Walking Around McEwen

 

Walking around McEwen

Opener:

I have been on campus for a number of weeks now, and I have not taken the time to observe some of the details that can be found in and around my dorm. I did not realize the different lines, patterns, and symmetries that can be found in ordinary objects, or how these elements can enhance an item's appearance.

Leading Lines:

For this picture, I placed my camera at the top of the stair railing. I thought that the window looked unique and I wanted the railing pointed towards the window. Due to the position of the railing in the immediate foreground and middle ground of this photo, the eye is instantly pulled towards the window. Additionally, another factor that pulls the viewer to the subject is light. Our eyes are naturally attracted to bright spots instead of dark spots, so at first glance, you see the window.

Viewpoints:

This is a photo of the lights hanging over the entrance of my dorm. Everyday I pass these lights and I never thought to look at them from this perspective. Even from a normal angle, I thought this light fixture looked unusual and by changing the viewpoint, this object became even more interesting to look at. However, I find the lines on the ceiling to be a distraction to the subject of the picture.

Symmetry:

Yes another window, but this one is perfectly symmetrical. Although the background is somewhat distracting in this picture, I think that the curved lines arranged in its unique pattern add a different perspective to the appearance of this ordinary subject. This makes the window more appealing to look at and adds natural beauty. 

Filling the Frame:

There are several flowers that line the front of my dorm. I felt that the best way to capture the beauty of this flower was to eliminate distractions by filling the frame. This allows the viewer to focus on the subject at hand and observe this flower in great detail. I would even say that the natural background adds context to this picture.

Patterns:

I found this woven basket hanging on a wall in the common area of McEwen. The colors and shapes create an intricate pattern that makes this basket extremely bold, grasping the viewers attention. Additionally, the curved shapes create a spiral effect causing the viewer to take a deeper look into the piece.

Closer:

Usually when I am looking at a staircase or a light fixture, I do not think about the different lines, angles, or patterns that may appear right in front of me. This assignment has allowed me to capture ordinary items through a different lens, and has opened my eyes to all of the different concepts to keep in mind when observing my surroundings.