Week 1: Read, Review, Reflect
My humble beginnings of photography was shaped by experimenting. The little knowledge I have of photography came from seeing other’s work. After reading and seeing the examples of different methods of storytelling it has given me new ideas and how I can execute it.
The readings given to us this week has shown me different concepts to create stories from photos. Changing perspective has given me the idea which I used in my daily create. I wanted to capture a different perspective of my zen garden, I took my photo from a bird’s eye view displaying its shadows to create day light. Every zen garden photo I’ve seen online was a portrait POV, this was I decided to change its perspective. These concepts have given me a new line of sight for my photography.
The examples in the readings have given new ideas on how I can visually story tell. From the concepts talked about focusing on certain aspects of the subject to the thought behind the photo, I will now have new tools to incorporate in next week’s assignment.
De La Pena, Bryan. Zen Garden. 23 May 2026.
Week 1: Photo Safari
The photo Safari was very interesting to accomplish. I did all the photos in my den with objects to near by. Due to my kids having their things laying around I was able to complete photo safari in a decent time. I felt pressure on a few items such as items 1, 3, 11, and 15. I had to think on those before I took the photos. By far the most inventive was item 7, I had to look around and figure how to make the object look alive. I believe it does look alive, in a sort of android way.
Week 2 Intro To Design: The Vignelli Canon Reflection
I found how we as artists and viewers are so caught in the timelessness of art. We take the inspiration of these pieces are replicate them or use them as inspiration for new pieces. With the accessibility of art in our hands via our phones we are caught in the timelessness of art. This is not bad as we need inspiration to make new pieces.
Semantics was a new principle that I think is very useful. Researching a design is different from semantics. Semantics is finding the feeling and meaning behind a design. The approach is different as it creates the essence of your design. I found this as a useful tool to have when designing.
I personally put more thought into the use of margins and grids. As artistic as I like to be I still like to have a formula for my work. The emphasis of the grid allows me to organize my ideas and keep it consistent each and every time. I can also apply this to my work, where I write policy memos. Having a grid mindset allows me to create a formula that I won’t deviate from.