HUMN 303 Week 6 Assignment: Essay–Art Creation & Reflection – Photography/Cinema
Student Name
Chamberlain University
HUMN-303: Introduction to the Humanities
Prof. Name
Date
Week 6 Assignment: Essay – Art Creation & Reflection – Photography/Cinema
Amateur Photography and Cinema with the Naked Eye
Since the invention of photography in 1839 by Louis J. M. Daguerre, who introduced the daguerreotype process using a silver-coated copper plate, the art world has undergone a transformative shift. At the time, many artists feared that painting might lose its cultural and aesthetic value. Early photographs, rendered in black and white, lacked the vivid color and brushwork characteristic of paintings. However, photography’s unique advantage was its ability to capture moments quickly and with remarkable accuracy—something that traditional painting could rarely match in real time.
As camera technology evolved, photography began to rival painting as a legitimate art form. Today, nearly everyone carries a camera in their pocket through their smartphones. Modern devices allow for instant capture, advanced editing, cropping, color adjustments, and even the addition of digital effects. This accessibility has democratized art creation but has also introduced new challenges in preserving originality and artistic intention.
For me, nature remains the most captivating subject. My inspiration for this project came from the BBC documentary series “Seven Worlds, One Planet,” a critically acclaimed production filmed over four years across more than 40 countries. Each episode showcases a different continent with breathtaking cinematography (The Times, 2019). The South America episode particularly resonated with me, featuring a rare bird—the Hyacinth macaw—renowned for its striking blue feathers and status as the largest parrot by length.
This connection felt personal, as my first pet was also a parrot, which lived with me for over sixteen years. This emotional link deepened my appreciation for avian life and motivated me to create my own bird-centered visual piece.
Art Creation Process
Inspired by the documentary, I attempted to capture my own “avian moment” in a local park. I encountered a small bird—playfully titled “Little Bird”—that was bathing and drinking from a fountain before suddenly taking flight. I tried to follow it using my smartphone camera, zooming in and out, but I quickly lost sight of it.
The challenge reminded me of the precision and skill demonstrated by professional wildlife cinematographers, who can track moving subjects without losing focus. Unlike them, I found it difficult to stabilize my shots and maintain visual continuity. Even with the extensive features of modern smartphones, I discovered that creating a compelling short film requires patience, skill, and post-production expertise. My attempt at editing—adding music, trimming footage, and enhancing clarity—proved more complex than expected. Ultimately, I left my video in its original form, appreciating its raw authenticity.
HUMN 303 Week 6 Assignment: Essay–Art Creation & Reflection – Photography/Cinema
Comparison: Professional vs. Amateur Wildlife Filming
| Aspect | Professional Wildlife Filming | Amateur Smartphone Filming |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | High-resolution cameras, stabilizers, telephoto lenses | Built-in smartphone camera with digital zoom |
| Tracking Ability | Skilled operators can follow fast-moving wildlife seamlessly | Difficulty in maintaining focus on moving subjects |
| Editing Capabilities | Advanced editing software for color grading, sound design, and cuts | Basic phone editing apps with limited precision |
| Sound Recording | Professional microphones capturing authentic ambient audio | Built-in mic prone to background noise |
| Final Output Quality | Cinematic, polished, broadcast-ready | Casual, often unpolished, personal viewing |
Reflection
My experience reaffirmed that while smartphone technology offers incredible opportunities for personal creativity, it does not replace the craftsmanship of professional cinematography. Filmmakers like those in Seven Worlds, One Planet blend artistry with technical mastery, creating immersive experiences that transport viewers to remote ecosystems.
As for me, the simple act of filming a single bird connected me to a lifelong passion for observing wildlife. Whether through professional documentaries or amateur footage, photography and cinema remain powerful tools for storytelling and preserving the beauty of our natural world.
SEVEN WORLDS, ONE PLANET: Saving the Blue Parrots of South America
The Hyacinth macaw, native to South America, is not only an emblem of avian beauty but also a symbol of conservation efforts. The BBC series highlights the threats these birds face, from habitat destruction to illegal wildlife trade. Documenting such creatures serves as both an artistic endeavor and a call to protect biodiversity.
The Little Bird (2020)
Although my short film cannot match the scope or technical refinement of a BBC documentary, it holds personal value. It reflects a spontaneous encounter with nature, a fleeting moment of connection, and an appreciation for the everyday wonders that often go unnoticed.
References
Martin, F. D. (2019). Humanities through the arts. [VitalSource Bookshelf]. Retrieved from https://online.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781260154238/
BBC Earth. (n.d.). Saving the blue parrots of South America. Retrieved from https://www.bbcearth.com/blog/?article=saving-the-blue-parrots-of-south-america
HUMN 303 Week 6 Assignment: Essay–Art Creation & Reflection – Photography/Cinema
The Times (United Kingdom). (2019, October 26). Seven worlds, one planet. p. 23. Retrieved from https://chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=n5h&AN=7EH154176197&site=eds-live&scope=site