With the new start of a new semester, I want to introduce some new habits, one being taking photos of work immediately after they are completed so they can exist as a professional portion of my portfolio. However, I am at a bit of an impasse seeing as how my semi regular photographer and friend Ty Mah is a little more than down the street this semester, studying abroad in a goldmine for art: Italia! Fortunately, Marywood is home to a plethora of aspiring and skilled photographers and most (if not all) are willing to help out their peers and professors, one for the practice, and two just out of the goodness of their blessed little hearts.
Furthermore, this past week, professor Sam Olfano took time out of his own schedule to give a handful of ceramics students a quick crash course on capturing portfolio photos when you’re on a budget. He was so thorough and informative, but at the end of his lecture and demonstration, I was feeling a bit overwhelmed. There are so many possibilities and approaches to taking photos in a studio environment, regardless of what caliber equipment is stocked. I am definitely going to need some practice, and eventually a big enough space of my own to create a decent set up, and that’s a little difficult to do when you live on campus in a twelve by twelve box. (And really, Marywood’s dorms are pretty nice and spacious, but I’m not into destroying property, you know?)
So this is where Parker Reinecker has stepped in! Another impressive Marywood photography student, he has an affinity for black and white portraits and color street photography, but can really take some mean stills, of my work and the work of my professors. (I mean, if the higher ups gave him the okay, why wouldn’t I?) Recently, he provided me with a few shots of works I’d like to submit to an upcoming show. Check it out!
By the way, here’s the final product of last year’s torso sculpture that haunted me for half of the semester last year. Let me know what you think in the comments below! Too shiny? Too pink? Should I sand blast portions? If so what portions? Thanks guys!
Now that I am regularly seeking out photos of my work, I feel less hesitant to submit my pieces to a show if and when the opportunity arises, whereas previously I was concerned my photos were not appropriately and professionally captured. So thank you Ty and Parker for giving me the push in the right direction I need!