Portraits of Self, Portraits of Others.

Blog/Article Review

Two Way Lens

Helen K. Garber

Griffith Park Noir  ©2009 from the series Noir Diptychs

This photo came from the Two Way Lens website, constructed by Michael Werner. This site allows contemporary photographers to post their work and give a detailed biography. The site's format is pretty simple and easy to read; it has a brief description and hyperlinks on the right. The center is where the artists post their information. I'll will be returning to this site future reference.

The blogger/photographer is Helen K Garber. Her main inspiration was her father, who began his photography adventure during World War II. Helen lives in Venice, Ca. where she finds vibrant architechture and people to photo journal. She explains significant life events, milestones, and her main inspirations. I was intrigued by her life's work and want to follower her as she continues to progress in career. You'll find a link to the site in the first paragraph.

Screenshot

Portrait Photographers

1.

Philippe Halsman was a prolific portrait photographer from  the early 1940's - 1970's, and was known for collaborating with Albert Einstein and Dali. I enjoy all of his work because of his five principles that he uses: the rule of the direct approach, the rule of the unusual technique, the rule of the added unusual feature, the rule of the missing feature, the rule of compound features, the rule of the literal or ideographic method. This photo particularly interests me because of the red symbolism, maybe implying that the "artist" of war has blood on his/her hands....

2.

Martin Shoeller is a German photographer that is known for his portraits of the entertainment stars and public figures. I like his work because of the lighting used, and how every anatomical detail is intrinsically vivid.

3. 

Todd Essick is nude portrait photographer that specializes in underwater expression. His elegant blend of marine biology and the magnetism of the female figure makes for a unique portfolio. 

4. 

Bill Wadman is a post modern photographer that has claimed fame for his conceptual work. I enjoy his work because of the witty design. 

5. 

Reza is a world renown photographer that captivates the socioeconomic problems that plague the subject to his photojournalistic objective. I love Reza's work, not only for the photo's quality, but for his humanitarian objective. 

Questionare

1. My major is Chemistry and Biology. I have a degree in electronic systems technology, but decided I didn't want to go into engineering. I hope to graduate by December of 2014. 

2. I chose introduction to digital media because of a personal interest in photography. I also need to fulfill a fine art credit, so this was the best fit. I hope to learn everything possible that this art/class has to offer. 

3. My goals after graduation, in reverse order, are: Five years - be in a residency program in Colorado or Washington. Three years - Finishing up my graduate degree. Two years - Studying my butt off. One year - Matriculating into a medical program. Six months - Searching for housing and all the resources necessary for my graduate school. 

4. Well, I'm not a traditional artist by trade, so I don't have a portfolio or a compilation of art. Though, I am a huge architecture fan and want to design a home from Frank Lloyd Wright's influence.

5. The photography websites that I use for reference are: 

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/photography-techniques.htm
http://www.deviantart.com
http://www.photographysites.com

6. I have lived in Georgia and traveled to California for training on a frequent basis. The following are links to museums, exhibits, and galleries that I have visited in the past year: The Getty, Griffith Observatory, Dallas Holocaust Museum, Georgia Aquarium.

7. I haven't had formal photography training in an institution, but my father was a photography minor many years ago and has showed me a few tricks of the trade.

8. I believe the value of art for the artist isn't tangible. It's more of an internal self gratification that fulfills a higher need of self actualization and transcends a metaphysical concept/ideal/emotion.

9. The value of art for the audience could by the same for the audience, reflecting an emotion or manifestation of an idea. Though, there are some people who like to think it may raise the status of their classism.

10. Photography can be either a vocation and avocation, it all depends on the individual.

11. My passion is understanding the science of every field in the universe, and my family.

12. I have a fight or flight reaction in deep waters, where I can't tell what is beneath. I'm uncomfortable around shady people that might behave in a criminal manner.

13. I've had a passport, but no more. I have traveled in the United States.

14. If architecture is an art, then Frank Lloyd Wright. I enjoy his creations because they are rooted in nature.

15. I signed up for this class because I wanted to learn everything about photography.

Five Pictures My World

My dog, Rommel

My horse, Zeus

My Guitar

Grandfather Clock

My Ranch