Level 2 how to read a photograph

How To Read A Photograph

LEVEL 2

Genre: human existence

If This is Art Considers how photographers have devised strategies, performances and happenings especially for the camera.

This challenges the stereotype that photography is all about sitting and waiting for that perfect moment.

In these photographs we can see that each model used has shown a blank facial expression. These photographs link to art as they show simple and subtle patterns inside the photograph, for example, the pattern in the dress. These images are also creating a statement.

They are suggesting that anything can be art, for example the line of women may be suggesting that they themselves can be considered as art.

Seidou Keita Genre: human existence

By having all of the photographs shown in black and white effects, the absence of colour allows the photograph to become more emotional towards the audience and makes them think much more about the meaning behind the photograph, making it significant to the audience.

Seidou Keita

Genre: human existence

Phillip Lorca In these photographs we can see empty expressions or no expressions shown. The dark colours used in the photographs link to the emotions that the models are showing.

We can see a form of art through the idea that the models are dressed up and showing an emotion, just as art does. The colours used in each photo correspond together to make the composition aesthetically pleasing.

Genre: human existence

In these photographs we can also see emotionless models. As each model is showing a dull expression, we feel more from the photograph and therefore we can get a greater perception of the art that is being shown. The deep look of the models into the centre of the camera allows the audience to think more about the meaning behind the photograph. We can see the art in the photographs as the colours represent a atmosphere of fashion photography. the simplicicty of the photographs creates a stronger image and a simple art for the audience.

Genre: human existence

These photographs show art through a simple written message. The simplicity of the card with a written message creates a much simpler way of getting a message across. The different colours shown in the photograph also create art as they show different shadows and create different atmospheres.

The location of these photographs also helps to create a sense of art as we can gather more information in the photograph and so we can see any stereotypes in the photograph or any ironic features.

Gillian Wearing

Genre: human existence

These photographs on the right link to ‘if this is art’ as they are auggesting a sense of plan in the photograph. the circular shape around the photograph gives a strong curve to the photograph and makes it easier for the audience to focus on the photograph. the different angles create different perspectives to show art in different ways.

Bettina von Zwehl

the bold white background on the photographs makes a much bolder statement to the photographs. this allows the audience to focus much more onto the photograph and therefore to think more about the meaning.

The different shadows in the two middle photographs also create art. The shades and fading of the background show different colours which help to accent the photograph.

Genre: human existence

These photographs show a clear idea of art through the use of colour and specifics. the bright colours create a very clear idea of art by contrasting and clashing with each other in order to create a different look to the images.

Sophie Calle

The specifics in the photographs such as the measurments of the layout of the photograph help to signify the personality of the photographer so we get a more personal feel to the photographs and can get a clearer idea on the photographers idea of art.

Genre: human existence

These photographs link to art by showing something signofocant in the photograph. There is a clear idea behind each photograph and clear subject for the audience to focus on.

The dull colours used help to create an old fashioned feel to the photographs which can add a sense of history to the art shown. The simplicity of each image shows the audience an idea of historic views from the photographer and shows a different era of art.

Joseph Beuys

Genre: human existence

In these photographs, we can see that the subjects are man made before the photograph was taken.

This suggests to us that the photographs were taken when the photographer had planned, showing that the art was created and they did not have to wait around for the perfect moment.

In each photograph we can see an object that would not usually be there, which makes this contemporary art, suggesting to us that the photographs have been planned.

David Spero

Genre: human existence

David Spero

This photograph shows art as it is showing detailed focus into just one object. The shadows used help to show the image in a way that the audience would not usually see. As the object used is used in everyday life, but not thought about, it becomes art as the audience begin to think more about the object and therefore think more into the photograph.

The different shapes and shadows used help to accent the areas of the object that the photographer wants the audience to focus on.

Alfred Steiglitz

Genre: human existence

Once Upon a Time Story telling in art photography.

Tableau photography where the story has been distilled into one single image (based on 17th and 18th century painting)

In these photographs we can see that they tell a story by showing a sense of confusion in the image. By giving the audience an unanswered question in the photograph, more thought goes behind it.

Jeff Wall

In each photograph we can see that something has happened or is happening, which also allows us to see the story behind the photograph and so we can see what is happening in the photographs by reading certain aspects such as body language.

Genre: human existence

We can see that these photographs are telling a story as they show a series of photographs at the bottom of the main image. This gives us the idea that something is happening throughout the series of photographs, telling a story about the photographs. The time line below the photograph suggests that there is a story to be told and so this makes the whole composition more important.

Sam Taylor Wood

Genre: human existence

In each of these photographs, we either cannot see the main models facial expression (their back is turned) or they have a dull look on their face.

This suggests that they are hiding a message and that there is something behind their body language/ facial expression and so we begin to think about the story in the photograph.

The photograph suggests they are struggling at home as they show them in a homely environment and so we can assume there is a story behind their situation at home.

Francis Kearney

Genre: human existence

These photographs show once upon a time as they are explaining a story through a photograph. In each photograph we can see a different story behind what is going on in the photograph. By keeping the images full with detail, we are able to pick up different details used in the photograph in order to piece together a story behind each one.

Jeff Wall

Genre: human existence

This photograph shows once upon a time as the picture shows a drawing of an image. This suggests a story as the picture has been shown as if it is a page from a story book. The idea that the image has been shown through a drawing suggests that its is from a story and gives the audience a wider idea of how to think about the photograph in the way of a story. The simple use of colours helps us to think in more detail behind the photograph and suggests that there is simplicity begin this photographic story. We can see the once upon a time as these words are often the start to an old fashioned story.

Katsushika Hokusai

Genre: human existence

This image shows once upon a time as it has been remade from a much older photograph.

This suggests to us that the photograph has been remade for a particular reason and suggests that time has changed. The photograph mimics in the exact same way. We can assume that the original photograph is the same model but when she was many years younger. This shows once upon a time as it gives an insight to what once was, and what is now.

Tom Hunter

Genre: human existence

Deadpan - Distinct lack of visual drama.

Usually large scale pieces of work with little central focus or obvious subject matter.

in these photographs we can see deadpan as in each photograph we see little subject matter. as so many objects or people are shown in each photograph, we cannot focus into one subject matter, making the composition much more interesting.

Andreas Gursky

Genre: human existence

in these photographs we can see deadpan as there is little central focus, as in the photographs, there is no particular subject for us to focus on. in each photograph we can see a wide shot of a setting which gives the audience more to look at,but makes the photograph more questionable by putting nothing in the space for the audience to look at.

in each photograph there is also a specific colour scheme. this allows the audience to focus their attention on the objects that are in this colour and so although there is no main subject matter, the audience have a slight aspect in which they can focus on.

Bridget Smith

Genre: human existence

in these photographs we can see deadpan through the wide angles and the empty subject of the photograph. in each photograph there is little to be said or seen, which adds confusion to the audiences view as there is a bigger question on what to think about the photograph. the use of black and white helps as it shows an absence of colour which helps to illuminate the absence of emotion and subject.

Lewis Baltz Genre: human existence

in these photos we can see deadpan through the little subject of the photographs. each photograph shows architechture with little meaning and little patterns and formations, so we are limited to what we can state about the meaning of the photograph.

in each photograph there is a repetition of vertical and horizontal lines. this creates a centre into the photograph and allows us to focus onto one particular section of the photograph. other than this technique, there is no subject matter and so we feel a sense of emptiness in the photograph.

Matthias Hoch

Genre: human existence

these deadpan photographs show wide angles of scenery. in these photographs there is either lots to focus on, such as the top middle. this photograph has too much detail and so we cannot focus on one section of the photograph. however, the bottom photograph has little detail, and so it is much easier for us to focus onto the centre object in the photograph. by using one shade of colour, the photograph is simplified into a less complicated photogrtaph, giving mless meaning and less to focus on.

Dan Holdsworth Genre: human existence

Richard Misrach

the simplicity of the colours helps to simplify the entire composition and therefore direct the subject matter to the objects, as we cannot focus our eyes on anything else that stands out.

from these photographs we can get a clear sense of emptiness as there is a very simple setting. there are little amount of objects for us to focus on and so our attention goes to the biggest objects in the photograph. all of these objects have been placed in the centre or on the horizontal line in the photograph. this creates a stronger focus and gives the audience something to look at in closer detail.

Genre: human existence

These photographs show nothing but the expression on a models face. Shows deadpan as we are only focused on the expression of the model. By using dark clothing and a light background, we are able to focus into the depth of the detail on the models and therefore are able to get a clearer idea on the idea behind the photographs and the models interpretations.

The dull expression of the models helps to show deadpan as they represent the idea of nothingness, suggesting the nothingness in a photograph. They seem empty and emotionless, just like the idea behind deadpan images.

Thomas Ruff

Genre: human existence

Joel Sternfeld

These wide angled shots show lots of detail in each photograph, so much that when we look at the photograph we are unsure as to what to focus on. The depth and the detail of the photograph creates a stronger message and allows us to see a wider range of ideas.

The idea of deadpan is that there is either too much detail to focus on, or too little. Here we see too much detail, which creates a stronger composition as there is much more meaning to the images.

Genre: human existence

Something and Nothing Photographing objects and subjects that wouldn’t ordinarily warrant a second look e.g. street litter, abandoned rooms or dirty laundry.

In these photographs, we can see an abstract idea of ordinary objects such as chairs placed in a way in which warrant a second look, when usually, they would not. These photographs show something and nothing as they create a strong question to the audience as to ‘what is the photograph trying to say?’

Peter Fischli and David Weiss Genre: human existence

In these photographs we can see objects placed in locations they would not usually be. This creates a strong question to the audience as to ‘why?’ They have been placed like this. We can clearly make out the main subject of each photograph, however we are unsure on other aspects of the photograph, such as the location of the edit. This creates something and nothing as object that would usually create a first glance, create much more.

Richard Wentworth

Genre: human existence

Nigel Shafran

Here we can see everyday objects that we see everyday.

These objects usually mean nothing to us, however they have been placed into the centre of the photograph to suggest that they have more significance and are more important to us than we may think. These objects are never usually thought of in our minds, however here they create a strong sense of art and show something and nothing through the idea that they have become more important through the photograph.

Genre: human existence

Jean-Marc Bustamante

In these wide shots, we can see images that we would walk past everyday. They have in no way been changed through the photograph to make them seem more significant, however, they appear more significant through the idea that we would usually think nothing of these photographs, yet they have been taken from an angle that we would see them from usually, so we are drawn to the idea that there should be something more important to these photographs. The simplicity of the colours that we can see in these photographs suggests that they are less important to us as they do not stand out. These photographs each show a subject that we would usually not take a second look at, although the photograph has made us think about the photographs in much more detail.

Genre: human existence

In these something and nothing examples we can see everyday locations, such as a kids play park and a road with a car. The emptiness of the photographs helps to illuminate the idea of the meaningless theme and subject of the photographs and helps to emphasize the idea of something and nothing in a photograph.

Wim Wenders

Genre: human existence

Peter Fraser

These pictures show one subject that we would usually think nothing of, however, it is shown in a great level of detail, so we are drawn to thinking more about the photograph. The objects that have been photographed have little meaning to us, but as they are shown in such detail, it warrants us into looking more into the photograph, when we would usually take no notice of the objects used in the pictures.

Genre: human existence

These pictures show simple pieces of everyday life such as clothing items and food. They suggest to us that they are important to us, as they have been photographed against a simple background in order to make them stand out much more, however, we would usually think nothing of these particular objects that have been shown.

Wolfgang Tillmans Genre: human existence

The simplicity in these photographs allows us to think more into the photographs and the objects used, even though these objects have little subject meaning into our everyday lives. The simple colours also allow the objects to stand out much more against the plain white background, making them seem more important than they actually are.

Laura Letinsky

Genre: human existence

In these photographs, we can see the simplicity of locations of a house.

Here we can see how the simplicity of a window or the light patterns on a floor can create a simple subject into a much more important and creative composition.

Uta Barth

Genre: human existence

In these photographs we can see ordinary people in their usual habitat. The idea of them being the focus of the photograph gives the audience a clearer idea on their lives and the thought process behind the photographers ideas of something and nothing.

Richard Billingham

Genre: human existence

Human Existence Emotional and personal relationships.

A diary of human interaction, a focus of unexpected moments in everyday life.

Breda Beban

Colin Gray

In these top photographs we can see human existence through locations that we see and use in everyday life. The low use of lighting helps us to see the rooms in a light that we may see them ourselves.

This adds more of a life-like feel to the images and allows us to relate much better to these images.

In these bottom photographs we can see the struggle of human existence. We can see how human existence changes over time and how different people cope. The level of focus helps us to see this as we can see the detail of their facial expressions in the photograph which tell us how they feel.

Genre: human existence

These photographs show human existence as they are showing different aspects of someone’s life. We can see in the top left photograph that a man is ready and dressed for whatever he is going to be doing today. In the other two photographs we can also see what he has accomplished throughout time. In these photographs we can see a clear idea of a humans existence, which has been clearly shown through the photographs.

Mitch Epstein

Genre: human existence

These photographs show people in their usual habitat. We can see the human existence in these photographs as we can see how people are acting in their own environment. The outfits that the people are wearing help to link with where they are. The facial expressions are also important as they show how the people are existing in their current environment.

Tina Barney

Genre: human existence

Mel Bochner

Genre: human existence

Vito Acconci

Both of these artists have shown the use of numbers. i feel that this can relate to human existence as time and numbers are what we revolve around. time controls the way in which we live and so i feel these artists are a huge inspiration to my work.

Jaroslaw Kozlowski

Kozlowski is a huge influence of mine as I feel that his work links well with human existence. He has shown numbers on a photograph which all relate to a particular object in the photograph, he then displays the numbers without the picture.

I feel that the numbers can dictate how human existence evolves as we depend on time and I want to show how numbers manipulate us in our human existence.

Genre: human existence

Moments in History Documenting social and ecological disaster after the event.

Using art photography to present the consequences of political and human upheaval.

In these photographs we can see the idea of history as we can see the photographer has written words across the black and white photograph. The words represent an idea behind each photograph and allow the audience into thinking more into the photograph.

The photographs show old areas that look run down, suggesting that once upon a time, they were nice places, showing moments in history and giving the audience an idea of how different places can change. The words suggest something about each photograph and give the audience more of an insight to that photograph.

Genre: human existence

Willie Doherty

These photographs show moments in history as they show particular objects in a certain place to represent a form of history. The top left photograph shows how the modern world has taken over the old fashioned world. Litter such as cans have started to over-pile the earth. We can assume that they are modern aspects as the litter shows bright colours, representing the idea that they are new and modern. The use of bright colours allows the audience to focus into the specific object that has been used. This then allows the audience to think more about the subject of the photograph in order to think more about the message behind it.

Anthony Haughey Genre: human existence

These photographs above show history of Britain. By the use of bright colours we get the idea that these photographs are in recent history, supposedly in the 1980’s and the 1990’s. From this we can get a different perspective of history as naturally, when we think about history, we think about black and white photographs, whereas these show the opposite, but the same theme.

Fazal Sheikh

Martin Parr

In these photographs, we can an idea of the sense of history as they are shown in black and white, suggesting they were taken during a period of time which was a while ago. The photographs represent the treatment of after war and shows the reacts to people lives in places where they are much less privileged than in other countries such as the UK.

Genre: human existence

Allan Sekula

In these photographs we can see aspects of history through the old main use of transport.

These images show how most objects used to be transported.

We can gather from these photographs that the history in these photographs is through how transport has changed over time. This photography shows the consequences of how objects needed to be transported.

Genre: human existence

Revived and Remade Photographs that explore and exploit our pre-existing knowledge of imagery.

The remaking of famous photographs, adverts, scientific imagery etc.

Using old photographic techniques and styles (copyright issues).

Cindy Sherman

In these photographs we can see models who have been over dressed in order to stand out much more. This creates a weird atmosphere to the photographs and gives the audience more to think about.

In these images we can see silhouettes of objects against a texture that we would Susan Derges not usually see them next to. This creates a stronger image and different texture effects to the photograph.

Genre: human existence

In Cindy Sherman’s photographs, she has shown revived and remade as she has taken pictures of stereotypes that have already existed, however has remade them into another stereotype and then photographed this. This creates a strong image as the audience have more to think about from the composition. There is a much stronger message shown through these images and so the audience can think about what is going through the photographers mind when these images are taken.

Gillian Wearing In these photographs below, they have shown a more or less empty room, however it has been shown to be ‘remade’ when it is looking rough.

The objects used have helped to create more emotion into the photograph and have helped to show how the photograph has been revived and remade.

John Divola

Genre: human existence

Vibeke Tandberg

In these photographs we can see images of the photographer creating a new person. On the top middle image, we see the photographers head on her best friends body. We can see that she has taken a picture of something that has already existed, and then manipulated this photograph into created something completely different in order to show revived and remade. In the bottom left photograph we can see a model wearing a man’s clothes. From this we can sense a relationship between the model and whosoever clothes she may be wearing.

Genre: human existence

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=clyde+butcher&safe=strict&biw=1600&bih=806&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=wPyQVaStKuqP7AadvZrYAQ&sqi=2&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ#safe=strict&tbm=isch&q=ian+ruheter&imgrc=_Yn5wFurzuuQCM%3A Photographer: Ian Ruhter Title: Skateboarder levi brown Size: In this photograph the skateboarder fills up the page as the lens of the camera is clearly up close to the skateboarder. The size of the photograph is wide and large so that we can see every aspect of the photograph and so that we can see all of the main details. The main subject of the photograph has been focused on while the background to the photograph is blurred, which makes the photograph seem bigger as the subject to the photograph is easier to focus on, and so stands out more against the background. The subject of the photograph has been placed exactly in the centre of the photograph. This helps show the size as the negative space in the photograph echoes the idea of the amount of space, which highlights the fact that the size of the photograph is extreme. The scale of the photograph allows the audience to think more about the image and therefore come up with a more developed perspective of the photograph.

Genre: human existence

Genre: human existence

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=clyde+butcher&safe=strict&biw=1600&bih=806&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=wPyQVaStKuqP7AadvZrYAQ&sqi=2&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ#imgrc=ytHXk5fUgnQJ4M%3A Photographer: Clyde Butcher Title: Agawamuck creek falls Size: This photograph is shown as very wide scaled. The photographer photographs wide scenes on landscape. This effect makes the size of the photograph much bigger. Having a big sized photograph also helps us to see more in the image and helps us to notice more details. We are able to see the wide scale of the photograph as there is much more to see in the photograph. The water coming down the waterfall makes the size of the photograph seem bigger as the direction of the water focuses our attention outwards, which gives us a wider perspective.

In this photograph there is little negative space, which makes the perspective of the photograph seem much bigger as there is more in the photograph, and therefore more to look at. The big trees emphasize the idea behind the size of the photograph. By creating different sizes, the audience can think more about the composition and therefore get a better idea of the size of the photograph.

Genre: human existence

Genre: human existence

Genre: human existence

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=Lee-Friedlander&biw=1600&bih=806&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=1P-QVdmlOsTV7gboyYf4Ag&ved=0CAYQ_ AUoAQ#imgrc=KQAeK1BcdrkQzM%3A Photographer: Lee Friedlander Title: Self Portrait Focus: This photograph shows different types of focus. We can see that the focus of the content of the photograph is that the photographer is highlighting the religious content of the image - “god bless America�. we can assume that these are his thoughts and is also the focus of the content of this photograph. The focus is also on the photographer and the church. Everything else in the image has been slightly blurred, which suggests to us that these aspects are less important to the image content and are what we should be focusing our attention on when we look at the photograph. The other areas of the image that have been slightly blurred are scenes that we would usually not think twice about taking a second look, which is suggesting that it is important that we focus on the photographer and the church, as these we may want to look at in more detail, however the well known scene is ordinary and does not need any extra focus from the audience.

Genre: human existence

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=clyde+butcher&safe=strict&biw=1600&bih=806&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=wPyQVaStKuqP7AadvZrYAQ&sqi=2&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ#safe=strict&tbm=isch&q=William+Eggleston&imgrc=J-2Q18yPLolUPM%3A

Photographer: William Eggleston Title: Cafe at night Colour: The colour in this photograph makes the photograph stand out much more. We can instantly see the content of the image and we immediately know where we should be focusing on. The use of colour against the dark sky makes the image stand out to the audience much more and allows the audience to focus their attention on what the photographer has made the main subject of the photograph. By using bright colours, the photograph becomes much more approachable and more aesthetically pleasing to the audience. The colour comes across to us as the most important thing in the composition as it has been centred and made much more obvious by the surrounding dark colours. This allows the audience to focus more on the colour of the photograph and assess how important colour in a photograph is. We can notice how different the photograph would be if we had an absence of colour, for example, a black and white version.

Genre: human existence

http://artblart.com/tag/aaron-siskind-pleasures-and-terrors-of-levitation-25/ Photographer: Aaron Siskind Title: Untitled Surface: this photograph shows a great detailed surface as the pieces of wall come up against the lens. We can see the detail of the surface by the different shadows and textures of the surface. The different levels in the surface and the different shadows suggest the level of the surface. This gives us a clear indication of what the surface is like. We can see from the different shapes shown what the surface will feel like and what it looks like. The surface of this photograph is clearly seen as the main focus of the composition, as it is the only thing shown in the composition. This suggests to us that the surface of the object is very important, and so the audience are drawn to think more about the composition.

Genre: human existence

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=clyde+butcher&safe=strict&biw=1600&bih=806&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=wPyQVaStKuqP7AadvZrYAQ&sqi=2&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ#safe=strict&tbm=isch&q=Eadweard+Muybridge&imgrc=yc6SU3gXdi1UpM%3A Photographer: Eadweard Muybridge Title: The horse in motion Time: in this photograph we can see the what happens in a photograph throughout a period of time. We can see what happens throughout the process of the photograph and can get more of an idea about movement on the photographers subject. The way in which the photograph has been layed out gives us a clear image of how this process works and we can get a better perspective of how the photograph has produced what it has. By keeping the exact same background throughout the process it is clearer to us what the changes in the photograph are, from this we are able to gather what has been captured through the lens. The silhouette effect also helps us to visualize the time period better as we can see a much clearer figure. The time process of this photograph helps us to visualise what happens during the process of this composition.

Genre: human existence

Genre: human existence

Photographer: Diane Arbus Title : Twins Shape of framing: This photograph https://www.pinterest.com/pin/14355292534915766/ This photograph shows a square image of two twin girls wearing the same clothing.

The shape of framing shows a square and so our eyes are diverted into the centre of the image, which is where the two models are standing. As they are wearing black and standing against a white background, they become much more obvious to us and we can begin to focus more on little details in the photograph.

We can also draw our attention to the fact that they are pulling different facial expressions in the photograph. Due to the shape of framing, we are able to realise little details such as this so the photograph that looks very simple, we can soon see becomes much more detailed. As the photograph is square, it becomes much easier to centralise the models to make them the central focus. It becomes much easier to make the detail much more visual and easier to understand.

Genre: human existence

Diane Arbus In this photograph by Diane Arbus, we can see a model in the centre of the composition looking just past the camera. The models objects suggest that she is heading somewhere, as she has a sleeping back on her back and is standing in a street. She is also carrying a cat, which suggests to us that she will not be gone for long, or she would not have taken her cat with her... This shows Human Existence as it shows what we do through everyday life. It shows an aspect of a person living and existing in life. As the model is in the centre of the photograph and is in deep focus, all of our attention goes straight to the model in the centre. This allows us to pick up small details on the model, such as the expression we get from the look in her eyes. From her eyes she looks annoyed and tired, and we may not usually pick up this feature if the rest of the photograph was in focus. By having the photograph in black and white, the absence of colour makes the composition much more emotional. We can feel more emotion to the model as the absence of colour represents an absence in her life. The shadows and exposure used also help us to focus onto the model. Her dark coloured clothes create a strong shadow which draws our attention straight to her, as the high exposure in the background creates a much lighter background against her darkened figure. The angle of the camera shows slight body language and gives us enough to see how she is feeling towards what she is doing (annoyed and tired). The texture of the photograph has a slight grain to it which also shows a sharper touch. This means that we are able to pick up on more detail and analyse the photograph in much greater aspects.

Genre: human existence

Glossary of words Human existence The detail in this photograph has been made more prominent by the crop used, which has allowed the photograph to have a clear focus and understanding for the audience. We can see a clear contrast between the two models in the photograph, as one is in a healthier state than the other. The contrast has been altered so that the healthy man is in the dark and the dying woman is in the light, as white colours represent death, but this also suggests that the man is sad to have what we can assume is his wife leaving him, while the wife is peaceful. The brightness of the right hand side of the photograph allows the audience to visualize a range between the two models. The brightness of the photograph gives us an indication of how we should be feeling towards the photograph. The focal length of the photograph is small so that our only focus on the composition is the two models interacting, the small focal length gives a closer perspective of what is actually happening in the photograph. The human interest story of this photograph gives us a clear indication of what is happening in the photograph. A sense of meaning has been created and we are instantly given a sad atmosphere when looking at the photograph. The context of this photograph shows angst, which suggests a stronger meaning to the photograph and gives a more meaningful message, which makes a stronger composition. The quality of this photograph gives instant pathos to whoever sees it. The sadness and empathy is instantly given as the emotion is so clearly shown in the photograph with techniques to portray it, such as the contrast and the Chiaroscuro. We can see from the emotion shown in the photograph that there is a sense of sceptic as on the right hand side, we can see that the model seems to feel hopeless and sad, suggesting that he is sceptic about the condition the other is in. This creates a very emotional piece for the audience as a very sad atmosphere is created. The idea of alienation has also been created in this composition, as from the depth of the emotion that has been shown, we can assume that more empathy is needed as we instantly have a negative feel towards the photograph. The context to this photograph is very clear as the photograph has been cropped in a way that our only focus is on what is happening to the two models involved in the photograph. The shadows have been used in a way to suggest that the sadness of the photograph actually lies in the healthier model, we can assume that this is because he is lost without the other, so we feel a strong connection in the photograph and have a strong empathy for the shadowed model. The photographer (Colin Gray) clearly used a decisive moment when photographing this image and it is clear that there is a strong story to be told within the context of this photograph.

Genre: human existence

Photograph: untitled photographer: colin gray date: 2002

Genre: human existence

Similarities • The use of the centre in the photograph, both models have been placed into the centre to draw the audience to the centre of the photograph. (Technical) • The faces of the models are not clearly shown in the photograph. (Technical/ symbolic) • The postures of the models are very similar as they are both hunched over to suggest a sense of age. (Symbolic) • They are both outdoors. (Literal/ technical) • Both of the photographs are a medium shot. (Technical/ symbolic) • Neither of the photographs show the sky, only the ground.

• They both show aspects of the earth. (Literal/technical) • They both give a sense of physical movement. (Symbolic) • A sense of tension is shown. (Technical) • There is a lot of darkness shown in each photograph. (Literal/ technical) • They both show lighter aspects of the photograph. (Literal/ technical) • The models are both of similar age. (Symbolic)

Genre: human existence

• One of the images shows colour and one of the images has used black and white. (Technical) • One uses a male model and one uses a female model. (Symbolic/ technical) • One is on land one is in water. (Cultural/ technical/ literal) • One photograph has just one model and one has two models. (Technical/ cultural) • One of the photographs shows people working, while the other shows a relaxed man swimming. (Cultural) • One of the photographs is much more detailed whereas the other is plain and simple. (Cultural/ technical) • One has more texture than the other. (Technical/ literal) • One of the photographs is taken eye level, while one is taken above eye level.

(Technical/ symbolic) • One of the photographs shows people fully clothed, whereas one shows little/no clothing on a man. (Symbolic/ technical)

Differences Genre: human existence

Literal: Based on my research of the two photographs, I feel that these points show literal aspects; the fact that they are both outdoors; how they both show aspects of the earth; the light and the dark shown in each photograph; how one is on land and one is in water and how one has more texture than the other. I felt that these fitted into the literal category as they show the exact subject of the photograph.

In the first image, the man is the only subject in the photograph and so is the only meaning of the photograph. The only message that is being shown through that photograph is the man himself. In the second photograph, we can see manual labour taking place, which we can understand is the only subject of this particular photograph. The subject that is being photographed is the only meaning of that photograph. By both showing aspects of the earth, the photographs can easily link to human existence and show that they have a literal meaning of different aspects of the earth. The lighting in both photographs also helps us to focus on the central subject as they have both been made the lightest areas of the photograph. This draws our attention to them instantly and allows us to focus onto the main subject of the photograph. The different uses of texture in the images allows us to focus onto different things. For example, the second photograph shows plenty of detail which allows us to find different aspects of the subject that is photographed, however the first photograph makes it much easier to see as there is little texture shown. technical: Based on my research of some photographers, I felt that these particular aspects fitted into the technical category; the use of the centre in the photograph; the absence of their faces; how they are both outdoors; the use of the medium shot; the use of no sky shown; the tension shown; the light and dark areas shown; the use of black and white/ colour; how one uses a male and one uses a female; the difference between land and water; the difference between one model or two; the difference in detail; the use of the eye level on which the photograph has been taken and the difference between clothing. I felt that these fitted into this category as they show aspects of the photograph that the photographer must have put thought into. In order to make the photograph what it is, the photographer has to think about certain areas of the photograph, such as where to take the photograph from, where the location should be and how the model should look etc. I felt that the similarities and differences between the two photographs show an equal amount of technical aspects. It is clear that the photographer has done things for a reason, such as making the manual labour photograph in black and white, to add more emotion and to give more empathy from the audience, whereas the photograph of the male has been shown in colour, to show stronger emptiness, as the man stands out much more against the nothingness of the sea. The technicalities of the photograph are very important as they give more depth to the image and make the composition more meaningful and much stronger.

Genre: human existence

Symbolic:

Given my research into two photographs, the symbolic areas I found were; the fact that the faces of the models were absent to the photograph; the age of the models; the physical movement shown in each photograph; the difference between male and female models; the level in which the photograph has been taken and the absence of clothing/ full clothing shown. I felt that all of these fitted into the symbolic category as they all give more of a message to the photograph. The symbolism in both of the photographs varies from the age of the models, to the gender of the models. The differences show things such as the gender and the clothing difference/ angle difference. All of these aspects help to make the photograph what it is. These differences help to symbolise the life behind the model and the depth behind the camera. The difference in angles shows how the manual worker is on the same level as the photographer, suggesting that people are equal, however are not necessarily treated as equal. Whereas the man has been shown from above eye level, this helps to emphasize his frailty, as does the posture he shows and the little aspects of his face that are shown. All of these symbolise the person in front of the camera and help to give the photograph a lot more meaning. They help to add more of a story to the photograph and they help to explain human existence.

By showing a male relaxing and a woman working, we are shown a direct opposite.

We would stereotypically see a man as working and a woman as relaxing, however the photograph suggests otherwise, which also helps to show inequality. This also helps to symbolise how times have changed and that inequality is everywhere, no matter what gender you are or how old. We can instantly see the differences in the two models lives. The story behind the models becomes much clearer to the audience through the symbolic aspects of the photograph.

Cultural:

Using my research into the two photographs, the cultural areas I found were; the history shown in one photograph; the thoughts that could come from both photographs; the clothing and styles shown in each photograph. In the second photograph, we can see a period of history shown. The image suggests to be in America slavery time, thought to be in the western region shown from the clothing and shoes shown. This represents how the culture has changed and what the culture used to be like. We can see from the tatty clothes and the ill equipped people that there was not great modernisation at this point in time and that is shown clearly through the use of a black and white effect and a focus onto the props used (such as the potato sack). the second image can show culture as we can think about how different people may act. In some cultures, swimming with little clothing would be frowned upon. We get an idea that maybe it could be frowned upon during this point in time that the photograph was taken, as the model is swimming very much alone from what we can see. The photograph shows history to how times have changed and how different people react. The photographer may have been trying to prove a point that people should be allowed to do what they want to do, and should not be stopped by any form of culture.

Genre: human existence

Global Influences 1960, London UK

10 January – British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan makes the “Wind of Change” speech for the first time.

6 May – The Princess Margaret marries photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones at Westminster Abbey in the first televised Royal marriage.

26 March – The Grand National is televised for the first time. The winner is Merryman II.

17 April - American rock and roll singer Eddie Cochran, 21, is killed in a car crash in Wiltshire.

19 February – The Queen gives birth to her third child and second son.

30 July – “Battle of Beaulieu”: At a jazz festival at Beaulieu, Hampshire, fans of trad jazz come to blows with progressives.

17 August – The Beatles, a five-strong male band from Liverpool, perform their first concert under this name in Hamburg, West Germany.

28 June – 38 miners killed in an explosion at Six Bells Colliery in Monmouthshire.

Genre: human existence

15 September – The first traffic wardens deployed in London.

27 October – Film Saturday Night and Sunday Morning released, first of the British social-realist wave.

2 November – Penguin Books is found not guilty of obscenity in the Lady Chatterley’s Lover case.

9 December – The first episode of soap opera Coronation Street is aired on ITV.

8 October – Closure of the Sheffield Tramway, leaving Blackpool as the only place in England with electric trams.

Genre: human existence

Human Existence - What are the key characters of this genre?

The key characteristics of this genre show to be how you incorporate your own ideas into the work. From researching into artists that link with human existence, I have found that the majority of them have focused on creating personal aspects into the photographs and creating a documentary profile of personal aspects, such as their family and friends, when they feel insecure and objects that relate to them.

The key characteristics of this genre are creating the idea that the message is personal and showing that the photographer has created an idea in their perspective of how they want their existence to be seen by an audience, for example, Colin Gray explains how he wants the photographs to be seen as engaging with the audience in his own quiet agony of being helpless at the decline of his loved ones.

Human existence is a very widespread genre and can be portrayed in different ways depending on the interpretations behind the meaning of the photographs and how the photographer wants them to be seen. I feel that it is also important to include aspects of personal feelings and emotions, that many artists and photographers have done, such as Breda Beban and Nick Waplington.

In my work I am going to incorporate my own emotions and feelings about human existence as I feel this will be a great way in which I can show human existence through a camera lens. I feel that the key characters of this genre are personality and involvement in the work, so that the audience can relate much better to my work and so that it has a much more personal meaning.

On the right I have shown a page which shows all of the words and phrases that I wrote down when researching into different artists and photographers that all link to human existence. I wanted to show these words so that I can show what ideas stood out to me and what I found most interesting.

Genre: human existence

The meteoric rise of British artist Richard Billingham Record of family life Minimal amount of text High Form popular clichĂŠs

1990s

impact sequence of image; ray drinking home brewed beer and falling over Liz and ray fighting Playing computer games No idea they

would end up on the walls of London Entirely inexpressive of his artistic vision is hard to believe Nick Waplington Complex and energized sequence of images and handwritten notes in his book High momentum

Increased

period of global travel Shared attitudes social groups that Waplington moved through

New York Tokyo Sydney

Anna Fox Documentary work New generation Beauty and youth Artistic liberation Intimate photography Persona of the photographer Presenting their lives for consumption as art Yang Yong Evoke the attitudes of

young urban people living in china Collaboration with subjects Shenzhen Not highly performative Emotions such as

boredom are usually the focus Photographic portraiture Nineteenth century Activity and motion go on behind the camera Subjects compliantly suspending their animation as she works Differ from the casual style Perceiving how a subjects gestures and demeanour unconsciously display the nature of personal identity and relationships Special connections become pronounced Psychological closeness and distance between family members are revealed in elements such as looks at or away from the camera Careful containment

Family unit Contained within their portrayal

Larry

sultan Traded or negotiated with his parents as he won their compliance

to be photographed while they undertook household chores Casual observations Emotionally involved Daily routine

Showing aspects of their lives Emphasizing how images innocently reveal the relationship

between loved ones Sense of family history being retrieved Mitch Epstein

Visual elements Intensity of this project Palpable sense of a photographers visualizing subject in subtle ways

Colin gray

from a position of intense knowledge.

Describes the camera as being symbolic control over, and a way of visualizing the bonds within his family Recognizing the dynamics between them A way of

engaging the viewer in his own quiet agony of being helpless at the decline of his loved ones

beban Miracle of death Profound sense of loss Personal

to reconcile herself

belongings Inability

Human emotion Genre: human existence

Breda

Plan of In my work I have become interested in incorporating time with human existence.

I feel that time is a huge aspect of human existence and that it becomes a very important part of every day life, as in a way it controls us and manipulates our day into what we can do. I am hoping to show how time and human existence link together by showing how it can effect different people in different situations.

I like the idea of showing a narrative/ sequence of photographs as it instantly becomes more interesting to look at. I am going to experiment with ways in which I can create a narrative and am going to do some more research into how I can incorporate time with human existence as I feel that this is a huge factor in human existence.

I am also interested in showing how technology has become a part of human existence. Technology has slowly become a bigger and more detailed aspect of human life and many people nowadays feel that they cannot go somewhere without their phone, therefore I would like to include the idea that technology has become a part of human existence as time has gone on.

Genre: human existence

f action

Genre: human existence

Genre: human existence

Genre: human existence

Harvard Referencing http://diane-arbus-photography.com/ http://www.biography.com/people/diane-arbus-9187461 http://www.primephotographic.co.uk/ http://creativedesignmagazine.com/photographs-to-express-the-moods-of-humanlife.html http://www.tinabarney.com/ http://www.colinjonesphotography.co.uk/ http://www.colingray.net/ http://www.chartersschoolphotographydept.weebly.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DXTn0dDhwo https://www.flickr.com/photos/wasleso/sets/72157600522533831/ http://www.lbc.co.uk/history-of-london---1960s-8233/album/history_of_ london__1960s/149 http://www.pinterest.com https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swinging_London http://www.20thcenturylondon.org.uk/timeline/1960-1969

Genre: human existence