Len's Blog - Documenting the Blues Unity

Photo #6 was our choice for unity.  The way it shows unity is that many elements of design are incorporated in the photo. There is movement among the photo that creates emphasis on the subject which is the man on the stick. It also shows rhythm with the smoking pots. They act like leading lines , repetition, and pattern that curves around the photo. It also features a variety of subjects that lead your eye around the whole picture. The placement of the shapes also create balance and proportion among the many subject as well. With the inclusion of all these elements, it works to create unity and completeness to the overall picture.

Variety

Rhythm

Movie Monday Part 3 and 4

1. What is your definition of successful? - My definition of success is overcoming odds to meet your goals or ambitions. Whether the goal seems impossible, you still aim for it anyways. 
2. What have you given up to become successful? - In the past, I've given up many hours of my life and time in order to achieve some of my goals. 
3. What did Parks give up to become successful? - Parks gave up much of his time with his family. He was often away from his family when he was working. 
4. Who was Genevieve Young's father? - He father was one of the founding members of Vk Wellington Kok and also the UN. 
5. How much was Parks advanced to write his first book (and eventual best-selling autobiography)? - For his book he was given 10,000 Dollars in advance.
6. How much money did Elijah Muhammad offer Parks to do a story on The Nation of Islam? - Parks was offered a total of $500,000 dollars for the story. 
7. Why did Parks refuse the money? - He refused it out of disagreement of the Nation of Islam's support of violent protests and preferred his camera document more positive views on life and not violence or guns.
8. What was significant about the movie The Learning Tree? - First film made by an African American. 
9. What was significant about the character Shaft? - Inspired many African Americans to overcome racism.
10. What was Gordon Parks' choice of weapons? - His Camera and his writing.
11. What reason did Genevieve Young give for the divorce? - The relationship was holding her back and there was not enough stability in their life. 
12. In 1984, Parks directed Solomon Northrup's Odyssey. What recent feature film told the same story? - The most recent film was 12 Years a Slave. A very good movie, I watched it in theaters back in 2013. 
13. Who was Gordon Parks, jr? - Gordon Parks oldest son who was a Hollywood writer. He died in a plane crash in his forties. 
14. What is your favorite Gordon Parks photo? - This one. The shapes look incredible. 
15. What will you remember about Gordon Parks in ten years? - A man who has accomplished much and has preserved at a time with prevalent racism.  

Proportion

Repetition and Pattern

Movement

Roads and Trees lead your eyes around the photo

Emphasis

Hallway. Emphasis on my left hand.

Balance

Texture

Color - Red

Space

Form

Half Past Autumn - Gordon Parks pt 1

1. On the day Gordon Parks was born, how did the doctor save Gordon's life?

Gordon Parks was saved by being dumped into a bucket of ice water.

2. Where was Gordon born? (what state?)

Kansas.

3. What did Gordon's college adviser, Ms. McClintock tell him about college?

Ms. Mclintock said that college was not for African Americans

4. How old was Gordon when his mother died?

About 15

5. Where did Gordon move after his mother died?

St. Paul, Minnesota

6. Did Gordon graduate from college?

Yes, From Princeton.

7. How did Gordon begin his fashion photography career?

He asked models to take pictures of

8. What is a "double exposure?"

Double exposure is the repeated exposure of a photographic plate or film to light, often 

producing ghost images.

9. Who was boxer Joe Louis?

Joe Louis was one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time.  His wife encouraged Parks to move to Chicago and shoot there.

10. What instrument did Gordon play?

Piano

11. What was the purpose of the Farm Security Administration?

The purpose was to show America the conditions of the Great Depression.

12. When Roy Stryker hired Gordon for the FSA, what was Stryker's first assignment for 

Gordon in Washington, D.C.?

He had to go to a store to buy a suit, eat at a nearby restaurant, and go to a movie theater.

13. Who was Ella Watson?

Ella Watson was the woman standing in front of the American flag holding a broom and a 

mop.

14. What was the inspiration for Grant Wood's American Gothic?

The inspiration came from the feelings of racial segregation and discrimination he saw throughout his life. 

15. What did Gordon learn from Stryker about photography?

To combat injustices of race and the emotion it can capture.