Picture by Paul Strand
List 3 things the photographer might have been interested in capturing in this picture?
The photographer focused on capturing the shadows or the sun to make shadows, tone, or the value of the photograph (brightness and darkness), and maybe patterns created from the shadows.
If you were the photographer, what title would you give it? Explain why.
I would like to give this photograph as the title of ” Brightness or Darkness tone”. This photograph, it includes both tones of dark or bright. The shadow created by the stairs and sun, and the brightness created directly by the sun make the photograph unique to have different tones.
Name one thing you think is unusual about the photograph.
I think the focus on the main subject is a bit unusual. The viewers can’t identify what is the main object, and the purpose of the object. From my standpoint, the photo has a ‘sandy’ feeling. The photo isn’t blurry, but it looks dusty. Moreover, it is interesting for Paul Strand to emphasize the shadows and the light, instead of fully focusing on the main subject(the table).
Describe the use of line, shape, pattern, texture, tone, and focus
The dominant and eye-catching elements Paul Strand used in this photograph are shape, pattern, and tone. The shadow of the stairs made 5 long shapes with repetition which created a pattern. The patterns and shapes attracted the viewer’s focus on the shadows or the brightness. Lastly, the most important in this photograph is the tone. It is unique and interesting that the author included two tones. It can be constructed between the brightness on the table created by the sun and the darkness created by the shadows.
What do you think is the best thing about this photograph?
I think the best thing about this photograph is how the photograph was taken by Paul Strand. It is fascinating to use two kinds of tones. He utilized the shadow to attract the viewers to focus on the shadows. The sandy or dusty feeling of the table was also great. It gives me a pleasing and calming feeling.