HUMN 303 Week 6 Assignment: Essay–Art Creation & Reflection – Photography/Cinema

Name

Chamberlain University

HUMN-303: Introduction to the Humanities

Prof. Name

Date

Art Creation & Reflection – Photography/Cinema

Since the advent of photography in 1839, when Louis J. M. Daguerre first introduced the daguerreotype using silver-coated plates, many artists expressed concern over the potential devaluation of painting. Initially, photographs were monochrome and quite different from vibrant paintings. However, the ability to quickly and easily capture moments through a camera fundamentally transformed the art world. As photographic techniques advanced, photography began to stand as a formidable competitor to traditional painting. Today, virtually everyone uses smartphones to take photographs, which come equipped with numerous features that facilitate editing, cropping, brightening, and even altering images through software like Photoshop.

For my own artistic pursuits, I draw inspiration from nature, particularly birds. A remarkable series by BBC, titled “Seven Worlds, One Planet,” has greatly influenced my work. According to The Times (2019), the series “covers a different continent in each episode, showcasing stunning footage captured over four years across 92 film shoots in more than 40 countries” (p. 23). One particular episode focused on South America, highlighting a birdwatching tour that sought to find and film the rare Hyacinth Macaw, one of the largest and most beautiful parrots in the world. This resonates with me personally, as my first pet was a parrot that lived with me for over 16 years, forging a deep connection with these birds.

HUMN 303 Week 6 Assignment: Essay–Art Creation & Reflection – Photography/Cinema

Recently, while visiting a park, I encountered a small bird bathing in a fountain, which reminded me of the documentary. I attempted to capture this moment with my camera, moving it up and down and zooming in and out, but ultimately lost track of the little bird. Unlike the skilled cameramen in the documentary, who adeptly followed the movements of animals and captured realistic images, my attempts fell short. Despite being just a step away from my subject, I struggled to maintain focus, which diminished the realism of my footage.

In conclusion, although smartphones are equipped with advanced features, creating a compelling video remains a complex task. I found it particularly challenging to edit my footage and incorporate appropriate music, leading me to leave the video in its original form.

References

Martin, F. D. (2019). Humanities through the Arts. [VitalSource Bookshelf]. Retrieved from https://online.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781260154238/

BBC Earth. (n.d.). Saving the blue parrots of South America. Retrieved from https://www.bbcearth.com/blog/?article=saving-the-blue-parrots-of-south-america