Karen+W+Portrait+A4

Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3

Photo 1 has been labeled by National Geographic as one of the best photographs ever made. Taken by Steve McCurry, this "Afghan Girl" became a staple for portrait photography. This was photographed in natural, available light, giving it a soft glow and gentle shadows. Although the girl is placed in the "belly button" of the photo, her own face follows the rule of thirds. This brings the most focus to her piercing eyes. The red wrap curves around and under her chin, framing her face. This photo was the cover of National Geographic and is becoming one of the most famous in the world.

@http://www.stevemccurry.com/main.php (Galleries - Portraits - 10/94)

Photo 2 truly gets to the heart of an African Man. With no context, this man looks happy-go-lucky and quite well-off. This photo is part of Antonin Kratochvil's portfolio, book 1, which a series of photos from a torn, famine-ridden land. The first photographs in the portfolio are heartfelt with sympathy, but then this one appears. He seems happy and laughing, even in his time of trouble. Taken in natural light, the shadows emphasize his emotion. Again, the rule of thirds is upon his face, making the eyes and stuck out tongue the biggest focus. Also, he filled the frame to make this face even larger in the photo. The slanted horizon, although not always desired, works well to give the photo a more whimsical feeling. Also, the background gives a sense of his environment, but is blurred. This reinforces the strength of emotion he has, being able to forget his own surroundings and just laugh for a while.

http://www.antoninkratochvil.com/#/Portfolio/Book%201/4

The third photo is more abstract than the other two. Irving Penn used studio lighting to give "Steinberg in Nose Mask" a classic photograph feel, but the mask throws in an unsettling feeling of mystery. There is little to say about the techniques he used. The man is placed perfectly centered, the background is plain, the point of view is a classic one. At the same time, though, the mask frames the eyeholes and nose, making them stand out. The horizon is level and parallel with the edges of the mask. The focal point is pinpointed at the eyes, which are deep, black, and empty.

@http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/2005/penn/penn_ss8.shtm