How would you show dichotomy through photography?

[creativeface]

I'm in the final stretches of my photo class for this semester and with that comes the final project. I have chosen dichotomy, which in a sense is a form of opposites.

From dictionary.com/google

1.division into two parts, kinds, etc.; subdivision into halves or pairs.
2.division into two mutually exclusive, opposed, or contradictory groups: a dichotomy between thought and action.
3. experiencing two conflicting emotions of a single event
4. variables with only two values ie male/female

I'm looking at how to go about shooting under this theme. I am shooting strictly with 35mm black and white film. I have a few ideas that involve a lot of double exposures but that is pretty much where my ideas end so I need some help.

My question is how would you shoot under the theme of Dichotomy?

[OsmosisStudios]

Im actually doing on in the near future.

We're shooting at an abandonned government building that has been left alone for a good decade or so, so it's falling to pieces. My model, however, will be dressed "to the nines". Very glamour.

While I have an easier time because Im shooting colour (coloured model, stark building), you can easily do the same on B/W: Bright-clothed model, dark building. or vice versa.

[rediguana]

If you're doing B&W - won't you be wanted to look for contrast - perhaps in patterns, textures and the like?

[sk66]

Most ideas that instantly came to mind were double exposures as well. But one idea I think has merit for a b/w "opposite" dichotomy picture is a clowns face. One half painted as happy and one half painted as sad. I envision this as a high contrast "moody" b/w style pic...

[Jim Poor]

How about a depiction of a lone photographer out there fulfilling an assignment juxtaposed against a massive group of photographers doing the assignment while one person holds up a paper with A+ on it?

Sorry, just couldn't resist

Originally Posted by sk66

Most ideas that instantly came to mind were double exposures as well. But one idea I think has merit for a b/w "opposite" dichotomy picture is a clowns face. One half painted as happy and one half painted as sad. I envision this as a high contrast "moody" b/w style pic...

[dcclark]

There are some very good ideas here, so I'll just post one of my own ideas -- which I originally called Anachronisms. The dichotomy is really some sort of "trichotomy" here, because there are three very different, but related things.

That may be my best advice: look for things which are clearly different, but related -- don't just go with two wildly different things.

[listenthenspeak]

One of my favorite ongoing projects is two fold: "Nature, Interrupted" and "Nature, Interrupting." (You can check out some shots on my blog http://naomifigueroaphotography.blog...h/label/Nature Just look for the individual titles because some posts have more than just that project)

The dichotomy I see is when we see all these man made structures ruining the beautiful nature that's all around us...but then we see nature that just takes over manmade structures--whether it be a hurricane annihilating a building, or just a blade of grass breaking open a sidewalk. I see inspiration for this everywhere, and I think it makes interesting shots.

I've also shot something I called "Small town facade" (which was for my B&W film class as well)...I shot things that are typical of small towns juxtaposed with things that clearly showed it's not really a "small town." For instance, a black BMW parked in front of a garage with a "No Trespassing" sign and peeling white paint. Or a parking meter in front of a church. (I grew up in a rural area and think it's funny when people in the rich suburbs think they live a "small town" life.)

Anyway, I guess it's just whatever inspires you.

[jdepould]

Tuxedo in the forest? Polar bear at the symphony?

[creativeface]

Thank you for the suggestions everyone. They have definately gotten the creative juices flowing again.

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

We're shooting at an abandonned government building that has been left alone for a good decade or so, so it's falling to pieces. My model, however, will be dressed "to the nines". Very glamour.

I love this idea. I went out driving yesterday looking for a location for something like this and I think I found a perfect spot to put a twist on your idea.

Originally Posted by listenthenspeak

One of my favorite ongoing projects is two fold: "Nature, Interrupted" and "Nature, Interrupting.

Such a simple idea but it the effects can be very eye catching. I like it. Your photos under this theme are quite good as well.

Originally Posted by jdepould

Tuxedo in the forest? Polar bear at the symphony?

If I could get a polar bear into a symphony for a photo shoot I would be so down for that