1. Lee Friedlander

Lee Friedlander is an American photographer who is widely known as one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century. Friedlander began his photographic career in the 1950s and gained recognition for his work in street photography. He documented everyday life in urban environments, particularly in New York City, where he captured candid and unposed moments with a keen eye for composition. His photographs often feature overlapping elements and reflections creating complex and visually intriguing images. One of Friedlander’s signature techniques is the use of reflections and self-portraits. He frequently incorporates his own reflection into the frame, blurring the boundary between the photographer and the subject matter, as seen in the first and third photos. This approach adds a layer of self-awareness and introspection to his work, challenging the notion of objectivity in photography.

The photo I will be choosing for evaluation is the second image in the gallery. Friedlander used the still water to reflect the buildings in front of him, creating a mirror-like reflection, effectively doubling the visual elements present in a scene. This can add a sense of symmetry and depth to the composition, enhancing the overall visual appeal. Reflections from water as I mentioned earlier, could create visual layering within an image. By capturing both the reflection and the objects above the water’s surface, this creates interesting juxtapositions and compositional elements. This layering can add complexity and depth to the image, engaging the viewer’s eye.

2. Naoya Hatakeyama

Naoya Hatakeyama is a renowned Japanese photographer known for his captivating and thought-provoking work that explores the relationship between human activities and the environment, particularly in urban landscapes. Hatakeyama’s work often exhibits meticulous attention to detail and a keen sense of composition and light. He carefully considers the relationship between light, shadow, and space through reflections, creating images that are visually compelling and conceptually rich. His photographs often evoke a sense of stillness and contemplation, allowing viewers to picture the surroundings of our built environment.

The photo I will be choosing for evaluation is the first image in the gallery. This image is called “Underground”, where Hatakeyama explores the hidden world beneath the surface of cities. Hatakeyama delves into these subterranean spaces, capturing their unique aesthetics and shedding light. Hatakeyama captures reflections in the water that allow us to see the textures of the wall or the big setting of the image. These reflections can introduce a sense of ambiguity and creates a layered effect. They add an element of visual intrigue by blurring the boundaries between the actual subjects and their mirrored counterparts.