Final

On Taylor Burris’s blog: #11 Photography Inspiration

The design of the post is simplistic in both color and layout. There is a heading centered at the very top given prominence by a turquoise background and large white font. The remaining font is more traditional in size and color, black and perhaps sized 12. The titles are also in bold, such as “Kristen Alana, Travel Photographer,” which immediately draws attention to the subject of the article. This content section is also formatted on a white background, which again is traditional and easy for the viewer to read. The only other color on the page is a light blue border, which is not necessarily pertinent to the content, but implemented to liven up and personalize the page.

While the layout is visually-appealing, the content is what grabbed my attention. I like how Taylor categorized the various photos in terms of: leading lines, frames, and variety. Each of these techniques has a different effect on the viewer, directing their attention to a certain area. For instance, the first photo is of a train curving down a path and creating a line for the viewer to follow, as well as showing depth to the image. One other photo has vertical lines created by cacti and another has diagonal lines formed by sheets on the ceiling. The brilliant part about each of these photos is that these lines are naturally formed and simply captured by the photographer without much manipulation. The second section discusses frames, such as an arc that contains the skyline inside it or two pillars that centers the subjects. I always like how frames can be used to tell one story inside and a different story outside. Once again, these frames are naturally created and this could indicate the photographer’s style as being minimalistic. The final category is variety, as Taylor demonstrates that the photographer takes nature photos, cuisine photos, and action photos. From this collection of photos, Taylor provides an indication of the photographer’s style, technique and preference without giving much written explanation at all.

After seeing these photos, I searched for resources on natural framing and came across an interesting article that breaks down its important. Among the list of reasons is that natural framing draws the viewer’s eyes, isolates the subject and bring structure to the photo. The author goes on to give advice for natural framing in different settings and provide instruction on how to take the best photo. Lastly, I went and looked through some photos that I took a while back to see if I had composed with natural technique. The following is a photo that I took in New Mexico using an interesting angle to draw out the prominence of the natural lines.

On Shelby Spruiell’s blog: IW8

The design of the blog offers a good balance. The background is some sort of light or a lens flare that is both red and orange, providing some color to the page. However, the background appears blurred or at least diffused by the white, transparent overlay, which makes the flare only a highlight, not prominent or distracting. The heading with Shelby’s name and the course is white on a black background, making it clear what the page is about. I also like how the font for the heading is different from the standard font and size used in the content section.

I agree with Shelby that the biggest takeaway from the course is the power of image and the lack of dependence on words to form an argument. It is true that an image can be simple yet effective in sending a direct, concise message. This essence of brevity is important because sometimes an argument can be over-explained with words, or distracting or overwhelming to the viewer. The use of words also eliminates any ambiguity in the argument, which I suppose can be useful, but that only leaves room for one interpretation. However, if an image can be interpreted several ways that are nonetheless correct, this allows for the viewer to participate, build on the argument, or discuss it further. As Shelby mentions, it is also difficult to invoke emotion via a block of words, and even if a written argument is successful, it lacks immediacy in reaching the viewer. Also, I agreed that hypertext offers more freedom and creativity in terms of design and structure, as opposed to traditional form. Shelby points out several drawbacks though, such as its dependence on technology and the lack of availability, as well as the difficulty in completing a digital piece due to the freedom of the form. I also share the frustration that Shelby experienced while using Dreamweaver, since not only the software took time to learn, but becoming acquainted with coding and web design in general was a challenge.

In looking for resources, I found a list of 39 social issue ads that form an argument through photos. This again points to the fact that images are a powerful and popular method of conveying a certain message, as opposed to a journal or essay that may never be read. The following are two images that I have taken for this class, one in the beginning of the semester and another towards the end. I think the contrast between the two images shows the growth I have experienced in forming an effective visual argument.

IW8

I learned the rhetorical power of image early in the course through the various projects and readings. For instance, Unit Project One involved the organization of multiple images (both original and altered) on a one-dimensional surface to convey an argument. The Third Unit Project was instrumental in forming an argument within my own images, via composition, angle, layers, etc., to be viewed on a digital platform. Perhaps more than words, images are effective in invoking pathos, logos, and ethos and are more likely to reach the audience due to their simplicity. Indeed, I recognize that words should only be used sparingly if possible when expressing an argument. The following is an original layered image from Unit One: 

I think hypertext is a strong rhetorical power, especially since technology and web have become more prominent, if not dominant. In other words, I view an interactive, digital design or composition as more effective in capturing the attention of a modern audience, as opposed to an essay or journal. The Unit Project Two is a good example of making an argument that unfolds over several pages, provides photos for reference or even videos, then attaches a downloadable document or external link for people to take action immediately. As we discussed, one downside of webpages is that they are constantly in revision and essentially never complete, but a traditional text offers more structure and a sense of finality. Also, the traditional text typically comes in a tangible form, which offers advantages such as reliability. The following is a screenshot from my Unit Two website:

I suppose it depends on the argument and its complexity, but I feel that it wasn’t difficult to avoid words. However, extra steps in the process or layers in the photos where necessary for clarification. For instance, in my argument against police brutality, I included items from each case, along with the location, presence of blood, face of the victim, and justice scales. Though it may seem redundant, each of the details ensures that the audience will understand the argument in the absence of words. I like the simplicity of the hypertext component as well, since the page presented the four images was no more than a background and a title. Again, while the title makes it perfectly clear, the background image provides another angle to the argument. In my case, the background image was of the protests following the injustice of police brutality. Here is my favorite image from the Unit Three site:

I’ve actually been acquainted with Photoshop for many years, though I had primarily touched up photos or created a basic text graphic. However, each of the three projects forced me to experiment with the tools and work towards an image that conveyed an argument. If anything, I became more well-rounded in Photoshop over the course this semester. On the other hand, I knew nothing about Dreamweaver coming in and had to learn the software. Once I got a grasp of the basic features, I was pretty much able to work my way around without touching the code. I find that Adobe software is typically user-friendly, whether it is Photoshop or Dreamweaver, it simply takes a tutorial or two to get started. I’m certain I will use Photoshop sometime soon, but I doubt I will use Dreamweaver again since web design is not directly related to my field, which is film. The following photo is a result of my experimentation in Photoshop: