for many upcoming followers. Bokeh, is the style of photography and it comes from the japanese word ‘boke’ which mean blur or haze. The best way to describe these photos is, the subject is the centre and in clear focus, when the background is blurred out. This is usually shot with a shallow depth of field, but the same effect can be shown in post production. Upon more research it seems like Mike Johnston was a massive influential for this style. Way back in 97, when is was in about grade four, he commissioned three papers on the topic. It was Mike Johnston himself who actually altered the spelling of the word. There are many photographers who set the trends, but the main influential in my opinion is Mike Johnston. He exposed the world to this kind of photography, and has it paid off. With all the advances in technology and the ability of post production, its hard to tell what images are not edited. 

When it comes to the images I chose, I really thought about what photos stuck out to me the most, images that moved me right away, or made me think. I am a sucker for things that look good, or even composition techniques. 

The first image I chose, was a photo the lay parallel to what Bokeh photography is. Shot by Jena Rose, “Thirsty for Bokeh” was a image that just oozed out textbook Bokeh. The image is all captured in camera, and the seems to be little to no post production. Jena used rule of thirds very well here, and the balance of color is not over saturated. Now what makes this similar to early Bokeh work is basically the set up. One image to focus on with a very shallow depth of field. This photo came out remarkably well, and doing some research online, it has been featured and even pined on Pinterest.

http://jenipho.deviantart.com/art/Thirsty-For-Bokeh-137755007?q=1&qo=1

Just like the first image, this second one follows the same principles.  This shot is extremely well lit, and the subject is able to pop right off the screen. I never thought cardboard boxes could look so cute. There is not much add to this image, I really just wanted to showcase it to the world. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jnap/4386154663/in/photostream

Beside his creative online name, Mr. Moog aka Lee, has a very creative Bokeh shot that  really took me surprise. I am still wondering how he did this. It really boggles my mind. Now since he a professional photo retoucher for a modeling agency in the UK, i want to say it could have been some post production work... regardless the photo came out amazing. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/moogy/3024953945/

This image did stand out to me, mainly because, the focus of this picture is out of focus and is the main subject of the image. I could not find any information on the photographer, however it seems like this shot was more of a freestyle. There are no specific composition techniques, nor is the an in focus subject. Never the less, this image came out beautiful, it really shows how spherical lights can look magical. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/moonjuice/2074479547

I think i have a thing for cups... this last image is the first Bokeh photo i ever laid my eyes on. Again it is a cup with the blurry lights in the background, however, the way the photo was composed shows the photographer took his time. This shot has been featured on many “Amazing Bokeh” blogs, and will always be one of my favorites. This photograph shows everything right with photography and creativity. 

http://krawat93.deviantart.com/art/Fallen-cup-114117368

Andre Kertsz was a Hungarian photographer who changed the photography world in many way, with composition techniques and photo essays

Henri Cartier-Bresson was a French photographer who was considered to be the father or modern photojournalism. Henri also helped develop “street photography”, influencing many photographers who followed. 

Eugene Smith was an American World War II photojournalist who refused to compromise professional standards and showed the world his brutally vivid war photos. 

Sebastiao Salgado is a Brazilian social documentary photographer and photojournalist. A highly recognized world photographer, whom has been awarded many time for his accomplishments.

What are the main differences and similarities?

With all photographers there are many similarities, they all used cameras... and had fingers to press the shutter button... thats about it. However, with these specific photographers what I noticed was how their images told stories, they were able to move someone, evoke some emotion, even showcase raw emotions. The story was the most important, it did not need to be accurate, often allowing the viewers mind to go wild. When it came to limits, there were none, these photographers would often shoot anything around them, and later in the darkroom dispose of photos that they deemed we not great. 

By:Andre Kertsz

By:Sebastiao Salgado

With similarities, there comes many differences. The main differences I found were Kertesz and Cartier-Bresson we strict oh how they edited their photos. The rule was simple to them, the didn't edit them at all. Where as Smith and Sebastiao would offer edit their photos in post production for lighting and different exposure settings. 

By:Eugene Smith

What’s the better journalistic approach?

In my opinion, since Smith and Sebastiao would take more time to perfect their images, the would be a better approach. In regards to the NPPA code of ethics regarding photo manipulation, Smith and Sebastiao would be looked down upon. Though this made their images look better it took away the real raw emotion form the images and sometimes altered the story of the photos. 

By:Henri Cartier-Bresson

Art Photo #1

  Source: http://media.techeblog.com/elephant//ul/50387-450x-a_4.jpg

Art Photo #2

Source: http://www.andric.biz/#/folio

Press Photo #1 

Source:http://www.worldpressphoto.org/photo/2012-remi-ochlik-gns1-al?gallery=2634

Title: Battle For Lybia

Press Photo # 2 

Source: http://www.worldpressphoto.org/photo/2011kemaljufripns2-al?gallery=890

Title: Wrath Of The Fire Mountian

BobbyP... What is the main differences and similarities between art and press photography?

When it comes to photography, there is a very distinct line between art and press photography. Both an art form in their own ways, press photography is more journalism; a way to capture news and tell stories. Press photos are raw images in their unedited form, free from any photo manipulation. Press photographers have a strict code of ethics that they must abide by in order to remain credible. Both art and press photography have the ability to evoke some kind of emotion, this is their one main similarity. Art photography consists of anything in the photographer’s imagination; often shots are planned unlike press photos. These shots are taken with a creative and artistic perspective, in some cases, heavily manipulated. The code of ethics for an art photographer does not give strict guidelines to what is acceptable; it is more of a guideline for maintaining positive business practices.

Is it ethical and acceptable to alter art photographs? Why? Why not?

Altering photos is just one of the steps used by some photographers. Photoshop and Aperture are just one of the tools used, just like a DSLR, these programs can truly help the artist produce the art piece they were dreaming of. Artists are full of creativity and are willing to push their skill to the limits, from minimalistic artwork to completely manipulated photos, all levels of editing are completely acceptable. Much like music producer, video compositor, or even a painter, editing and manipulating their art is a part of the process that should not be overlooked.

Is it ethical and acceptable to alter press photographs? Why? Why not?

Altering press photos in unacceptable. Press photos are a piece of journalism that has the ability to form the opinions of many viewers. There are very strict guidelines set in place to make sure that the photos are unbiased and display the correct emotion. Depending on the reach of the photo, many viewers can be manipulated in to believe a false truth. The code of ethics must be followed and mentions, “[e]diting should maintain the integrity of the photographic images' content and context. Do not manipulate images or add or alter sound in any way that can mislead viewers or misrepresent subjects.” When it comes to editing, the only feature of a photo that a press photographer may edit is, color and exposure. 

References:

http://www.photography-schools.com/photojournalismhistory.htm

http://nppa.org/professional_development/business_practices/ethics.html

BobbyP.....What's the role of photo journalism? Are there rules that photojournalists should follow? Why? Why not? 

Photojournalism to was just a collaboration of images. I never thought much about it, my belief was that if you were a photographer, you could be a photojournalist. Upon research, its more to tell a story with images. The images usually have meaning and are relative to the topic that is being discussed. For example, there would not be a picture of a cute dog playing in the backyard, in a photo essay about 9/11, that would be considered out of context, and I would honestly question the photojournalist credibility. I believe the role of photojournalism is to bring forward a concept or idea through images. They must be true stories and the journalist must have a unbiassed and fair opinion. Their are always rules and regulations the one should follow in any line of work, but there are always many unwritten rules. With photojournalism, you would always want to get the permission of the person that is being photographed. Some people may have concerns or might like to be shot in a specific way. One thing the journalist should keep in mind is the reader. Shooting war photos for adults can be different from shooting war photos that children may see. Though there is post production editing and manipulation, this is where the ethics of photojournalism come in. There are official NPPA (National Press Photographers Association) code of ethics and rules, and they can be found at http://www.nppa.org/professional_development/business_practices/ethics.html. My opinion is, if you think you shouldn’t do it, it probably is a good idea not to. 

BobbyP....Is the ethics of taking journalistic photos different than the ethics of writing a news story?

In both instances you are in communicating a real story, therefore the validity of the piece would have to follow the same code of ethics. Photojournalists accompany their images with statements, those would fall under the same scrutiny as a written piece. 

BobbyP..... What's the impact of altering press photographs? Should they be edited (at all) in postproduction?

Altering a photo can be seen in many ways, there can be editing to full manipulation. The NPPA code of ethics explicitly states, “[d]o not manipulate images or add or alter sound in any way that can mislead viewers or misrepresent subjects.” Manipulation is strictly forbidden and can possibly sway the viewer opinion. Any post-production work should focus only on color correction and or exposure problems. However, bags under eyes, stains on clothing, and even, unsettling background images must stay. In addition, using artist filters (sorry instagrammers) to add a dramatic effect are against the NPPA rules. 

This is what happens when you are caught manipulating photos.

If you are reading this and you know me, I’m sure you can agree with this. I, Bobby Panesar, love to take pictures. It is one of the main reason I purchased an iPhone, it has an amazing camera, and at that time, it was the only platform with Instagram. The first photo I manipulated was a picture I had taken earlier this year. If you go through my Instagram you will see many kinds of pictures. A bunch of them are of sceneries. Something about sunsets and clouds gets me going... not in that way though. This year, a group of friends and I drove 3 hours to Sauble beach, and it was well worth it. I took this awesome picture when I was leaving. It is of the sun, and you’ll notice the post. Yes, I meant for that to be in the picture, i felt if it wasn’t in there, the picture would be too perfect. 

Now comes my manipulation. I am a nerd that loves anything to do with space. I could watch the NASA channel for hours, and I wish one day to go to an observatory, and just look out in the sky. 

This is my creation.  I started with adding the Moon and stars in the sky. I used a brush I found online to assist with color correcting the moon. After I placed it in its position, I put a overlay filter on so it meshed well with the rest of the picture. Next, I wanted to add some thing extravagant to the image, whats better then a MARS rover... Katy Perry, yes I know. After finding an usable picture, I had to color correct, and edit it a lot. I had to erase the background, and even erase the sky from racks on top of the rover. After, the sand needed to blend well, so I used a eraser with a really low threshold, so it would only erase a little bit. Once I was happy with the image, I did a overall color correction to make the image more yellower, and now if Mars had a beach on it, this is how it would probably look. 

For my next image, I used a picture of my self, Im 22, 6’2.... this is another picture I pulled form my Instagram. I took this picture for really no reason. I remember I was Facetiming a friend and she happened to say that my eyes really “popped”. I thought maybe this was the best time to take a picture and see what it actually looked like. I did need to shave, but that a different situation. I don’t think there is really another way to explain this picture.

Since its that time of year, when I say that time, I mean the scary time when all on fridays, you get together with your friends and watch some horror movies. So naturally, I wanted to make a scary picture. What I first did was remove my face. I covered up my eyes, nose and mouth, but, I did not think it was scary enough. Then I realized I had this empty space behind me, so naturally what could be scary then some obscure character behind me...I have no other witty comment, sorry. I thought the girl from the move, “The Grudge” would work the best. After finding a picture, I was lucky enough that it was about the same tone of green so very littler color correction was needed, I just had to crop around her image. Lastly, I thought what happens when a ghost is around, and then I remembered many movies that showed electronics messing up. Voila, we have a manipulated picture. Now, its not that scary, however, I shows my awesome photoshop skills. 

I did use Photoshop to edit both images. I am happy with the way the first one came out. The Moon is large, but, who actually know how big it would look when you are on Mars, I’m sure it would be tiny. 

My Sources:

For my photos:

http://statigr.am/viewer.php#/myPhotos/

Grudge girl:

http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac348/TorinPrix/grudgegirl.jpg

Rover (http://grinch7.deviantart.com) :

When something is reproduced for so many times is that art? What's the importance of the mechanical reproducibility of the art? What was the impact on mechanical reproducibility on the society?

In my opinion reproduced piece of art is still art. It can express what one really take away from the image, and can show a different side to the piece which may have be overlooked before. Reproduction art may sometimes be seen as a cheaper form by where originals are for the more rich and wealthily. However reproductions make art more accessible. For example Justin Bua’s painting “DJ” has been reproduced many times, but thats what made it cross borders and make its way out of US. Mechanically reproducing a piece can enhance it or make it available to the public, with out damaging the original. This might veer off topic and may be completely wrong but what comes to my mind was a scene from a Mr. Bean movie. He sneezes on the real Mona Lisa and completely destroys it. He fixes his mistake but cutting the canvas and putting a poster in its place. Now if that piece was reproduced and not the original, it would have been safe. Having reproduced at means that the originals are safe and that the art is available everywhere. If it wasn't for mechanical reproduction, most of the art we are aware about would not even be known to us. 

Is photography art, or contribution to the art? Is it just a tool used by artists?

Is music an art? Im sure if you asked a producer that, they would say yes. What about the way someone dances, it can be viewed as a form of art, so why can’t photography be considered the same. Art is something to me that evokes emotion. Just the way a violinist can give my body goosebumps, a photographer can move me with his work. That to me is the definition of art. 

How and why Henry Pitch Robinson created  Fading Away? What was the reason?

Fading Away was created by Henry Pitch in 1858. I saw this picture for the first time today, and i knew right away that it was morbid. I felt uncomfortable looking at it because he depicts the death of a young girl, surrounded by her family. HE created this piece using 5 negatives that later he combined into one. His brains we behind the production of this piece, showing how near death he could make the young girl look with this medium. 

Photography has impacted the world of art and influenced some changes in the area of accessibility to art. If mechanical reproduction created revolution, what is happening now with the digitalization?

   Photography is all around us and over the years it has impacted the world greatly. What shows us this the most is advertisements, there once was a time where all the pictures where just illustration. At one point if you told someone that you could have a mobile phone and a camera in one, they would have laughed at you. But with the accessibility today with smartphone and digital SLR cameras, digitalization is like a bullet that no one can stop. With the invention of social media, the accessibility of art has greatly increased over the last two years.