AboutJoe Appel Expertise I can answer questions related to many areas of photography, but most specifically relating to photojournalism. I can also offer advice on using digital and 35mm cameras, Adobe Photoshop, and digital photography in general. Once upon a time I was pretty good in a darkroom too.
Experience I have been a staff photographer for a major metropolitan newspaper group (over 100,000 circulation) for 12 years. Concurrently, I have maintained a freelance photography business.
Organizations belong to National Press Photographers Association
Publications Rolling Stone, USA Today, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Palm Beach Post, New York Daily News, Philadelphia Inquirer, Super Street Bike, Motorcyclist, Sport Rider, Cycle World, Roadracing World, T.W.O. (Two Wheels Only), the ABA Journal.
Expert: Joe Appel Date: 3/21/2005 Subject: Can Forensic Images be thought of as Fine Art?
Question I am working on my BFA in photography and a minor in Criminal Justice. I am working towards a career in forensic photography. At the University I attend, we have to have a fine art senior show, and I am trying to combine both my interests. My idea is to create three stories, one of a double murder, one of a kidnapping, and one of a B&E. Each of these “stories” would have three suspects and the viewer would look at the evidence and try to figure out who committed the crime. The presentation would be two 20x30 corkboards with matte black frames and sliver stickpins would attach the images. The problem I am having is how to talk about/portray these images as fine art for those professors who don't quite see it. I feel that by presenting these images on traditional black and white paper, paying particular attention to the technical aspects of the images I would be taking a step closer to fine art. I need some guidance to help me help others understand how I feel about the topics of these photographs. Lexie Belles
Answer Lexie,
I'm no artist, but I think I can see what you're going for. Although I've no idea what a "B&E" is.
I guess what you're trying to portray is a board much like what an investigator would have when trying to piece together clues to solve a crime. This isn't traditionally how fine art photos are displayed, but so what?
To me, the most important aspect would be the composition and lighting. You've got to create the right mood, perhaps something more dramatic and of a documentary style - different than one sees in a standard crime scene photo.
I agree that you've got to present the photos on nice photo paper, not the resin-coated stuff. You might want to consider printing the photos full-frame with a black border.
