Chapter 5 Response

This chapter discusses the further investigation of how photo manipulation is being used to influence and direct our thoughts in ways that are out of our personal control. Not only are photos being altered by combining images or changing certain aspects, but also an even more disturbing thing is happening, we are being politically brainwashed. He talks about how politics are not who they person really is, but more importantly how they will be perceived through the few selected images that make the cut to be shown to the common folk. They stage events, censor what can be shown, make us believe were achieving victories when really they is utter mayhem going on, but deem it unethical to show the truth. It's no wonder Americans are so oblivious, we are trapped in a continuos invisible barrier. It's like were made to believe we live in a fairy tale land and nothing that is made out to be huge and important really is. I find it quite interesting to hear this writers inside perspective, especially when he tells the story of his assignment to come up with a photo but his editors keep rejecting his choices of truly interesting musicians.

Selective and Split tone Images

Chapter 4

Ritchin begins chapter four discussing the two catagories that photographs used to be able to be put into. Now, as we are fully immersed in the digital photo age, a third group has opened up and it is defined as mosaic photos. These images are unlike others in the sense that they allow for further investigation of not only that image, but any images that relate to it. How interesting would it be to have the ability to choose one aspect of a picture and then be lead to more based off the same concept. It's like the choose your own adventure of the 21st century. Though this idea does sound new and exciting, I don't think it is nescessary for every photo. Sure some pictures need explanation, but I think the ability to effortlessly keep clicking through photos, espcially those that hold deep meaning or importance, without stopping and truly studying the content will prove to be a huge mistake.

Split Tone and Selective Color Adjustments

Basic B&W
HSL-B&W
Desaturation

Chapter 3 Review

Wim Wendors said, " Digitalized pictures have broken the relationship between picture and reality once and for all". I believe this statement is only becoming increasingly stronger as every day endless amounts of images are somehow manipulated and more avenues are introduced that allow the original intent of a captured image to be changed. Analog allowed no room for question as digital photos do today. Old photos had more truth to them, which was something that has been grossly taken advantage of. When Rick started talking about the different programs that are used to create the "perfect picture" it was quite disheartening. Photography used to be such a beautiful and thought out process. Now people can sit on their computer and merge photos to create their desired outcome.... I think that's pretty pathetic. Of course there are still those who truly love photography an appreciate it as an art form, but the availability and ease that has been created to appease the general public is nothing like photography years ago.

I really enjoyed the section discussing travel photos and our need to have photographic proof of places we've been. Although I can't believe that people may actually take part in pre travel add ins of themselves, I found myself somewhat amused at this completely ridiculous idea. I know this seems to contradict my feelings on manipulated photos, but this seems both practical, and seems like a rebellion to this strange need to document every aspect of our lives. In that sense I think it is sort of clever. After traveling around myself, it makes such a huge difference to how you experience a place and what you get out of it if you take the time to relax and simply enjoying everything around you. If your running around trying to document it all, so much is missed and you undoubtedly won't have as awesome of adventure!

Color Checker Fun

Weekly Readings

After reading the first two chapters in Ritchin's book I found myself feeling very unsettled. He makes reference to how our society has become overly controlled by the photograph instead of the actual event and how we are rapidly approaching a digitalized altered reality. I knew that our dependence on electronics was bad, but this article really made it blatantly clear. It made me want to go camping and escape it all.

Throughout chapter two he discusses the parallels that are occurring between digital manipulation and DNA studies. It seems so obvious now that these two subjects would go hand in hand, though I have never really connected the two before. We have gotten to a point where anything less than perfection is unacceptable, therefore sadly it seems unlikely to be able to go back. We are then left only with the option to keep pushing forward in hopes to reach new levels of "perfection."

Project 1