HUMN 303 Week 6 Assignment: Essay–Art Creation & Reflection – Photography/Cinema

Student Name

Chamberlain University

HUMN-303: Introduction to the Humanities

Prof. Name

Date

Art Creation & Reflection – Photography/Cinema

Photography, first introduced in 1839 by Louis J. M. Daguerre through the daguerreotype method using silver-coated plates, revolutionized the art world. Initially, artists worried that photography would devalue painting, which had been the primary medium for visual expression. Early photographs were monochrome and lacked the vibrancy of paintings. However, their ability to capture realistic moments instantly reshaped the cultural perception of art.

As technology advanced, photography began to emerge as a strong competitor to painting. The introduction of digital cameras and smartphones further expanded accessibility, enabling nearly everyone to document and edit their own work. Modern smartphones come with built-in tools for cropping, enhancing brightness, applying filters, and even integrating advanced software like Photoshop. This democratization of photography allows both professional and amateur artists to participate in visual storytelling.

Personal Inspiration from Photography and Cinema

For my artistic endeavors, I find significant inspiration in nature, particularly from birds. A major influence has been the BBC series Seven Worlds, One Planet. According to The Times (2019), the documentary covers each continent, showcasing breathtaking footage captured over four years, across 92 film shoots in more than 40 countries. One South American episode highlighted the Hyacinth Macaw, a rare and stunning parrot species.

This resonates with me deeply, as my first pet was a parrot that lived with me for over 16 years. This personal connection not only nurtured my admiration for birds but also inspired me to attempt capturing their beauty through photography and short video clips.

HUMN 303 Week 6 Assignment: Essay – Art Creation & Reflection – Photography/Cinema

What experience did you have while creating your own work?

During a recent park visit, I attempted to capture a small bird bathing in a fountain. The moment reminded me of the Seven Worlds, One Planet documentary. I experimented by adjusting my camera’s zoom and angle, yet I struggled to keep track of the bird’s movements. My footage lacked the stability and precision demonstrated by professional wildlife cinematographers, who skillfully maintain focus while capturing the unpredictability of animals in motion.

Although my attempt did not yield professional-level results, the process gave me a new appreciation for the patience, technical skills, and artistry required in wildlife photography and filmmaking.

Reflection on the Process

Smartphones are equipped with advanced tools that make photography more convenient, but creating impactful videos remains challenging. I found it particularly difficult to edit my footage in a way that reflected the mood of the moment. Adding music or refining transitions proved overwhelming, so I decided to leave the video unedited. This experience underscored the complexity of multimedia art creation, especially when aiming for realism and emotional depth.

Comparative Table: Photography vs. Painting

This comparison highlights that while photography provides convenience and immediacy, painting offers a more interpretative and timeless form of artistic expression.

Conclusion

Through this assignment, I realized that creating art through photography and cinema is not only about capturing images but also about developing the skill to translate emotions, context, and meaning into visual form. While technology provides the tools, creativity and patience remain essential in producing impactful works. My personal attempt, although imperfect, was valuable for deepening my respect for professionals who dedicate their lives to this craft.

References

BBC Earth. (n.d.). Saving the blue parrots of South America. Retrieved from https://www.bbcearth.com/blog/?article=saving-the-blue-parrots-of-south-america

Martin, F. D. (2019). Humanities through the arts. [VitalSource Bookshelf]. Retrieved from https://online.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781260154238/

The Times. (2019, October 26). Seven Worlds, One Planet (p. 23). Retrieved from https://chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=n5h&AN=7EH154176197&site=eds-live&scope=site