Humanities 303 Art Creation Reflection: Photography and Cinema

Part 1: Art Creation

Select a photograph or film art piece to use as a point of inspiration. Create an art piece of photography or cinematography inspired by your selected art piece. (See Attached Word Doc)

Part 2: Reflection

Write a reflection about the relationship between your art production and the inspiration piece. Include the following in the reflection paper:

Introduction

Inspiration Piece

Include the inspiration photograph or cinematography within the document. Use a link in the case of cinematography.

Record the title, artist/director, year, and place of origin.

Briefly explain the background of the inspiration piece.

Your Art Piece

Include your original photograph within the document. If you selected cinematography, submit as a separate file in the Art Creation Submission (Recordings) area following this assignment.

Provide a title.

Explain the background of your piece.

Connection

Explain the thematic connection between the two pieces.

How are they similar and different?

Are they the same medium? How does the medium impact what the viewer experiences?

For photography, how do the formal elements of design compare to one another?

Length: 1.5-2 pages (not including title page, images, or references page)

1-inch margins

Double spaced

12-point Times New Roman font

Title page

References page (minimum of 1 scholarly source)

Humanities 303 – Art Creation Reflection: Photography & Cinema

Inspiration Piece

DETAILS

Credit:

Ron and Patty Thomas

License type:

Royalty-free

Collection:

Upload date:

May 25, 2011

American Flag glows in the sunset.

Original Piece

OBX Sunrise

Background of the Pieces

Piece 1 : The first photograph captures the American flag flying proudly against a dramatic sunset. The sky is painted with vibrant hues of orange and pink, with wispy cirrus clouds adding texture and depth. The flag, illuminated by the fading sunlight, symbolizes patriotism and resilience, while the sunset evokes a sense of closure and hope. The image feels timeless, blending natural beauty with national pride.

Piece 2 : The second photograph features a fishing pier extending into the vast ocean, framed by the warm glow of a sunset. The horizon blends the ocean and sky seamlessly, creating a tranquil and reflective mood. The pier, a man-made structure, contrasts with the natural elements, symbolizing humanity’s connection to nature. The sunset adds a universal theme of endings and new beginnings, inviting contemplation Humanities 303 – Art Creation Reflection: Photography & Cinema.

Thematic Connection

Both photographs are united by the theme of transitions and the interplay between human presence and nature. The sunsets in both pieces symbolize endings and the promise of renewal, creating a reflective mood. The American flag in Piece 1 represents human ideals and identity, while the pier in Piece 2 reflects humanity’s interaction with the natural world. Together, they explore the balance between human constructs and the timeless beauty of nature, evoking a sense of hope and continuity amidst change.

Similarities and Differences

The two photographs are similar in their use of sunset lighting to create a warm, evocative atmosphere. Both images capture a moment of transition—symbolized by the sunset—that invites reflection on themes of time, continuity, and human connection to the world. Additionally, each piece features a central subject (the flag and the pier) that contrasts with the natural backdrop, emphasizing the relationship between human constructs and nature Humanities 303 – Art Creation Reflection: Photography & Cinema. However, they differ in their focus: Piece 1 highlights national identity and pride through the American flag, while Piece 2 emphasizes a quieter, more introspective connection to nature through the fishing pier. The flag evokes a sense of collective belonging, whereas the pier suggests solitude and contemplation.

Medium and Its Impact

Both pieces are created using digital film photography, a medium that allows for precise control over light, color, and composition. This medium enhances the viewer’s experience by capturing the vivid, almost surreal beauty of the sunsets with striking clarity. The rich orange hues and intricate cloud textures in Piece 1, as well as the serene gradient of the ocean and sky in Piece 2, are rendered with a level of detail that immerses the viewer in the scene. Digital photography also enables the artist to emphasize contrasts—such as the sharpness of the flag against the soft clouds or the linear pier against the fluid ocean—creating a dynamic visual experience. The medium’s ability to freeze a fleeting moment in time amplifies the emotional impact, allowing the viewer to linger on the themes of transition and connection Humanities 303 – Art Creation Reflection: Photography & Cinema.