What is your Capstone anyways?
What did you do?
In my capstone, I have ventured in photography. More specifically, I went on an adventure to discover what it would mean for me to be a photographer. To do this, I first researched famous photographers across many different genres, from landscape to self-portraiture. While I looked into their work, I made sure to pin-point specific elements they used. These elements make up their trademark work. To grasp photography, I decided to mimic these elements in order to figure out where I stood as a photographer. Once I began to take photos, I realized that I strayed from their style and cultivated my own. My capstone’s final product has changed many times, but the overarching theme has stayed with me. The theme being: What does a Lexy Babcock photograph look like?2
Why did you choose this project?
I’ve spent my many years in school peeking behind books and papers. I’ve never ventured too far into art, although I have a deep appreciation for it. Until I had Mr. Herman as a teacher, I never thought that I could be an artist. After having his Digital Video class in junior year and getting to know him and his artistic works, my perspective changed. I decided to dive into art head first, with my camera held close. Once I gained a little confidence in photography, I began sitting in on Mr. Herman’s photography class during my lunch period. I was inspired. I knew I wanted photography to be the focal point of my senior year, I just didn’t know what exactly that meant for my capstone. Over the year, I’ve molded it into self-discovery.
How does your Capstone address the SLA core values?
The SLA core values are the backbone of my capstone.
Inquiry- Inquiry is about asking questions in order to gain a new understanding. Inquiry is where my capstone begins. I asked the question, “What does a Lexy Babcock photograph look like?” In addition to that, I asked many questions and wanted to learn more. I wanted to know, “What does it mean to be an artist?” “What is quality art?” “How do I make my work as interesting and thought-provoking as famous photographers?”
Research- With all of these questions, I needed some serious answers. I found them in the following artists: David LaChapelle, Cindy Sherman, Terry Richardson, The Wade Brothers, Banksy, Peter Lik, Alfred Eisenstaedt, and Alessio Bolzoni. I found something inspiring and thought-provoking about the work of all of these artists. Each one taught me something different: lighting, self-image, working with models, capturing moments, thinking outside the box, etc. I spent most of the first couple of months just researching and looking at picture after picture.
Collaboration- After I had lists of ideas, I ventured into storyboard mode. I realized that I would never be able to accomplish successful photographs without any help. I collaborated daily with my mentor, Mr. Herman, for support and photography advice. I also gathered friends to help set up photo shoots, be models, and offer feedback.
Presentation- How I was going to present my work and process was the difficult part. I’ve changed my mind, or was forced to change my plans throughout the year. First I wanted to create art sculptures out of photographs. I soon realized that I was no where near ready for all of that. I decided I wanted to simply showcase my photos in a coming-out event for me as a photographer. That was difficult. DeShawn, a fellow senior, and I teamed up to tackle hosting my event. Sadly, we were turned down for spaces and it never came together. Mr. Herman offered to put my work in a photo show for RoughCut, and of course I agreed. I’m happy to say that I will be showcasing my photographs from this year at First Friday on June 6, 2014.
Reflection- This entire process was filled with reflection. I reflected on myself; as a person, as an artist, and as a very stressed senior. I’ve cried, I’ve panicked, and I’ve loved every minute of it. This capstone has become more than a senior requirement, it is the beginning of a new chapter for me. It has inspired me to take up Photojournalism in college. I’ve learned many things during this year through my capstone. I’ve realized how amazing the opportunity to do this project was. SLA has opened me to a world past your every-day classroom. I was able to pick up a professional camera, use a professional program to edit, and use expensive equipment. I’ve grown up. I’ve learned a few things about myself. I realized my strengths and weaknesses behind the camera. Overall, I’ve learned that I still don’t know what a Lexy Babcock photograph looks like, but I’m not done searching.
In my capstone, I have ventured in photography. More specifically, I went on an adventure to discover what it would mean for me to be a photographer. To do this, I first researched famous photographers across many different genres, from landscape to self-portraiture. While I looked into their work, I made sure to pin-point specific elements they used. These elements make up their trademark work. To grasp photography, I decided to mimic these elements in order to figure out where I stood as a photographer. Once I began to take photos, I realized that I strayed from their style and cultivated my own. My capstone’s final product has changed many times, but the overarching theme has stayed with me. The theme being: What does a Lexy Babcock photograph look like?2
Why did you choose this project?
I’ve spent my many years in school peeking behind books and papers. I’ve never ventured too far into art, although I have a deep appreciation for it. Until I had Mr. Herman as a teacher, I never thought that I could be an artist. After having his Digital Video class in junior year and getting to know him and his artistic works, my perspective changed. I decided to dive into art head first, with my camera held close. Once I gained a little confidence in photography, I began sitting in on Mr. Herman’s photography class during my lunch period. I was inspired. I knew I wanted photography to be the focal point of my senior year, I just didn’t know what exactly that meant for my capstone. Over the year, I’ve molded it into self-discovery.
How does your Capstone address the SLA core values?
The SLA core values are the backbone of my capstone.
Inquiry- Inquiry is about asking questions in order to gain a new understanding. Inquiry is where my capstone begins. I asked the question, “What does a Lexy Babcock photograph look like?” In addition to that, I asked many questions and wanted to learn more. I wanted to know, “What does it mean to be an artist?” “What is quality art?” “How do I make my work as interesting and thought-provoking as famous photographers?”
Research- With all of these questions, I needed some serious answers. I found them in the following artists: David LaChapelle, Cindy Sherman, Terry Richardson, The Wade Brothers, Banksy, Peter Lik, Alfred Eisenstaedt, and Alessio Bolzoni. I found something inspiring and thought-provoking about the work of all of these artists. Each one taught me something different: lighting, self-image, working with models, capturing moments, thinking outside the box, etc. I spent most of the first couple of months just researching and looking at picture after picture.
Collaboration- After I had lists of ideas, I ventured into storyboard mode. I realized that I would never be able to accomplish successful photographs without any help. I collaborated daily with my mentor, Mr. Herman, for support and photography advice. I also gathered friends to help set up photo shoots, be models, and offer feedback.
Presentation- How I was going to present my work and process was the difficult part. I’ve changed my mind, or was forced to change my plans throughout the year. First I wanted to create art sculptures out of photographs. I soon realized that I was no where near ready for all of that. I decided I wanted to simply showcase my photos in a coming-out event for me as a photographer. That was difficult. DeShawn, a fellow senior, and I teamed up to tackle hosting my event. Sadly, we were turned down for spaces and it never came together. Mr. Herman offered to put my work in a photo show for RoughCut, and of course I agreed. I’m happy to say that I will be showcasing my photographs from this year at First Friday on June 6, 2014.
Reflection- This entire process was filled with reflection. I reflected on myself; as a person, as an artist, and as a very stressed senior. I’ve cried, I’ve panicked, and I’ve loved every minute of it. This capstone has become more than a senior requirement, it is the beginning of a new chapter for me. It has inspired me to take up Photojournalism in college. I’ve learned many things during this year through my capstone. I’ve realized how amazing the opportunity to do this project was. SLA has opened me to a world past your every-day classroom. I was able to pick up a professional camera, use a professional program to edit, and use expensive equipment. I’ve grown up. I’ve learned a few things about myself. I realized my strengths and weaknesses behind the camera. Overall, I’ve learned that I still don’t know what a Lexy Babcock photograph looks like, but I’m not done searching.