Understanding of compositions

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Rule of Thirds

In this picture, I employed the composition technique of the Rule of Thirds. I placed the adorable plush toy cat on the left one-third of the frame, with its head near the upper one-third grid line, creating a balanced and appealing visual effect. In terms of artistic elements, the predominantly white color scheme is simple and clean, while the pink ears and blue eyes add a touch of vitality. The round shape and soft texture of the plush toy cat contrast with the smooth bed sheet, highlighting its cute characteristics. The overall image conveys a warm, tranquil, and lovely emotion, as if it can immerse people in a cozy atmosphere and evoke memories of good times.

 

 

This picture employs the Rule of Thirds composition technique. The Terracotta Warrior is placed on the right one-third of the frame, with its head located along the upper one-third grid line. This not only highlights the main subject but also shows the background environment, making the picture balanced and layered. In terms of artistic elements, the ancient earthy yellow and black tones of the Terracotta Warrior demonstrate the weight of history, contrasting with the colors in the background. Its regular geometric shapes and strong lines fully display a sense of majesty and solemnity, and the delicate texture on the surface reflects the superb ancient craftsmanship. The overall image conveys the heaviness and solemnity of history. At the same time, the addition of the modern plush toy brings a wonderful sense of interweaving between time and space, triggering deep thoughts on history and modernity.

Symmetry and Patterns

 

 

This picture employs the composition techniques of symmetry and patterns. The plush toy cat is placed on a fabric with geometric patterns. The repetitive rhythm of the background patterns creates a visually harmonious aesthetic, and the central placement of the toy cat brings a sense of stability. In terms of artistic elements, the soft colors of the toy cat complement the warm and rustic tones of the background. Its round shape contrasts with the regular geometric shapes of the background, and the plush texture of the surface and the texture of the fabric enrich the image. The overall picture conveys a warm, comfortable, and tranquil emotion, as if it takes us into a peaceful home space, evoking beautiful memories and inner peace.

 

 

This picture skillfully employs the composition techniques of symmetry and patterns. The symmetrical pattern of the blue and white checkered fabric in the background lays a harmonious and stable foundation for the image. The layout of the plush toy cat and the metal ring forms a visual balance. From the perspective of artistic elements, the soft colors of the plush toy cat contrast sharply with the refreshing blue and white of the background. Its round shape complements the regular circular shape of the metal ring, and the plush texture of the surface and the texture of the fabric enrich the visual layers. The overall image conveys a warm, comfortable, and tranquil emotion, as if it takes us into a cozy home scene, evoking inner peace and beautiful memories.

Perspective:

 

 

This picture adopts a top-down shooting perspective, comprehensively presenting the toy and its surrounding environment. In terms of artistic elements, colors (if there are panda-related colors), shapes (of the toy and possible panda shapes), and textures (of the toy and the background texture) interact with each other, enriching the image. The overall picture conveys an objective and calm atmosphere, and at the same time, the panda elements may evoke specific emotions and memories in the audience.

 

 

This picture employs a horizontal perspective, creating a sense of depth by highlighting the foreground subject and blurring the background. In terms of artistic elements, the contrast between black, white, and light blue colors is vivid. The round shape of the plush toy cat differs from the regular shape of the text, and the plush texture contrasts with the smooth surface of the background. The overall image conveys a mysterious and tense yet warm and gentle emotion, arousing the audience’s curiosity and desire to explore.

Leading Lines

 

This picture ingeniously uses the plant leaves as leading lines, guiding the viewer’s gaze towards the plush toy cat in the center. In terms of artistic elements, the green leaves form a color contrast with the white toy. The long, narrow shape of the leaves contrasts with the round shape of the toy, and the texture of the leaves and the plush texture of the toy enrich the layers. The overall image conveys a sense of tranquility, warmth, and fantasy, leading the audience into a fairy-tale-like small world and allowing them to experience inner peace and joy.

 

 

This picture ingeniously uses the pink cherry blossom branches and flowers as leading lines, guiding the viewer’s eyes towards the plush toy cat in the center. In terms of artistic elements, the pink cherry blossoms form a sharp color contrast with the white toy. The round shape of the cherry blossom flowers echoes the round shape of the toy, and the texture of the petals and the plush texture of the toy enrich the layers of the image. The overall picture conveys a romantic, warm and vibrant emotion, leading the audience into a dreamlike sea of flowers and making them feel the beauty of nature and the goodness of life.

Framing

 

 

This picture uses a dark blue object as a frame to enclose the plush toy cat, highlighting the subject. In terms of artistic elements, the white plush toy cat forms a sharp color contrast with the dark blue frame. The round shape of the toy and the regular shape of the frame complement each other, and the plush texture and the smooth surface have different qualities. The overall image conveys a warm, cute, and slightly mysterious emotion, as if taking us into a quiet corner and evoking a sense of tenderness and curiosity towards the plush toy cat.

 

 

This picture uses white fabric as the background. Although there are no obvious natural framing elements, the overall image forms a simple frame, making the plush toy cat the visual center. In terms of artistic elements, the white color as the main tone creates a sense of simplicity and purity. The light blue eyes and pink ears of the toy cat serve as accent colors. Its round shape contrasts with the flat surface of the fabric, and the plush texture differs from the smooth texture of the fabric. The overall image conveys a simple, pure, and warm emotion, bringing a sense of tranquility and affection.

Balance

 

 

This picture achieves balance through color and visual weight. The plush toy cat is on the left, with black items on the right, and the red tabletop stabilizes the image. In terms of artistic elements, the red table contrasts sharply with the toy cat in color. The round shape of the toy complements the regular shapes of the items, and the plush texture differs from the smooth surfaces. The overall image conveys a warm, lively, and somewhat technological emotion, like a warm embellishment in modern life.

 

 

This picture achieves visual balance by placing the plush toy cat in the center of the frame, with the white fabric in the background being simple and elegant. In terms of artistic elements, the dominant white tone is simple and pure, and the light blue eyes and pink ears of the toy cat add color as embellishments. Its round shape contrasts with the flat surface of the fabric, and the plush texture differs from the smooth texture of the fabric. The overall image conveys a sense of simplicity, purity, and warmth, bringing a feeling of tranquility and affection.

 

Depth of Field

 

 

This picture employs the technique of shallow depth of field, blurring the pink cherry blossom background to highlight the white plush toy cat as the main subject and create a sense of depth. In terms of artistic elements, the pink cherry blossoms form a sharp color contrast with the white toy. The round shape of the cherry blossom flowers echoes the round shape of the toy, and the texture of the petals and the plush texture of the toy enrich the layers. The overall image conveys a romantic, warm, and vibrant emotion, leading the audience into a dreamy fairy tale world and evoking a love for beauty and spring.
This picture employs the technique of shallow depth of field to blur the background, highlighting the plush toy cat and the text as the main subjects and creating a sense of depth and space. In terms of artistic elements, the black and white colors contrast sharply. The round shape of the plush toy cat differs from the regular shape of the text, and the plush texture contrasts with the smooth surface of the background. The overall image conveys a mysterious and tense yet warm and gentle emotion. The shallow depth of field makes the emotion more concentrated, arousing the audience’s curiosity and desire to explore.

Negative space

 

This picture utilizes the negative space between and around the plant leaves to create a sense of balance and breathing room for the plush toy cat. In terms of artistic elements, the green leaves form a sharp color contrast with the white toy. The long, narrow shape of the leaves contrasts with the round shape of the toy, and the texture of the leaves and the plush texture of the toy enrich the layers. The overall image conveys a tranquil, warm, and somewhat magical emotion. The negative space makes the atmosphere more ethereal and serene, evoking a yearning for nature and innocence.

 

 

This picture uses the blank spaces between the grids of the blue and white checkered fabric to form negative space, creating a sense of balance and breathing room for the plush toy cat. In terms of artistic elements, the white toy and the blue and white checkered fabric have a harmonious color combination. The round shape of the toy contrasts sharply with the regular shape of the fabric, and the plush texture and the smooth texture of the fabric enrich the details. The overall image conveys a warm, comfortable, and peaceful emotion, like a cozy little corner, evoking a yearning for a better life.

Identity-PRESENT

Posted on by under photography, Portrait

PHOTO:

 

 

Evaluation:

This photo is showing an identity of me as an observant and detail-oriented photographer. I have an eye for capturing the quiet and peaceful moments in life. It reveals that I’m someone who can appreciate the simple beauty of a relaxed animal and translate that into a visually appealing image through my choices in composition, lighting, and focus. It also showcases my ability to overcome challenges like getting the lighting just right, indicating that I’m a determined and creative individual when it comes to photography, aiming to bring out the essence and charm of my subjects.

 

This photo features a cat lounging on a blue surface. The cat has a light – colored coat with some darker patches and appears relaxed with its front paw extended. I used a simple composition to focus on the cat. The natural lighting I utilized highlights the softness of the cat’s fur, capturing the serene and peaceful nature of the cat. I chose to photograph the cat in a relaxed state to convey a sense of calm and comfort. The use of natural light and the angle of the shot I took create a soft and inviting atmosphere. The blue background contrasts with the cat’s light fur, making the cat the focal point of the image, and the positioning of the cat’s paw adds a dynamic element. The success of this photograph is in capturing the essence of the cat’s relaxed state. The challenge might have been getting the lighting right to show the texture of the cat’s fur without overexposure, which I overcame by using natural light effectively.

 

When creating the blog post, the cat was chosen as the subject because of its calming presence. Its relaxed posture evokes a sense of peace and tranquility, qualities that are often sought after in visual art.

 

The decision to use natural light was crucial in enhancing the softness of the cat’s fur. Natural light creates a gentle and warm atmosphere, which complements the cat’s serene demeanor. It also helps to highlight the texture of the fur, making it look even more inviting and comfortable.

 

Other ideas were considered during the creative process. For example, different angles could have been explored. A low – angle shot might have made the cat appear more majestic or dominant, while a high – angle shot could have given a sense of vulnerability or smallness. However, the chosen angle in the final composition focuses on the cat’s relaxed state, allowing the viewer to share in that moment of calm.

 

Regarding backgrounds, other options could have been considered. A plain white background might have made the cat stand out more starkly, while a patterned background could have added more visual interest. The blue background in the final composition was chosen because it contrasts well with the cat’s light fur, drawing attention to the cat as the focal point of the image.

 

The composition of the photograph is well – balanced. The cat is positioned in such a way that it occupies a significant portion of the frame, but not so much that it feels cramped. The lighting is even across the cat’s body, ensuring that there are no harsh shadows that could detract from the overall soft and peaceful feel of the image. The placement of the cat’s paw adds a touch of dynamism to the otherwise static pose, creating a visual flow that leads the viewer’s eye through the image.

Identity SET 1

Posted on by under photography, Portrait

Photographer: Annie Leibovitz

Intent/Message of Her Photographs:
Leibovitz’s work often delves into the narrative and personality of her subjects, aiming to reveal their character or story in a single frame. She uses her portraits to create iconic imagery that blends reality with theatricality, often influenced by her experiences as a photographer for Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair. The context of her work is steeped in celebrity culture and media, yet it transcends traditional depictions by adding a deeper emotional or conceptual layer.

Style Analysis:

Technical Composition:

Her portraits are carefully staged, with dramatic lighting and sharp detail that directs the viewer’s attention to the subject’s expression or pose.
She often incorporates high contrast and a subdued color palette, though her editing style varies based on the concept.

Thematic Elements:

Leibovitz favors an intimate or cinematic approach, sometimes drawing from historical or mythological references.
Many of her images juxtapose glamor with raw, human emotion.

Techniques:

Use of natural or soft directional lighting combined with diffused highlights.
Strategic framing to enhance storytelling, often placing subjects slightly off-center for dynamic balance.
Subtle props or environments that enrich the context but never overpower the subject.

Commonalities Across Works:

A focus on capturing moments of vulnerability or power, often blurring the line between the two.
Wide apertures for shallow depth of field, emphasizing the subject while softly blurring the background.

Justification for Selection:

Annie Leibovitz’s style inspires me because of its versatility and narrative depth. Her ability to merge artistry with realism is something I’d like to emulate in my experiments. The cinematic quality of her portraits aligns with my interest in warm, colorful compositions, yet her occasional use of muted tones provides a balanced contrast. Techniques I plan to try out include:

 

Using lighting to sculpt the subject’s face and form.

Experimenting with props to subtly hint at the subject’s personality.

Playing with depth of field to isolate the subject while suggesting a broader context.

Leibovitz represents her subjects creatively by elevating them into near-mythic figures, which aligns with my aim to portray individuals with a sense of importance or narrative.

Inspirational Images:

Queen Elizabeth II (2007):


Visual description: The Queen is framed against a dramatic, overcast sky. The lighting highlights her formal attire, creating a regal yet humanized portrayal. The use of negative space adds grandeur to the composition.

Whoopi Goldberg in a Milk Bath (1984):


Visual description: Goldberg’s head and arms emerge from the stark white liquid, contrasting sharply with her skin tone. The image is humorous yet deeply symbolic, highlighting identity and uniqueness.

John Lennon and Yoko Ono (1980):


Visual description: Lennon is curled around Ono in a vulnerable pose, juxtaposing intimacy and fame. The tight framing amplifies their connection while excluding distractions.

Angelina Jolie with Tiger (2005):


Visual description: Jolie stands with tigers, blending glamor with raw, animalistic energy. The balanced composition and bold lighting emphasize strength and mystery.

 

Detailed Critique of Favorite Image by Annie Leibovitz:

John Lennon and Yoko Ono (1980)

CONTENT

Subject:
The photograph captures John Lennon and Yoko Ono in an intimate, vulnerable pose. Lennon, nude, curls around a fully clothed Ono, symbolizing emotional dependence and connection.

Details:
The scene is set against a plain background, drawing complete focus to the subjects. Lennon’s bare form contrasts with Yoko’s black attire, highlighting their emotional roles.

Setting:
Taken in a simple studio space with neutral tones, the lack of visual distractions emphasizes their raw, personal connection. The photograph was shot on December 8, 1980, just hours before Lennon’s tragic assassination, making the image historically poignant.

Character:
Lennon’s nakedness and curled posture suggest vulnerability, love, and even desperation. Ono’s calm expression and formal clothing portray stability and strength. This juxtaposition reflects their well-documented relationship dynamics. The pose itself feels organic yet deliberate, evoking intimacy and reliance.

Situation/Plot:
The photograph immortalizes their bond, portraying a mix of tenderness, fame, and personal struggle. The cultural context of the time—Lennon’s peace activism and their controversial public persona—infuses the image with layers of meaning. It highlights love and vulnerability amidst the chaos of public life.

STYLE & GENRE

Color:
The photograph is in color, but the palette is muted, giving a timeless quality. The tones are soft and natural, avoiding excessive saturation or harsh contrasts.

Contrast:
The image uses low contrast to enhance the intimacy. Soft shadows and highlights subtly shape the subjects without creating drama, allowing their emotions to remain the focal point.

Style Description:
The style is tender, intimate, and minimalistic. The absence of elaborate settings or props makes the emotions of the subjects more powerful.

PHOTOGRAPHIC ATTRIBUTES

Point of View:
The photographer adopts a direct, front-facing perspective, positioning the viewer as a close observer of an intimate moment.

Eye Movement:
The viewer’s eye is drawn first to Lennon’s face and his striking posture, then to Ono’s calm expression. The curved line of Lennon’s body naturally leads the eye from top to bottom.

Lines, Patterns, and Shapes:
Lennon’s pose forms a protective circle around Ono, visually representing their connection. The composition is asymmetrical yet balanced, with the contrast between his skin and her dark clothing creating a natural divide.

Lighting:
Soft, diffused lighting creates even tones, enhancing the tenderness of the moment. Shadows are minimal, ensuring no distraction from the subjects’ expressions and body language.

Focus:
The subjects are in sharp focus against a plain, slightly blurred background. This isolation amplifies their connection and emotional resonance.

Standout Element:
Lennon’s nudity stands out immediately, symbolizing vulnerability and devotion, while Ono’s composed demeanor anchors the photograph.

MEANING / INTENT

Mood:
The image feels tender, melancholic, and profoundly intimate. The vulnerability expressed through body language and the muted lighting evokes a sense of quiet affection and fragility.

Intention:
Leibovitz likely intended to showcase the depth and complexity of their relationship—balancing love, dependency, and individuality. The artistic choice of stark simplicity in the setup enhances this focus on emotion and connection.

Emotional Impact:
The photograph makes the viewer feel a mix of warmth and sadness, especially when viewed in light of the tragic context. The visual intimacy fosters a deep sense of empathy for the subjects.

Reflection:
Leibovitz’s choices—minimal props, soft lighting, and direct composition—achieved a profound emotional resonance. The photograph succeeds in immortalizing an iconic relationship and moment in history.

REVISED VISION:

Vision for Cat Portrait Photography Inspired by Annie Leibovitz

Intent/Message of My Photographs:

Inspired by Annie Leibovitz, my goal in cat portrait photography is to capture the unique character and story of each feline subject. I aim to reveal the essence of a cat’s personality in a single frame, blending reality with a touch of theatricality. Just as Leibovitz transcends traditional celebrity portraits by adding emotional depth, I strive to elevate cat portraits beyond mere cuteness, emphasizing their individuality and the special bond they share with their surroundings.

Style Analysis:

Technical Composition:

  • Staging and Lighting: I will carefully stage the portraits with dramatic, yet soft lighting to highlight the cat’s features and expression. Sharp details such as whiskers and fur texture will draw the viewer’s eye, while the overall composition will direct attention to the cat’s unique pose or gaze.
  • Color Palette: While maintaining a natural and subdued color palette, I will adjust the tones to suit the cat’s coloring and personality, similar to how Leibovitz varies her editing style based on the concept.

Thematic Elements:

  • Like Leibovitz’s intimate and cinematic approach, I will draw inspiration from various themes such as nature, mythology, or even historical contexts to enrich the narrative of each portrait.
  • I aim to juxtapose the inherent elegance of cats with moments of raw, playful energy, capturing the balance between their regal demeanor and whimsical nature.

Techniques:

  • Lighting: Use of soft, natural lighting or diffused highlights to sculpt the cat’s form and accentuate their eyes, which are often the most expressive feature.
  • Framing: Employ strategic framing to enhance storytelling, such as placing the cat slightly off-center to create a dynamic balance and guide the viewer’s eye through the image.
  • Props and Environment: Incorporate subtle props or elements from the cat’s environment to hint at their personality or story, ensuring these additions complement rather than overpower the subject.

Commonalities Across Works:

  • A focus on capturing moments of vulnerability or regal poise, often blurring the line between playfulness and majesty.
  • Use of shallow depth of field to isolate the cat while suggesting a broader context, allowing the background to softly fade and place emphasis on the subject.

Justification for Selection:

Annie Leibovitz’s style inspires me with its versatility and narrative depth, which I find perfectly adaptable to cat photography. Her ability to merge artistry with realism aligns with my desire to portray cats with a sense of importance and story. I plan to experiment with:

  • Sculpting the subject’s face and form using lighting techniques.
  • Using props to subtly convey personality.
  • Leveraging depth of field to focus on the cat while hinting at its broader environment or story.

Inspirational Image Concept:

Portrait of a Cat with a Feather (Inspired by Leibovitz’s “Queen Elizabeth II”):

  • Visual Description: The cat is positioned regally on a cushion, a vibrant feather playfully poised in its paw. The background is a soft, blurred garden scene, offering a sense of grandeur and natural beauty. The lighting highlights the cat’s eyes and the texture of its fur, creating a portrait that is both majestic and endearing.

Detailed Critique of a Hypothetical Favorite Cat Portrait:

CONTENT

Subject:

  • The photograph captures a domestic cat, showcasing its inherent grace and curiosity.

Details:

  • The scene features the cat interacting with a small, colorful feather, adding a playful element to its regal pose.

Setting:

  • The portrait is set against a soft-focus backdrop of a garden, emphasizing the natural elegance of the cat.

Character:

  • The cat’s poised yet playful demeanor reflects a balance of nobility and whimsy, characteristics often celebrated in feline behavior.

Situation/Plot:

  • The image narrates a simple yet profound moment of curiosity and play, inviting viewers into the cat’s world.

STYLE & GENRE

Color:

  • The color palette is natural with soft, warm tones, enhancing the cat’s fur and eye color.

Contrast:

  • Low contrast is used to maintain a gentle intimacy, with soft shadows adding depth.

PHOTOGRAPHIC ATTRIBUTES

Point of View:

  • A direct, slightly low-angle perspective places the viewer at eye level with the cat, fostering connection.

Eye Movement:

  • The viewer’s eye is drawn to the cat’s face, then to the feather, creating a gentle visual journey.

Lines, Patterns, and Shapes:

  • The curve of the cat’s body and the arch of the feather create dynamic lines, adding to the composition’s elegance.

Lighting:

  • Soft, natural lighting accentuates the cat’s features, with minimal shadows ensuring no distractions.

Focus:

  • The cat is in sharp focus, with the background softly blurred, highlighting the subject.

Standout Element:

  • The interaction with the feather captures the cat’s playful curiosity, a universal and endearing trait.

MEANING / INTENT

Mood:

  • The image conveys warmth and elegance, blending playfulness with a tranquil sense of nobility.

Intention:

  • The photograph is intended to showcase the cat’s unique character and the joy found in simple moments.

Emotional Impact:

  • Viewers are drawn to the cat’s world, feeling a sense of warmth and admiration.

Reflection:

  • By employing Leibovitz-inspired techniques, such as strategic lighting and minimalistic settings, the portrait captures the essence of the cat with artistic depth and emotional resonance.

Contact sheet

 

HUTONG SET

Posted on by under photography, Street Photography

My artist: Alex Webb

 

Photo Critique: Alex Webb’s “Havana, Cuba, 1993”

In “Havana, Cuba, 1993”, Alex Webb masterfully captures the vibrant yet layered atmosphere of a street scene in Cuba. His signature use of color and complex composition draws the viewer into a world brimming with narrative possibilities. The interplay of natural light and shadow adds a cinematic depth, while the framing layers multiple planes of action—people, architecture, and textures—into a cohesive yet dynamic visual story. Each element contributes to the sense of place, from the faded walls to the expressions and gestures of the figures, reflecting the vibrancy and subtle melancholy of everyday life in Havana.

Webb’s ability to balance chaos and order, using color as both a unifying and narrative element, makes this photograph an inspiration for my project. His work demonstrates how texture, light, and the juxtaposition of human activity can reveal the soul of a location.

Statement of Intent:

Project Title:
“Echoes of Time: Layers of the Hutongs”

Concept/Story:
Inspired by Alex Webb’s ability to weave multiple stories into a single frame, this project will capture the layered, intimate life of Beijing’s hutongs. I aim to emphasize the coexistence of old and new, reflecting the rich cultural history and evolving identity of these narrow alleys. Webb’s use of vibrant color, natural light, and intricate compositions will guide me in documenting the interplay of tradition and modernity in these historic spaces.

Audience Emotions:
I want viewers to feel immersed in the textures, colors, and life of the hutongs. Through layered compositions, they should experience the vitality of these spaces while sensing the weight of history embedded in their walls and alleys. The goal is to evoke curiosity, nostalgia, and appreciation for the delicate balance between preservation and change.

Inspiration and Idea Development:

I will explore Webb’s techniques of color harmony, layered compositions, and natural light to capture the intimate, bustling environment of the hutongs. His ability to make every inch of the frame purposeful—balancing foreground, midground, and background—is central to my approach. I will also focus on creating narratives within the photographs by incorporating both human activity and architectural details.

Mood Board:

My mood board will include:

  • Webb’s work, particularly images from Latin America that emphasize vibrant colors and intricate layers.
  • Textures and patterns of aging materials, such as brick walls, wooden doors, and tiled roofs.
  • Photographs of narrow streets and enclosed spaces with dynamic interplay of light and shadow.
  • Images that juxtapose human activity against static architectural elements to highlight contrast and coexistence.

This approach will help shape a cohesive project that captures the hutongs’ timeless yet evolving essence, translating Webb’s visual storytelling into the unique cultural context of Beijing.

 

 

Yellow Photos

All includes people, mostly positioned right in the middle of the photo.

Green Photos

All are photos that pictures a person/people in the middle of the photo, color tone is often warm.

Red Photos

Evaluation of photo L1080627:

In this photo, two grown men stand out, the color tone is black and white, and is tend to give out a nostalgic feeling to people who sees this. It makes us create a story, of two good friends chilling with each other during a regular autumn afternoon in Beijing during the 1980s. When we close our eyes, it’s like we are in the photo, listening to the squeaks of birds, the sound of the soft breeze, those chatters from other people, some far and some close, and the ringing bells of bikes. The picture should give out a peaceful feeling, while making us think deeper, into the fields of enjoying and remembering these moments that seems to be regular at that time, but very nostalgic, and precious afterwards when we think of it. The emotions on their faces are also captured differently, the man on the left side seems to be very talkative, from his eyes, we can clearly see the desire of chatting with someone, and the smile on his face shows that he is enjoying this moment. The man on the rightside is closing his eyes, like he’s listening to all the sound around him, almost like meditating. The emotions, and his gestures all are telling us he is enjoying this peaceful moment very much.

 

INTRO TO PORTRAITURE

Posted on by under photography, Portrait

What makes a particular photograph a portrait?

A portrait is a photograph or artwork that captures the identity or essence of an individual. Selfie can be portraits as they show a person’s likeness and expression, though often less formal. In a portrait, include elements that reveal the subject’s identity—like their face, expression, or meaningful objects. Avoid distractions that don’t serve the subject’s essence. A good portrait captures the subject’s personality, uses good composition and lighting, and evokes emotion. Yes, a portrait can focus on a small detail, like a hand, if it conveys something meaningful about the subject. A blurred or manipulated image can still be a portrait if it retains some connection to the person’s identity or essence. But when the subject becomes unrecognizable, it shifts from a portrait to something more abstract or conceptual. A still-life or arrangement of personal objects can symbolize a person and be considered a portrait if it evokes their identity, personality, or life. It’s more about capturing the essence of the person than their direct image. A series of images can also be a portrait, especially if it explores different aspects or perspectives of the person. A sequence can provide a richer, more layered representation than a single shot.

Street Photography: HUTONG Research

Posted on by under photography, Street Photography

My own definition of Street Photography:

Street photography captures candid, unposed moments in public spaces, focusing on the interactions, emotions, and stories of everyday life. It reveals the extraordinary within the ordinary, using the city as both setting and subject to reflect culture and human presence.

Mind map:

 

 

6 techniques I chose:

1.The fishing technique

2.Focus on the background

3.Get really close

4.Dont just take one photo

5.Visual elements: pattern

6.Composition  Rules – Subject In the Middle

 

My artist: Alex Webb

 

Photo Critique: Alex Webb’s “Havana, Cuba, 1993”

In “Havana, Cuba, 1993”, Alex Webb masterfully captures the vibrant yet layered atmosphere of a street scene in Cuba. His signature use of color and complex composition draws the viewer into a world brimming with narrative possibilities. The interplay of natural light and shadow adds a cinematic depth, while the framing layers multiple planes of action—people, architecture, and textures—into a cohesive yet dynamic visual story. Each element contributes to the sense of place, from the faded walls to the expressions and gestures of the figures, reflecting the vibrancy and subtle melancholy of everyday life in Havana.

Webb’s ability to balance chaos and order, using color as both a unifying and narrative element, makes this photograph an inspiration for my project. His work demonstrates how texture, light, and the juxtaposition of human activity can reveal the soul of a location.

Statement of Intent:

Project Title:
“Echoes of Time: Layers of the Hutongs”

Concept/Story:
Inspired by Alex Webb’s ability to weave multiple stories into a single frame, this project will capture the layered, intimate life of Beijing’s hutongs. I aim to emphasize the coexistence of old and new, reflecting the rich cultural history and evolving identity of these narrow alleys. Webb’s use of vibrant color, natural light, and intricate compositions will guide me in documenting the interplay of tradition and modernity in these historic spaces.

Audience Emotions:
I want viewers to feel immersed in the textures, colors, and life of the hutongs. Through layered compositions, they should experience the vitality of these spaces while sensing the weight of history embedded in their walls and alleys. The goal is to evoke curiosity, nostalgia, and appreciation for the delicate balance between preservation and change.

Inspiration and Idea Development:

I will explore Webb’s techniques of color harmony, layered compositions, and natural light to capture the intimate, bustling environment of the hutongs. His ability to make every inch of the frame purposeful—balancing foreground, midground, and background—is central to my approach. I will also focus on creating narratives within the photographs by incorporating both human activity and architectural details.

Mood Board:

My mood board will include:

  • Webb’s work, particularly images from Latin America that emphasize vibrant colors and intricate layers.
  • Textures and patterns of aging materials, such as brick walls, wooden doors, and tiled roofs.
  • Photographs of narrow streets and enclosed spaces with dynamic interplay of light and shadow.
  • Images that juxtapose human activity against static architectural elements to highlight contrast and coexistence.

This approach will help shape a cohesive project that captures the hutongs’ timeless yet evolving essence, translating Webb’s visual storytelling into the unique cultural context of Beijing.

 

PRESENT-Triptych

Posted on by under Abstraction, photography

Evaluation:

These three pictures has one thing in common: The line in the middle.

It is a great way of emphasizing time and space with this photo structure, where two different textured, colored, patterned, or shaped parts meet each other at the middle. It captures various moments, the stillness of the carpet and the floor, the vigor of the flower meeting the numb, cold brick, and the rising landscape from civilization.

Picture 1, Nature and Civilization

This picture expresses a vigorous, lively feeling by contrasting the texture, patterns, and the color of the two parts. The intersection of the flowers and the brick is very attention-grabbing when you stare into the picture, since it is two different textures meeting each other, it makes us naturally want to see what happens when they meet. After knowing it is flowers meeting a brick, the power of imagination kicks in. It makes us imagine, what does a world without nature, or civilization will look like? The invading shadows of the flower, can even give us a foreboding feeling. Lastly, the color tone is warm, which employs a feeling of autumn, and vigor, where the purpose is to make us have imaginations in our minds, and the temptation of trying ot feel

Picture 2, Growing nature

This picture has the middle line placed at the part where landscape, grass, and the tree started to grow. This gives us the ability to imagine what is happening outside of the photo, what does it look like even more below the brick part? and what does it look like above the tree. The color tone somehow is cold, which makes us wonder, and rethink of the imagination we just had, is it really a great thing that it’s a good thing to civilize nature? in conclusion, the picture not just shows a combination of different textures, it also has the ability to make us imagine beyond the current photo and even reflect on it.

Picture 3, The carpet and the floor

The striking contrast between the carpet’s bold patterns and the floor’s minimalist tones creates a captivating visual composition. This interplay emphasizes texture and depth, evoking warmth and comfort while balancing simplicity. The colors can elicit various emotions—energetic warmth or calming coolness—inviting viewers to explore the aesthetic and emotional layers of the scene. Ultimately, the photo beautifully highlights the power of contrasts in design

PHOTO SET 2

Posted on by under Abstraction, photography

My pictures:

Yellow:

An exploration of intersecting, and lines.

Green:

An exploration of intersecting and lines, and strong contrast of colors and textures.

Red:

Top photo: The intersection of plants and brick gives a feeling of the warmth of autumn and the blossoming of life. The warm color tone addresses a vigor feeling, and the similar patterns of the “greens” and “greys” represents the meeting of nature and civilization. Overall, this is a photo that gives people a warm, and calm feeling.

Down photo: The intersection of the yellow flowers and the brick creates a strong contrast, but the color tone is cold, which applies a winter feeling. The invading shadows of the flowers are making us imagine, what a world without civilization, without big cities would look like. In conclusion, this photo gives people a feeling of coldness, but also the toughness of both civilization and nature.

1. Hiroshi Sugimoto and His Abstract Photography

Sugimoto is renowned for his minimalistic and often meditative abstract images, blending modernism with timelessness. In creating your gallery of his abstract photographs, you can find excellent examples in his series such as “Seascapes” or “Theaters.” Here are some curated themes:

  • Seascapes: Sugimoto’s seascape series offers pure abstraction, with the horizon often disappearing between water and sky. These images are usually high-contrast black and white, emphasizing form and tone over detail.
  • Theaters: His long-exposure theater photographs also feel abstract because the entire film is condensed into a single frame, creating ghostly white screens in dark spaces.
  • Architectural Photographs: Abstract in their precision, these photos focus on capturing the essence and stark form of iconic buildings.

8 Photographs he took:

Boden Sea, Utwill (1993) https://www.artnet.com/auctions/artists/hiroshi-sugimoto/boden-sea-uttwil-18

 

 

Black sea Ozuluce (1991) https://www.artic.edu/artworks/143166/black-sea-ozuluce

 

North Atlantic Ocean, Cape Breton Island (1996) https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/173199707_hiroshi-sugimoto-north-atlantic-ocean-cape-breton-island-1996

 

 

English Channel, Fecamp (1989) https://www.denverartmuseum.org/en/object/2010.436.15

 

Lake Superior, Cascade River (1995)

 

U.A. Walker, New York (1978)

 

Radio City Music Hall (1978)

 

Seascape, Aegean Sea, Pilion (1990)

2. Photographic Style Analysis

Hiroshi Sugimoto’s work can be defined by several recurring characteristics:

  1. Minimalism: His images are stark, often with only two main elements (e.g., sky and water in the seascapes), creating a sense of abstraction.
  2. Long Exposure: Many of Sugimoto’s works use long exposure times to blur time and create a different kind of reality, as in his theater series where films become one white frame.
  3. Monochrome: Sugimoto frequently uses black and white, emphasizing contrast and texture over color.
  4. Timelessness: His photos often feel as though they are outside of time, stripped of modern context or narrative, which can evoke a sense of eternity.
  5. Precision in Geometry: His architectural photographs are known for their sharp, abstract compositions that highlight geometric forms, angles, and lines.

Why are these photos abstract?
Sugimoto’s work avoids representing reality as it is and instead reduces it to its simplest elements: light, shadow, time, and form. By focusing on formal elements rather than narrative or subject matter, he moves beyond representational photography.

What do you like about the style?
I appreciate the meditative quality of Sugimoto’s work. The simplicity allows the viewer to focus on the essence of things — how time, light, and space interact. The use of long exposure is particularly interesting because it alters perception, compressing time into a singular visual moment.

Chosen Quote by Sugimoto:
“Art resides even in things with no artistic intentions.”
This quote reflects Sugimoto’s philosophy of finding beauty and art in everyday, overlooked elements — whether it’s the horizon or an architectural line. It resonates with his ability to capture the intangible and elevate the mundane into the abstract.

3. Connection to Your Vision

I’ve chosen Hiroshi Sugimoto because of the serene, timeless quality in his abstract works. This connects to your own vision in photography by inspiring you to simplify your compositions, focus on essential forms, and experiment with light and time. You may adapt his techniques by exploring long-exposure photography or capturing landscapes or objects in ways that feel stripped down and eternal, rather than rooted in a specific moment.

How will you adapt Sugimoto’s style?
I will experiment with minimalism and long exposure in my photography. By focusing on light, tone, and geometry, I want to create abstract images that evoke a sense of timelessness. Sugimoto’s work inspires me to explore photography as a way of representing abstract concepts like time and space.

4. Evaluation of One Image

Chosen Image: Seascape, 1990
This image consists of just a horizon line, water, and sky, but these elements are blended into a smooth, abstract composition where you almost cannot tell where one begins and the other ends.

  • Why did you choose this image?
    I was drawn to the simplicity and calmness of this photograph. It feels infinite, with no details to distract, only tones and the horizon line.
  • Surprising Element:
    The lack of any distinct subject or focus point makes the image unique. Instead, the abstraction relies on the viewer’s sense of perception, challenging what a “landscape” photo can be.
  • Formal Element:
    The formal element of line is critical in this photograph. The horizon line divides the image into two halves, creating a stark contrast between sky and water, but also blends them seamlessly, which plays with perception.

5. Revised Vision Statement

My vision is to capture the essence of time and space through minimalistic and abstract photography. Inspired by Hiroshi Sugimoto, I will experiment with long-exposure techniques and focus on light, tone, and geometry. I aim to create images that evoke a sense of serenity and timelessness, much like Sugimoto’s seascapes and theater series, where simplicity becomes profound. By stripping away distractions, I hope to make viewers contemplate the abstract qualities of everyday scenes.

PHOTO SET 1

Posted on by under Abstraction, photography

 

Annotation: Mosltly lines, shapes, combinations of colors, and strong contrast of colors.

Annotations: Mostly combinations of lines, colors, shapes, and different textures are shown in some pictures.

L1080376: The rusty and field-tested texture gives me a very desperate vibe. The cracks on the top part of the wall leads to small and big holes, making me tempted to seeing into them. The color combination of orangy-yellow marks and grey gives me a feeling of rust, old, and crappy. Overall, this picutre’s color, shape, and pattern combinations give out a heavy atmosphere, and a rusty, depressing feeling.

L1080415: The strong contrast between the total dark shadows and the light outside the window creates a very strong visual effect, making me focus on the bright part especially, and even the obejcts outside of the window. The way how this picture was taken makes me feel like im in a cage, filled with darkness, no hope, and the strong light outside gives me a feeling of hope, but the color tone is grayish, forcing me to think of the future if I go out of the cage, might be still dark, and boring. Overall, the picture can draw people into its self, making us wonder and think about where this picture was taken, and what is outside the window, and what is happening within the window.

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