Summer Project
Title: Palestine in 2016
Medium: Photo Journalism July 2016 Exhibition Text: For my Summer Project I wanted to show how the Middle Eastern country of Palestine was not a war torn country that people think it is. Although there is war-like and heavy political conflict within the Area, I set out capture how there was so much more to this Ancient Country. Traveling almost everyday during my 30 day visit within the country, I was able to photograph what I believed people need to see, so that they may have a different understanding of what the country actually is, from perspective of some one who lives there. |
|
Process
Before going on a journey to a foreign country with intention of bringing back photos for a photo journalism project, I ordered a few things online which I found out to be necessities. Those being, portable device charger(3800 million app hours), a rugged phone case, and the habit of thinking where you photograph. The last requirement of taking a step before shooting a photo, that precaution came about because of the large soldier presence within the country, and often times photographers were not exactly welcomed by soldiers. This wasn't much of obstacle for me, simply something to keep in mind. But otherwise, just about everything and everyone were welcoming to a bit of photography.
Entering Palestine, first time in 5 years Immediately me and my family were more than excited to finally reach Palestine, during the time, that excitement was caused by two things; The small distance we would be from our relatives, and our serious dislike of Jordan. In order for us to enter Palestine, we had enter through Jordanian-Israeli border, something we do reluctantly every time. But our patience was soon rewarded, because entering through the border requires a serious amount of patience, and will power, not to mention the fact we were also carrying ten suit cases, but these were insignificant details. As cliche as it may sound, the view I was greeted with when we first entered was like seeing Jewel that is hidden from the eyes of every other neighboring country, because in order for you to finally see it, you'd need go through the immensely difficult 5 hour long border passing, enough to make you turn back. Village of Ajul, Western Palestine During my trip in Palestine, I lived in a village named Atara, which surprisingly even had a Wikipedia article on its history. Nice as Atara may be, many its residents migrated to other countries, leaving the towns ability to prosper and thrive like other villages, being difficult. Although the Village of Ajul, which was only two miles from Atara, and was a perfect candidate for photography. It was perfect because like most villages,exception being possibly Atara, it didn't fit the stereotypical description, that being, deserted, ruined houses, no paved roads, and essentially a village 50 years behind the rest of the world. Ajul provided me with scenery and features that I believed was perfect for the job. Ajul had houses and buildings and constructs that were not large and well made only, but beautiful. The village was full of completely paved roads, with completely functioning plumbing and electrical systems all throughout the entire village. And desipte fact the Ajul is essentially between a valley, and was difficult to get in and out of 30 years ago, today the residents of this small town were able to create something truly unique with every possible necessity available to them. |
Greeting Views |
Still Life Drawings
During the creation of my still life drawing of headphones, I began with long observation and then decided on the angle I wanted to display. During my career though art programs and internships, I've consistently seen that I struggle deeply with painting and sketching without marked guidelines that are created beforehand. But none the less I began drawing after choosing my desired item and angle. One thing I found very crucial to remember, was that when drawing still life, its the little details on the piece that allow for a more vivid and appealing drawing, and that proved to be the case with the few details in my drawing.
|
Reflection
In conclusion, I found that my photojournalism was a success because I achieved what I set out to do, tell a story through appealing and effective images that complement my description and writing of the areas I visited. The device I used to photograph was Samsung Galaxy Note 5, which I choose because before leaving the united States, I researched and found out that this was the best choice for point and shoot photos on the go, and when standing still. Something I wished that had accomplished, was visited inside the Israeli wall borders for what I think may have been a good candidate for comparison. Something I strongly regret not doing during this trip, was not getting a direct interview from people, asking them what they'd like to inform the world of their country, and then to go and attempt to photograph their message per say.In terms of my still life drawings, I regret not creating more detailed photos of more challenging items, such as wild flowers or wild life. Something I wish I would have taken advantage of is creating still life drawings during my trip in Palestine.
ACT Questions
1. The inspiration for my photo journalism Project was me watching a lot of foreign country based documentaries. And then when my ability to make the trip was confirmed, I really did not see a better option, because I had so much to work with during my trip to Palestine in the summer of 2016.
2. The point of view that I had taken for my Palestinian Photojournalism project, was that of a journalist, someone who's goal was to express a type of story through my writing complemented by my photos.
3. Conclusions I made from my research and overall completion of this project, was that with most things in the world, there's always much more beneath the surface. This was supported by my findings during my trip, on how some villages and cities seem deserted or lifeless, but after taking a second look and asking a question, there's always more to observe, not always pleasant and appealing, but there's always more details than expected.
4. The central idea and theme around my research, was the same as the conclusion I came; how during my trip I found that there's always more than what meets they eye. Where further investigation and excessive curiosity is always rewarded with some type of information.
5. After finally reviewing my project, I decided that the inference that I made worth sharing is the importance of sharing information is unbelievable. I found examples to support my inference in the United States and within Palestine. Where people have false beliefs of both countries, something I wanted to address in my project.
2. The point of view that I had taken for my Palestinian Photojournalism project, was that of a journalist, someone who's goal was to express a type of story through my writing complemented by my photos.
3. Conclusions I made from my research and overall completion of this project, was that with most things in the world, there's always much more beneath the surface. This was supported by my findings during my trip, on how some villages and cities seem deserted or lifeless, but after taking a second look and asking a question, there's always more to observe, not always pleasant and appealing, but there's always more details than expected.
4. The central idea and theme around my research, was the same as the conclusion I came; how during my trip I found that there's always more than what meets they eye. Where further investigation and excessive curiosity is always rewarded with some type of information.
5. After finally reviewing my project, I decided that the inference that I made worth sharing is the importance of sharing information is unbelievable. I found examples to support my inference in the United States and within Palestine. Where people have false beliefs of both countries, something I wanted to address in my project.