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.