Elements of Emotion

Combining the essential elements and emotion through photography.

Objective: Create a piece of art that represents the four classical elements (Earth, Water, Fire, Air) through the lens of different emotions. This can be done using any medium or combination of mediums.

1. Choose Your Emotions: Select four emotions that you want to explore. For example, you might choose joy, sadness, anger, or calm.

2. Assign Elements: Pair each emotion with one of the classical elements. Think about how each element can symbolize or enhance your chosen emotion.

3. Medium: It can be any medium you choose, whether that be photography, mixed media, reflection (wiring)

Tips:

• Trust your instincts when pairing emotions with elements.

• Think about how different colors, shapes, and materials can symbolize your chosen emotions and elements.

• Don’t hesitate to try unconventional techniques or combinations.

• Use this challenge to explore your emotional landscape and how it connects to the natural world.

Now, I wanted to push myself further and implement black-and-white photography to help emphasize the emotion of the photos. I believe color distracts from the concept of the photo, especially if the photo is more focused on emotions. So, the photos I took are solely focused on the idea that this project will be black-and-white. I hope you enjoy them!

1) Fire

Fire was an interesting concept, as the emotion associated with fire was hate. However, I wanted to showcase a different emotion: happiness. The photo taken here is of my partner’s father for his birthday. Using the sparks in the candles helped me designate this photo as fire.

2) Air

This day was windy in San Francisco, and honestly, it was quite annoying! The gentleman in the photo here was annoyed or uneasy with the weather or for personal reasons. Catching him from a distance helped showcase what I believe everyone was feeling that day.

3) Earth

I selected this photo asEarthh because what's more serene than Mother Nature? I think the combination of my friend Mark being in touch with nature while fishing helped capture the peaceful yet raging water between his legs.

4) Water

This day was freezing, and I noticed that this gentleman was behind this glass where water started to condense. It felt so mysterious, and I enjoyed that the gentleman was a dark shadow, which helped add to the wariness of the photo.

Summary

Taking on this photography challenge that explored the connection between emotions and the four essential elements—fire, water, wind, and Earth—through black-and-white photography changed how I associate the elements with emotion. The absence of color forced me to delve deeper into the interplay of light, shadow, texture, and form to convey the raw emotions associated with each element. This challenge definitely honed my technical skills and my ability to convey unique stories through black-and-white photography. Huge thanks Mia!