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Assignment 6

Photo essay

I created this photo essay to depict the hardships and achievements, the hard work and determination of Egyptian workers in their daily life. I want to show how resilient and strong these people are as they struggle to survive in a challenging economic environment I tried to capture the variety of events and challenges that these people had while trying to make enough to survive. The photographs show how diverse Egyptian workers backgrounds, ages, and occupations are. Every photograph conveys a distinct story that highlights the individuality and humanity of people in it and encourages the viewer to feel sympathy and connection through six photographs.

I used a range of photographic methods, such as wide establishing shots to create the scene, close-ups to capture the small details of their job, and portraits to highlight the people themselves, to capture the spirit of the employees' daily life. Each image was picked with care to portray a different aspect of the life of workers, from their interactions with one another to their quiet times of reflection.

The photographs provide a compelling narrative of inspiration and tenacity. The Egyptian workers I met encouraged me because they persevered in their profession despite several obstacles to provide for their families and themselves. I wanted to record their regular activities and tell their stories to the world.

I want to convey the concepts of power, hard effort, and resilience in the face of difficulty through this photo essay. I want people to recognize these individuals' humanity and recognize that they are not simply faceless workers going about what they do every day. 

I want to highlight the strength, inventiveness, and unflinching spirit of Egyptian workers by drawing attention to their occasionally hidden existence through this photo essay. I encourage the audience to get lost in these pictures and explore the rich patchwork of daily life that connects the stories of these workers. Pushing audiences to reflect more thoroughly on the lives of workers in Egypt, and also to recognize the effort and valuable sacrifices that go into creating the goods and services we use and value, is my aim for this photo essay.

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Egyptian workers daily life (photo essay)

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Assignment 6 part 1

Step 1

Photo Projects comparison

By: Jiayue Yu (https://www.lensculture.com/2022-lensculture-critics-choice-award-winners?modal=jiayue-yu-the-winner-of-critics-choice-20220 ) Album title: In Retrospect

By: Mara Schmit (Student project) ( https://cairostudentphotography.weebly.com/ )

Jiayue Yu’s picture and Mara’s are two pictures that are not identical but radiate the same feeling of silence and gloominess. Both pictures have a lot of emphasis on the play of light and shadows. The color palette of the photographs is also very similar since green, yellow, white, and black are the main colors in both photographs. There seems to be a great similarity between both photographs when it comes to utilizing light. The color composition that is emitted from the light is pretty similar in that muted hues of yellow and green complement each other along with the contrast of the black. In Jiayue’s photograph, the main light source is from the lighter; in Schmit’s photograph, the brightest light is coming from headlights. However, in Schmit’s photograph, the headlights are blocked by what seems to be a sort of glass window. There are multiple differences between both photographs; the most obvious one is the subject. In Schmit’s, the subject is the silhouette of a person or presumably a man smoking a cigarette whereas in Yu’s the subject is clear as well as a pair of hands that appear to be in the middle of the frame, the hands guide you to the frame as it acts as leading lines. I would say that the difference also lies in what each photograph portrays since Yu’s photograph gives a sense of serenity and the title “In Retrospect” convey the impression of nostalgia. Schmit’s photograph gives the same sense of quietness but it has a connotation of loneliness. These meanings are also strengthened by the use of smoking in both in which Yu’s photograph shows companionship as someone is lighting a cigarette for the subject but Schmit’s photograph shows a person that seems to be left alone with their thoughts. However, these two photographs still convey a sense of melancholy even in Yu’s photograph as the album portrays nostalgia so it still has a bittersweet sense to it.

The only factor that I think would improve Schmit’s photograph is the use of light in the background. There are four main lights in the back as they are the ones that give the green and yellow hues, however, the reflection of the green light on the right reflects on the cloudy glass which deviates my attention from the silhouette and the shadows.

Step 2

Photo project proposal

Personalization of Spaces in Egypt

The project aims to depict the personalization of spaces and objects in Egypt that reflects on Egyptian culture and one’s own personal impact on a space. My photographs will mainly consist of spaces such as shops, kiosks, or food vendors in Egypt and mainly around Cairo. These photographs will focus on how objects and spaces transform under the influence of people and how personalization in Egypt mainly reflects on Egyptian culture. Personalization of physical spaces is influenced by several factors such as the economy, culture, and environment and it mainly portrays the environment that someone inhabits. I believe that by capturing these personalized physical spaces one would be able to infer a lot about the characters that inhabit them. The notion that you could learn about people and possibly the culture through exploring personalized spaces and objects is an interesting measure to learn more about people. My personal style or genre will mainly be candid photographs and specifically street photography in order to capture these personalized spaces in their natural form. The spaces that I aim to photograph are someone’s everyday life and workplaces so capturing them abruptly would portray these places in their truest image. The photographs will be taken with my phone’s camera as it will be more convenient to take abrupt street shots for this project.

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Assignment 5 photo remake

How it was made?

- The picture was taken as a portrait as the subject faces her face to the camera. The photographs focus on aspects such as backlight and the creation of shadows. There are 2 or more spotlights at the back that creates an almost silhouette feature to the picture and it focuses directly on the face of the subject.

• What lens focal length?

- The shot was taken with a focal length of 25mm, with a dark light setting.

• What point of view?

- The point of view is taken at eye level as you can see that the subject is making direct eye contact with the camera.

• What type of light?

- There seem to be several backlights in the photograph behind the subject and specifically two spotlights at the back.

• What subject, props, where, and when?

- The subject is the late Hollywood star, Greta Garbo. There are no props in this picture as it focuses solely on the face of the subject. This photograph was taken in 1928 by Edward Steichen for Vanity Fair in Los Angeles, United states. This picture was a

- part of his portfolio titled: Twenty-five Photographs.

state how and why it is influential in photographic history.

- This photograph is one of the most popular photographs of the late Hollywood star Greta Garbo for Vanity Fair as it was done in a naturalistic form that portrays the actresses’ emotions. Edward Steichen’s style was influential as he utilized sharp focusing and dramatic lighting techniques. His series of portraits for Greta and others showed his bold composition that shed light on his subjects and created a closer look for the audience. Steichen’s pictures took a naturalistic form that evokes the feeling of familiarity with his subjects. Edward Steichen had a strong influence in photographic history as he explored different styles such as studio, editorial, commercial photography, and more. As it is seen in this picture for Garbo, Steichen focused on the composition of the photograph as well as the focus on the subject. In World War I, Steichen was drawn more towards aerial photography to help depict the effects of war and then he experimented with a rather modernist approach, especially during his fashion photographs. This photograph became exceptionally popular for Greta Garbo as it was able to capture the essence of the star as she was always seen as mysterious. The picture also gained more fame after the actress was renounced. Steichen succeeded greatly in creating photographs that are glamorized and dramatized which had a great impact on the fashion editorial photographic work. Edward Steichen kept on impacting the fashion work with his photographs for fifteen years as he worked with magazines such as Vogue and Vanity Fair.

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Assignment 4

photo 1: Rule of Thirds 

Photo 2: Negative space

Photo 3: Strong Shape

photo 4: Strong Colour

Photo 5: Strong Texture

Photo 6: Frame in Frame

Photo 7: Light Direction 

photo 8 Portrait Frame: Close up

medium shot

full shot

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Assignment 4 part 2

Frame in frame

Light direction

Portrait frame

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Assignment 4

Rule of thirds

Negative space

Strong shape

Strong colour

Strong texture

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Assignment 3

Representation

The image by Noureddine Ait Mouden, "All things that have meaning, own the short age," illustrates the fleeting nature of life and the transience of material possessions. The contrast between the fleeting essence of life and the permanent nature of love is highlighted by the artist's choice of roses, which are frequently linked with beauty and love.The photographer in this image represents a young Moroccan kid as he inhales a bouquet of vividly colored flowers to establish the composition of the image. The audience's attention is drawn to the flowers because of their positioning and size. Mouden portrays the interaction between people and flowers in this composition. The human looks at the flower's colorful, attractive colors and inhales its alluring aroma, which has the effect of making him happy.

This image clearly illustrates the concept of representation since it effectively conveys the artist's message through the use of visual symbolism. The roses, which are often used as a symbol of love and beauty, represent the fleeting nature of life, while the decaying building represents the impermanence of material possessions. 

The image also depicts the Moroccan cultural setting, where roses are an important part of the nation's history and are frequently used in festivities and rituals. 

Furthermore, the photograph's title "All things that have meaning, own the short age" reflects the artist's belief that material possessions are temporary and that true value lies in the experiences and memories that we create in our lifetime. This message is particularly relevant in today's consumerist society, where the pursuit of material wealth often takes precedence over the pursuit of personal growth and fulfillment.

In conclusion, "All things that have meaning, own the short age" is a powerful representation of the transience of life and the impermanence of material possessions. Through the use of visual symbolism, the photograph captures the essence of the artist's message and reflects the cultural context of Morocco. 

Children of Morocco and Western Sahara. (2022, October 31). Humanium. https://www.humanium.org/en/morocco-and-western-sahara/

representation 2

The image of a mother and daughter enjoying a picnic is a powerful example of how representation is portrayed. Basically, representation refers to the ways in which individuals are pictured and portrayed in culture. It has to do with the narratives we share, the pictures we paint, and the signals we convey about who is seen favorably and who is not. In this picture, a woman and her daughter are enjoying a lovely outdoor day while being surrounded by beautiful landscape and a bag of food. They are  having fun together because they are smiling  together and wearing same color of the scarf At first glance, it might seem like a simple, unremarkable moment. But when we look closer, we can see that this photo is actually a powerful representation of several important ideas.The photo represents the importance of maternal bonds and family relationships. The mother and daughter in the photo are clearly close, and their bond is evident in the way they interact with each other. This representation challenges the traditional patriarchal norms that prioritize men over women and suggest that women are only valuable as wives and mothers. Instead, it celebrates the love and connection that can exist between mothers and daughters, highlighting the strength and resilience of female relationships.

Additionally, the photo represents the idea that representation matters. By depicting a mother and daughter having a picnic, the photo challenges the dominant cultural narratives that often ignore or marginalize women's experiences. It shows that women are not just passive objects to be looked at, but active agents who can create and shape their own stories.

Overall, the photo of a mother and daughter having a picnic is a powerful representation of the theme of representation. It challenges patriarchal norms, celebrates the strength of female relationships, and underscores the importance of diverse and inclusive representation in our society.

Myth

The image of children fishing with spears is a powerful representation of the traditional practices of the Aboriginal people of Australia. This image is not just a photograph, but it also tells a story of how the Aboriginal people have been managing the land for thousands of years.

The theme  Myth of Photographic Truth discusses the fallacy of believing that images accurately capture reality. Although while this picture appears to be a straightforward snapshot, it actually reveals a complex story about the Aboriginal people's traditional ways and their connection to the land. The Aboriginal people have used controlled fires to manage the land for thousands of years, which is a long-standing tradition. This process requires lighting fires at precise periods of the year in order to encourage the growth of particular plants and avoid bigger, more damaging flames. The amount of smoke discharged into the sky is decreased by this ancient method, which is also excellent in managing the land. A contemporary strategy for reducing the effects of climate change is the idea of emission permits and carbon trading. The selling of emission permits has allowed the Native population to profit from their traditional ways of life.

The relationship between the traditional practices of the Aboriginal people and modern climate change management approaches is an example of how old traditions can be adapted to meet modern challenges. In conclusion, the image is a powerful representation of the traditional practices of the Aboriginal people and their relationship with the land. The use of these traditional practices to generate income from the sale of emission allowances is an example of how old traditions can be adapted to meet modern challenges. This is a powerful example of how traditional knowledge can be combined with modern approaches to address issues related to climate change.

Reference: Saving forests with fire. Saving Forests with Fire | World Press Photo. (n.d.). Retrieved March 12, 2023, from https://www.worldpressphoto.org/collection/photo-contest/2022/matthew-abbott/1 

Ideology

The photograph captures Sergeant Stéphane, a commander in the Regiment of Intervention Forces (RFI), taking a fighting pose in Betroka, southern Madagascar. This image highlights the role of photography in conveying ideological messages to its audience. As Berger argues, "photographs are read as a language" and can convey meanings and messages that shape our perceptions of the world (Berger, 2013, p.11).

In this photograph, Sergeant Stéphane's pose and military uniform symbolize power and strength. This image reflects the ideology of the RFI, which is to maintain law and order in the region. The image portrays the RFI as a strong and disciplined force that is capable of protecting the people of Madagascar. This ideology is reinforced by the use of monochromatic tones, which create a sense of seriousness and urgency.

Moreover, the photograph's composition and framing also contribute to its ideological message. The tight structure of Sergeant Stéphane's figure and his direct gaze toward the camera creates a sense of confrontation and urgency. The blurred background also emphasizes the foreground and focuses the viewer's attention on the subject, reinforcing the image's message of strength and discipline.

In conclusion, the photograph of Sergeant Stéphane in Betroka, southern Madagascar, is a powerful example of how photography can convey ideological messages to its audience. Through the use of composition, framing, and symbolism, the photograph reinforces the ideology of the RFI as a solid and disciplined force that is capable of maintaining law and order in the region. This image demonstrates the power of photography to shape our perceptions of the world and influence our understanding of social and political issues.in the region. This image demonstrates the power of photography to shape our perceptions of the world and influence our understanding of social and political issues.

Reference:

Berger, J. (2013). Understanding a Photograph. Penguin UK.

<p>Sergeant Stéphane, a commander in the Regiment of Intervention Forces (RFI) takes a fighting pose in Betroka, southern Madagascar. The RF

Ideology

The photograph "Kassita" by Frans Lemmens captures a moment of familial joy and togetherness in everyday life. This image depicts "three generations of one family, seated together on low-ottomans around a table filled with ara'eesh and chai in front of them, laughing happily" (Fadila Khalid). This image can be analyzed through the lens of ideology, which refers to the shared beliefs, values, and attitudes that shape individuals' understanding of themselves and the world around them. One way to interpret this image through ideology is to examine how it represents cultural values and norms. The exhibition "The Archive of Love" includes this photograph, which is titled "The Love for Your Family" and is one of its featured pieces. This title makes it quite clear that this photograph perfectly represents a family in a Moroccan town. The Moroccan family in the photograph is gathered around a table, enjoying traditional food and drinks together (Alamy). The presence of multiple generations also suggests respect for family ties and intergenerational relationships. These cultural values and practices reflect a broader set of beliefs and norms that shape social behavior and expectations in the community. Another way to analyze this photograph through ideology is to consider how it challenges or reinforces existing power structures. The joyful and intimate gathering of the family members suggests a sense of equality and mutual respect among them, regardless of age or gender. This subverts traditional patriarchal structures that may prioritize the voices and experiences of men over women and younger generations. The image can be seen as celebrating familial relationships and community ties, prioritizing inclusion and shared experiences.

In conclusion, Frans Lemmens' photograph "Kassita" captures a moment of familial joy and togetherness that can be analyzed through the lens of ideology. Through its representation of cultural values and norms and its challenge to existing power structures, the image offers a complex and nuanced view of the community it depicts.

Reference: Fadila Khalid. (n.d.). An archive of love: The exhibit exploring intimacy in the Middle East. SecneNow. https://scenenow.com/ArtsAndCulture/An-Archive-of-Love-The-Exhibit-Exploring-Intimacy-in-the-Middle-East   

Alamy, A. (n.d.). Morocco, Kassita, Rif mountains, family of Berber Tribe having tea. Get creative with stock photos and videos from Alamy. https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-morocco-kassita-rif-mountains-family-of-berber-tribe-having-tea-51365294.html?imageid=C9D1BAEE-7CBC-4831-8C56-B26CFFC9CFD4&p=37592&pn=1&searchId=cd4ee641bf34781a8ccdb1380d60cca4&searchtype=0

Iconic

The photograph known as "Napalm Girl" is one of the most iconic images in the history of photography, and it has been widely recognized as a symbol of the horrors of war and the human cost of conflict. The photograph, taken by the Vietnamese photographer Nick Ut in 1972, depicts a young girl running naked down a road, her body covered in burns from a napalm attack by the South Vietnamese military during the Vietnam War(CNN Style).The power of the image lies in its ability to capture the human toll of war in a single frame. The girl's anguished expression and the raw emotion on her face are a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of war on innocent civilians. The image has become an icon of the anti-war movement and continues to resonate with people worldwide more than 50 years after it was taken. The "Napalm Girl" photograph has been reproduced countless times in books, magazines, and newspapers and has been exhibited in museums and galleries worldwide. The image has also been referenced in popular culture, including music and film. In addition, the photograph has been used as a tool for social activism as people continue to draw attention to the ongoing human cost of war and conflict.

In conclusion, the "Napalm Girl" photograph is a prime example of an iconic theme in photography, which is the ability of a single image to capture the essence of a more significant issue or idea. As such, it has become a powerful symbol of the human cost of war and a rallying cry for peace and social justice.

Reference:CNN Style. (2022, June 8). Nick Ut's 'Napalm Girl' photo was 50 years ago. It changed the world. https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/napalm-girl-50-snap/index.html

Singh, R. (2022, June 9). Explained: Story of the 'napalm girl' photo from Vietnam War as it turns 50. The Indian Express. Retrieved March 12, 2023, from https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-story-napalm-girl-photo-from-vietnam-war-50-years-7961008/ 

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Assignment 2

photo 1 ( 1/125, F5.6) ISO 400

Photo 2 A (correct exposure) (1/125,F8.0) ISO400

Photo 2 B ( Over exposed) (1/125,F5.6) ISO400

Photo 2 C ( Under exposed) (1/125,F11) ISO400

Photo 3 A (1/500,F4.0) ISO400

Photo 3 B (1/500,F16) ISO400

Photo 4A (1/250,F8.0) ISO400

Photo 4B (1/30,F22) ISO400

Photo 5A (1/500,F11) ISO400

Photo 5B(1/500,F11) ISO400

Photo 5C(1/500,F11) ISO400

Photo 6A(1/160,F8.0) ISO400

Photo 6B(1/400,F11) ISO400

Photo 7A (1/125,F8.0,3/5) ISO400

Photo 7B(1/125,F8.0,4/5) ISO400

Photo 7C(1/125,F8.0,5/5) ISO400

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Assignment 1

Khalik Allah

1.What type (genre) of photography does he make? 

The genre of photography that he makes is street photography, documentary photography, and portraiture. He focuses on capturing people's lives from different communities in a raw, honest, and intimate way. He is known for his candid and raw style of capturing people in their natural environment, often in the streets of New York City. He has a distinctive viewpoint and can capture the strength and beauty of the subjects he shoots in a way that is both personal and powerful.

2. Khalik said: “Purpose in life is to extend the light into peoples’ lives” What does he mean by this? Do you agree photography can do this? 

When he claims that his purpose in life is to "extend the light into people's lives," he really means that he wants to use photography to make a significant and good difference in people's lives. He uses his camera to document the lives of individuals in marginalized communities because he thinks that photography has the capacity to transform people's perspectives and provide them with a new way of looking at the world. Additionally, he believes that by documenting their experiences and spreading them to the public, he might assist in shedding light on their situations and draw attention to their difficulties. By the middle of the film, he stated that his "duty is to shine the light in the dark space to show people that there is nothing to fear," demonstrating once more that this is his ultimate goal in life, mainly through photography. I agree that photography may profoundly affect individuals because it gives them a new perspective on the world, which can lead to understanding and drive change.

3. Khalik also said: “To make knowledge born.” How does his photography do that? 

His photography makes knowledge born in that it presents a truthful and honest representation of reality. He brings attention to topics that are frequently ignored by mainstream media and offers an opportunity for individuals to share their opinions and stories by capturing the lives of people in neglected groups. He is able to raise awareness of significant social and cultural concerns through his work, which can lead to change and a better knowledge of the world.

4. How would describe the role of photography from his perspective? 

According to him, the purpose of photography is to capture significant social and cultural issues, raise public awareness about them, and promote change through a better knowledge of the world. He thinks that photography has the ability to inspire and educate people about significant societal concerns in addition to capturing and preserving precious moments.

5. Can his type of photography bring out understanding, as he claims? 

Yes, as he states, I do think that his style of photography may promote understanding. His work illuminates’ topics that are frequently ignored by mainstream media and provides a place for individuals to express their stories and viewpoints by giving a true and accurate portrayal of reality. He is able to raise awareness of significant social and cultural concerns via his work, which can lead to change and a better knowledge of the world. His work as a documentary photographer gives a distinct viewpoint on the world, and his dedication to recording the lives of people in underserved places is very remarkable. He is able to illuminate significant social and cultural concerns via the lives of others, which can spur change and result in a better knowledge of the world.

References:

YouTube . (2022). The Mind of Khalik Allah Khalik Allah Interview. YouTube. Retrieved February 11, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tD_JRkfq_M. 

Rapold, N. (2015, April 17). Khalik Allah's movie captures Harlem Faces and voices by Moonlight. The New York Times. Retrieved February 11, 2023, from https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/19/movies/khalik-allahs-movie-captures-harlem-faces-and-voices-by-moonlight.html 

Masih-Tehrani, M. (2019, July 18). How khalik allah bent the rules of street photography, and found his vision. PDN Online. Retrieved February 11, 2023, from https://pdnonline.com/features/photographer-interviews/how-khalik-allah-bent-the-rules-of-street-photography-and-found-his-vision/ 

Glanzman, A. (2014, October 14). Meet Harlem's 'official' street photographer. Time. Retrieved February 11, 2023, from https://time.com/3589404/meet-harlems-official-street-photographer/