CMWL - Mood Project (Lesson)

Mood Project

Introduction

Put your new knowledge into action by creating a series of 3 photographs using lighting to create mood!  In order to be successful, we must consider a number of factors:

  • What is a series?
  • What kind of mood(s) do I want to create?
  • What makes a “good” photograph?
  • What makes a photograph original and/or authentic?

What is a Series?

A series is a number of photographs of a similar kind or related nature coming one after another. There are several ways you can approach creating a series for this project. 

You could photograph the same composition using 3 different lighting techniques to create 3 distinctly different moods. This could be a beautiful landscape at sunrise (golden hour), mid-day, and just after sunset (blue hour). Or it could be a series of portraits of the same person.  You could use the same 3 types of natural light to create different moods, or you could use soft directional light from a window diffused through cloth, shadows through blinds/grid, and a silhouette created by placing the subject in front of the window and allow them to go completely dark. 

You could photograph three entirely different compositions that are all unified, or related, based on having the same mood. Sadness or grief could be shown through series of low key photographs: a person in bed, face hidden, items signifying absence or loss, a landscape of emptiness, etc.

You could tell a story of transition through the photographs, somehow progressing and transitioning from one mood to another. Terror anticipating trying something new, exhilaration at actually experiencing the new, pride for being brave and trying. 

What Kind of Mood(s) Do You Want to Create?

First you must decide what kind of series you want to create – this goes hand in hand with the mood or moods you want to create. Look inside yourself and choose something that speaks to you. Celebrate your joy. Work through your anger or grief. Reflect on the world around you as it is right now, without judgement. Envision a better world, as you think it should be. 

What Makes a Photograph "Good"?

Strong composition, compelling/interesting subject, good lighting, clear focus, purposeful exposure, and an interesting point of view all work together to create a strong photograph. Your goal is to take all that you have learned about the technicalities of photography and apply that knowledge to create a work of art. No piece is more important than the other. They all work together to help tell the story – to persuade the viewer to feel a particular way, to educate the viewer about the subject matter, to record a moment. What will your purpose be and how will you use your knowledge to achieve it?

What Makes a Photograph Original and/or Authentic?

Originality is another vital component of creating strong and successful photographs. Artists are inspired by so many things, including the work of other artists. But when do you draw the line between inspiration and copying or outright plagiarism? It’s a murky area, but the first step to originality is creating the photograph yourself. When submitting your assignments you must also submit an in progress photo – have someone else take a snapshot with a cell phone showing you creating your artwork – this means you are in the process of creating your photographs. Next, think about how you would feel if someone was inspired by your work? What would be your line between inspiration, a compliment, and copying/plagiarism?  Apply these same principles when creating your own artwork. 

It's also important to be authentic. This means creating artwork that is true to your resources, abilities, and interests. Don’t try to imitate others – be true to yourself. 

How Will Your Project Be Graded?

Take some time to look through and become familiar with the rubric for any assignment before beginning the project. This project will be evaluated on the following:

  • Required Files:  You must have 3 unique photographic files for the project itself and at least one in progress file, all .jpg.
  • Function/Purpose/Meaning: Your photographs each clearly and effectively evoke a unique mood using lighting.
  • Form/Composition:  Each photograph shows strong and intentional use of the elements and principles to create a composition that supports the mood.
  • Content: Content is appropriate, creative, unique, and also supports the mood.
  • Craftsmanship: F/stop, shutter speed, ISO, focus, post production – all technical aspects of the photographs’ execution are intentional and work to support the mood for each.
  • Originality: Each photograph is your original work, created by you, and your own unique idea and execution.

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