So first things first… the animation collaboration process proved to be more difficult in action than in theory. My music partner was extremely flexible though which was helpful, especially when I had no idea what direction to go in. It did not necessarily seem like a collaboration though. He left the visuals completely up to me, so in turn I left the sound completely up to him. Overall, I was so happy with the finished movie, the sound was fluid and transcended any bumpy visual transitions. Shooting for stop-motion animation was definitely a process (I did a total of 4 separate shoots) and was comforted by the fact that a narrative was not necessary. I’ve looked to the sky recently in my photography, mostly because the landscape project forced me to change my normal outlook. I think the sky is a beautiful thing, but even more so when it can highlight and frame things within, like power lines and birds. Hopefully my humor was kept intact by the random bursts of birds and planes streaking through, as a funny break from the continuous and fluid passage through lines which could be a little melancholy. In general, the project was successful and ultimately fun.
Next on the list… picking a common thread between my class and free shoot pictures was easier than I expected and surprising. I know I take many pictures of my subject because of the amount of time we spend together. However, my general approach has been to obscure him. Maybe it’s because I know I take so many pictures of him that I try to hide him. Possibly. But whatever the reason, it works as a collection to make a portrait. I believe each individual print is strong and even cliche. But my indirect photographic approach creates a connection between each picture and an unusual portraiture collection. I really loved putting this collection together and creating an intimate, calm, and playful interaction with my subject.
On the technical side of things, the “heal” option in photoshop refused to work for me on the leaf picture, so I was aware of the print’s flaws. Also, the prints always come out several shades darker than they appear on the computer screen which makes the prints more difficult to visualize, despite several test prints. Nevertheless, this collection has been my favorite so far. The question is, should I be a good person and give my prints to my subject, or be selfish and keep them for myself? The mysterious mood of the portraiture continues…
Kirsten Captures 