2D Project #14
Design with a Lens

The object of this assignment is to explore some of the 2-D design elements we have covered in the course, as well as those unique to the lens-made image.

The Assignment Using a simple "disposable camera" you are to shoot a series of pictures that you think illustrate a list of topics or ideas. They are to be shot in one roll so you need to design the project by looking for images that have relevance to the concepts that are listed. Keep in mind what you have read in the text book, things you might have noticed earlier in the year, or possibly some design ideas that you have been kicking around.

Design Design is defined as the plan or framework on which the artist bases the 2D nature of their art-artwork conceived by the artist as part intellectualization of ideas and part intuition of the elements of design. This could take the form of a painting, sculpture, silkscreen or other print. It could be a drawing, ceramics piece, or it could be a photograph. You are going to plan 24 photographs. Each of them is going to be about a topic, word or phrase listed on this sheet. You are going to photograph them on one roll of film. (To guarantee this you are going to turn in the negatives as well as the prints.) This means that you need to plan out what you are going to take a picture of before you do it. You will need to scout out places, subjects, time of day, for each of the shots before you shoot. You do not have much extra film to do more than one shot for each element.

The Camera You are going to use a ‘disposable camera’ (Kodak Maxi, ASA 800 $7.25 at Newark Camera). You can buy it at one of the two downtown camera shops, either Newark Camera, or Cameras, Etc. (both on Main St.). You can also get them at Staples. They are often available in drug stores, and even supermarkets. This camera is supposed to be "fool-proof" as long as you keep a few things in mind. Focusing distance is 4 ft. to infinity. The focus point seems to be approximately 10 ft. You can’t set the exposure or the focus in this camera. So, make sure that you shoot in bright sunlight or on a cloudy, but bright day. Indoor shots are NOT going to come out well. Hold the camera steady during exposures and make sure that your subject is no
closer than 4 ft. Take the camera to a photofinisher (The two above mentioned camera stores will do fine) for processing and 3" x 5" prints. (Some practical info about the camera: F-stop is F-16. Shutter speed is 1/125th of a second)

Note about processing: You need to allow time for processing film. Camera stores generally have the fastest service. Ask how long processing will take. Some places take 2 days or more, others can do it in a couple of hours. You have only one roll of film to work with so make sure every picture counts.
The List:

1) Organic line
2) Rectilinear line
3) Shape
4) Form
5) Texture
6) "Content-Theme One"
7) Asymmetrical balance
8) Light
9) Positive space
10) Symmetrical balance
11) Frame
12) "Content-Theme Two"
13) Light weight
14) Heavy weight
15) Abstraction
16) Time
17) Symbolism
18) "Content-Theme Three"
19) Repetition
20) Warm or cool
21) Perspective
22) Birds-eye view
23) Negative space
24) "Content-Theme Four"

The Book All 24 of these prints are to be mounted on black Canson paper that is 6" by 8" inches in size. (You can cut 9 pages from one 18" x 24" sheet.) You decide on a portrait or landscape layout of your pages. One picture to a page. The pages will be bound into a book at Kinkos (be sure you act in charge when you go there). Each picture is to be on the right hand page of the book. On the left hand page will be a typed label; your name, theme and a very short description of the idea behind each photograph. The labels can be put on after the book is bound if you would like, but be careful that the labels are straight and not slanted on the page. After your last photograph, create a page with pocket to hold the negatives.