Schlender+Portrait



=**Image 1**=

http://diane-arbus-photography.com/

The photo taken by Diane Arbus utilizes natural lighting. I know this not only because the children in the photo are outdoors (they are wearing coats, shoes, and are standing outside a brick building) but also because of the way the sun reflects off of them. I am able to tell that it is a cloudy day so it must be fall because of their coats as well. Their faces are not extremely lit but they are to an extent because of the shadows around their eyes and how their eyes are lit. She does not place the subject off to the side or make an interesting composition. However, I feel as though this helps her appeal of the image. The kids placed in the center make the photo look awkward which corresponds with their position and facial expressions. She also does a nice job of making this photo black and white- which most of her photos are all black and white. I think the color- or lack of- adds to the appeal as well because it makes it more deserted and mysterious as to what the meaning is. She also has a balance in the photo with contrast. Since the children are center, there is a sense of symmetry if the image were split in half. However, there is a contrast between the light gray coat on the girl and the dark black one on the boy. Arbus uses the compositional technique of leading lines because of the wall in the background and the bricks which allows the figures to stand out more. She also uses the rule of thirds where something is taking up space at each intersection if the image were split into thirds both vertically and horizontally. The technique of framing is also used because of the background wall, the lines in the cement sidewalk and the door which frames the children. There is not a level horizon, although it adds to the more uncomfortable appeal. She makes this a real work of art rather than just a snapshot because there is a story behind this photo. There is a reason these kids are standing outside of a brick building and the boy has his arm around the girl. You can’t help but wonder how they know each other and what the purpose of this image is. The photographer puts multiple thoughts in the viewer's head to make them feel a certain way when they look at her photo. It has deeper meaning than only a snapshot.

=**Image 2**=

By Arnold Newman http://www.arnoldnewmanarchive.com/content/portraits-0

This photographer makes this image a true work of art even judging by its concept. It has a very dramatic concept and captures the profile of this mans face. It also is a work of art because of its meaning such as with the background being sheet music. There is a story behind this photo. The music could symbolize his passion, who he is. The photographer does a nice job capturing the creases and wrinkles in the man’s face. Newman uses compositional techniques such as fill the frame (the man’s face is very blown up in size). He also demonstrates framing because the music frames the man’s head. There are leading lined in the sheet music and on the arc of his nose too. The music draws the eye to the man's face. Since the photo is black and white, there is contrast between the white sheet music and the dark skin and coat of the man. He used artificial light, or studio light to capture this portrait. I know this because based on the setting, there is no available or natural light. Based on shadows and points where light hits, there is studio light coming from more of the right side of the photo.

=**Image 3**=

By Timothy White http://timothywhite.com/gallery Photo of Johnny Galecki

Timothy White proved to be one of my favorite photographers to research during this project. He has modern day photographs that are truly beautifully done. I really enjoy the way he captures emotion on his subjects. In this photo, Johnny Galecki is laying on a bed. The photo is not in black and white but the absence of color makes an interesting shot. The black and white show contrast and even his teeth stand out. White used natural lighting but more specifically, available light. Since his subject is indoors, the sunlight is coming from the window and hitting his face as he is on the bed. The placement of his hand and facial expression capture his smile as he is almost laughing. It reminds me of a peaceful wake up when you wake up without an alarm on a Sunday morning. White also incorporates leading lines in the comforter that lead to his subject and the rule of thirds where something interesting is happening at each interesting third of the photo. He makes this a work of art by making it look like a snapshot when it actually is posed. He captures the expression of Galecki. Rather than the subject only smiling at the camera, this creates a much more interesting appeal. Overall, I enjoyed looking at Timothy White’s photographs the most.