Mystery

Using theories, techniques, and other information we learned in class, Matt, Kylah, and I worked together to portray the idea of "Mystery" through 8-10 photographs.  While wandering behind the Media Production Center, we came across a cluster of dumpsters and took a couple of shots.  After uploading them to the computer I noticed something peculiar lurking in the shadows.  Is it a person?  Is it a shadow?  Whatever it is, it takes that photograph to the next level! (Shown below)

Beyond the mystery object hiding within the shadows, this image utilizes the idea of framing skillfully.  By framing the mystery object, the viewer's eye is drawn to the center of interest and keeps the eye from wandering outside the frame.  Another concept that enhance this shot are leading lines.  Leading lines draw the viewer's eye through a photograph or to a specific object or focal point in the photograph.  The lighting in this scene is also note-worthy.  The only light sources were two lamps: one on the side of a nearby building, the other a street lamp to the right of the photographer.  There is a reflection of one of the lights on the street sign next to the mystery object, further drawing attention to this focal point.  Overall, the photograph is fairly dark and makes the viewer physically lean in to see the details.  This creates a mystery for the viewer attempting to decode the image itself, forcing the viewer to ask himself/herself "what is in the shadows?"

This project, overall, was an compelling experience that required a lot of exploring, creativity, and teamwork.  Matt and I wandered around the American University campus on a dark night, searching for an interesting piece of architecture, bizarre lighting, spooky shadow, or creepy plant to convey our theme of mystery.  We tried several cameras, helped each other situate the camera in engaging angles, point one another towards a possible photo shoot location, and gave each other advice.  Our on-scene teamwork was both fun and academic.  Matt and Kylah both had training in photography before this year while I had training in art.  It is intriguing to see how the two arts intertwine and how our point of views connect and blend to create a visually enticing final product.  The only problem our group had was scheduling.  We're all very busy.  Kylah has rugby, Matt has work study, I have RHA, and we all have to eat, sleep, and go to class.  Scheduling is a constant struggle.

If I were to redo this project, I would have found a flashlight!  On the shoot, Matt and I struggled to find a way to cast light on objects in the distance; often, our shots came out entirely black.  Not having a suitable light source destroyed some of our ideas and concepts such as a dark figure sitting in the middle of an empty field or on a hill under a tree.  Without a light source, we couldn't achieve these goals.

What I like most about the finished product is how it transformed from my initial vision.  What started off as cliche, reshaped itself into something more complex based on the particular night of the shoot.  About a week before we actually took the photos, I explored campus at around 10:30pm looking for possible sets.  Within a week, these areas changed: the lighting was different, but the scene beside it was gripping.  These natural changes allowed our photo shoot to occur almost fluidly, allowing the mysterious atmosphere to unfold itself.  This was also the most important concept I learned: allow your subject to speak for itself.  As a photographer, I should be there to capture what is already in existence, I do not need to create the subject, I need to capture it in an thought-provoking and engaging way.