Which (if any) seem obviously staged? And if so, why? What are the clues that suggest these might be 'constructed' images?
Why might the artist want to mislead the viewer (but perhaps not fully)?
Do any/all of the images leave you with questions or wanting further information?
What role do the titles of the photographs play in shaping your understanding?
Do some/all of the images have a similar style?
These are abstract photographs. All of them are staged, some more prepared than others. In the top left, there are no other people occupying the landscape, or even moving cars. The top right one has a ceiling covered in lightbulbs and similarly patterned fabrics hanging from different places, which is far from usual. The bottom left has a title- "The Destroyed Room, 1978" that raises questions. Why was it destroyed? was it done for the purpose of the photograph? the last picture has clearly been well though out due to its relation to the title of "diagonal composition, 1993". In all frames, all the lines are diagonal. Perhaps the photographer might want to mislead the viewer as part of the abstract theme- not applied or practical; theoretical and hard to understand. this further leads to questions I have for a better understanding. for example, what time the the picture in the top right taken? it must of been early to achieve such an empty back round but in a certain place for it to be so bright. the next picture to the right has an ambience of mystery and preoccupation- was this the aim of the photographer? The titles of the photographs result in more understanding, but also more query’s in my interpretation of them.
Threshold Concept Number Two I think the threshold concepts may be useful in terms of exploring ideas and themes in photography. For example, the idea that "photographs rely on chance, more or less." Personally this makes me want to experiment with the odds and possibilities that come with some projects I might face in the future. The chance of capturing something that rarely happens is appealing. These concepts also might be informative about definitions and experiences that come up and happen in history to create the present meaning of photography- threshold concept 2 is an example of this, as I originally thought there must be a camera involved in order to take a picture and not only the capturing of light. This has also changed my view of photography, and has raised questions. Where I originally thought of it as mainly a subject, or hobby, I now view it more as an idea as it had me thinking more deeply about what a photograph is.
Camera Obscura
A camera obscura in a simple explanation is a very dark room with a pinhole (very small hole) in one wall, and an image of whats outside will be projected onto a blank surface in the room, inverted. It can and used to commonly be used for aid in drawing or entertainment. Some think the result of camera obscura's were the first photographs taken- an image projected onto a light sensitive surface. The earliest known documented account of the first camera obscura is dated back to 400BC, by a Chinese philosopher Mo-tzu.
Abelardo Morell Morell, although earlier known for his portraiture and street photography, he began making obsucuras and photographing them in 1991 around the globe. Over the years Morell has perfected and explored the techniques of camera obscuras, now experimenting with different media and processes that can be used in photography like light experimentation.
Process Of Making Camera Obscura Overall the process was quite simple. We covered all the windows or surfaces that let light through by taping black paper on them. occasionally the light inside the room would be turned of to test weather any light was visible, to be covered up. Lastly a small hole- or lens- was cut out in the centre, and an inverted image of the building opposite was cast onto the large peices of blank white paper taped together hanging from the ceiling in the centre of the room.