Tuesday, 29 November 2011

Virtual Essay


The photographer I have chosen is celebrity photographer Los Angeles Jerry Avenaim, who is ranked at the top of the profession by advertising and fashion. His work contains a focal point on portrait photography of higher end clientele. Jerry has photographed fashion and celebrity for magazines including Vogue, Newsweek , and Glamour . His particular work has been seen as emotional and are all about bringing out the best in all of his models. Jerry is familiar with most celebrities and knows they are not truly comfortable in front of a camera, yet they are all performers and overachievers. He quotes,” If they feel simpatico with their photographer, the results can be incredibly rewarding and lasting."
Jerry Avenaim’s celebrity photographer organically unite the delicately of his subjects with his ability to bring out their personalities. His photos demonstrate the success of what is seen over what is not seen.








America Ferrarra
The first photograph is of actress America Ferrarra , taken from MegaGoGo webpage, photo credit Jerry Avamin. This photo is similar to Jerry’s work with respects to the emotion on America’s face. Jerry enjoys shooting his celebrity photography, because it allows him to have so much great esteem for the actor or actress and their craft. He embraces the miracles and uniqueness that comes with the celebrity and tells them to bring it to the camera.
Jerry promotes his work at it’s best when he knows his model is comfortable and relaxed and open to the camera. In this particular photo, he allows America to feel free and happy. It almost feels as if the wind is blowing hard and the cold air is making her smile. To make this great photograph the model needs to be engaged and given direction. I feel it is not enough for one to accept whatever a model is doing and take a picture. This photo is a mind-blowing of America Ferrara.





 Chris Evans
This next photo is of famous actor Chris Evans taken from his photo shoot Magazine. Here, Chris is seen sitting on a stool, laid back trying to think about certain things that may have happened in his life. His posture and hand movement add dramatically to the photo, making it more realistic. Jerry did a wonderful touch by adding black and white into the photo to make the picture stand out more. I personally feel, the lighting and contract works well with the black and white. Jerry does not only take photos of models, he has a well published blog and upcoming photography news with many of the celebrities and upcoming events.


Patricia Arguitee

 Here we have, celebrity Patricia Arquitee modeling for Jerry Avenima’s portfolio. As you see, there is tension and stress with this particular photo. Patricia’s dark eye contact and the way she is holding the cigarette explains a lot about her mood. To get this particular side of Patricia, Jerry likes to interact with the celebrity and remind them what gets them in this kind of state. This however, allows the model to debrief in the photo what terrible attitude they may have. It almost looks like she’s been out in the rain due to her makeup rubbing off. This shot lets us believe there is a story behind her facial expression.






Donald Trump
In my next photo, we have Mr. Donald Trump promoting his own magazine “In business and Life”. I find this photo extremely disturbing and inspiring at the same time. Jerry tries to promote reckless intentions with smart and encouraging advice. This photo allows you to see the side of Mr. trump everyone knows, loud and obnoxious . You see, Mr. Trump pointing fingers at the camera but really he wants you to succeed in life. It is very important to believe in your models and have faith in what they do. Mr. Trump is a successful business man and he wants to see everyone succeed in their future. If yelling and screaming is going to do it, then so be it. As you can see, Mr. trump is in a well tailored suit like always and is well done up. Jerry enjoys taking photos like this, because it brings out the best in celebrities and models. He wanted Trump to be loud, speak the truth and be brave in this photo shoot. The whole point for this magazine was to think outside the box and stand up for yourself. This photo definitely states, be yourself and no one else, think big and kick ass.








Tom Green
Last but not least we have, very popular actor and comedian Tom Green. This is a very funny yet interesting photo for Jerry Avenaim to take. Here we have, Tom wearing a scuba dive swim goggles and mouth guard. Like you can see, it looks like tom is in the water and is ready to take a breath. His mouth and facial expression is quite hilarious but brings out the true Tom Green himself. Jerry brought out the depth and colour of the actual photo of Tom. The wonderful texture of the water truly brings out his green eyes from the sea. Jerry really out did himself when he came out with this photo. Jerry embraced the green lighting dramatically and allowed the facial expression to become deeper. He has many camera’s he uses, each tool serves a purpose of what he is trying to convey in a photograph. Although in the end, it doesn’t matter, what matters is the person behind the camera. Jerry would always comment on how It doesn’t matter what you shoot with, what matters is how you use it.

Tuesday, 8 November 2011

Assignment 1 PART 2 - Web 2.0 Photo Journal Blog - 15%

The main differences and similarities between art and press photography;
“Press photography is synonymous with Photojournalism, which is news photography – the telling of a news story primarily through pictures. The "press" refers to the printing press used to produce a newspaper”. It is normally a piece of proof associated to the file.  It emphasizes the issue and emotion of the specific topic as well.  Press photography is photographs to trace news, and events. Some of the photos are allowed to be published in markets, newspapers, internet and magazines.  The press photography market is extremely busy and competitive now days, so this allows the photographers to sell their work online or to popular agencies that may be available.  Art photography is photographs that are more creative. Art photography is known to be very different than photojournalism because it is more profitable and center on marketing.  In today’s economy, art photographers are popular and are selling their art to the world.  However, art and press photography are quite the same but with many different areas to be set. In this world, there are non professional photographers and professional photographers that practice both arts’, which allows this particular art to become stronger.  I believe press and art photography provide a specific instruction to divide them individually. I believe that each art focuses on setting a certain emotion and a story to explain as well. Also, both kinds of arts use the same tools i.e. Cameras,

Is it ethical and acceptable to alter art photographs?

In my opinion, there are many different ways to change and edit a photo. I do believe it is acceptable to alter an art photograph because some of the artists will alter, edit and add to the photo to improve the actual photo. I strongly believe that art is very passionate and personal, to both myself and other people, and it does not need to show all of the information. I find that many people enjoy and love to display their art all around the world just because they love art.

Is it ethical and acceptable to alter press photography?
I do not think or believe it is ethical or acceptable to alter press photographers because the main explanation of the photos is to show the true classification and facts behind the photo. The reason for press photos is to tell a certain story that allows the observer to acknowledge and understand. In my own personal opinion, I feel altering the photos will ruin the entire concept and erase the true meaning.

Art Photography
 Farmers on water buffalos, 1964. This Photo is by Wu Jialin


By Keith Carter, "Railway Station." The  spot is the silhouette of a man waiting for a train




Press Photograhpy
                    
A man truly upset because his friend died in the horrible tragedy.
August 2008, Georgia, This Photo is by Gleb Garanich

A  young man lays his head thinking about one of his family members at the University of Miami at the Port-au-Prince airport.
Hati- John Tully


Monday, 7 November 2011

DB Presentation Reflection

I never really knew what photojournalism was until I read this presentation. It is very interesting to read how it creates a story through forms of a photograph. Finding out that photojournalism is connected to other branches of photography such as documentaries and celebrity photographs was interesting for me to read about also because it made me realize the true meaning behind what it did, and what the purpose of photojournalism is.
This presentation made me realize that there were actual rules that photojournalists have or should follow. It is fascinating to see that there is a list for those who manage the standards in their daily work. The ones that popped out to me were1) resist being manipulated by staged photo opportunities. 2) Treat all subjects with respect and dignity. Give special consideration to vulnerable subjects and compassion to victims of crime or tragedy. Intrude on private moments of grief only when the public has an overriding and justifiable need to see and 3) do not accept gifts, favours or compensation from those who might seek to influence coverage.
I enjoyed reading about Photojournalist and how it provides a clear, easy to read, truthfully images to let the readers know. Also, I didn’t know that altering press photographs should not be edited, due to an impact to society. Reading about manipulation of photos and how it is strictly forbidden was interesting to read about also. Although, by reading this presentation it allowed to me read about post production work and how it is only allowed to focus on correcting colour problems, exposure etc.
This was a very interesting presentation that I read and I am glad that I took the time to read about it. Also, the pictures were great! This presentation was very well done. Congrats!!