Example portfolios can be found below:
-AP Collegeboard website
-MORE from Collegeboard
-Advanced Art USA website
-Big group of AP Student Portfolios
HERE is my example Mahara Page
-AP Collegeboard website
-MORE from Collegeboard
-Advanced Art USA website
-Big group of AP Student Portfolios
HERE is my example Mahara Page
student examples
Vanessa - photo 2 - score: 5
breadth
concentration
1. What is the central idea of your concentration?
My concentration explores the effects of psychological disorders using dramatic lighting and colors. My photos capture what remains internalized with psychiatric patients, and the power of the colors are what remains trapped. The lack of general lighting focuses your attention directly on the person, exaggerating them and all the details about them, parallel to how all their emotions are exaggerated as a result of a disorder. My photos bring to light and colorize these effects for the open eye.
2. How does the work in your concentration demonstrate the exploration of your idea? You may refer to specific images as examples.
Because of abstract nature to psychological disorders, my photos have an unconventional feel to them with looser interpretation, with bold colors and lighting the driving force of this. The face is often the center of emotion, thus #1,2,3,5,7,8,9,10,11,12, focus on the face to some extent. #1 uses strong contrast between the black background and the light foreground to give the illusion of a smoothly cut of face. Psychiatric patients often feel like pieces of them are missing or lost and have an overall sense of disunity. Blue and yellow are opposites, and in #2 I use this juxtaposition to my advantage, showcasing the alienation from the outside world. In #12, the light pouring from the cup, cascading down the lips draws attention there, alluding to the commonness of substance abuse among sufferers, and its powerful effects. The photo is not focused on the face in #11, yet attention is still first drawn to the green eye. Sufferers of psych disorders are often removed to some extent, never really expressing all they feel, and the out of focus green eye being the only powerful color in the photo and the face falling off into blackness draws attention to the distance of the face. Psychological disorders are a largely over looked part in current society, and they need vibrant and striking exposure to gain understanding.
My concentration explores the effects of psychological disorders using dramatic lighting and colors. My photos capture what remains internalized with psychiatric patients, and the power of the colors are what remains trapped. The lack of general lighting focuses your attention directly on the person, exaggerating them and all the details about them, parallel to how all their emotions are exaggerated as a result of a disorder. My photos bring to light and colorize these effects for the open eye.
2. How does the work in your concentration demonstrate the exploration of your idea? You may refer to specific images as examples.
Because of abstract nature to psychological disorders, my photos have an unconventional feel to them with looser interpretation, with bold colors and lighting the driving force of this. The face is often the center of emotion, thus #1,2,3,5,7,8,9,10,11,12, focus on the face to some extent. #1 uses strong contrast between the black background and the light foreground to give the illusion of a smoothly cut of face. Psychiatric patients often feel like pieces of them are missing or lost and have an overall sense of disunity. Blue and yellow are opposites, and in #2 I use this juxtaposition to my advantage, showcasing the alienation from the outside world. In #12, the light pouring from the cup, cascading down the lips draws attention there, alluding to the commonness of substance abuse among sufferers, and its powerful effects. The photo is not focused on the face in #11, yet attention is still first drawn to the green eye. Sufferers of psych disorders are often removed to some extent, never really expressing all they feel, and the out of focus green eye being the only powerful color in the photo and the face falling off into blackness draws attention to the distance of the face. Psychological disorders are a largely over looked part in current society, and they need vibrant and striking exposure to gain understanding.
alyssa - photo 2 - score: 4
breadth
concentration
1. What is the central idea of your concentration? (500 characters maximum)
My concentration focuses on environmental portraiture. Using architecture and nature as a setting for portraits I am exploring different textures and colors. In creating a relationship between the subject and their surroundings I am letting the environment reveal the person to a viewer in a unique way.
2. How does the work in your concentration demonstrate the exploration of your idea? You may refer to specific images as examples. When referencing specific images, please indicate the image numbers. (1350 characters maximum)
All of my images use nature or man made objects. In Images 6 and 10 i used nature to add to the portrait, creating textures and an interesting point of view. In images 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,9,11, and 12 I used all manmade objects and constructions such as wood or different metals to create a frame and compositional distance. In image 4, I used constructive lighting to create a mysterious light above adding to the portraiture. I explore a variety of colors found in nature and the manmade landscape. Saturated colors of red lights or graffiti (4, 5) contrast the subject to their environment; while the neutral tones of fall integrate the soft skin tones of the subject to their surroundings.
My concentration focuses on environmental portraiture. Using architecture and nature as a setting for portraits I am exploring different textures and colors. In creating a relationship between the subject and their surroundings I am letting the environment reveal the person to a viewer in a unique way.
2. How does the work in your concentration demonstrate the exploration of your idea? You may refer to specific images as examples. When referencing specific images, please indicate the image numbers. (1350 characters maximum)
All of my images use nature or man made objects. In Images 6 and 10 i used nature to add to the portrait, creating textures and an interesting point of view. In images 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,9,11, and 12 I used all manmade objects and constructions such as wood or different metals to create a frame and compositional distance. In image 4, I used constructive lighting to create a mysterious light above adding to the portraiture. I explore a variety of colors found in nature and the manmade landscape. Saturated colors of red lights or graffiti (4, 5) contrast the subject to their environment; while the neutral tones of fall integrate the soft skin tones of the subject to their surroundings.
leah - Photo 2 - score: 4
breadth
concentration
1. What is the central idea of your concentration? (500 characters maximum)
The central idea of my concentration was to capture images through unique lighting, smoke, reflection, glares and movement. In my photos, I portray the deeper meaning of disconnection and isolation by having my subjects with faces not be seen, creating a different dimension to the photos. Subjects without faces are obstructed by other subject matter, adding layers to the photos.
2. How does the work in your concentration demonstrate the exploration of your idea? You may refer to specific images as examples. When referencing specific images, please indicate the image numbers. (1350 characters maximum)
My work portrays my concentration above. Images 1,3,5 and 8 show uses of abstract movement and lighting. In all these images (1,3,5,8) there is layers that show depth. In number 1, the water shows movement and depth. In number 3, the lights show movement and depth. In number 5, the lighting shows abstraction and depth and in number 8, the hand holding the green orb shows abstract lighting and creates depth in layers. These all capture subjects without faces, my other example images do the opposite and capture those with faces. In numbers 2,4,6,7,9,10,11,and 12, I capture the technical perspective through the different lights, glares, movements, and reflections. In 2,11 and 12 I use lights, in 4 and 6 I use movement, In 7 I use glare and in 9 and 10 I use reflection. As a creative and deeper approach I capture my subjects without their entire face showing or abstractions that block them. This portrays the idea of disconnection and wonder. The technical skills I used in my concentration enhance the creative skills and tie my work together.
The central idea of my concentration was to capture images through unique lighting, smoke, reflection, glares and movement. In my photos, I portray the deeper meaning of disconnection and isolation by having my subjects with faces not be seen, creating a different dimension to the photos. Subjects without faces are obstructed by other subject matter, adding layers to the photos.
2. How does the work in your concentration demonstrate the exploration of your idea? You may refer to specific images as examples. When referencing specific images, please indicate the image numbers. (1350 characters maximum)
My work portrays my concentration above. Images 1,3,5 and 8 show uses of abstract movement and lighting. In all these images (1,3,5,8) there is layers that show depth. In number 1, the water shows movement and depth. In number 3, the lights show movement and depth. In number 5, the lighting shows abstraction and depth and in number 8, the hand holding the green orb shows abstract lighting and creates depth in layers. These all capture subjects without faces, my other example images do the opposite and capture those with faces. In numbers 2,4,6,7,9,10,11,and 12, I capture the technical perspective through the different lights, glares, movements, and reflections. In 2,11 and 12 I use lights, in 4 and 6 I use movement, In 7 I use glare and in 9 and 10 I use reflection. As a creative and deeper approach I capture my subjects without their entire face showing or abstractions that block them. This portrays the idea of disconnection and wonder. The technical skills I used in my concentration enhance the creative skills and tie my work together.
katie - photo 2 - score: 5
breadth
concentration
1. What is the central idea of your concentration?
The central idea of my concentration is to emphasize texture through a series of different explorations of color, pattern and light.
2. How does the work in your concentration demonstrate the exploration of your idea? You may refer to specific images as examples.
In my Photos I incorporate texture in different ways to draw attention to the image. When composing my images I explore many different contrasts, curves, and patterns. I make use of contrast in all my photos. In photos 3,6, and10 I emphasize texture through tonal contrast, I approach to utilize this technique by selecting a background that contrasts with the area of texture that’s serving as the center of interest. in photos 1 and 2 I use contrast between different textures to make them stand out more, and in photos 4,5, and 11 I use curves to help convey a sense of movement with the leading lines directing attention towards the focal point, other lines have no specific direction but still give information about the image. Within all my photographs I make sure to use patterns to help catch the viewers attention, I sometimes even break the pattern for an interesting effect.
The central idea of my concentration is to emphasize texture through a series of different explorations of color, pattern and light.
2. How does the work in your concentration demonstrate the exploration of your idea? You may refer to specific images as examples.
In my Photos I incorporate texture in different ways to draw attention to the image. When composing my images I explore many different contrasts, curves, and patterns. I make use of contrast in all my photos. In photos 3,6, and10 I emphasize texture through tonal contrast, I approach to utilize this technique by selecting a background that contrasts with the area of texture that’s serving as the center of interest. in photos 1 and 2 I use contrast between different textures to make them stand out more, and in photos 4,5, and 11 I use curves to help convey a sense of movement with the leading lines directing attention towards the focal point, other lines have no specific direction but still give information about the image. Within all my photographs I make sure to use patterns to help catch the viewers attention, I sometimes even break the pattern for an interesting effect.
sonia - photo 3 - score: 3
breadth
concentration
1. What is the central idea of your concentration?
Through my pictures I explore a person’s relationship with her room. I explore a person’s character, values, hobbies through the objects present in the room and how the main character interacts with these objects. Through my pictures I find that there is a direct correlation with the person and her room that can be found in my picture. It can be easily seen how both the room and the person influence each other.
2. How does the work in your concentration demonstrate the exploration of your idea? You may refer to specific images as examples.
My pictures explore the importance of the room. I am able to portray the room as a wonderland that is personalized to the specific person. The door represents a shield from the outside world. It is a way to internalize yourself from what is going on outside. In picture number one, one can notice that the subject is opening the doors to a room and about to enter a world. I try to create this world by framing the girl in a way that mimics the frame of photo. The pictures from three to eight show how the world is personalized to the girl’s interest. For example the girl with the orange sweater‘s favorite place is her room and her closet. While the girl wearing the red shirt uses the room as a reflection of the past. Finally the girl in the blue shirt uses the room as a place to practice and get ready for the world outside. I use the mirrors found her room to create a feeling of space by creating an illusion of an expanded room. The girl’s shirt corresponds with the effect that the room gives off. For example, when the girl is wearing a red shirt the room has more of a happier and warmer feel, and when the girl wears a blue shirt the room has a more determined and serious feel. Therefore showing how the room and the subject depend on each other. At the end when the door is closing I remind everyone that this room is private.
Through my pictures I explore a person’s relationship with her room. I explore a person’s character, values, hobbies through the objects present in the room and how the main character interacts with these objects. Through my pictures I find that there is a direct correlation with the person and her room that can be found in my picture. It can be easily seen how both the room and the person influence each other.
2. How does the work in your concentration demonstrate the exploration of your idea? You may refer to specific images as examples.
My pictures explore the importance of the room. I am able to portray the room as a wonderland that is personalized to the specific person. The door represents a shield from the outside world. It is a way to internalize yourself from what is going on outside. In picture number one, one can notice that the subject is opening the doors to a room and about to enter a world. I try to create this world by framing the girl in a way that mimics the frame of photo. The pictures from three to eight show how the world is personalized to the girl’s interest. For example the girl with the orange sweater‘s favorite place is her room and her closet. While the girl wearing the red shirt uses the room as a reflection of the past. Finally the girl in the blue shirt uses the room as a place to practice and get ready for the world outside. I use the mirrors found her room to create a feeling of space by creating an illusion of an expanded room. The girl’s shirt corresponds with the effect that the room gives off. For example, when the girl is wearing a red shirt the room has more of a happier and warmer feel, and when the girl wears a blue shirt the room has a more determined and serious feel. Therefore showing how the room and the subject depend on each other. At the end when the door is closing I remind everyone that this room is private.
kelly - photo 3 - score: 5
breadth
concentration
1. What is the central idea of your concentration?
I focus on the impact color has in a photograph. I explore how, if only one color or different values of one color is focused on, the rest of the colors in the photograph seem less vibrant. My concentration has led me to a variety of places to capture such examples of color. By concentrating on one color in a large area, it allows for the viewer to understand the meaning that color gives the shot and realize how vibrant colors are significant in our everyday lives.
2. How does the work in your concentration demonstrate the exploration of your idea? You may refer to specific images as examples.
Work in my concentration demonstrates the exploration of the idea that color has more importance to our view of the world than one would originally conceive. While walking through the street as seen in pictures #2 and #4, one’s eyes concentrate on the bricks and beige colored pavements, but my camera allows the opportunity to show the bursts of blues, greens, reds, oranges, and other colors, not limited to nature, but in city settings too. In #4 I use a short depth of field to blur the background and draw the viewer’s eye to the vibrant orange in the fire hydrant. While exploring foreign culture, as seen in photos #5, #6, #7, which were taken in Denmark, I concentrate on the colorful aspect of the landscape, both architectural and natural of the country. In #5 I fill the frame with red to contrast the instinct to look at architecture of Denmark as opposed to the mundane objects on the street. Tourists can be drawn to bright colors, but do not necessarily appreciate what beauty they are looking at when compared to their surroundings. In #11 I capture the values of blue overlaying a warm-colored scene in the background. I aim to make people appreciate the pops of color in life through my camera techniques and use of compositional strategies, where I bring to the forefront what colors we would initially overlook.
I focus on the impact color has in a photograph. I explore how, if only one color or different values of one color is focused on, the rest of the colors in the photograph seem less vibrant. My concentration has led me to a variety of places to capture such examples of color. By concentrating on one color in a large area, it allows for the viewer to understand the meaning that color gives the shot and realize how vibrant colors are significant in our everyday lives.
2. How does the work in your concentration demonstrate the exploration of your idea? You may refer to specific images as examples.
Work in my concentration demonstrates the exploration of the idea that color has more importance to our view of the world than one would originally conceive. While walking through the street as seen in pictures #2 and #4, one’s eyes concentrate on the bricks and beige colored pavements, but my camera allows the opportunity to show the bursts of blues, greens, reds, oranges, and other colors, not limited to nature, but in city settings too. In #4 I use a short depth of field to blur the background and draw the viewer’s eye to the vibrant orange in the fire hydrant. While exploring foreign culture, as seen in photos #5, #6, #7, which were taken in Denmark, I concentrate on the colorful aspect of the landscape, both architectural and natural of the country. In #5 I fill the frame with red to contrast the instinct to look at architecture of Denmark as opposed to the mundane objects on the street. Tourists can be drawn to bright colors, but do not necessarily appreciate what beauty they are looking at when compared to their surroundings. In #11 I capture the values of blue overlaying a warm-colored scene in the background. I aim to make people appreciate the pops of color in life through my camera techniques and use of compositional strategies, where I bring to the forefront what colors we would initially overlook.
Morgan - photo 2 - score: 5
breadth
concentration
1. What is the central idea of your concentration?
I explore the contrast of texture and color by focusing on the small details of a certain subject. I capture photographs that show the beauty of nature within the human landscape. By photographing the world around us, I allow the viewer to connect a memory or develop a story about that specific photograph.
2. How does the work in your concentration demonstrate the exploration of your idea? You may refer to specific images as examples.
Through out all my photographs, texture is my main focus. The photo that shows the most texture in my eyes is number 5. Although every single one of my photos express texture and contrast of color, number 5 expresses it the most. in numbers 1-5, i used a short depth of field so the viewers main focal point was on the strong texture shown in the photograph. In number 4, the anthers of the flowers and the buds are in such focus that you could imagine the pear tree right infront of your face. In photo number 2, I used 3200ISO film to give more of a nostalgic feelings to the view. Although the film is quite grainy, the texture of the rust on the car is extremely apparent, as well as the contrast of texture and color. In 1,3, 4, 12, and 6 I use the rule of thirds to draw the eye around my image. By focusing on the surfaces of my subject I also draw the viewer's eye around the photograph, exploring the contrast of those textures. In photo number 1, I used light to embrace texture. By the light reflecting onto the bottles, it gave an interesting contrast of color to my photo.
I explore the contrast of texture and color by focusing on the small details of a certain subject. I capture photographs that show the beauty of nature within the human landscape. By photographing the world around us, I allow the viewer to connect a memory or develop a story about that specific photograph.
2. How does the work in your concentration demonstrate the exploration of your idea? You may refer to specific images as examples.
Through out all my photographs, texture is my main focus. The photo that shows the most texture in my eyes is number 5. Although every single one of my photos express texture and contrast of color, number 5 expresses it the most. in numbers 1-5, i used a short depth of field so the viewers main focal point was on the strong texture shown in the photograph. In number 4, the anthers of the flowers and the buds are in such focus that you could imagine the pear tree right infront of your face. In photo number 2, I used 3200ISO film to give more of a nostalgic feelings to the view. Although the film is quite grainy, the texture of the rust on the car is extremely apparent, as well as the contrast of texture and color. In 1,3, 4, 12, and 6 I use the rule of thirds to draw the eye around my image. By focusing on the surfaces of my subject I also draw the viewer's eye around the photograph, exploring the contrast of those textures. In photo number 1, I used light to embrace texture. By the light reflecting onto the bottles, it gave an interesting contrast of color to my photo.
Austin - Photo 2 - Score: 4
breadth
concentration
1. What is the central idea of your concentration?
My work focuses on the exploration of nightmares and fears that plague many peoples’ lives. I focus specifically on the over exaggeration of lighting and color to emphasize a dream like point of view. The works include a variety of images of subjects that are tormented while sleeping. Combined with other subjects experiencing their fears, leaving it up to the viewer to decide what is real and what is imagined.
2. How does the work in your concentration demonstrate the exploration of your idea? You may refer to specific images as examples.
The works are a variety of digital images and scans of expired color film. These mediums enhance and alter the actual colors and light to capture unrealistic color that can add to the intensity of a nightmare. Many of the images only reveal half the subjects face (1, 2, 3 ,5, 6, 9, 10, 11 and 12 ), and many images incorporate a very specific point of view to purposely make the viewer feel like an observer of this subject’s struggle with their own fears both in their imagination and in reality. Several images (3, 4, 6, 7, and 10) utilize natural light that is intensified with editing to increase the contrast of light and dark in the images. Images 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 11, and 12 use an artificial light source to specifically highlight and darken areas of the subjects face and body. The expired colored film used in images 2, 3, 4 8, 9 and 10 gives the images grain, which is a reference to how we often remember only parts of nightmares and they are often cloudy and are often triggered by related instances. The images of common nightmares like drowning (5), falling (3) and injury or death (11) tie back into the images of troubled individuals lying in bed presented in images 1, 4, 10 and 12. This plays on what is real and what is imagined, and how nightmares can manifest in our daily lives with real physical and emotional symptoms.