CREATIVE COLLAGES
MONTAÑA DE ORO STATE PARK, CA — CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY
In contrast, with the virtually unlimited capacity of a digital camera, we were instructed to focus on a single element of the site and document it through a dedicated series of images. Following this exercise, we were challenged to build four collages: two from the disposable images and two from the digital images.
In my LA 402: Design Theory and Exploration Focus Studio, we were given an assignment to document Montaña de Oro State Park, using both a disposable and a digital camera. Since a disposable camera only allows for a limited amount of shots, we had to be very intentional about what we chose to capture.
DISPOSABLE CAMERA
Montaña de Oro has an expansive cove, rugged cliffs, and an abundance of coastal plants. With the limited amount of photos I could take, I chose to document these striking natural elements
holistically and capture as much of the park’s beauty as possible. The twelve images below are the final photos I used to create my disposable collages.
Disposable Collages
Final collages created from the disposable images above.
DIGITAL CAMERA
Approaching the digital photography task with a different mindset, I chose to focus on the diverse plant life found at Montaña de Oro. Each image highlights a specific aspect—whether it’s a close-up
capturing the texture and color of the flowers or a wider shot where leaves subtly frame the scene alongside other site elements. The final images below were used to create the digital collages.
Digital Collages
Final collages created from the digital images above.
SUPPORTING PROJECTS
We were assigned follow-up projects that complemented the collage exercise and deepened our understanding of the site. In one of these projects, we were instructed to select a single element of the site that we considered a “phenomenon” and document it using any method we preferred. I chose to focus on the point where the rocky cliffs meet the ocean. Using a photograph I had taken of the site, I applied Photoshop watercolor effects with a custom brush to further enhance it and produce the final work shown to the right.
Site Phenomenon
Another complementary project we were assigned was to build a small model using physical elements from the site. I gathered
Physical Model
samplings of different plants, sand and rocks from the site to create a full representation of the park.
Final Presentation
The final collection of my LA 402: Design Theory and Exploration Focus Studio midterm project.
