1/12 f5.6 ISO400

1/60 f5 ISO 200

To close the alternative process unit (boohoo!), I chose to create a Cyanotype. The image I chose to print was one I took this past March in Paris, when I tried my hand at a bit of people watching. They say that people look like their pets, but I'd argue that they look more like the cities they're from - this was my inspiration. 

Similar to my last process, I wanted to exhibit the city of Paris through it characteristics, and in this case, its people. The three older women seen in my photograph caught my eye immediately, sporting their long fur jackets arm in arm. They exuded class and style, which is something I associate largely with Paris. The way they walked and talked was so perfectly Parisian, and they acted as ideal subjects for candid photography. I chose to print my photo in Cyanotype form because of the aged look it gives the photograph, tying into the history of the city and its people.  Equally, I wanted my Cyanotype to act as a bit of a memory holder, reminding me of my time spent in France and capturing the essense of the city. In turn, I wanted it to appeal to those who haven't been to the city as well and allow them to experience the quintessence of one of the most spectacular places in the world. 

(My process pictures were the worst, so I rightfully made the choice to eliminate them. Yeah.)

All photos taken with a Nikon D3000

1/2 f7.1 ISO400

1/2 f7.1 ISO400

1/2 f7.1 ISO400

1/60 f7.1 ISO 400

This week's alternative process was printing with acrylic gel medium. Initially when choosing what I wanted to convey through this process, I was focused on what kinds of images I thought would come across well in gel. I soon found out that most photographs look just fine in their own way (silly me), so I decided to change up my concept. After a recent trip to New York City, I became inspired by the buildings that I saw and went through. Not only was the architecture absolutely beautiful, but I found that the buildings said a lot about the city itself; or, at least, the way I saw it. In my first image, I photographed the exterior of three brick buildings. I felt that they epitomized the essence of New York, and are a key characteristic that so many associate with the city. The moulding, the windows - all of these minor details somehow encapsulated the city everyone seems to know and love. In the second image, I photographed the interior of Grand Central Station. Through the lighting, shadows and reflections, I felt it was a good representation of the underground parts of the city. The photo has a certain dark, mysterious mood to it - to me, it's the nitty gritty of NYC. By having some figures in focus and others fading away, a sense of motion and bustle is inferred. There can also often be a certain emptiness in a large city, and being in the station,I found that feeling was present. Overall, my hope was that my images gave a sense of the subtleties of New York City. Rather than pictures of Times Square or other overdone landmarks, I wanted to bring people's attention to the less obvious elements of the city, but still give them a sense of what it means to me. 

These photos were originally taken through the glass of the OT display case, mainly because Zanini straight up snatched my gel mediums and placed them there. I made her taken them out. Whatever.

All photos taken with a Nikon D3000

1/20 f3.8 ISO400

1/20 f4.5 ISO400

1/50 f5.3 ISO400

1/20 f5 ISO400

1/25 f5 ISO400

For this unit of alternative processes, it seemed only fitting that I document the process which I underwent. I decided this week to give silk screening a shot, and I must say, I'm fairly happy with the result. Although it took me two screens, a lot of scrubbing, and a number of practice prints,  I finally produced something I was proud of. 

Through this alternative process, I hoped to achieve something more personal. In relation to my "Breaking the Rules" theme of memories, I chose to silk screen a childhood picture  of my sister and I. I always find myself looking through old family albums and returning to that feeling of nostalgia that comes along with doing so. When I settled on silk screening, I decided it was a great opportunity to capture that feeling that I so often experience. I chose to silk screen this image onto a piece of cedar wood, not only for the visual appeal, but also for the permanence it represents. I wanted to make this memory of my sister and I something that will last, and I feel that having it on wood promotes  a sense of longevity, and gives the sense of the image aging along with the wood itself. 

P.S. Shout outs go to Holly Kay for helpin' a sista out.

All photos taken with a Nikon D3000