Ansel Adams

Ansel AdamsAnsel Adams1902-19841902-1984

Working with NatureWorking with Nature

In Black and WhiteIn Black and White

Adams was born in San Adams was born in San Francisco. Through playing in Francisco. Through playing in the sand dunes of the Golden the sand dunes of the Golden

Gate, he learned of his Gate, he learned of his appreciation for nature.appreciation for nature.

In addition to the preservation In addition to the preservation of nature, his photos of nature, his photos demonstrate a strong demonstrate a strong

understanding of the art understanding of the art elements and how they relate elements and how they relate

to one another. to one another.

Shape….Shape….

These sand dunes are so simplified into basic shapes, it seems that this isn’t a photograph at all, but rather an abstracted painting.

Line….Line….

What other elements beyond line are demonstrated in this photograph?

Does this photo follow the Does this photo follow the composition rules?composition rules?

Texture…Texture…

This photograph is a good example of “filling the

frame”

Value and Form…As a general Value and Form…As a general rule, you can’t have form rule, you can’t have form

without value.without value.

What other elements are in this photo?

The value contrast makes this photo interesting. What else strikes your eye?

SpaceSpace

Remember, space is not openness…Space is depth; foreground, middle

ground, and background.

Your Assignment: Your Assignment:

►Pick an element randomly. That Pick an element randomly. That element will be your focus element.element will be your focus element.

►Capture at least 14 photographs that Capture at least 14 photographs that demonstrate your element. demonstrate your element.

►Edit your photographs, as needed.Edit your photographs, as needed.►Print 6-8 photographs and arrange Print 6-8 photographs and arrange

them on paper or poster board in an them on paper or poster board in an interesting way.interesting way.

Things to remember…Things to remember…

► It is nearly impossible to isolate one It is nearly impossible to isolate one element and still have a successful element and still have a successful photograph. Usually one element photograph. Usually one element depends on another.depends on another.

►Remember composition rules, filling Remember composition rules, filling the frame, balance, positive and the frame, balance, positive and negative shapes.negative shapes.

►Be as creative as possible. Finding a Be as creative as possible. Finding a standard solution will not give you an standard solution will not give you an A. I want you to strive to think outside A. I want you to strive to think outside the box.the box.