Lauren fell for this 19th-century abandoned storage building along the waterfront during our historic Boston walking tour Saturday. Her photographic eye was drawn to the mystery and poignance of its derelict state. She's invited our participation in critiquing her School of Visual Arts photography portfolio, a work in progress. Everything starts with a visceral interest in your subject and the instinct for finding the spirit of the place (or person or thing). You've got that in spades. The second sine qua non, which we've already discussed, is always having your camera with you. We all had camera issues of various sorts this weekend so were reminded of the importance of having a backup camera just in case. Lesson learned.
Next, as Visiting Professor Richard Haag -- landscape architect of Gas Works Park and the Bloedel Reserve in Washington state -- told us graduate students back in the day, "Haunt the site" -- different times of day, different light conditions, rain, fog, snow, whatever. That should produce contact sheets worthy of including in your portfolio. Admissions interviewers are usually more interested in evidence of your thinking process than highly polished finished works (Who can blame them?). Your digital camera will open up a world of possibilities, as you know, since you can make instant, on-the-spot critiques of your own work. If you have Photoshop, the expressive possibilities expand exponentially.
Then, along with your photographic study of the place (or person or thing), do further research online or in the library to lend historical perspective to your visual study.
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