Through this project I hoped to highlight the connection between New Yorkers and their dogs, I believe New Yorkers have a very distinct relationship with animals, amidst the busyness of the city, and navigating raising a pet in an urban environment. Additionally, this project provided a challenge for me, in capturing subjects that moved and were more vivacious. I had to use balls and treats to distract them and make sure to time the perfect moment for their attention to be captured. I additionally experimented greatly with different types of developing and film. I mixed flash point and shoot, medium format film and disposable cameras in color. I learned how to develop color film into a black and white photo, as well as using different types of cameras. I also used different techniques with developing, learning the differences with medium format and color, as well as using filters and different times to make the pictures turn out differently. I also learned a lot more about composition of presentations, I worked with Susan and my peers to figure which photos to use in my final presentation. Because I had many different subjects I needed to figure out which photos for each subject and how many to use for each dog. I finally figured out both together and made sure when I put it up the photos looked good together. While I had many photos to choose from, and many I developed I think the ones I chose in the end had a great mix of emotion and variety of character. This is what my final presentation looked like:

In addition to including my overall presentation, here are closer images of the prints. I have scanned versions of the color film, that came along with the prints when I got them developed (because I do not have the ability to develop film in the school). These photos I took on a disposable color film camera.

 

Here are some scanned samples of black and white prints:

 

Please write a description of the project you are proposing. Why do you want to take this on, and what do you hope to learn?

I am interested in doing a photography focused honors project with Susan, specifically capturing portraits of New Yorkers and their dogs. This is an idea I developed during my photography class at the end of this trimester, to showcase the connection between animals and their owners as well as how the owner’s personality is reflected upon the pets. I believe this project will enhance my personal exploration of different styles of photography, as well as allow me to continue practicing an art that I am very passionate about.

 

What is your proposed outcome? How will you be able to demonstrate successful completion of this Project?

In the end of this project, I will assemble a collection of my best prints into a portfolio to showcase the photos. This presentation of my work would showcase my effort throughout the project in taking, developing, and printing each photo, as well as my projected growth in film photography.

Who is your Honors Project Teacher, and when do you plan on meeting?

My Honors Project Teacher is Susan Now and I plan on meeting with her on Mondays during X block.