Kara Aukerman

Intro to Photo Final Portfolio

Kara Aukerman |

Artists’ Statement

I would characterize my images as simple and clean. Simplicity is a common theme found throughout my collection of images. I value simplicity and minimalism, which is evidenced in my photography in that each image is focused on one specific subject that fills the frame. The subject itself tells the story of the picture rather than explaining it through titles or descriptions. The other defining feature of my work is cleanliness. I value creating images where the subject is sharp and fills the frame. Additionally, the atmosphere and environment surrounding the subject matter is clean and crisp in its appearance. There is not much room for a distraction from what I am communicating through my photography.

Henri Cartier-Bresson is one photographer I have been intrigued by since his “Hyeres, France 1932” was shown in class. I fell in love with this image. I felt like I was transported to that staircase in France, watching people pass by on their bikes. The blurriness of the image and the motion it portrays makes it that much more inviting. This image spurred my curiosity regarding Cartier-Bresson, and I decided to research him and his work more. I found that I felt a certain nostalgia for a time and place I had not known with each image of his I came across. Cartier-Bresson mastered the art of capturing true-life, candid moments beautifully. I love his style and the imperfectly perfect nature of his photographs. I think what I have found most compelling about his images is his ability to make the mundane beautiful, intriguing, and exciting – none of which are emotions one would necessarily feel standing on a random staircase in an alleyway. Additionally, Bresson’s images have a way of allowing you to experience a time and place you would not have otherwise been able to experience. Though he died in 2004, his influence remains as his images continue to move individuals today.

One important lesson I am taking away from this class is being intentional with my photography, genuinely thinking through each photograph, and learning to edit myself. There were many times throughout this semester’s projects that I had two or three ideas for one photograph and tried to accomplish it all in one picture. I had to learn to identify what is most important to me about the image and edit myself to make the picture appealing to viewers while still communicating what I wanted to through the image.

Another important lesson I am taking away from this class is knowing what causes “noise” in photographs (ISO) and how to adjust the settings to lessen/increase that. I, personally, think the graininess that a higher ISO causes is cool. When photographing nostalgic items (record player, vinyl’s, old letters, WW2 memorabilia, and so forth), I have used that style, which ends up giving the photograph a very old-timey effect. I appreciate knowing my camera's various settings, what aspect of the image each setting influences, and how to adjust to achieve the look and feel I want. I have had my Canon T3i Rebel for about seven years now and have rarely used it because I have never known how to adjust settings to achieve the picture I want. I appreciated that this class assumed no prior knowledge of photography and gave the full scope of instruction and information necessary to use your camera and use it well.

A final lesson learned through this class was the history of photography. I have always been so intrigued by history and historically significant events but never knew anything about photography's origins. Learning about Daguerre, Niepce, and Talbot and their various methods contributing to the creation of permanent images was fascinating. I learned so much about photography both in the historical sense and practical application through this class that I know I will take with me going forward.

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