Class Exercise 2

The topic for this class exercise was to take photos that show the "extraordinary in the ordinary". Thus we had to scout for relevant scenes in school. I think it's actually much easier to take interesting photos than extraordinary photos. I found it difficult to justify why the photos were extraordinary, while it is easier to say that the photos look interesting aesthetically, due to the less conventional content and visual effects. Nevertheless, here're the photos I took. (Note: photos were taken with Instagram.)

Photo 1: This is a remote corner I found in school (with Jessie). Located below AS3 (if my memory serves me right), it is probably a corner for cleaners to rest, as there're chairs, water bottles and some snacks there. It was empty when we photographed the place. I think it's extraordinary in the sense that although it is a forgotten corner to most of us, it is actually a peaceful little resting place to the cleaners. The Instagram effects give the photo an old/dreamy feel, which further enhanced what I would like to convey about the place: forgotten, slightly desolate, yet safe from the hectic city (or university) life. 

Photo 2: This is the drain cover a few steps away from the corner where I took the first photo. The little brick wall behind it reminds me (and Jessie) of a tombstone. I thought it was interesting as most of us would probably pass by without noticing the brick wall, let alone discover its similarity to a tombstone. Yet through this exercise, I realized that ordinary objects can connect people simply by making us realize that we interpret them in the same way, and this realization can be extraordinary in itself.

Photo 3: This was taken at a drain (yes, another one ;)) at AS3. I think by taking the photo at a low angle, I was able to crop out unnecessary details (e.g. the trees and buildings in the background), and thus focusing the viewer's attention on the drain. Through Instagram effects, I was able to blur parts of the photo and add a dreamy feel to it. I think the drain now looks like some kind of canal to some unknown destination. (Which will be kind of romantic if the drain was cleaner ;)) This photo can be extraordinary in that the change in point of view (and effects) invokes a different feel to the otherwise ordinary place that we pass by everyday.

 

Photo 4: This was taken beside the drain in the previous photo. Again, the change in perspective creates a different feel for the plants that grow only up to our feet: they now look as though they are tall enough to offer shelter and protection. In addition, as the leaves of the plant filter sunlight, they create a spotlight on the ground. I think the photo would be much more interesting if there was a subject in the spotlight though. The photo is less extraordinary with the spotlight being the subject? Still, like Photo 3, I think this photo can only be extraordinary in that the change in point of view invokes a different feel to the otherwise ordinary place.

Admittedly my justifications for the "extraordinari-ness" of the photos can be better. Thus my biggest lesson from this exercise is that although the technical aspects of photography are difficult, having a great concept and executing it is even more challenging. Looks like I have a lot more to learn :)