The object in my photographs is a pot, more specifically, a tea kettle, that is resting on a “soapbox.” This represents an individual giving their opinion or standing up for themselves. I placed my box in a bush because the leaves signify the people witnessing this soapbox speech given by my pot. When shooting, I tried several different angles and started by taking the pictures without angling towards the right or left while having the pot facing forward. I liked how the photos from the left side came out and moved the pot to face the camera’s position from that angle.
The ideas behind this were the concept of the proverb, “A watched pot never boils” and the saying, “standing on a soapbox.” The proverb, “A watched pot never boils,” meaning that when a pot boiling watched expectantly, it feels like it is never going to boil, which implies a sentiment of impatience. The saying, “standing on a soapbox,” originates from the action during the late 1800s in which individuals would stand on wooden crates to express an opinion. It became a widespread metaphor for spontaneous speeches standing for ideas one believes in.
The Photoshop aspect of this project taught me how vital contrast is, and only through editing on Photoshop did I realize how much potential for enhancement there was. I added contrast with the curves tool, and when I learned how to use the vignette tool, I added a black vignette that served two purposes. It emphasized my objects in the center more and darkened the leaves in my background so it wouldn’t distract from the subjects as much. I think this was crucial in making my photograph and the objects in my photograph more impactful for the viewer.
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