For my concept I wanted to focus on the idea of a family portrait and how the idea of what a "family" is has changed since the 1800s when this type of photo was common. It also reflects the idea of me becoming my own family unit separate from my family as I get older. Even though it is a "family" portrait the only subjects are me and my cat, when a woman my age back in the 1800s would probably already be married with children, or at least on the way to that in the near future. Even though my cat isn't a human child, getting him has made me feel more mature and like I'm stepping more into adulthood as I now have a creature who I am the sole caregiver for. I dressed in semi-historical clothing and held my cat (Monty) I had a friend take the photo on my iPhone 15 as I sat against a plain backdrop. I then got a portrait photo from the Library of Congress, edited out the subject, created a selection on my own photo and made it look like the backdrop I was against. I then added some extra blur to my cat and used brushes to create a distressed effect before taking another photo from the Library of Congress that had broken and editing the broken part on top of my composition.
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ReplyDeleteMeg’s “Old is New Again” thoughtfully blends the aesthetics of 1800s photography with contemporary themes, creating a compelling visual narrative. The work features a modern subject—a self-portrait of the artist with her cat—set against a plain, vintage-inspired backdrop that evokes the past. The photograph utilizes a 4:3 aspect ratio, consistent with historical portraits, and incorporates formal elements such as soft lighting, monochromatic tones, and distressed textures to emulate the wet-plate collodion process of the 19th century. The tone is nostalgic, with semi-historical clothing and purposeful imperfections like scratches, cracks, and overlays that enhance the aged appearance. These visual elements work together to transport the viewer, bridging the gap between historical and modern-day family dynamics.
ReplyDeleteThe composition and formal elements suggest that “Old is New Again” is a commentary on the evolution of family dynamics and societal roles over time. The juxtaposition of modern and historical aesthetics serves as a metaphor for how traditions and expectations shift while certain emotional ties remain constant. The distressed textures—cracks, scratches, and sepia tones—might symbolize the imperfections and wear of history, reflecting the enduring yet fragile nature of family ties. The subdued lighting and monochrome palette emphasize a reflective, almost melancholic tone, drawing the viewer into a contemplation of how the past and present interconnect. The artist’s decision to place herself in the frame, alongside her cat, adds a personal layer, suggesting a dialogue between her current self and historical roots. The work effectively employs both content and technique to support its historical theme. The use of wet-plate collodion-inspired effects—such as shallow depth of field, long exposures, and physical imperfections like emulsion runs and light leaks—authenticates the vintage feel. These elements are not just stylistic choices; they serve to reinforce the concept of bridging past and present. The technical execution is strong, with the distressed effects convincingly simulating the fragile, often flawed nature of
19th-century photography. However, refining the lighting to better mimic the softer, diffused light typical of the period could enhance the authenticity further. Additionally, integrating more rigid, formal posing could deepen the historical context, aligning more closely with the stiff, posed compositions of family portraits from the 1800s. Overall, “Old is New Again” is a successful blend of historical aesthetics and modern sensibilities, offering a reflective take on family dynamics through time. The use of semi-historical clothing, plain
backdrops, and deliberate imperfections captures the essence of 19th-century photography while maintaining a distinctly personal and contemporary touch. While the technical execution is commendable, further adjustments to lighting and composition could enhance the historical authenticity. Meg’s project is a thoughtful exploration of the past’s impact on the present, skillfully crafted to engage both visually and conceptually.