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Final Project

Bridging Boundaries

Bridging Boundaries is a visual poem of contrasts and connections—a dialogue between two worlds, Gujarati and Chinese, each vibrant yet yearning for unity. The journey begins in fragments, where black-and-white reflections meet the vividness of life. The mirrors hold stories of incompleteness, of identities seeking fulfillment, yet their stillness whispers a promise of wholeness.

As the series unfolds, color seeps in—gentle, deliberate—bridging the gap between separation and unity. The mirror, once a silent observer, transforms into a threshold, reflecting not just faces, but the merging of traditions and the essence of shared humanity.

Glowing hands speak of collaboration, light becomes a silent language of hope, and gestures echo across cultures, uniting differences in their tender embrace. The interplay of shadows and illumination celebrates the beauty of individuality and the transformative power of connection.

This work invites viewers to step into the in-between, to explore the harmony that arises when boundaries dissolve, and to witness the vibrant dance of cultures meeting and becoming one.

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Final Project Proposal

Project Title: Bridging Boundaries

Project Description: This project explores the concept of cultural identity and connection by juxtaposing the traditions of Gujarati and Chinese cultures through photography. The series will portray two individuals adorned in elements of their respective traditions, emphasizing the beauty of their distinct heritages while illustrating their harmonious interplay.

Using reflective surfaces, overlays, and dramatic lighting, the project will delve into themes of incompleteness, unity, and cultural blending. For instance, individual reflection photographs will reveal the interplay between color and monochrome, signifying the merging of individuality and shared humanity. Meanwhile, overlays and light-filled gestures will symbolize a bridge between two cultural identities.

Inspired by the idea of fading boundaries, the project will underscore how traditions and expressions can transcend physical and metaphorical separations, creating a dialogue that speaks to both unity and diversity. By blending traditional attire, gestures, and symbolic elements like light and reflections, this series seeks to inspire viewers to reflect on the connections between cultures, despite apparent differences.

Outcomes:

The series will be of 7 pictures and all of them would be taken in landscape with the size 12inch x 8inch

The series will begin with pictures of individual cultures and then would transition towards fusion of both the cultures. I will keep them in color but I will try black and white and see how it goes with the series.

Methods and Materials:

Methods: - Playing with light and mirror reflections - Photo editing by Adobe photoshop

Materials: - DSLR camera and tripod - Traditional cloths and accessories - Mirror

References: 1. Liu Bolin - A Chinese artist who explores cultural identity and invisibility through his art, Bolin’s blending of subjects with their environments provided conceptual inspiration for overlays. I am inspired by the way he overlays the subject with the environment and would like to try something similar. Here are some pictures of his artwork:

2. Raja Ravi Varma - An iconic Indian painter known for his ability to blend traditional Indian aesthetics with a Western artistic approach. His focus on capturing emotion and cultural essence influenced the project’s exploration of traditional attire, gestures, and storytelling. Varma’s iconic depictions of mythological and cultural themes resonate with the project’s goal of merging different cultural narratives. Here are some of his artworks which inspired me:

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Writing artist statement

I chose the first picture where there is a tall glass window and plants.

Glow within boundaries

This black-and-white image, though stripped of color, radiates warmth and tranquility. Soft light from above filters into the space, evoking a sense of blessings being gently bestowed. The long, delicate trails of plant branches breathe life into the scene, while the subtle tone of abandonment imbues it with a quiet, reflective stillness. The absence of humans or animals creates an unfilled void, yet the presence of thriving plants brings forth a sense of growth and renewal. The tall window, framed by plants, suggests a yearning to step into the world beyond, yet conveys a feeling of being grounded, protected, or even confined. The glass panels filter out the gloom, negativity, and sadness, allowing only rays of hope and positivity to shine through. Their reflections capture a dual sense of containment and self-realization, inviting contemplation on self-worth even within the boundaries of a space. In essence, this image extends a warm, welcoming presence. It suggests that while one may feel restrained, there is beauty, peace, and purpose to be found within these boundaries. The light cascading in feels almost divine, as if showering blessings that remind us we are nurtured, valued, and shielded, even within moments of solitude.

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Final Project Proposal

Project Title: Beyond the Code

Project description: This project, "Beyond the Code," is a photographic exploration of my identity beyond the expectations tied to my Computer Science major. Often, people assume my interests lie solely within the technical world, overlooking the multitude of passions that define me. Using light and shadow as metaphorical tools, I intend to reveal the different sides of myself—art, nature, language, and photography—that are usually obscured by the "light" of my CS identity. Each photograph in this series will focus on an individual passion, highlighted through distinct uses of light to represent what’s visible and shadow to signify depth and complexity. For instance, I’ll use natural light to emphasize my connection to nature, while casting shadows around art tools to suggest the patience and discipline hidden behind the act of creation. The series aims to create an intimate portrait of the facets that make me more than just a major, inviting viewers to look beyond their initial assumptions. This project embraces the rich, often hidden layers within identity, celebrating the blend of diverse influences that form who I am.

Outcomes: - A series of 6-7 images illustrating diverse aspects of my identity and interests, connected through a common theme of light and shadow. -Depending on the interest/hobby I choose, I will select the location which is associated with it to make it more relatable. - Images will mostly be in landscape. (I haven't tried portait much so I will give it a try but mostly bending towards landscape)

Methods and Materials: Photography Equipment: - Canon Rebel SL3 camera. - Tripod for stable, consistent shots. Lighting: - Natural light sources for organic, soft lighting effects. - LED lights and light diffusers for controlled highlights and shadows. Materials: - Art tools, nature elements (e.g., leaves, rocks), language books, camera equipment, and computer hardware. Editing: Adobe Photoshop for final touch-ups and adjustments to contrast, brightness, and color balance.

References: Duane Michals: I like his narrative style and how he mixes multiple pictures to create composition. I liked the attached artwork because it gives me a sense of different thoughts or personality a person can have and might still be overlooked just by things they associate with the most.

David Hockney: I like how he integrates multiple viewpoints into his photography. I liked the attached artwork because it is of the same place but each picture depicts different season and shows different perspective of the same location. This is something I am interested in but I will be doing different perspectives for me.

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Echoes in Reflection

Echoes in Reflection is a visual exploration of memory and imagination as seen through the fluid, shifting nature of water. In each image, water serves as both a mirror and a veil, capturing reflections that are never static—like memories that subtly alter with time or imagination’s touch.

My fascination with reflections in water lies in how they distort reality, creating scenes that feel both tangible and dreamlike. These images—of distant lights mirrored at night, rippling surfaces with fragments of leaves, and shifting reflections of everyday objects—invite the viewer to consider how memories are rarely crisp; they blur and evolve, mingling with imagination to create a more layered reality.

Influenced by Rinko Kawauchi’s sensitivity to the poetic potential in the ordinary, I sought to capture a sense of tranquility and introspection in each scene. The deep blues and soft contrasts evoke an intimate space where personal reflection takes place. Through this series, I hope to convey that, like water, memory and imagination are fluid, constantly reshaping and expanding, inviting us to see ourselves anew in each passing moment.

ISO: 1600 F-stop: f/4 Shutter speed: 1/1000 sec.

ISO: 6400 F-stop: f/4 Shutter speed: 1/250 sec.

ISO: 100 F-stop: f/5 Shutter speed: 1/200 sec.

ISO: 400 F-stop: f/5 Shutter speed: 1/250 sec.

ISO: 100 F-stop: f/5.6 Shutter speed: 1/640 sec.

ISO: 3200 F-stop: f/4.5 Shutter speed: 1/15 sec.

Here are some pictures of Rinko Kawauchi which influenced me:

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Silver Threads of Identity

My work captures the timeless beauty and intricate details of traditional Gujarati "shringaar" through a personal and intimate lens. Each photograph focuses on specific elements of adornment, from the delicate kamarbandh to the ornate maangtika, symbolizing both cultural heritage and personal identity.

Through a series of seven images, I aim to highlight the power of these accessories to tell a story about tradition, femininity, and self-expression without showing the whole face. By isolating the details—whether it’s the graceful curve of a jhumka or the vibrant pattern of a jutti—my work invites viewers to explore how these adornments reflect the deeper nuances of cultural pride and individual beauty.

While some images blur the boundaries of clarity, leaving room for imagination, others bring attention to the textures, the shimmer, and the craftsmanship of the jewelry and attire. This intentional mix reflects the way cultural identity is both seen and felt, not only in the visible symbols but in the subtle, often overlooked details that give them meaning.

ISO : 100 F - stop: f/5 Shutter speed: 1/200 sec.

ISO : 200 F - stop : f/5 Shutter speed: 1/200 sec.

ISO : 100 F - stop : f/4 Shutter speed : 1/200 sec.

ISO : 100 F- stop : f/4 Shutter speed : 1/125 sec.

ISO : 200 F - stop : f/5 Shutter speed : 1/200 sec.

ISO : 100 F- stop : f/4 Shutter speed : 1/320 sec.

ISO : 200 F - stop : f/5 Shutter speed : 1/200 sec.

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After Dark

Motion Blur

ISO: 100 Shutter speed: 1.3 sec F-stop: f/22

ISO: 100 Shutter speed: 30 sec F-stop: f/22

ISO: 100 Shutter speed: 8 sec. F-stop: f/22

ISO: 100 Shutter speed: 1/2 sec. F-stop: f/22

No Motion Blur

ISO: 3200 Shutter speed: 1/250 sec. F-stop: f/22

ISO: 3200 Shutter speed: 1/250 sec. F-stop: f/22

ISO: 800 Shutter speed: 1/250 sec. F-stop: f/4

ISO: 3200 Shutter speed: 1/250 sec. F-stop: f/22

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Low ISO: ISO: 200 Shutter speed: 1/250 F-stop: f/4

High ISO: ISO: 25600 Shutter speed: 1/200 F-stop: f/16

ISO: 100 Shutter speed: 1/25 F-stop: f/5.6

ISO: 100 Shutter speed: 1/30 F-stop: f/22

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Shallow depth of field: ISO: 800 F-stop: f/4 Shutter speed: 1/800

Deep depth of field: ISO: 6400 F-stop: f/16 Shutter speed: 1/30

High shutter speed: ISO: 6400 F-stop: f/16 Shutter speed: 1/500

Low shutter speed: ISO: 100 F-stop: f/25 Shutter speed: 1 sec.

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IS0:3200 F-Stop: f/25 Shutter speed: 1/13

ISO: 1000 F-Stop: f/4 Shutter speed: 1/60

ISO: 800 F-Stop: f/16 Shutter speed: 1/30

ISO: 6400 F-Stop: f/4 Shutter speed: 1/60

ISO: 100 F-Stop: f/8 Shutter speed: 1/400

ISO: 800 F-Stop: f/25 Shutter speed: 1/6

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I've always been fascinated by wildlife photography, a passion that traces back to my childhood spent watching Nat Geo. Among the many photographers I've admired, Frans Lanting stands out as a true master of capturing the natural world in all its diverse glory. His work spans a vast range, from the majestic sweep of a whale in the ocean to the delicate intricacies of a butterfly perched on a leaf. What draws me to Lanting's photography is not just the subjects he chooses, but the way he captures them—whether it's a time-lapse of a waterfall or a close-up of flora, each shot is imbued with a sense of precision and timing that makes the moment come alive.

Lanting's images often blur the line between reality and art, with some of his compositions looking almost like paintings, despite being entirely real. It's this blend of authenticity and artistry that makes his work so captivating to me. His ability to convey the raw beauty of nature, from the grand scale of oceans to the minute details of leaves and butterflies, is something I find truly inspiring. Through his lens, I get to experience the wild in its most unfiltered form, reminding me of the endless wonders that exist in the world around us.