Photography and Video Exchange

Tracy Drew Johnson
ART229: Studio Lighting
Digital Color Prints; 12″ x 18″

Studio Lighting started out as an extreme challenge for me. Having to think about different types of reflection, what light does and the family of angles was just beyond my imagination. Before long, it almost became second nature to me and now I find myself using the knowledge in all photography situations without even realizing it. These photos were done to show a comprehensive understanding of light by shooting black subjects on black backgrounds and white on white. We then used that knowledge to make images using alternate lighting setups and while those were also good, I feel that these two are my best examples from the assignment..

Bonnie Parr
Art 295: Special Topics
Digital Prints

I am starting to get more into night photography. The first image is for my final project in this Documentary class. For this project, I am thinking of telling a story of a lost dog. In the top image, it shows Lakota on a street corner alone at night, the red lights are the tail lights/ brake lights of a passing car that brakes when they see her unexpectidly.

The second image is a statue that is in downtown Battle Creek, MI. This one was done last week, and although it’s not related to my documentary project, it’s a part of my collection of night photography. I’m exploring new techniques, and I really liked the way this one turned out.

Bonnie Parr
ART 295: Special Topics – Documentary
Digital Prints

This was our “One Object” assignment, my ‘one object’ being my dog, Lakota. These pictures are 2 of a final series of 6 pictures. I chose this composition because it has Lakota by herself next to a park bench, also the “S” curve brings your eye to several other benches down the walkway. She’s positioned in a way where she would be by her owner’s side, but her owner is no where to be found. The personal connection to this is meant to show that there’s room in my life, and I am waiting patiently…. The second photo has the same concept, except it’s from Lakota’s eyes, her point of view. Again I tried to capture the walkway, the space… her world with no owner

Tracy Drew Johnson
ART295: Documentary Photography
Digital Color Prints; 12″ x 18″
One Object Documentary Project, Six prints in the series.

These images were created as the result of a month-long project where we were to photograph one object everyday for a month. I had the project posing the doll as a living adult with a job, chores, etc. I realized that what was missing was a true human component. I also realized that the doll would be best used as the baby it mimicked and by adding the human component, I was able to give a subtle hint of dangers that babies can face even within their mother’s loving arms.

Joan Wetherill
Art 295: Documentary Photography
Medium Digital Print; 8″ x 12″
Six in the Series

This was a one object assignment. I choose this 1977 Ford LTD that my Grandparents bought new. My Granny always called it the Greenhornnet. When they passed I brought the car to Michigan. It holds a lot of memories for me.

Kristy Towery
Art230: Digital Photography II
Cross process film/digital prints; 8″ x 13″

They are 2 of 4 images in a series

The series was inspired by children and the things they love and the things that occupy their
minds. It was designed to be bright and punchy. Just beyond reality. I wanted to emphasize the
happiness and care times in childhood. I hope it brings back memories for you. I hope it brings out
the kid in you. I hope it makes you smile!

Tracy Drew Johnson
ART295: Documentary Photography
Sepia Toned Silver Gelatin Prints, Image Size: 16″ X 20″
Shot with a Canon AE-1, 35mm film with Tri-X 400 ISO film
Continuing Documentary Project

I have attended Native American ceremonies for as long as I can remember so it seemed natural for me to photograph the people and the culture. These particular images were taken at the “Dances With Mother Earth” Pow Wow that is held each year in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 2008. Although I am still continuing this body of work, these are what I would call the work that started the project. In the beginning, I took photos quite often without people even knowing I was there. Now when I photograph these events, I directly approach the people in order to connect with them when I capture their images. As of right now, I have over 1,000 images that have shown growth but I wanted to share these with you first so that as I post newer photos from this body of work that you, too, can appreciate the differences.

Tracy Drew Johnson
ART 295: Documentary Photography
Silver Gelatin Prints; 16″ x 20″
Shot with a Holga using T-Max 100 ISO film

Planned ongoing project
At this time, there are 12 images in the series.

Much as mothers don’t like to admit it, they all fear the day their daughters are all grown up. This documentary came about at my realization that my daughter was no longer my little girl. She was becoming a woman who would soon have to face all of the world as a woman. She will have good times, as well as bad and happy times along with heartbreak. As part of their becoming, the moms must acknowledge that their daughters have to make their journey and all that a mother can do is support and continue to love their child. There are still many images to make as the years come and I look forward to fully embracing the subject.

Deb Hendryx
ART 295: Documentary Photography
Digital Prints; Size undetermined

This is a progressive series I have been working on since 2008. It is a documentary of Battle Creek, Michigan.

Eri Yasuda
Art 295 Documentary
Digital Prints; 8″ x 12″

This documentary assignment was to photograph a single object daily over the course of 4 weeks. Each day I photographed 10 pictures of myself reflected in a button. These photos represent 2 from a series of 300 pictures.

Kahyl Stevenson
ART 222: Intro. to Photography
Digital Prints: 8″ x 12″
2 of 12

I have always wanted to do a nude male study. These photos are as close as I’ve gotten, and I am not displeased! They are the best example thus far of my personal aesthetic for two of my favorite things; light and the male form. And the briefs – besides being a staple of masculinity – provide a sense a mystery and intrigue, I hope, without offending the viewer with any unprompted, in-your-face nudity. Once again, I am not displeased!

Chad Ruhl
Art 295: Photo & Multimedia Spec Topics documentary photography
Digital and 35mm; 13″ x 19″

This was our “One Object” assignment, The one object I used was a foot to what may have very well have been a lizard. Foot was found on Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras.