Wright+Portrait

My first image, Untitled Film Still #21, photographed by Cindy Sherman is a true work of art. It uses natural daylight which enhanced the facial features as well as giving the photo a brighter mood. In the photo, Cindy also used compositional techniques like leading lines because the buildings in the background guide the viewer's eye and lead to the subject. Also, rule of thirds was used too, unfortunately this may not be seen as well because I had to crop the image, but in the original the subject is placed off to the right side a bit. This piece is a success because the unsettling mood and serious tone show through the shades of black and white as well as the camera angle because it enhances the subjects uneasy facial expression. This will definitely influence my own work because I personally love the black and white as well as the attention to small detailing.

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My second image, Ferris Dorsey, photographed by Timothy White is a beautiful and well executed shot. The image uses natural outdoor lighting which helps add a light and airy mood to the photo. Some compositional techniques used in the picture are rule of thirds because the main subject is placed slightly off to the left. Also, leading lines can be argued as well since there are lines throughout the piece in the corners of the bushes, grass and the palm tree stem, these lines force you to look all throughout the piece. Another is fill the frame, since the bushes don't have an end and you can't see the top of the palm tree it leaves you questioning where it is and it fills the entire frame to the edges. Also, framing because the nature seems to frame her body. This piece is a work of art, because it has a light, airy mood while still showcasing the dramatic feel through the subjects pose and the color scheme.

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My third and final image, Marilyn Monroe, by Eve Arnold is a stunning portrait that shows character and personality. I really enjoy the artificial lighting in this piece because it is dramatic, casting a black background while keeping the subjects face well lit and the center of attention. Also, Eve used compositional techniques as well to enhance the piece. For example, rule of thirds, again, since I had to crop the image this is hard to see but Marilyn is shifted to the left a bit in the image, therefore using rule of thirds to keep the subject out of the direct center. Also, I think framing too, because the plain back background frames her dramatically enhanced facial features which is then brought to attention since the black background frames it so well. This piece will also be a major influence on my portrait that I take because I love how you can just look at the photo and tell her personality and character and I want this to be true for my image that I take as well.

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