Valedictory Final

REFLECTIONS:
I think so far in the year, the valedictory unit was my absolute favorite. It was difficult to come up with a theme and really showcase my interests and skills I've learned this past year. Once I had an idea, it sparked into something greater and I was really pleased with what I came up with. By looking at the pictures, you can tell that each photograph was shot from a different time period. If you don't know me well, I LOVE anything vintage. When I was younger, my family introduced me to older shows, movies, and musicals. I began to analyze the history, fashion, hairstyles, and culture of each decade. I think it's important to show that each decade was influenced by major events that changed and effected America and the world.

1920s: 

I wanted to show a "scandalous" expression. The 1920's was a period of rebirth. They wanted to celebrate and have a party after the war. Women were  receiving the right to vote, they were learning wild dances, smoking, and drinking. The 1920's had it's own language and I wanted to show that through this project by using text. Prohibition was a huge deal then and they wanted to keep it concealed and private. I chose this specific picture because she looks surprised and part of the culture was embracing new ideas, which many of traditionalists were against.

1930's:

Historically, the Great Depression is one of the most difficult times for America, a period where money was scarce and people had to "make do" with what they had. When president Roosevelt was elected, he set forth a goal for America. He believed it was possible to regain ground and prosper for a better future. People were starving and jobless. They had to provide for their growing families and Roosevelt wanted to give them hope, regardless of the country's poverty.

1940's:

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, America was fully involved in the war. Not only were the men a huge part in defeating the enemy, but the women provided the many weapons and tools used to tear them down. Women had to take on roles that no man could even imagine. They felt it was their duty to fully take the responsibility by providing for their family and gaining assurance that their service would help the soldiers at war.

1950's:

This decade was another celebration period, recovering from the war. The fashions really began to change as well as the music, technology, foods, and the media. Everyone wanted the ideal family: husband, house, 3.5 kids. Women were expected to be happy little house wives, cleaning the laundry, making dinner, and to discipline the kids while the husband was at work. Women were utilized as objects and Marilyn Monroe demonstrated how a women should be. "A women should be in the house doing what women do". This decade sparked many ideas and lead to the women's rights movement.

1960's:

The 60's was a very influential decade. Between the early 60's to the late 60's there is quite a gap of differences in the fashion. The British Invasion, Vietnam War, the Kennedies, and so many other events shaped this decade.

1970's:

This decade was a "free spirt" period. Drugs were being over used and new diseases were being discovered. A lot of Americans were angered by the involvement in the war in Vietnam. They wanted to keep America safe.

Valedictory Progress Check

Vintage-Through the Decades

      My vision for this project is to show a blast from the past from the 1920's to the 1970's. There were many major events in history that influenced American culture and the fashion industry. Since I was 9 or 10, I've developed an obsession with antiques. I used to go to little antique stores and admire all the vintage clocks, clothing, jewelery, hats, shoes, furniture, music records, phones, and a whole bunch of stuff. I love how in each decade, some event influenced the culture. If you look at old pictures, not one decade is similar to the next. I think back then it was a much simpler time period and I've always wanted to live in a different time period. For this project, I want to possibly overlay a couple pictures from the same decade and maybe find some objects or important events that happened in that decade and incorporate it in the photo. I still want to have that old feeling of black and white, but I also might want to add a color/tint and some artistic details as well. When I'm done with this project, I want to be able to line all the finished pieces up side by side, displaying a timeline from the past.

Research

1920s:

1930s:

1940s:

Surrealism

I think outwardly, people see me as shy and quiet. I wanted to avoid eye contact with the camera to portray this characteristic. Inwardly, I love music. I've been singing and playing piano practically my entire life and wanted to show it through this photo. I also vacation at the beach with my family every summer and it's one of the only times for all of us to get together. So I took a picture of the clouds during a sunset to remind me of the special times we have!

After getting to know Jessie for a little while, I've learned that she really loves to travel. Outwardly, I first thought she was quiet and kept to herself a lot, but after getting to know her, I found she really funny and nice! As I was looking through her photos, I found a lot of beautiful landscapes of nature and architecture. This is one of my favorite shots and I love the grassy background and how rule of thirds really works in the middle of her body.

I've learned that Jessie really loves to read and travel all over the west coast. Her outwardly appearance shows that she's lost behind a book. On the inside, I wanted to show some of the places she has traveled. I really like this one too because it kind of looks mid evil and fantasy in a way.

Outwardly, I think this picture portrays that I'm shy. I also like playing with my hair, braiding it, curling it, and coming up with new hairstyles. I chose to take pictures of clouds because I love to dream and plan for the future. I have a lot of goals in life and I think the clouds create a calm, dreamy feeling. I also love going to the beach and not necessarily swimming, but I love taking walks, especially during sunrise.