Week 10

What I did

Monday: [1 hr]

We have a stash of Popular Photography that someone left at the recycling bin outside.
Found a relevant article about Nathan Schroder who photographs the contents of people's pockets.
He speaks about the willingness of people to share their personal belongings, and ultimately, their stories.

Popular Photography: Nathan Schroder

Sketched and prepared for Tuesday critique. I was sick so I didn't get as much done as I hoped to.

Tuesday: [6 hrs]

Critique with James and Juliet. Was told to start testing these things to see if they even function. Brought in this list of prompts below. Had the concern of "why would we want to participate?"

Where you go when you’re left alone.

The love you have seen.

The manifestation of happiness.

Your saving grace.

Comforting scenes.

Ordered materials right after my critique.
Called Huron Photo in Dexter, and other local stores. Did research
and found stuff on B&H photo. Delivery should arrive by Thursday.
Did more sketches of possible forms.

Wednesday: [2 hrs]

Tried to take the "let me see" design and make it practical for 3.5x5 cut sheets of photo paper. I used the pinhole calculator to create a focal legnth. I ended up with a piece that was 2.5 in in depth.
It seems a little bulky to me.

Did some more research on other paper camera.

Paper pinhole design by Francesco Capponi, released for free on Flickr.

Here is one that I thought was relevant

ReadyMech and Corbis designs, featured in Paper-craft books.

Recycled pulp paper cameras, CAP, by Amos Woo and Sharon Ng.
They reminded me of Lindsay's initial project ideas.

DIY Paper Pinhole by Holga, sold online.

Thursday: [6 hrs]

Figured out how the flutter in pinhole camera folds after a lot of trial and error.
Met with Hannah and Stephanie. Need to start developing more than the form, such as tone, experience, concept, and possible reciprocity. I need to create interest and establish a way for a relationship to form between the receiver and the project.
List of types of tone/ experiences
Brash: in your face
Quiet
Secretive
Eccentric
Romantic
Disturbing
Light
Joyful
Depressing
Unnerving
Intruding
Obnoxious
Intimate
Mischievous
Anxious
Uncomfortable
Nostalgic
Candid

During work, I talked casually to one of the girls in a different IP section. She was excited about the project but said I need to start thinking of how the final pieces would be displayed at the end of the year to talk about in December review. It's crunch time 2011.
Received my materials from UPS!
Emailed Joe St.George about photo chemical waste dumping.
Emailed Matt Shlian about a potential independent study for next semester.

Created a shutter mechanism. Had another student help me brainstorm.
But the camera box ripped. In the meantime, I've been reading these books looking
at designs and how SMALL and PETITE these forms are for matchboxes.

I stumbled across this book online. I want to find it.
It has a terrible cover though.

Friday: [.5hr]
Networking
Emailed John Baird concerning his knowledge on pinhole photography.
Emailed Paula Bousley to schedule and appointment with Joann about a potential Ind. Study with Matt Shlian for next semester.
Emailed the Residential College photography professor about using the darkroom in their facilities, instead of exposing myself to harmful fumes in my bathroom.

Juice box camera by Photojojo

Found on the the Dieline article. I thought this was an interesting piece.
What I learned
Even though I'm excited, I'm still feeling a little stuck. I enjoy the discoveries I find through making.
I have physically created and sketched more these past two weeks. I found that I need to do more developing around the concept while making the form. They will both inform each other, but I don't want to hit December review seeming like I'm floating around all over the place with no concrete idea.
What to do next
I want to research projects that deal with communication and not just photography. I also am going to establish a set of experiences and design a few of them in different ways. I will experiment with logistics for the material I received to find a system for photographing.