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.