the activator

name_______________________________

altering, changing, and controlling your subject matter before photographing it.

Problem: Alter, change, or adapt the subject matter of a photograph in order to reveal
something new, unseen, or exciting about it. Then photograph it using an interesting point of

view and composition to enhance it even further.

Olaf Breuning Arthur Rimbaud Gabriel

Orozco

Potential Activator Props/Objects Tape, toilet paper, masks, hats

(unique ones especially), balls, unique/unusual clothing, wigs, mirrors, bags,
balloons, wrapping paper, patterned paper, colored paper, markers, white/black
paint, projectors (any kind), flashlights/laser pointers/strange or unusual light
sources, aluminum foil, make-up, string (black or white), rope, thread, body paint,
ribbon…

Step One: Research/Brainstorm Ideas in your

sketchbook!
Sketchbook Assignment: Using two facing pages in your sketchbook, Select three
artists/photographers whose work you like for this assignment. Print them, cut
them out, and glue them into your sketchbook. Be sure to include the name/date/media if
you can find it. Then, illustrate at least five different ways you can “activate” an
interesting prop from the list above, (or your own ideas for props), by using the thought
web on the back of this sheet.

Please address the following points in your sketches and notes, and be prepared to share
them with me before you begin shooting.

-What are you focusing on? Person, place, action, or object? -What props will you need? (Take
a look at the list above to gather ideas for props that could be used, or make up your own!)
-What type of lighting will you need? Is this activation taking place inside? If so, how will you
light it effectively? -How will you use your camera as a compositional tool to make this
activation even more interesting? -How will the activation of this subject change it or make it
more interesting? -Why are you interested in doing this?

Sketchbook Brainstorming Due: __________________________________

Step Two: Shoot a Roll of Film (or two) & 24 Digital
exposures For this assignment, you need to shoot both a roll of black and white film,
as well as digital. When shooting B&W, consider using props or lighting that have high
contrast. When shooting digital, consider using props/lighting that makes use of color.
Take your digital exposures off your camera and bring in your thumb-drive!

Contact Sheet & Film Due: __________________________________

Reveal a truth about them?