the activator

name_______________________________

altering, changing, and controlling your subject matter before photographing it.

Problem: Alter, change, or adapt the subject matter of a photograph in order to reveal something new, unseen, or exciting
about it. Then photograph it using an interesting point of view and composition to enhance it even further.

Olaf Breuning

Arthur Rimbaud

Gabriel Orozco

Potential Activator Props/Objects

Tape, toilet paper, masks, hats (unique ones especially), balls, unique/unusual clothing, wigs, mirrors, bags, balloons, wrapping paper, patterned paper, colored paper, markers, white/black paint, projectors (any kind), flashlights/laser pointers/strange or unusual light sources, aluminum foil, make-up, string (black or white), rope, thread, body paint, ribbon

Step One: Research/Brainstorm Ideas in your sketchbook!

Sketchbook Assignment: Using two facing pages in your sketchbook, Select three artists/photographers whose
work you like for this assignment. Print them, cut them out, and glue them into your sketchbook. Be sure to include the name/date/media if yo can find it. Then, illustrate at least five different ways you can activate an interesting prop from the list above, (or your own ideas for props), by using the thought web on the back of this sheet. This sketchbook assignment will be worth 30 points for a homework grade. Please address the following points in your sketches and notes, and be prepared to share them with me before you begin shooting. -What are you focusing on? Person, place, action, or object? -What props will you need? (Take a look at the list above to gather ideas for props that could be used, or make up your own!) -What type of lighting will you need? Is this activation taking place inside? If so, how will you light it effectively? -How will you use your camera as a compositional tool to make this activation even more interesting? -How will the activation of this subject change it or make it more interesting? -Why are you interested in doing this?

Sketchbook Brainstorming Due: __________________________________

Step Two: Shoot a Roll of Film (or two) & 24 Digital exposures
For this assignment, you need to shoot both a roll of black and white film, as well as digital. When shooting B&W, consider using props or lighting that have high contrast. When shooting digital, consider using props/lighting that makes use of color. Take your digital exposures off your camera and bring in your thumb-drive to make a digital contact sheet in class!

Contact Sheet & Film Due: __________________________________

Create a new setting or backdrop for it? Introduce something new or unusual that doesnt belong there?

Change the normal perspective or point of view of it?

Change its physical properties?

Change its function?

Create an interesting arrangement within it?

a place

an object

Change its normal context, or the environment its usually found in?

Reveal a truth about them? Make them appear as the opposite of what they really are?

Balance it or place it in an interesting way?

How can I activate something?

How could I visualize a dream?

Change their personality somehow?

a person an event

How could I make the impossible seem possible?

Disguise them? How can I change their identity? Reveal a truth about them?

How could I tell a story with pictures?