Responding (Photographer) 1:

The photographer that inspires me is Hiroharu Matsumoto, a Japanese photographer who captures the streets of Tokyo in dramatic black-and-white images. He uses a simple visual style to produce stunning compositions by utilizing the interaction of light and shadow. In the center of the bustling city, he manages to create a peaceful setting while capturing his subjects between public locations, capturing situations of city and urban dwellers in a bird’s-eye view rather than pressing directly on the subject itself. Matsumoto believes that loneliness is a natural emotion for this city’s residents while discussing his inspiration sources. In his picture, he takes advantage of using black-and-white in order to set the tone of his images. Something that makes his photos, “The Quite Streets Of Tokyo” special, first is that we can really tell that he is exploring loneliness. All of his photographs in “The Quiet Streets Of Tokyo” were taken in black and white; they illustrate mysterious and sinister subjects, and in many cultures, these two neutral colors are linked to rituals of life and death.
Furthermore, one distinctive element in his shots is a single individual who is always seen strolling, standing, and engaging in various activities by themselves. This individual serves as the primary symbol of the loneliness the photographer is attempting to convey in his images.  He said, “Loneliness is an inherent feeling for the people of this town.” From what he said, we could even learn more and gain a better understanding of the author’s thoughts, but even without him telling us this, just from looking at his photographs, I feel that it perfectly matches what he said. I think that this is what photographers should do—be able to convey their feelings through the image without having to say anything, which Hiroharu Matsumoto did exceptionally well. But in addition, his comment helps us comprehend that everyone encounters loneliness at some point in their lives, and something you always carry with you.

Responding (Image) 2: 

I particularly like this shot since the photographer made a great job of conveying his sentiments to us by simply presenting us the photo. He did a good job of incorporating numerous formal elements and expressing himself from various perspective, but the lines and subsequently the color that created the tone of the pictures were the most crucial formal elements in his photographs. The lines in the photographs create the pattern, which adds interest or specialness to the work. The viewer’s eyes are drawn into (and out of) the frame by the lines. Additionally, they may direct their gaze toward the scene’s focal point. The repetition of these lines in the image can further increase attention by introducing texture and pattern. Depending on what the lines are showing us and how large they are. The color that establishes the image’s tone is particularly crucial since the tone is frequently the major idea a photographer uses to convey. For example, Hiroharu Matsumoto employed the color black and white to create an overall tone that evokes loneliness. The focus is on color, light, shadow, texture, shape, and form in abstract photography. The photos of the findings are not immediately connected to an item. But viewers are moved and intrigued by them. This captivates a spectator and invites them to investigate and ponder the fundamental essence of photography. Hiroharu Matsumoto used the elements of lines, colors, and shadows, also viewing city and people in a bird’s-eye view rather than pressing directly on the subject itself. I personally enjoy the image, but to be more precise, the patterns or lines he uses in his photographs are extremely inspirational. Moreover, I appreciate how he captured the images from a bird’s eye perspective, which gives his work a distinctive and special quality. Later on, I think that I can also apply this perspective style to my photographs, as well as the way the photographer expressed his emotions by using objects—for example, people—to better communicate his feelings of lonliness. Further on, in my photographs, I consider utilizing specific objects to highlight the main idea of the composition.

Which ”element(s)” is/are best represented in each picture?

• lines
• patterns
• composition
• shapes
• shadows

photo safari

Compare your images with the drawings. Which ones worked and why?

The patterns, shapes, and general groupings of the majority of the photographs resemble the drawing rather well. I think image two worked pretty well because it contains several distinct designs that I think are really cool in addition to matching more than one drawing. I also think that image ten worked really well, the composition, light, shadow, and pattern are very well presented.

Which ones didn’t work so well, and why?

The majority of the photographs were successful, but I believe that image 3 may be improved because it lacks creativity and is monotonous. For, there might be someone or an object behind the perforations, making it somewhat translucent and allowing one to view what is behind the wall but with limited clarity. Despite the fact that image 3 has great use of patterns it lacks the use of shadows and lights.