Hall: The Spectacle of the Other (Chapter 4) (Annotation)

'The spectacle of the 'other''(chapter 4) written by Hall touches such important themes as representation, difference, stereotypes and power. Several ideas from this reading seem to be very helpful in development of comprehension of how images, including photography, works.

It is crucial to be aware that 'The same photo can carry several, quite different, sometimes diametrically opposite meanings. Two discourses (the discourse of written language and the discourse of photography) are required to produce ‘fix meaning’ (p.228). Because of this it will be quite significant to research the topic completely, taking into account all nuances, and think carefully about names of the set of digital captures that i am going to make for the final project in order to viewers can realize what is depicted correctly.

Next, meaning depends on the difference between opposites (without this diversity meaning does not exist). Paradoxically, but this 'difference' is 'powerful, strangely attractive and precise' (p. 245). Therefore, by playing on contrasts message can be delivered more accurate and it is essential to remember.

Reference:

Hall, S. (1997). Representation. London: Sage in association with the Open University.

Berger: Ways of seeing (Chapter 1) (Annotation)

 For week 2 core reading, including 'Ways of seeing' by Berger (1972), was done.The first thing that i was interested in is 'The relation between what we see and what we know is never settled' (p.7). Therefore  'The way we see things is affected by what we know or what we believe' (p. 8). In other words, understanding of each image depends on cultural background and associations of viewers. Because of this, each time photographer makes photographs target audience should be selected.

Then, 'An image is a sign which has been recreated or reproduced. It is an appearance, or set of appearances, which has been detached from the place and time in which it first made its appearance and preserved - for a few moments or a few centuries. Every image embodies a way of seeing. Even a photograph. Every time we look at a photograph, we are aware, however slightly, of the photographer selecting that sight from an infinity of other possible sights. The photographer's way of seeing is reflected in his choice of subjects' (p. 9-10). Hence, as a photographer i need realize that i am the key person who selects objects (focus of interest) and builds composition in a way, where spectators can see the meaning that i intend to communicate.

Reference:

Berger, J. (1973). Ways of seeing. London: British Broadcasting Corp.

Presentation 1: Vernacular photography

The first thing, which should be mentioned about vernacular photography, is that this genre is concentrated on everyday life of ordinary people. Not in vain August Sander, one of famous representative of given style, said 'photography is the nature of documentary'. In fact, documentary and vernacular photography have similar characteristics. Both of them intend to show life materially, in a way as it really is. Indeed, i am quite interested in the techniques that some agents of vernacular photography presented in their works. One of the images of such representative i would like to discuss in the post.

The photograph below, which is named 'Movie premiere- Hollywood', was made in 1956 by Robert Frank. The capturing thing about this photo imaging is that crowd of ordinary people with the expression of complete admiration and idealization (these individuals are in the background) are in focus instead of movie star that is in foreground and occupies the largest part of the space. Because of the selected focus face of this star looks sad and depressed (as it is blurred and full of shadows), especially in comparison to facial expressions of audience, which are full of excitement. As a result, viewers can feel that in the image ordinary people who are visiting premiere to admire their model in fact more startling than her. To conclude, even if i am not going going to center in normal people's life, still i intend to apply such method of photo-shooting and composition for my project since it some kind of catching play of what is really important and and what is not.

 

 'Movie premiere- Hollywood', 1956 by Robert Frank. 

How to read a photograph (group task in class)/ Clarke: the Photograph

Analysis of  'A family on Their Lawn One Sunday in Westchester' (New York, 1969) by 8 Diane Arbus

It can be concluded from the name of the photograph and the content of the image itself that typical American family is represented. At first it seems that they are happy people, who have each other, child and wealth (they have their own ground where they are sunbathing while infant is playing nearby). However, selected composition of the image (symmetrical position of man and woman and a child, who brakes the rules of symmetry) makes viewers observe couple in more details and compare their facial expressions, gestures and body language. As a result, it can be found that man is not pleased and relaxed at all (with his left hand he closed eyes, which connotes a sense of tiredness). As regards his wife, she is a little overexposed, hence it is quite complicated to examine her body. As well, her eyes are not opened but in this case it more creates a feeling that she does not care about what is happening around her or she just wants to escape from reality. The last person is a boy behind them,who is playing alone. Despite the fact, he is so young and there is forest nearby (it may be dangerous if he runs away), his parents do not pay any attention on what he is doing and do more think about themselves. Hence spectators may feel loneliness of everybody in the image (they are like aliens who have no family tie). It is interesting to point that photographer itself in the year when this digital capture was produced divorced and soon committed a suicide. Therefore, the cultural context, which she probably would like to bring, suggests that even if everybody considers your family perfect because you have everything,what is necessary for being happy, in fact, the reality is hidden from the other people's eyes and maybe what you think it is blameless in fact is just faked. 

Reference:

Clarke, G. (1997). The photograph. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Shutter speed & depth of field (Annotation)

                    Basics Photography: Composition, Basic, Space& Application

'Learning composition is like learning a language. Once you've learnt a language, it is not something you consciously think about as you talk' (Prakel, 2006, p. 14). This idea seems to be quite reasonable as only when somebody learnt foundations of photography and then practice them a lot, it starts to be a habit, which cannot be forgotten. In order to develop these photographical basic skills i decide to do some experiments with arrangement of subjects in space. Some images that i consider the best instances of my work are presented in given post.

The digital capture below is the example of dynamic symmetry, which suggests the use of the diagonals rather than grids. The reason why such composition was chosen is that it was easier to crop the frame after shooting. In order to attract spectators' attention and make them observe image as long as possible i placed focus of interest (roots) in the right corner of the bottom and applied F8(depth of field) with slow shutter speed(1/20), due to which roots (focus of interest) are clearly visible and continue lines in the form of branches that gradually became blurred growing to the left corner on the top.

'Geometry is to the visual arts what grammar is to the art of the writer' (Prakel, 2006, p.14). Such remark points out the importance of application of the compositional rules (it lets the photo be perceived by audience in a correct and necessary for photographer way), especially when you just start be familiar with camera.

Hence in image composition was carefully thought.  Low viewpoint emphasizes the foreground, leading the gaze into the image from the bottom. Different indicators on the post are part of rules of thirds as all of them are of different shapes and sizes, so can divide picture into lines. Moreover, since indicators have diverse directions, it can have a dislocating, but at the same time designing effect. 

From Basics Photography Space and Application

'Landscape composition is not simply the arrangement of elements in the camera frame, but an appreciation that the image can be transformed by changes in lighting over which the photographer has no control' (Prakel, 2006, p.136). In fact, i can certain of credibility of this statement when i started photo-shooting Jubilee building on the campus of Sussex University using landscape frame. After the reviewing of image-making, which i produced, i found that just several photos have initially intended light effects.

Fist of all, it must be mentioned that the image below i took with the selection of horizontal format to give a sense of stability. As well the stairs and building have symmetrical horizontal continuity that let viewers keep on lining and increase a feeling of direction. Then, as it seemed important to balance the image with distribution of light to make it more dynamic and strong, i preferred using low depth of field (F16) with fast shutter speed(1923/25000) (make both foreground and background clear)

'Shadows also provide clues about depth as they recede along the perspective planes of the image' (Prakel, 2006, p. 121).

To produce this photo i used the vertical format to make more dramatic diagonals than it can be with the landscape format. It was made to add depth to image and to bring more dynamic life to photo. Then, owing to slow shutter speed (5/8) with high depth of field (F5.6) shadows, which in result may generate a sense a dramatization and artistry, were created. 

'Sharpness, by convention, signifies the importance of the subject' (Prakel, 2006, p. 92). 

 In given photograph close selective focus is chosen. Because depth of field is not enough high (F6.3) and shutter speed is low (1/5), small candle, which is located in background, is more blurred than big one, which is in foreground. All of this were employed to increase tension and make viewers compare 2 candles. As well, it was made to maximize sharpness of focus of interest (big candle).

Reference:

Prakel, D. (2006). Application. Lausanne: AVA Academia.

Prakel, D. (2006). Composition. Lausanne: AVA Academia.

Prakel, D. (2007). Lighting. Lausanne: AVA Academia.

Lausanne: AVA Academia. Space. Lausanne: AVA Academia.

Ingledew, Photography: Loading 2005/ Basics Photography: Composition

Critical reading of inspirational image

“To take a photograph is to align the head, the eye and the heart. It's a way of life. ” (Henri Cartier-Bresson, cited in Magnum Photos). These are the words of famous French photographer, who is seen as the father of photojournalism. For him camera was 'a sketch book, an instrument of intuition and spontaneity... It is by economy of means that one arrives at simplicity of expression' (ibid). This image ('Brie', 1968) that was made by Henri Cartier, which i consider inspirational, is suitable example of simplification. In fact, according to Prakel (2006, p. 19), 'simplification is an essential part of composition; getting rid of unwanted visual clutter will leave only the important elements that can be arranged to create a well-composed image'. In order to get such effects, it seems that photographer used the rule of thirds in the 'Brie' (The focus of interest are rows of trees, which have symmetry toward each other and divide image in 3 parts). However, at that period of time these techniques were not really known and explored. Hence, probably, the fact that Bresson was previously a painter played a role in his flair and talent to capture a moment. Such chosen composition gives viewers a feel of freedom and mystery as the road, depicted on the image, continues and seems to lead to magical unreal world where there are no worries and concerns. It should be mentioned that given photograph was made in 1968 during the turbulent era, happening all over the world, including France (author's home counry). Possibly, Cartier-Bresson intended to underline how important to bring harmony in the world or that even in the time of civic disorders there is a place and time to feel calmness and rest. And this 'place' is nature, which is around us.



'Brie' by Henri Cartier-Bresson, June 1968, Brie, France

Reference:

Ingledew, J. (2006). Fotografía. Barcelona: Blume.

Magnum Photos (2014) Henri Cartier-BressonFrench, b. 1908, d. , Available at http://www.magnumphotos.com/C.aspx?VP3=CMS3&VF=MAGO31_10_VForm&ERID=24KL53ZMYN  (Accessed:25 January 2015)

Prakel, D. (2006). Composition. Lausanne: AVA Academia.