#understandingphotographs

[nikitacogc]

Understanding Photographs

Hendrick Kerstens 

Technical: 45 degree lighting leaving catchlights on the models eyes. The 45 degree lighting makes sure that a part of the models black shirt is noticeable and a part of her face is noticed to the eyes first before anything. The book cover is shadowed out giving this idea that the 45 degree lighting was used.

Visual: The model is positioned to the left with a book on top of her head being the focus point in this picture. The colour scheme in this picture is very plain and simple; having the black, white, the soft pink on the models lips and that hint of beige in one of the pages on the book. Not too colourful but, not too extreme in your eyes.

Contextual: Hendrik Kerstens is a Dutch photographer who is known for his photographs of his daughter, Paula. Initially Kerstens' photographs were created out of the artist's desire to capture something of the fleeting moments that fade of childhood. Several the portraits of Paula are clearly reminiscent of Johannes Vermeer. The austerity of the photograph, its clarity, the serene expression on the young girl's face, and not least, the characteristic "Dutch" light, all combine to create this impression.

David Eustace 

Technical: 45 Degree lighting with a filler board on the other side of the model. The left side of the model’s face is much brighter than the other side but not too shadowed out which makes me think some sort of filler board was used in this photograph as well. The left side of the model’s jacket is highlighted more than the right side giving the idea on what kind of lighting was used, my guess being 45 degree lighting.

Visual: The model is positioned in the middle of the photograph with his hands locked in together. Her hair is bright white with a few grey streaks. With this image being in black and white, it helps the model stand out more with the grey background behind her and the expression on her face giving off a “ready for business” sort of look about her.

Contextual: David Eustace is a Scottish photographer and director, who is known for his fashion, celebrity and art photography. His photographs are included in the collections of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and the Glasgow Museum of Modern Art. Born in Glasgow, internationally renowned photographer, David Eustace, did not pick up a camera until he was twenty-eight. Since teaching himself how to print and process his photographs, Eustace has gone on to photograph an impressive range of sitters and his work has featured in many major magazines.

[jmphotograpghy]

Understanding Photographs

[cameronbrownblog]

[evapayne16]

Still life, understanding photographs

[jmphotograpghy]

Inspired By Art - Still Life

2/2 Photographers Analysis

Irving Penn “After Dinner Games”

[nikitacogc]

National Geographic - Nature  Wide angle and Telephoto photographs

Wide Angle Lens 

Wide Angle lenses come in many sizes, but their distinguishing factor is a wider field of view than a normal lens. Some image distortion will occur—lines that appear straight to your eye will look curved through the lens—but this can create an interesting, artistic perspective.

Telephoto Lens 

a telephoto lens is a powerful magnifier. You can capture distant subjects as if they were in front of you. Ideal for shooting sporting events or wildlife, this lens makes it look like you were right in the middle of the action.

[morganmccaskiecogc]

Inspired by Art - Portrait Analysis

“Portrait of a Man” by Jan Van Eyck

VISUAL

This painting appears to be three dimensional, the definition of the face and head scarf help to emphasise this. Depth is created with the contrast and difference between the head/head scarf and the black background. There are not many different tones in this painting, the background and clothing is dark and our attention is brought to the light face and deep red head scarf. Again, there is contrast between the colour in the face and scarf compared to the dark background. 

CONTEXTUAL

The artist who created this painting, Jan Van Eyck, was known for his portraiture in the early days of oil painting. He mastered the art of oil painting and carried on painting portraits for most of his short life. It is believed that Jan Van Eyck died before the age of 50 in the mid 1400s.

TECHNICAL

The lighting is soft and at a 45 degree angle. It casts soft shadows over one side of the face and helps to create contrast from the dark background. Most of the head scarf is illuminated in the soft light. It appears that the lighting has been quite controlled, mainly onto the face as much of the background and body is almost complete darkness.

“Girl with a Pearl Earring” by Johannes Vermeer

VISUAL

The artist has managed to give this painting a three dimensional effect due to the position and pose of the subject. The turban and coat that she is wearing helps to give the painting depth and separates her from the black background. There are various tones: light skin, blue and gold turban, brown coat, white collar. All of these various tones and colours are further emphasised and highlighted because of the dark black background. There is nothing to distract the viewer in the background and no other features in the painting. It revolves around the young girl and her pearl earring. The rule of thirds has been used to compose this piece, with the subject being further to the right of the frame.

CONTEXTUAL

Johannes Vermeer was a Dutch painter in the mid 1600s, and was known in the Golden Age for his paintings of the domestic scenes in middle class life. He was born in 1632 and lived until 1675, his short lifetime was spent painting beautiful portraits which are now in museums across the world such as the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and The National Gallery in London.

TECHNICAL

There is a strong 45 degree light on the subject, most of her face is illuminated as is the majority of her clothes and turban. There are shadows cast on the left side of her face as well as the back of the coat she is wearing. The light helps to separate the subject from the background.

[jmphotograpghy]

Inspired By Art - Portrait

Analysis of Dutch Masters 2/2

Frans Hals “Portrait of a Man”