AP PortfolioAshlyn
Sustained InvestigationHow does the architecture of an area influence its character? For my sustained investigation, I
wanted to explore this relationship, and to do this I went to a variety of different areas (ranging
from the Metro of Washington D.C. to an abandoned house in a field near my house), and
specifically tried to get pictures that show the juxtaposition of modern styles and that of older,
run-down, or abandoned buildings. I experimented with different angles and perspectives for
each of the shots in order to truly capture the aspects that made them different from each other.
Each photograph has a very different feel despite being of one subject: buildings. Photos 3 and 10
were taken from a low perspective to better show the lines and angles of the structures, while 1, 2,
4, 5, 6, 7, and 9 were taken roughly straight on, and 10 was from a higher perspective. Editing
styles also vary between photographs, as I was trying to represent the mood of each area as well.
Photos 2, 4, 5, and 7 have cooler tones and more muted colors, which help portray the feeling of
the environment and the character of the buildings themselves, while the other photos have more
neutral or bright tones in them. I feel that this shows the unique nature of architecture and the
impact it has on an area as a whole.
Selected Works
Idea: This photograph was part of a series I did
showing isolation. I wanted to capture the feelings
and emotions associated with being alone.
Techniques: I experimented with putting objects in
the foreground and with lens flares. I took the photo
from a lower perspective in order to capture more of
the surroundings, which added to the overall mood
of the photo by emphasizing the subject’s interaction
with the environment. The angle also enabled me to
get the lens flare in the correct area, which also adds
to the visual interest in the photo. The tones are
more muted and cool, which add to the concept of
isolation as well.
Idea: In this photograph, I wanted to
explore the connection between
reality and imagination. Though a
relatively simple image, the pixel
stretching blurs the line between
graphic design, photography, and
reality as a whole.
Techniques: In this photograph, I
experimented with editing
techniques. Pixel stretching was
used, which enabled me to pull out
the specific tones present in one area
of the photo. This enabled me to
incorporate an analysis of the
different shades present in the image
and highlight them for the viewer.
Idea: In this photograph, I wanted to
show the individuality of each person.
Though each of us look differently, the
paint was intended to represent the
inner differences that make each of us
who we are. It represents the inner
beauty, creativity, and expression that
each of us possess.
Technique: This photograph was taken
using black light and glow-in-the-dark
paint. Prior to that photo shoot, I
hadn’t experimented much with
different light sources, so it was an
interesting way to explore the
relationship between light source and
subject, as well as the overall mood of
the photo.