"You are Struggling to Keep up in Dance Class" Photography Project

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Me and my classmate Ava were given the task of choosing a prompt, and then planning, shooting, and editing a photograph to portray this prompt. The prompt we chose was “you are struggling to keep up in dance class.” To respond to this prompt, we planned to take a photo of me doing a dance move poorly, with my dance classmates behind me doing it perfectly.

We developed this sketch:

 

Then, we put this planning into effect and took our photo:

 

Edited/Final version: 

 

 There was a lot of preparation that went into taking these photos in terms of design and composition: 

 DESIGN: 

-Lighting: When taking the photo, we made sure there was enough light to be able to see everybody’s facial expressions and other important details. We had a bit of trial and error when taking the photo and had to change where in the studio we took it depending on where lighting was best. After the photo was taken, we used editing and placed a filter on the picture that made the lighting a bit darker to portray a more distressed mood.  

-Setting: We took the picture on location, at our dance studio. This gives the photo an authentic feel and allows viewers to know the intended setting without knowing the prompt. It also made it easier for me and Ava, as we did not have to create a set or anything like that.  

-Costumes, hairstyle, makeup: We didn’t do anything crazy in terms of costumes or hair. Because we were in dance class when we took the photo, everybody was in their usual dance attire which worked perfectly. It gave the photo a natural feel, which is exactly what we wanted. Because of this, we didn’t have to manipulate or change much regarding the appearance of the subjects of the photo. 

-Props and decor: The studio is decorated with silhouettes of dancers and has a stained-glass window with dancers on it. I wanted this decor to be in the picture to confirm the dance studio setting for viewers. Also, the ballet barre and mirrors further enforce this setting.  

 

COMPOSITION: 

-Depth of Composition: This photo has a moderately flat composition. The other dancers are behind me, which adds a bit of depth, but I didn’t want them to be too far away because then the contrast of what they're doing versus what I’m doing would be less noticeable. Also, I wanted everyone’s facial expressions to be visible, so that the viewer can see my distressed expression compared to everyone else’s serene expression.  

-Point of View: The photo is from nobody’s POV in particular. (omniscient POV) This is implied by the framing, as nobody in the photo is looking at the camera and everybody is fairly centered within the frame. Nobody would be standing in this position, which implies omniscient POV.  

-Implied Distance from Subject: Like I stated prior, I did not want the other dancers to be too far from the camera, but I did want them to be behind me. I would say the photo is a long shot, as everybody’s full body is seen, but it still allows for expressions to be seen. Also, as I am in the front and center, it emphasizes my appearance first, and then the viewers can see the appearance of those behind me and how both compare.  

-Offscreen Space: There is not much to be said about offscreen space. Maybe we can assume there are more dancers in the rest of the room, or a teacher is off-screen disciplining me. However, none of these assumptions are necessary, as enough can be seen on screen to make a judgment on what is happening in the photo. 

-Blocking: Like I have mentioned before, we placed me, the main subject, in the middle front of the shot, so that viewers' attention goes to me first. Then, viewers will see the dancers in lines behind me and be able to see the difference between what they are doing and what I’m doing, as well as the difference between my facial expression and their facial expressions.  

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