hupohan

[hupohan]

In this photography series, I explored the theme of time by establishing a visual connection between the present and the past through historical photographs. I began by searching online for two landscape photos of the Stony Brook University campus taken in the 20th century. I then located the same or similar spots on campus and created two paired visual narratives based on these locations.

In the first set, I referenced an old photo of a man sitting on a bench beside the Humanities building. In my recreation, I imitated the man’s posture to represent the "past version of myself." Then, the "modern me", shown in clearer, more vivid color thanks to contemporary technology, breaks the boundary of time. The old version of me begins to be gradually dyed by the colors of the new era.

The second set is based on a vintage photo of two people walking side by side toward the Humanities building. In the first image, my friend and I mimic the same pose. In the second, my friend kicks me, breaking the static period and allowing color to enter the scene. The black-and-white background is slowly overtaken by vibrant hues.

To visually enhance the concept of time collision, I used Photoshop to edit the images, adding black outlines at the borders where color and grayscale meet. I also applied texture effects to the colored areas, intentionally leaving some parts unfilled. This represents the idea that the modern "me" is still traveling through time, partially rendered, not yet fully connected, adding a hint of sci-fi atmosphere to the narrative.

[hupohan]

Nick Brandt is a photographer who has had a strong influence on me. His work focuses on the relationship between humans, nature, and animals — a theme that also guides my own creative direction.

In the first four photos of my series, I highlight the connection between people and nature. For example, a squirrel runs across a tree with a school building in the background, and a girl squats by a lake to watch the ducks. These images portray a peaceful, harmonious coexistence between humans and the natural world: feeling free, kind, and balanced.

The last two photos, however, shift the tone to one of contrast and conflict. One shows a turtle resting alone, while the other captures a discarded drink bottle thrown into the bushes. Through this juxtaposition, I aim to draw attention to the tension between pollution caused by human activity and the natural freedom of wildlife. These images reflect the environmental issues we continue to face today.

[hupohan]

Project title: People in Motion, Architecture at Rest

1.Description:

This series uses architecture as a vessel of time—a silent witness to the passage of years. While the buildings remain still, people flow through different moments and spaces in time. I plan to find three historical photos of the buildings I want to capture and create a story inspired by each image. (Alternatively, I may work with a single image and develop a longer, continuous narrative.)

The heart of this project lies in the connection between “me", the present self, and the people or things from another time preserved in these photographs. Each story becomes a way for me to speak to them, to form a dialogue across time, and to reflect on what I wish to say to those who once existed in that frame.

Ps: I might use some techniques to make these pictures have a 3D feature when people wear the ChromaDepth 3D Glasses.

2. Outcomes:

Six pictures were taken by me in total, and three extra old pictures were found online for contrast.

(Plan B: only one old picture)

1st old picture with two current pictures

2st old picture with two current pictures

3st old picture with two current pictures

All different stories.

Plan B:

An old picture and six current pictures

3. Details

*Shot in the Strony Brook University Campus, I chose the university campus as my subject because historical photos of the school are easier to find, and it’s more convenient for me to photograph on site.

*Shot in Color

*Size same as old picture

*Print size still unsure

*Display order is from left to right, regularly.

4. Methods and materials

I will use Photoshop to recreate my pictures, and I might hold some objects that are similar to the old pictures.

[hupohan]

Journey of Hiking

The first three pictures are mostly taken from a top-down angle, which gives a feeling that’s not very positive. I wanted to show that at the beginning of the hike, I felt really tired inside because I knew it would be a hard challenge for me. The last three pictures are taken more from a bottom-up angle. This shows that later in the hike, I started to feel better and more positive. The last photo is in color — it was taken when I reached the top, and it shows how excited and happy I was.

[hupohan]

A helpless soul surviving the wrath of exams and homework.

I want to depict a soul tormented by midterm exams and assignments. The perspective moves from near to far, gradually unfolding the story. The final contrast between two chairs—one empty and the other occupied—symbolizes my soul being temporarily entrusted to the chair, drained by the weight of assignments and exams.

[hupohan]

After Dark

10 F3.5 ISO100

2.5 F3.5 ISO100

10 F3.5 ISO100

[hupohan]

1/40 5.6 1250

1/40 5.6 800

1/40 5.6 1250

1/50 5.3 1250

[hupohan]

1/160 F4.8 ISO800

1/40 F4.5 ISO2000

1/250 F4.2 ISO10000

1/50 F4.2 ISO2000

1/125 F4.2 ISO1600

1/250 F9 ISO2000

[hupohan]

Photographer: Laura Makabresku

I like this photographer's work because of the strong contrast in colors and the unique subject matter. Their photos give me a dream-like feeling. In my opinion, expressing a dreamlike atmosphere in reality is difficult—it's easier to achieve in a painting than through photography.