Analysis of Photographs

Reading through Basic Critical Theory for Photographers (Ashley la Grange) I have been asked to pick apart 5 photographs, 1 from each of those photographers I have looked at recently.

Points I will be following are:

*What sort of photograph is it? - advertising/fashion/documentary

*Photographer's intention

*Emphasis

*How effective are the technical considerations?

*How important are the graphic elements?

*What else does the photograph reveal?

*Emotional or physical impact?

Illustrative elements can include:

*Light

*Tone & Contrast

*Texture

*Focus & Depth of Field

*Frame

*Viewpoint

*Space and Perspective

*Line

More analytical aspects are:

*What feelings does it evoke?

*What do you notice about physical intimacy or distance?

*What is noticed about the emotional state of each person?

*What is noticed about the various parts of each person?

Nigel Parry - Vera Wang

• This is obviously an advertising campaign for Vera Wang. However, this image would be much more like a fashion photograph if the text had not been there.
• This image plays on the lifestyle of the dress. If you buy this dress, you will not only be glamourous, but want to be with other people, to be admired or respected. The intention of this photograph is also to visualise the dress.
• The Emphasis of the photograph is of the dress more so than the model in the dress. There are certain lighting elements which also make the mannequin a key part of the photograph.
• The mannequin does play a big part of the photograph, to the extent that it becomes part of the dress. It is slightly distracting but the dress still remains the main object of desire.
• Line and tones are complimentary, there is not much contrast in colour of the photograph although it does stand out from the background.
• This photograph also reveals the social status of the woman in the dress. A sophisticated woman of wealth is someone that would wear this dress, it is obvious that this dress is not made for women of larger builds. Stereotypically women of wealth also take care of their body image much more, not only with dress but in stature.
• Emotionally the model is doing what she does best, expressionless, although there is a physical intimacy between the mannequin and the model by how she is positioned.

• Light - side and directional lighting from the right, creating shadows on the mannequin, but revealing a woman with actual contours.
• Tone & Contrast - High key is on the dress and partially on the mannequin. There is a mid-high contrast on the photograph.
• Texture - there is a high amount of texture needed on the dress, the lighting helps emphasis this a bit more. The dress is all about the tule, so texture in the photograph is a huge part.
• Focus & Depth of Field - Overall this image is in focus.
• Frame - The model is centered in the photograph, but as they are connected to the mannequin it brings it as though slightly off centre, a more appealing position in the frame.
• Viewpoint - This is directional to the model.
• Space and Perspective - This has negative space all around the objects, particularly on the left side.
• Line - There are curved lines in the photograph which add to the luxurious desire of the dress.

• The feelings evoked in this photograph are sophistication, although this is a fashion editorial, so the model is expressionless
• There is a lot of intimacy between the mannequin and the model. If they were complete strangers this would be not appropriate, this has a sense of desire of each other, as though the model is coming onto the mannequin.
• This woman feels as though she was being caught in the act. I feel that the model feels sexy in the dress, which is probably one of the intentions of the photographer.
• The model looks relaxed with the mannequin as though dancing, or "caressing" the mannequin. Probably the effects of the dress are either targeted towards promiscuous women, or sophisticated women who wear these sort of ball gowns to events.

Mark Seliger - Fendi Fashion for Italian Vogue 2007

• Without the text in the photo to tell us what this photo is about, it can be conceivable that this photograph looks like a fashion photograph for women's and men's clothing.
• The intention of this photograph is visually appealing. Seliger's intention is to photograph the fashions dramatically, with a sense of distance from eachother.
• The main focus is on the woman lying down resting on the man's leg. It is clear that this is an unconventional way of showing a dress off, as typically the best way to see it is with a model standing. Perhaps this is focusing on the lifestyle of the type of clientele they are targeting. The man seems to be a "prop" in the photograph.
• The parallel lines in the photograph are slightly distracting, perhaps a more shallow depth of field would be more appealing, however it is obvious that the bars on the window are more a part of the dress than you think.
• As above, the lines in the photograph do play a part of the overall photograph, sort of trapping the women inside, it is more of a frame/border to the photograph. The overall tones of the photograph are dark, with the contrast of the wall and models face/arms. There is not much colour to contrast the image, or to make the dress "pop".
• There is a dramatic emotional impact of the photograph. As the model is draped over the man's leg, it is a longing sort of pose, the man is obviously not connecting with the model, until you look closer, his left hand is placed on her head, as though comforting the model for paying ridiculous amounts of money for the dress. Physically they are connected through his subtleness of the man's hand. The woman seems to be searching the camera for something more.

• Light - The lighting in this is diffused but very broad, covering a large area of the location. There could be more light on the dress, although a black dress, there could be more detail showing on the horizontal lines of the dress.
• Tone & Contrast - Contrast is high, with the high key areas could be punched up a bit more.
• Texture - There is a lot of texture on the walls. There could be more on the dress to be able to see whether they are pleats, or stripes.
• Focus & Depth of Field - The focus is quite open, with a large depth of field, as this is obvious that the back wall is still in focus.
• Frame - They are positioned to the left of the frame, using the photographic thirds rule. The woman's dress has been cut off although this is not so important for the lack of detail in the dress.
• Viewpoint - The viewpoint is directional front facing.
• Space and Perspective - There is large negative space in the right of the frame, however this is still filled by the parallel lines.
• Line - The relationship of parallel and vertical lines are highly contrasted against the angular shapes the woman's arm is positioned, and how her body is stretched out on the floor.

• The feelings evoked in this photograph are empathised. The connection of the two models is as though there is such a sense of relaxed lifestyle, they are too comfortable with each other. The woman is obviously showing a particular strand of lifestyle that can be achieved if buying this dress. Beautiful and sensual. There is a sense of control in the photograph, the woman is in control, as though the man is bending to her will. Perhaps this is the photographers intention, you can get what you want with Fendi.
• As above, the intimacy between the two models seems to be that of control.
• The emotions the man is giving is distant and rigid. The woman is the one in control, a superior attitude on the woman's face.
• The woman's arm is positioned slightly awkward, and her head is strained to stay off the man's knee.

David LaChapelle - Christina Aguilera

• LaChapelle's style is obviously glamourous and strange, this photograph is a self promotional for Christina Aguilera. A musician who had dropped off the radar for a while waiting for a comeback. This is certainly the way to promote herself in a way she feels best suit.
• The intention of this photograph was to promote the musician, but also reveal a style he had not yet encountered. Christina is posed seductively, a bit of skin is something typically seen for promotional and advertising photography. The Visual impact this has is amazing, bright contasted complimentary colours, and models doing weird poses, dressed not so ordinarily and extreme sets.
• The purple dress is what is seen first in this photograph. Then you look to see who is in the dress, and automatically the celebrity figure is identified. The samurai sword being held is hard to see next, as the next thing to focus on is the red japanese umbrella.
• Distractions... well where to begin. LaChapelle's photography is extreme, he has props and models in every nook of the frame. There are plenty of distracting elements in the photograph such as the man on the left, standing with the fan, and the car in the background. The post processing in the overall photograph with the white blossoms are confusing, but add to the image. I feel that the main focus has still been maintained with Christina on the couch.
• Graphic elements such as tone, are complimentary colours, but yet they clash. There is too much of everything, but in the end it works as a whole.
• LaChapelle does not hide anything in his photographs, anything that is shown in the photo is there for a reason, and is there to be seen.
• This has a more physical impact more than emotional. Physically, Christina is being provocative, yet acceptable. Physically the 2 male models are as though they are the submissive characters in the photograph.

• Light - There is directional lighting, from the front, however with LaChapelle's images, he concocts the final image with multiple images. It is much too hard to create an entire set and do 1 shot to get the final image. Lighting this would be too technical to do in one go. There is flat lighting but high contrast in the tones.
• Tone & Contrast - The entire photograph is high key, full on contrast within the tones, and colours.
• Texture - There is a depth in the blossom falls, and the blossom tree, texturally, they are soft and delicate.
• Focus & Depth of Field - The focus is definately on Christina, slightly to the right of the image, but as there are multiple images in one, the entirety of the photograph is in focus.
• Frame - Christina, centered of attention is placed to the right of the frame, with her "minions" surrounding her. The man on the left has his head cut off at an awkward stage, being the attention back onto christina, as he is mearly a prop.
• Viewpoint - Directional and in front
• Space and Perspective - There is not alot of negative space in the frame. There is something in every gap of the photograph, however tying it all together successfully.
• Line - Straight away you see the contours of the white couch, and the smoothness of the legs of Christina.

• The feelings from this photograph create a s&m feeling. A sense of power and control.
• Physically the men "props" in the image are vying for her affection and attention. They will bend to her every call, as the man on the right of the frame is feeding her sushi on the floor. The intimacy is very dominant in the photograph.
• Emotionally being the model that Christina wants to convey, she has an expressionless look on her face, her body language speaks otherwise, much as the photograph above, she exudes superiority and satisfied.
• The pose that LaChapelle has put the man on the left, is boring, is is as though he is not doing much, just casting his gaze over the beauty, the man on the right looks awkward... as you would appearing from behind an arm chair on the ground. Obviously the object of desire being Christina, is beautifully created, long slender legs stretched give the appeal her legs are longer than usual, the way she is holding the sword is slightly unusual... but how would you pose someone on a couch so elegantly otherwise?

George Favios

• George's photograph above is a fashion image. Ideal for magazine coverage and advertisement.
• The intention of this image is for advertisement of the dress. The mood of the photograph is light, airy and fresh. It is an advertisement desirable for a wealthy lady for a glamourous evening. The type of woman who would buy this would be a city high social class woman.
• The emphasis of the photograph is the dress. It is light and very floating. The bust of the dress has intricate detailing and could be suitable for most body sizes as the corset style gown would accommodate larger women. Shallow depth of field sets the scene out in the city, but is just recognizable.
• Some technical aspects of the photograph that could be distracting is the vertical line smack bang in the middle of the frame.
• Graphically the smoothness of the curves in the photograph in contrast to the sharp harsh lines of the buildings of the background.
• Emotionally the model is expressionless as most models are. I think the model feels beautiful and elegant wearing the dress.

• Light - It is back lit from the left side, and a diffused light from front, right and above. Creating a nice rim light on the models arm and shoulder, and a nice exposure on the chest of the model, slight shadowing on the face.
• Tone & Contrast - The high key lighting on the dress creates a soft and beautiful effect. the background is bland and dull, even the sky is overcast and creating no contrast anywhere in the background, this allowing the dress and model to come out of the image more.
• Texture - The soft lighting on the dress is beautiful, adding to the feminine beauty of the dress.
• Focus And Depth of Field - There is a small depth of field, on the model's face and body, the background is spread out in fuzz, as well as the floating dress in the foreground.
• Frame - Off centre to the left, although the skirt has been cut off in annoying sections, It would have been more of a dramatic photograph if it was a wide-angled photograph, perhaps the bottom of the dress would be more adding to the city scene to include the feet and road.
• Viewpoint - Slightly low and shooting up.
• Space & Perspective - negative space in the right frame, disregarding the building.
• Line - Lines include contrasting hard vertical lines and soft curvaceous of the dress.

• There is not a lot of feelings to portray off this photograph. She looks lonely.
• There is no connection between the camera and the model. The gaze is low and vacant. Emotionally and Physically the model is not connecting with either the dress, or the camera.
• The model's pose is elegant and simple, beautiful and definately showing the dress in it's most beautiful sense.

Stuart Miller

• This photograph is of a fashion shoot. It could also be a portrait, but the stance and the way the model is displaying her body is not so conventional for a portrait.
• The intention Stuart had when doing this shoot could be perhaps to visualise the type of woman who would wear these sorts of fashion, by placing her in similar surroundings. This image has a feminine grunge mood and the dark alley way certainly suits. The visual product is the fashion being worn.
• Emphasis on the face is very apparent, but the light has been done creatively to include the fashion garments.
• Technically there is nothing distracting in the photograph that wouldn't take away from the main message being shown anyway. Everything in this photograph has its' purpose.
• Graphic elements in the composition of the photograph including line are complimentary, the pipe in the center of the frame is cut off by the diagonal of her leg. Tonally, this is a powerful image creating beautiful and not too dark shadows.
• This photograph could perhaps be playing on her social economic status, tying it all together, however this being an advertisement shot it still needs to be aesthetically pleasing.
• This has more of an emotional impact than a physical one. She seems to be connecting to the camera and aware of her presence.

• Light - The main light is coming from underneath and to the right of the frame to light her face left leg. Back directional lighting from behind and to the left of the model to create a nice rim on her back and right leg. I feel there has also bee some reflector in the front of the photograph for fill.
• Tone & Contrast - There is a lot of tonal range in her face and body. The contrast of the model against the dark background does appear to make her sink into the alley, but with the help of backlighting, she comes forward. High key contrast on her face is apparent, and the shadows still contain detail.
• Texture - It is obvious that the leggings she is wearing need directional hard lighting to be able to create the "sheen" of the stockings, this photograph also appears to be post produced on her face, a smoothing effect on her face and upper body, leaving it looking very smooth and soft.
• Focus & Depth of Field - The focus is obviously on her face, being the more exposed part of the photograph. Although with a dark background, there is still detail in the fence and gutters.
• Frame - Off centre to the right of the frame, the leg stretching outwards uses up more of the 1/3 of the frame. However, with the model facing away from the centre towards the edge, it makes this photograph look more unbalanced. Perhaps if she had been facing toward the centre this would create a more harmonious view of the location.
• Viewpoint - Slightly lower than the model.
• Space and Perspective - The has negative space to the right of the image.
• Line - Harmonious vertical lines throughout the image in contrast to the diagonal of her leg create a sense of edgyness.

• The mood of Stuart's photograph is dark coming from both the model and the location. Some feelings that come to mind include authority and dominance.
• She is holding onto the fence with a connection of binding will. It is as though she has the power to create boundaries and self protect. The fashion statement in this photograph in regards to intimacy is minimal, she is someone with a hard surface who can easily distance herself.
• Emotionally the model seems complacent with the fashion she is wearing, although she is in charge and is goading you to test it out. Stuart's positioning of the model is incorporated quite well with the fashion statement she is exuding.

Basic Critical Theory for Photographers by Ashley la Grange

http://www.nigelparryphoto.com/

http://www.markseliger.com/

http://www.lachapellestudio.com/

http://www.georgefavios.com/

http://www.stuartmillerphotography.com.au/