The above is the third and final set of photos I took for the identity unit. They are based on Irving Penn’s black and white fashion portraits. Irving Penn is the original artist who I analyzed in the responding part of the unit. The link to the post can be found here:
The first photo I will analyze is the photo to the right of the contact sheet. The primary subject is Joseph Song. He is wearing a pair of glasses that have the number “7” in each frame. This is to symbolize the belief that grades are the most important thing to a student because 7 is the maximum grade that a student can receive in each class. In high school, good grades are really important because they determine your future university, which can have a profound effect on your identity. The subject looks extremely proud, as can be seen through looking at his facial expression and hand gestures. He is proud since the only thing he can see are his good grades. The position of his head makes him look as if he does not acknowledge there is an audience, further emphasizing his pride. A black backdrop is used to contrast the light grey clothing that he is wearing. It juxtaposes the light grey and makes it stand out more. The light grey complexion of the subject’s skin then again contrasts the black glasses. Moreover, the black lenses contrast the white seven on the glasses. The constant juxtaposition of colors makes the entire subject stand out. This photo primarily focuses on the formal elements of tone and shape. It focuses on shape since the posture/ shape of the subject’s body can communicate another message.
The second photo (middle) shows the same subject as the first photo but in a different pose. This time he is looking directly at the audience. Instead of holding his glasses with his hands, his hands are holding his knees. This pose puts the subject’s head in line with his back. Compared to the first photo, the subject does not look as relaxed. The combination of the subject’s posture and the subject’s expression indicates that he is tired. However, the subject is still wearing his glasses, meaning that he is still pursuing good grades in school. The meaning of this photo is that doing your best at school can be tiring but ultimately worth it in the end. This is a message that is present in multiple cultures and shapes one’s identity. This photo focuses on the formal elements of tone and shape, just like the first photo.
The third photo (left) shows a different main subject compared to the two previous photos. The main subject is leaning back with his eyes closed. He looks generally relaxed. At the same time, a pair of hands is trying to put a pair of glasses on the man subject. Coincidentally, these are the same glasses that the subject wore in the two previous photos. One interpretation of this photo is that being around people who are working hard for good grades can make you work harder too. Especially in a school environment, the effect that others have on you can be profound. Sometimes, you are unconsciously conforming to their beliefs. In this photo, the main subject has their eyes closed and looks relaxed because he is not opposed to the belief that is being introduced to him. However, he does not willingly accept it either. He is accepting the belief not based on his personal judgment but because others around him share the same belief. Overall, the main takeaway from this particular photo is the idea that conformity can unconsciously shape one’s identity. Similar to the other photos from this set, this photo also uses the formal element of tone and shape.