Ambition - 2011

Ambition - 2011

Composition: I displayed only a partial piece of my dried up zen garden to show that the path is not always so easy. Using a portrait orientation here I attempted to show this path. In focus is the rake. Out of focus are the rocks. obstacles. Using a little bit and a flash allowed for me to create a great contrast to distinguish elements from one another.

Concept: Ambition is about my desire for personal achievements. The process is done through me, the rake, while avoiding the blurred, unknown, obstacles that stand in my way.

Method and Motivation: I came about this photograph by experimentation. I used a fast shutter speed and a flash to capture the contrast I was aiming for.

Context: Ambition is about the psychological struggles and issues that everyday people go through. Ambition is important in all aspects of life and I chose to try and capture that.

Interpretation:  Students in class interpreted this as a calm high contrast piece that resembled work ethic. 

Evaluation: The high contrast of this image went over well, and again so did the focus. However, the framing was not received well and now I wish I would have framed this in a different way. Another thing I would change is the coarseness of the sand. I think more smooth sand would have created a more tranquil effect.

Extension:  I could see myself starting a series of calm, peaceful, or tranquil scenes that portray depth within people.