2023 Virtual
Emulsion & Noise
Student Showcase
Photo2750 Student Portfolios
Spring 2023 Capstone Portfolios for Photography Program Students
Caroline Bellini
There are geometric forms hidden in plain sight. The theme of this body of work is Abstract Architecture and the geometric shapes that exist within. Prior to this semester, I have been photographing architecture in a traditional manner, focusing on capturing the full subject, while ensuring everything is straight and perfectly aligned. As I took this new approach to Abstract Photography capturing only a portion of a building now felt uncomfortable. However, I started to focus on the finer elements within the whole structure, and was now able to appreciate each element as an individual subject all on its own.
One of my goals while creating these images was for the viewer to feel the texture of the elements within the photograph, as if the viewer was present in the moment with the elements themselves. I foresee that I will continue to build upon this work, hopefully incorporating additional Abstract Art images of downtown Chicago.
Jailene Diego
I am a fashion photographer obsessed with capturing the raw beauty of an individual through their fashion style. My goal is to create images in which viewers can feel the texture of the fabrics and fall in love with the fashion itself. My preference is to work on location with a focus on using natural light, but I am equally comfortable working in a studio with artificial lighting. In this set of images, you will see different styles of fashion on each subject and will learn about their personalities through their fashion sense. The sequencing of the images in this portfolio was done to allow each photo to complement the next.
Chris Hurley
Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter; what excites you about the seasons? The color, the weather, the trees, or even the sky. Everything that nature has to offer excites me, that is who I am and what shapes me as a photographer. Spring is one of my favorite seasons with the beauty of the plant in bloom; this is my favorite time to capture the vivid colors of bud to petal. Life in plants and flowers is a never-ending circle of life. Even the withering petals and leaves at the end of a plant’s life tells a story of its journey.
Photography is my passion; and to be able to freeze time, and preserve my subject within a photograph is my legacy to this world! I love to walk and seek out the beautiful nature this planet has to offer.
In this series, I wanted to capture the beauty of Spring. The simple pleasures that the earth has given us to enjoy. As you look at this series, I hope to offer you my perspective of the beauty I see around us.
Natalie McKenty
Growing up in dog rescue, I often found myself far better acquainted and at ease with animals than I ever could be with a human being. Studio portraiture of family pets sometimes feels like an oxymoron to me. There's that restraint, precision, and foreseeable nature of knowing the lights and backdrops you wish to use, but then there is your subject, the dog. I like to work with my model and around whatever they wish to do. It is that control, yet unpredictability, that draws me to photographing them. You never know exactly what you are going to get. Yes, I always go in with an idea and a planned pose or two, but I find some of my favorite captures are those organic "caught the moment” photographs. I also love looking at each individual portrait I create as I would a painting, choosing color palettes that coordinate well with each dog’s fur, eyes, nose color and shape. It is important to complement and design around the animal. They are dynamic, playful, whimsical, dignified, and sometimes shy and reserved. Every dog embodies combinations of these qualities; it is my passion to encapsulate these with every click of my shutter.
https://nataliemckenty.smugmug.com/She-WolfPhotographyLookBook/
Rebecca Morrison
I am a photographer and artist who aims to capture the essence of delectable food through my camera’s viewfinder in a creative way that emphasizes light, color, and styling. As a child, I spent time in the kitchen with my mom where I learned to cook and bake. What you see in my work is a combination of a skillset in photography and fine arts. These skills combine to assist in bringing the vision of my work together in harmony. This allows a creative perspective while photographing my subject with a mix of my skills as ingredients in a recipe; the focus of my portfolio is food photography
Mary Paulius
The transition from winter to spring is relatively colorless; cut flowers offer the color I long for at this time of year.
As a lover of flowers, I wanted to examine them closely with my camera and concentrate on the center of each flower, examining its structure and focused on its stamens, pistil and petals. I paid attention to how my lighting would show the soft ridges in the flower petals. The winter weather began to transition to spring just in time for daffodils to grow and bloom; two types of these spring flowers from my garden are included. As a result of my love of flowers, I plan to continue expanding my floral photography.
Linnea Sardina
When some people think of cosplay, they might minimize its importance because they don't understand that it can be a form of self-care. Cosplay gives people the opportunity to express themselves in a fun and different way. Perhaps to escape the stress of everyday life, to build self-esteem by creating beautiful costumes and be the character they love. As a photographer, I want to help people memorialize the hard work they've put into the outfits they've made and capture their true beauty by helping them feel comfortable in their own skin.
Alexa Solonenko
Elegant or sporty, classical or street, artsy or casual, glamorous or retro-these are words that first appear in my head every time I have to make a decision on how I want to look each day. Then I think about the clothes and the little details to add depending on my mood, or the place I’m going to.
Fashion has been one of the ways I choose to express myself ever since I became a rebellious teenager and started thinking about who I want to be. I would often be inspired by other people’s style, and when I meet new people, I usually pay attention to what they wear. Having done this for quite some time, I have observed that everybody has their own unique style that shows some of their personality.
Madeline Stone
I am a product photographer. My photography journey started back in my sophomore year of high school, and once I got to college, I transitioned from the retail side of photography to the commercial side. This is how I started in product photography and gravitated towards the simplistic aspects of photographing products because I feel it helps the product stand out more within the photographs.
My product photography is minimalistic, yet creative. I love being able to be creative with how the product is photographed and the staging of it while still bringing out the beauty within a product. When starting my creative process, I always ask myself; how do I want the product to be showcased? What props should I use for the product? These questions help to ensure that images are not only cohesive but the products make sense within the environment I am photographing a product in.
Billy Vodak
These photographs were taken to show people in locations that tell their personal story. The locations were chosen because it was a place that best fit with the person’s sport, hobby, or it was close to their home. They are taken in a documentary style for the client's personal use.
Jim Waters
Photography has been a part of my life ever since I plucked a photo enlarger from a neighbor’s discards in junior high. Once I got my hands on a used SLR, I was hooked and always had a camera with me. I must acknowledge Ken Kinney, my high school photo teacher. His guidance was so appreciated as I found my way in photography as he encouraged me to “just go shoot pictures Waters”.
My photos are a reflection of what I see as I travel with my camera. Creating visual interest is always my goal and making photos of our natural outdoor world is what I find most rewarding. There is such beauty in our land which I love capturing images of. Almost as special for me is shooting everyday life scenes and events. Unique moments of people and their surroundings.
I strive to shoot and edit in such a way that adds a uniqueness to my photos. Differing camera positions, varying exposures, observing changes in natural light, and basic digital editing are some ways I work to create “what I see”. I hope you find my work enjoyable.
Kristan Wozniak
My interest in photography started when I was just a child and my passion for it continues to grow. Christmas morning 1979, there are only, at best 3-4 pictures of my siblings and I. The reason for this, Me! I was the kid who used most of the film in the family’s 110 camera by taking several images of my three brothers, my sister, and the new family kitten!
As an adult I love all aspects of photography, particularly images that include people. The glow of newly engaged couples, the beauty of an expectant mother, a sweet sleeping newborn baby, the silliness of a small child, a high school senior about to embark on a new chapter in life, and photographing families as they create lasting memories.
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