Photographer: Joel Tjintjelaar

These are photos from his “The Age of Modern Architecture in Qatar” series:

Joel Tjintjelaar is a renowned fine art photographer known for his minimalist black-and-white architectural images. Born in the Netherlands in 1971, Tjintjelaar’s passion for photography emerged in 2007 as he explored various techniques and styles. His distinctive approach involves long-exposure photography, capturing the mood and essence of architectural structures. Notably, he developed the iSGM (intensified selective gradient mask) technique, which allows him to control tonal range and contrast, resulting in visually striking compositions. Tjintjelaar’s work has garnered international recognition, with exhibitions, awards, and publications showcasing his talent. Sharing his expertise through workshops and tutorials, he inspires and guides aspiring photographers to develop their artistic vision. While this information reflects my knowledge up until September 2021, Joel Tjintjelaar’s career may have seen further advancements and accomplishments since then.

Visual

This photo focuses on the building in the center. The daylight is the light source in this image, after editing, it creates a big contrast with the architecture. The lines on the building bring a stiff emotion to the audience, and the grayish tone of the background evokes a timeless atmosphere. Tjintjelaar placed the architecture in the center to let the audience focus on the main subject. Moreover, the monochrome used in this photo allows the audience to focus on fewer elements, emphasizing the huge building in the middle.

Technical

The light used in this photo is daylight. The focal point is in the center of the structure, but the other parts of the structure and the buildings in front are also relatively clear. So, the aperture used in this photo should be small, f10???. The structure’s lines are all clear and sharp, and the image is slightly dark, so the shutter speed should be fast, 1/250?. The structure and the sky are edited to create a large contrast. There is also a wide tonal range, from the black structures to the white-ish sky. However, the overall tone is grayish, bringing a sharp but also harmonic mood. The sky is edited to a gradient color, how the white sky in the center gradually changes to gray. The lens used is a wide-angle lens because this image gives a wide field of view. The wider the field of view, the more of the scene the audience is able to see in the frame.

How Does the image inspire?

This image inspired me by showing how to edit a black-and-white structure, and  I like the tone and composition of this photo. I also learned that different editing techniques can bring different feelings to the audience. With a larger contrast between colors, it creates a sharper mood. If the photo is grayish with a lower contrast, it brings a relatively softer mood.

Vision

In this set of photographs, I want the audience to feel a sense of awe and wonder as they witness Beijing’s captivating structures and contemporary architecture. In this set, I will be editing photos from my set 1 photos to make them look more intense and with more contrast. Through the use of black and white photography, I aim to create a timeless and dramatic atmosphere that emphasizes the intricate details and forms of the buildings. By photoshopping the photos, the Achetecure will be more emphasized. Ultimately, my photography project aims to inspire a deeper appreciation for the beauty and significance of Beijing’s architecture and environment and the evolving world around us.

Statement of Intent

Since it’s a build-up of the previous set, they will look similar. The title of my project is “Structures of Beijing.” Through this photography project, I aim to invite my audience to feel a profound sense of awe, curiosity, and appreciation for the architectural wonders of Beijing. Taking inspiration from the works of architectural photographer and editor, Joel Tjintjelaar, my photography project in Beijing strives to evoke a profound sense of admiration and reverence in the audience. Like Tjintjelaar, I will utilize the black-and-white color scheme to amplify the timeless beauty and contrasts of the structures and use Photoshop editing to create a larger contrast between the structure and the environment. I will develop my ideas by looking at edited photos that bring strong feelings to the audience. I will also get inspiration from fascinating-edited structure photos, and learn how they edit the details of light and shadows.  Similarly to set 1, my aim is to unveil the unique perspective within each structure, inviting viewers to reflect on the cultural and environmental significance of these architectures and to let the audience appreciate the beauty and importance of Beijing’s architecture.

All Photos:

Blue Selection:

This selection includes photos I liked, with interesting compositions, lighting, and focal points. The shutter speed in these photos also worked. I eliminated photos that had wrong exposure, weird compositions, or the shutter speed was not correct.

Green Selection:

In the green selection, I chose photos that connected to my vision and my inspiration photographer. I picked photos that could convey my vision and had a strong emotion. These photos have interesting compositions and unique angles. I like the contrast created by the shadow.

Red Selection: 

These are my FINAL selections for set 1. In this set of photos, I got inspiration from the photographer Ezra Stoller. He uses black and white and a wide depth of field to capture the shapes and patterns of structures. Stoller’s thorough compositions, and use of light and shadow, create a timeless atmosphere and make the audience feel a sense of amazement at the beauty of structures. With inspiration from Stoller, I picked these photos. These photos best connect to my vision and bring the strongest emotions. I really like the photo with the tree; how it shows the modern structure contrasting with nature. Moreover, the black and white color helps the audience to focus on the shapes of structures rather than being distracted by different colors. In conclusion, these photos match my title of “Structures of Beijing,” and explore the unique perspective within each structure, inviting viewers to reflect on the cultural and environmental significance of these architectures and to let the audience appreciate the beauty and importance of Beijing’s architecture.

Photographer: Ezra Stoller

Ezra Stoller (1915-2004) was an American architectural photographer who was celebrated for his iconic images that captured the essence of modernist architecture. His photographs were crucial in shaping the public’s perception of post-war architecture and design. Stoller’s thorough compositions, precise use of light and shadow, and attention to detail showcased architectural masterpieces’ beauty, functionality, and innovative spirit. He had a remarkable ability to understand the architect’s intent and translate it into powerful visual narratives. His photographs have documented architectural achievements and become artworks in their own right, influencing generations of photographers and architects.

Style: Stoller’s work is closely associated with modernism, capturing the clean lines, geometric forms, and functional aspects of modern architecture. His photographs often focused on the interplay of light and shadow, emphasizing the sculptural qualities of buildings. Stoller’s images showcased the ideas and ideals of architectural movements such as the International Style and the Bauhaus. His iconic black-and-white photographs captured the essence of modern architecture, showcasing clean lines, geometric forms, and the interplay of light and shadow.

Biographical Context: Stoller’s biographical information provides insights into his background and experiences, which can influence our understanding of his work. He was born and raised in Chicago, a city known for its architectural heritage. His upbringing in a town with a rich architectural tradition might have influenced his appreciation for the built environment. Stoller studied architecture at New York University and later pursued photography, combining his architectural knowledge with his artistic eye. This background in architecture allowed him to understand and capture the essence of the buildings he photographed (from Ezra Stoller Photographer- Bio).

Historical Context: In terms of the historical context, Stoller’s career spanned from the 1930s to the 2000s, covering a significant period of architectural and global history. Stoller’s work coincided with various local, national, and international events that influenced architecture and photography. These events included the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, and the Civil Rights Movement.

Psychological: Stoller’s images often showcase the grandeur and beauty of architectural structures, evoking a sense of amazement and wonder at the creativity and skill involved in their design. His focus on clean lines, geometric forms, and the interplay of light and shadow can create a sense of tranquility and harmony, inviting the viewer to appreciate the balance and order in architectural compositions. Moreover, Stoller’s photographs often highlight buildings’ intricate details and craftsmanship, encouraging viewers to notice the skill and artistry behind architectural creations.

These are photos from Stoller’s “Beyond Architecture” Series. In this series, he captures a Post-War American landscape with stunning images of industry, technology, transportation, and unique structures.

• “Guggenheim Museum, New York” (1959)
• “TWA Terminal, JFK Airport” (1962)
• “Seagram Building, New York” (1958)

Visual

The focus of this photo is on the center of the dome. The light going through the glass is the only light source,  creating contrast with the dark. The circular hallway spinning down creates soft and dynamic lines, leading the audience’s eye to the center of the image. Stoller uses the Golden Ratio to create a balanced and aesthetically pleasing composition. This is achieved by dividing the frame into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, and placing the center of the dome at the intersection points of the lines. Using black and white allows the audience to focus on fewer elements and changes their perspectives. Without color, compositions take on new dimensions; darkness versus light becomes the central way Stoller used to achieve texture and form.

Technical

The light used in this photo is daylight. The focal point is in the center of the dome, but the other parts of the structure are also relatively clear. So, the aperture used in this photo should be small, f11???. The structure’s lines are all clear and sharp, and the image is slightly dark, so the shutter speed should be fast, 1/250?. Also, the photo is kind of soft, dark, and not as pixelated, so we can guess that the ISO is kind of low. There is also a strong contrast and a wide tonal range, from the black walls to the white glasses. However, the overall tone is grayish, bringing a soft and harmonic mood. The lens used is a wide-angle lens because this image gives a wide field of view. The wider the field of view, the more of the scene the audience is able to see in the frame.

How Does the image inspire?

This image inspired me by showing how black and white, wide-angle lenses and composition are incorporated into structure/architecture photography. I like the tone and the composition of this photo. It also inspired me as it shows how to create a natural framing, leading the audience’s eye to the focal point.

Initial Thoughts

I want to explore STRUCTURES and modern/contemporary ARCHITECTURES in Beijing in this unit.

Researching the Starting Point

Paul Strand

Paul Strand (1890-1976) was an influential American photographer known for his contributions to modernist photography and his focus on capturing the essence of everyday life and urban landscapes. He was one of the pioneers of straight photography, a movement that emphasized sharp focus, precise composition, and a straightforward representation of subjects. Strand’s early work in the 1910s and 1920s showcased his interest in capturing the beauty and dignity of ordinary people and their environments. His portraits and street scenes often depicted workers, immigrants, and urban dwellers, reflecting his social and political concerns of the time. His photographs were characterized by geometric solid compositions, rich tonal range, and a keen awareness of light and shadow. In the 1930s, Strand shifted his focus to documenting the landscapes and structures of the American Southwest and Mexico. His images of natural landscapes, abandoned buildings, and architectural details revealed his fascination with form, texture, and the interplay between man and the environment. Paul Strand’s work profoundly impacted the development of modern photography. His commitment to capturing the beauty and significance of everyday life and his technical mastery and innovative approach helped elevate photography as a legitimate art form. His photographs continue to be celebrated for their timeless quality and their ability to evoke a sense of humanity and connection to the world around us (The Metropolitan Museum of Art).

Andreas Gursky

Andreas Gursky is a renowned German photographer known for his large-scale, highly detailed images that explore themes of globalization, consumerism, and the relationship between humans and their environments. His pictures include many contemporary architecture and structures. His photographs often depict vast urban landscapes, crowded spaces, and architectural structures, capturing the complexity and scale of modern society. Gursky’s work is characterized by meticulous compositions, often employing elevated viewpoints and symmetrical arrangements to create a sense of order and abstraction. Through his unique approach, Gursky reveals the modern world’s patterns, rhythms, and visual impact, prompting viewers to contemplate the interplay between individual identity and collective experience. His photographs have been recognized and exhibited in major galleries and museums worldwide.

Iwan Baan

Iwan Baan is a Dutch architectural photographer known for his distinctive and captivating images that capture the interaction between architecture, people, and the surrounding environment. Baan’s photographs often go beyond traditional architectural documentation, depicting the lived experience of buildings and their communities. He has a talent for capturing the dynamism and energy of urban spaces, showcasing the relationship between architecture and its context. He wants “to communicate how people use the space.” Baan’s images often feature a mix of human activity, natural elements, and structural details, creating a narrative that evokes a sense of place and cultural identity. His unique perspective and ability to tell stories through his photographs have made him a highly sought-after photographer in the field of architecture and design. His work has been widely published in prestigious magazines and exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide, solidifying his reputation as one of the leading architectural photographers of the time.

Ezra Stoller

Ezra Stoller (1915-2004) was an American architectural photographer who was celebrated for his iconic images that captured the essence of modernist architecture. His photographs were crucial in shaping the public’s perception of post-war architecture and design. Stoller’s thorough compositions, precise use of light and shadow, and attention to detail showcased architectural masterpieces’ beauty, functionality, and innovative spirit. He had a remarkable ability to understand the architect’s intent and translate it into powerful visual narratives. His photographs have documented architectural achievements and become artworks in their own right, influencing generations of photographers and architects. Stoller’s contribution to architectural photography has left an indelible mark on the field, solidifying his status as one of the most influential and respected photographers in the history of modern architecture.

Lewis Baltz

Lewis Baltz (1945-2014) was an American photographer known for his influential work in New Topographics, a movement that redefined landscape photography in the 1970s. Baltz’s photographs focused on the built environment, particularly the impact of human intervention on the urban and suburban landscape. His images often depicted industrial structures, housing developments, and everyday architectural elements. Baltz’s approach was characterized by a stark, objective aesthetic, capturing scenes devoid of human presence and emphasizing the often overlooked aspects of urbanization. His photographs explored themes of urban decay, environmental degradation, and the loss of natural spaces, offering a critical perspective on modern society’s relationship with the built environment. Baltz’s work challenged traditional notions of landscape photography, paving the way for a more conceptual and socially engaged approach to the genre. His photographs have been exhibited worldwide and have had a lasting impact on contemporary photography.

Mind Map

Vision

In this set of photographs, I want the audience to feel a sense of awe and wonder as they witness Beijing’s captivating structures and contemporary architecture. Through the use of black and white photography, I aim to create a timeless and dramatic atmosphere that emphasizes the intricate details and forms of the buildings. By employing diverse lenses and angles, I will provide unique perspectives that invite viewers to see these architectures in a fresh and thought-provoking way. Through juxtaposing traditional and modern elements, I seek to evoke a sense of curiosity and contemplation, encouraging viewers to reflect on the cultural, environmental, and global contexts in which these structures exist. Ultimately, my photography project aims to inspire a deeper appreciation for the beauty and significance of Beijing’s architecture and environment and the evolving world around us.

Statement of Intent

The title of my project is “Structures of Beijing.” Through this photography project, I aim to invite my audience to feel a profound sense of awe, curiosity, and appreciation for the architectural wonders of Beijing. Taking inspiration from the works of architectural photographer Ezra Stoller, my photography project in Beijing strives to evoke a profound sense of admiration and reverence in the audience. Like Stoller, I will utilize the black-and-white color scheme to amplify the timeless beauty and contrasts of the structures and use a wide lens to create a sense of space. I will develop my ideas by looking for photographs that showcase the harmonious fusion of tradition and modernity in Beijing’s structures. I will seek images that evoke emotions of admiration, capturing the significant, and intricate details of light and shadow in different structures. I will use different angles to capture the image and give it a different perspective and an interesting composition. By exploring diverse lenses and angles, I will unveil the unique perspective within each structure, inviting viewers to reflect on the cultural and environmental significance of these architectures and to let the audience appreciate the beauty and importance of Beijing’s architecture.

Mood Board