Emulate A Photographer

Sherrie Levine :: After Walker Evans

In this project you are going to research a famous photographer. Make note of their style (do they use a lot of contrast or funny angles), what they shoot (landscapes, portraits, etc.), their equipment (large format, 35mm, medium format) and their major bodies of work. After you find your photographer, you are going to create a two notes write a 1-2 page essay on the qualities that attracted you to them. This should explain what they did, why you liked them, and how you are going to emulate them. You will then shoot a roll designed to depict their style, printing quality, and overall message.

Some Artists to consider: Henri-Cartier Bresson, Steiglitz, Steichen, Emmet Gowin, Edward Weston, Bill Brandt, Winogrand, Weegee, Diane Arbus, Robert Capa, Walker Evans, Tina Barney, Atget, Brassai, Joel Meyerowitz,  Annie Lebowitz, Imogen Cunningham,  Minor White, etc. 


Assignment:
You must photograph an entire roll of images (or 50 frames if you are shooting digital) with a sense of your chosen photographer’s style. Definitely think about their message and the overall look of their work. Be creative and make these images your own—do not simply copy one of their images. These images should be your ideas that emulate your photographer and incorporate your own unique talents. You can use their ideas either stylistically or symbolically.

Steps:
• Research a photographer. Try this google search to give you a jumping off point.
• Write a one-page paper that describes their style, how you want to incorporate their style into your photographs, what you like about their work, and give me a background on them.
• Photograph your images using their ideas of style, intent, subject, and possible equipment.
• Make sure to make this your own by only using their ideas of style and not their actual images, unless you want to focus on appropriation. This work should be you with a little twist. I should be able to see the influences of your personal work and the inspiration from your chosen photographer.