Natural Landscapes Prework

Beauty as it relates to the natural world is difficult to define. However, I think beauty is when the natural world is untouched by humans; sweeping views, old growth forests, meadows, etc. are all natural creations that embody our idea of beauty.

Marc Adamus

I've been fortunate to experience my defined beauty in nature multiple times. However, the most memorable was when I went to Indonesian Borneo over the summer after my eighth grade year. I found myself in a situation where I was completely surrounded by nature. While initially uncomfortable, the tranquil beauty of the rainforest became evident. Everywhere I looked I found unique insects or pitcher plants that lined the ground and wild orangutans climbing through the trees. The heavy, stagnant air served as a reminder that we were not near the comforts of home. The discomforts of being far from home soon subsided as the overwhelming beauty of the natural landscape took over.

Urban Landscape Prework

Street Photography:

Zack Arias

Zack Arias: "Zack Arias' street photos contain and undeniable element of humor, which in addition to their excellent compositions, makes them lovable by anyone. His ability to capture the hilarious height of any moment is ingenious."

Anna Delany

Anna Delany: "New Zealand/New York-based Anna Delany documents gritty street life and urban decay architecturally and in portraits. Anna may be one of the most successful street photographers in terms of her ability to capture facial emotion in a split second."

Phillip Abbott

Phillip Abbott: "Phillip Abbott spends a lot of time documenting skaters and the streets. Typically shooting from farther away, his work leaves a lot to the viewer to interpret."

Quotes & Photos pulled from: http://www.complex.com/style/2012/06/the-50-greatest-street-photographers-right-now/phillip-abbot 

Contemporary:

iO Tillett Wright

Johnny De Guzman

Historical:

Robert Capa

Alfred Stieglitz

Alfred Stieglitz is considered to be one of the first fine art photographers. He is credited with making photography an "acceptable art form". Born in 1864 Stieglitz largely pioneered photography as an art form rather than a simple documentary tool. He primarily took fine art portraits.

Georgia O'Keefe- Alfred Stieglitz  

I love this photo because of his close attention to detail and the way her hands are positioned. I like the focus on her face but then, again, the detail and positioning of her hands also commands the viewers focus creating an interesting image. The contrast, background and composition all combine to make this a fine art portrait.

Heidi Stieglitz- Alfred Stieglitz

I love this photo because of the composition and soft depth of field. It creates a more intimate, environmental portrait that is wonderfully composed.