One photograph from Sebastian Magnani and How I am inspired from this photo

Posted on by Justin

Series: “Reflections”

“Red Leaves”

 

Analysis of the photo

 

What the photograph shows

The photograph shows a circular mirror placed on a dark, pebbled surface. Inside the mirror, there is a reflection of a clear blue sky with fluffy white clouds and a branch with deep red maple  like leaves.

Main focus and eye – draw

The eye is immediately drawn to the circular mirror as it stands out against the dark, textured background. The vivid red of the leaves in the reflection also catches the viewer’s attention, creating a focal point within the mirror’s frame.

What’s liked about the image

The contrast between the dark, rough surface of the ground and the smooth, reflective surface of the mirror is visually appealing. The vivid colors in the reflection (the red leaves against the blue sky) add a pop of color and a sense of life to the otherwise muted background.

Composition style

  • Framing: The circular mirror acts as a natural frame for the reflected scene, creating a distinct boundary between the real and the reflected world.
  • Contrast: There is a strong contrast between the dark, granular texture of the ground and the smooth, bright reflection in the mirror. This contrast helps to emphasize the reflection and make it stand out.

Lighting

The lighting appears to be natural, likely from sunlight. The highlights are on the white clouds in the reflection and on the lighter parts of the pebbled surface. The shadows are more subdued, but the darker areas of the ground and the undersides of the leaves in the reflection suggest soft, diffused lighting, possibly indicating a partly cloudy day or a time when the sun is not at its peak.

Formal elements

  • Line: There are organic lines in the branches and leaves in the reflection. The circular shape of the mirror creates a strong, geometric line that frames the reflection.
  • Color: The dark, almost black color of the ground provides a stark contrast to the bright blue sky, white clouds, and red leaves in the reflection. The red and blue are complementary colors, which enhance the visual impact of the image.
  • Shape: The circular shape of the mirror is a dominant geometric shape, while the leaves and clouds in the reflection are organic shapes.
  • Form: The objects in the reflection, like the leaves and clouds, have a sense of three – dimensionality due to the lighting and the way they are rendered in the reflection. The texture of the ground also gives it a three – dimensional appearance.
  • Texture: The ground has a rough, granular texture, while the mirror’s surface appears smooth. The contrast between these textures adds depth to the image.
  • Tone: There is a wide range of tones, from the very dark tones of the ground to the light tones of the clouds in the reflection. The mid – tones are present in the blue sky and the red leaves, creating a balanced tonal composition.

Achieving meaning

Magnani has used the contrast between the real and the reflected world to convey a sense of duality. The mirror represents a portal to another view of nature, highlighting the beauty that can be found both in the immediate surroundings and in the reflected image. The use of a circular mirror gives a sense of completeness and a focus on the captured moment within the reflection.

Techniques

  • Focus: The camera is focused on the mirror and its reflection, with the ground also in relatively sharp focus. This creates a clear and detailed image of both the real and reflected elements.
  • Aperture settings: The image appears to have a relatively deep depth of field, as both the mirror and the ground are in focus. This suggests a smaller aperture, which allows more of the scene to be in sharp focus(which is a technique I really like).
  • Shutter speed: Given the lack of motion blur and the well – exposed nature of the image, it is likely that a moderate shutter speed was used, appropriate for natural daylight conditions.

 

How this image inspired me

 

Sebastian Magnani’s works really inspired my own approach to photography, especially in his unique use of mirrors to frame and reflect the beauty of nature. Inspired by his series Reflections, I began experimenting with reflective surfaces, such as mirrors, in outdoor environments, in an effort to capture the interaction between reality and its mirrored double. The juxtaposition of natural textures (gravel, tree bark) and smooth, ethereal reflections in his images taught me to explore textural juxtapositions in my own compositions, namely through placing a mirror in the mossy stones to contrast organic textures with their shimmering reflections. His careful use of circular frames also served to emphasize how the act of framing an image can shape the viewer’s perception, which made me want to seek out natural frames in my shots, like arching branches or windows in buildings. And the way he contrasts color in his reflections, like crimson leaves against cerulean sky, have refined my eye toward color theory, so that I’ll seek color complements in the landscapes that might conjure emotion or depth. And lastly, Magnani’s theme of duality as a bridge between what is seen and what is reflected has inspired me to invent images that question notions of reality itself, fusing documentary style observation with a surreal, reflective perspective in order to draw viewers into a meditative conversation between what is solid and what is protected.

 

 

 

Top 3 reflection photos

Posted on by Justin

  • Top image: “Street Reflection”
  • Middle image: “Glass Self – Portrait”
  • Bottom image: “Mirror Moment”

 

Use of Art Elements

 

  • Line: The first image has vertical lines from buildings and horizontal lines from the sidewalk, structuring the scene. In the second, the glass panes’ vertical and horizontal lines create a grid – like effect, while in the third, the lines within the vehicle frame the subject. These lines guide the viewer’s eye and add a sense of order.
  • Shape: Geometric shapes of architecture and organic shapes of human figures co – exist. The rectangular forms of storefronts and glass contrast with the fluid shapes of people, adding visual interest.
  • Texture: The smooth texture of glass in the second and third images stands out against the rough textures of the urban environment in the first, like the pavement and building exteriors.

Composition Ideas

 

  • Frame – within – a – Frame: The second image uses the glass as a frame to capture a reflected scene, adding depth and a sense of layering. It draws the viewer into a multi – dimensional visual experience.
  • Leading Lines: In the first image, the lines of the building and sidewalk lead towards the people, while in the third, interior vehicle lines direct attention to the person in the mirror. This technique emphasizes the subjects.
  • Balance: Each image achieves balance. The first has the people centered with equal visual weight around them. The second balances reflected elements, and the third balances the person within the mirror’s frame.

Links to Artists

 

These images resonate with the works of Lee Friedlander. Friedlander was known for his urban street photography that often incorporated reflections, framing, and a focus on the human presence within the cityscape. The use of glass and mirror reflections, along with the exploration of urban social landscapes in these images, mirrors Friedlander’s approach to capturing the essence of modern urban life.

Themes and Concepts

 

  • Urban Living: All three images depict aspects of urban life, showing how people interact with and are part of the city environment.
  • Reflection and Identity: The second image, especially, explores identity through the reflected self – portrait of the photographer. The third image also touches on identity with the partial view of a person in the mirror.
  • Transience: The first image shows a momentary gathering of people, and the third captures a fleeting glimpse of someone in transit, highlighting the transient nature of urban experiences.

Camera Technique and Post – Editing Choice

 

  • Camera Technique: The shallow depth of field in the third image isolates the person in the mirror, making them the focal point. In the second, a long exposure might have been used to capture clear reflections, and a wide – angle in the first gives a broader view of the urban scene.
  • Post – Editing Choice: Converting the images to black and white adds a timeless quality. It removes color distractions, enhancing contrast between light and shadow, texture, and composition, making the art elements more prominent.

Intentions

Posted on by Justin

Message and Audience Experience

My goal is to make the audience feel a profound sense of peace when they view my presentation. In a world filled with chaos, I aim to offer a visual respite that soothes the mind and calms the spirit.

Photography Techniques, Styles, and Subjects

Techniques

Framing

  • Depth of Field
  • Composition

Use of Glass for Reflection

The glass will be a central element in creating a peaceful atmosphere. The reflections on the glass can add a layer of mystery and softness.

Comparing Favorite Images

In my favorite images, there’s a common thread of simplicity. Subjects are often uncluttered, with a clear focal point.

Developing and Stating My Vision

My vision is to craft a series of photographs that serve as portals to a peaceful realm.

Justifying My Vision

This vision is inspired by my research on how visual elements can impact our emotional state. The simplicity achieved through composition and the dreamy quality from depth of field have been shown to have a calming effect on viewers.

Reflections

Posted on by Justin

 

Leading lines

Reflections of Jason

Texture of the ground

Focus on far back

Farshot

Close up

Reflection on the mirror

Texture of the entire photo

Composition

Focus on front

 

Focus in mirror

Medium shot

Contrasting of the things in mirror and the background

Reflection in the mirror

Rule of thirds

Medium shot

Rule of thirds

Reflection in the mirror

Sky and ground contrasts

Focus in mirror

Sunlight

Focus in mirror

Contrasting of sky and ground

Rule of thirds

Leading lines

Texture of the mirror

Sunlight

Depth of field

Focus on foreground

Reflections on the bottle

Close up

Focus on foreground

Depth of field

Reflections on the bottle

Focus on foreground

Texture of water drops

Focus on foreground

Close up

Framing

Reflections on bottle

Focus on foreground

Close up

Depth of field

Studio lighting

Studio lighting

Focus on background

Texture of hair

Reflections on bottle

Depth of field

Artist research

Posted on by Justin

Naoya Hatakeyama

Lee Friedlander

 

Comparison of the photos

 

1. Composition and Structure

 

  • Nagoya Hatakeyama’s photograph: The image features a long, narrow water – filled space, likely a canal or a flooded street. The composition is dominated by the linear structure of the waterway, which creates a strong sense of depth. The reflections on the water’s surface add a layer of complexity, with the vertical lines of the walls on either side contributing to the overall symmetry and balance.
  • Lee Friedlander’s photograph: This image uses a more chaotic and layered composition. It features multiple exposures or a reflection that combines different scenes. There are people, buildings, and objects from different environments overlaid on each other, creating a sense of visual disorientation and a complex web of visual elements.

2. Use of Light and Color

 

  • Nagoya Hatakeyama’s photograph: The light source seems to be coming from the far end of the waterway, creating a gradient of light and shadow. The colors are rich and somewhat muted, with the reflections of the lights adding splashes of color (pink, blue, white) on the otherwise dark water. This use of light and color gives the image a dreamy, almost other – worldly atmosphere.
  • Lee Friedlander’s photograph: Being in black and white, it relies on contrast to create visual interest. The different tones of gray help to distinguish between the various elements in the multiple – exposure image. The lack of color focuses the viewer’s attention on the shapes, textures, and the interplay between the different layers.

3. Themes and Messages

 

  • Nagoya Hatakeyama’s photograph: It may evoke a sense of tranquility and stillness, despite the urban setting. The reflections suggest a connection between the real and the mirrored world, perhaps hinting at ideas of duality or the passage of time.
  • Lee Friedlander’s photograph: It appears to explore themes of identity, place, and the relationship between interior and exterior spaces. The overlapping of different scenes and figures can be seen as a commentary on the complexity of modern life and the blurring of boundaries between different aspects of our existence.

4. Photographic Style

 

  • Nagoya Hatakeyama’s photograph: It showcases a more minimalist and contemplative style. The focus on the long, narrow waterway with its reflections creates a simple yet powerful visual statement.
  • Lee Friedlander’s photograph: His style is known for its use of multiple exposures and a more free – form, spontaneous approach. The image reflects his interest in capturing the unexpected and the layers of reality that exist in a single frame.

 

Comparing of the two artists:

 

1. Background and Influences

 

  • Nagoya Hatakeyama: A Japanese photographer, Hatakeyama’s work is often influenced by the Japanese aesthetic of wabi – sabi, which values simplicity, imperfection, and the beauty of transience. His upbringing in Japan, with its unique cultural and natural landscapes, has likely shaped his focus on capturing the essence of place, often in urban and industrial settings. He has explored the relationship between architecture, nature, and the environment in his long – term projects.
  • Lee Friedlander: An American photographer, Friedlander emerged in the mid – 20th century American photography scene. He was influenced by the documentary photography movement but also had a penchant for pushing the boundaries of traditional photography. His work often reflects the diverse and complex nature of American society, with a focus on the everyday and the mundane, yet presented in a highly creative and often surreal manner.

2. Subject Matter

 

  • Nagoya Hatakeyama: He frequently photographs urban landscapes, industrial sites, and natural settings. His works often feature the traces of human activity in these environments, such as abandoned buildings, water – filled industrial areas, or the coexistence of nature and architecture. His images can convey a sense of quietness and the passage of time in these spaces.
  • Lee Friedlander: Friedlander’s subject matter is wide – ranging, including people, streets, storefronts, and various interior and exterior scenes. He is known for his use of reflections, multiple exposures, and self – portraits in his work. His photographs often capture the idiosyncrasies of American life, from the kitschy to the profound, and he has a particular interest in the relationship between the individual and the surrounding environment.

3. Style and Technique

 

  • Nagoya Hatakeyama: His style is characterized by a certain stillness and a focus on composition. He often uses long exposures and careful framing to create images that are both detailed and evocative. His use of color and light can be quite subtle, yet it effectively conveys the mood and atmosphere of the scene.
  • Lee Friedlander: Friedlander is renowned for his experimental and improvisational style. His use of multiple exposures and reflections gives his images a sense of depth and complexity. He often disrupts the traditional single – point perspective, creating a more dynamic and disorienting visual experience for the viewer. His black – and – white photography, in particular, is highly regarded for its masterful use of contrast and texture.

4. Impact and Legacy

 

  • Nagoya Hatakeyama: His work has had a significant impact on Japanese and international photography, especially in the area of environmental and architectural photography. His ability to transform seemingly ordinary urban and industrial landscapes into visually stunning and thought – provoking images has inspired many photographers to look at their surroundings in a new way.
  • Lee Friedlander: He is considered one of the most important American photographers of the 20th century. His innovative approach to photography has influenced generations of photographers, both in terms of subject matter and technique. His willingness to break the rules and explore new ways of seeing has left a lasting legacy in the world of photography.

Miniature photo

Posted on by Justin

 

Composition Techniques in the Image

1. Depth of Field


The photo makes use of a shallow depth – of – field. The Lego car and the Lego police officer in the foreground are in sharp focus, while the background, which includes the houses, trees, and stadium lights, is blurred. This draws the viewer’s attention directly to the two main subjects, emphasizing them and creating a sense of separation between the subjects and the background. It also adds a sense of depth, making the subjects stand out in the three – dimensional space of the image.

2. Negative Space


There is a significant amount of negative space in the upper part of the image. The clear sky with the sun creates an empty area that contrasts with the more detailed subjects in the foreground. This negative space gives the subjects room to breathe and helps to create a balanced composition. It also adds a sense of calmness and openness to the overall image.

3. Perspective


The perspective in the image is from a low – lying angle, as if the camera is at the same level as the Lego subjects. This unique perspective makes the Lego car and officer appear more life – like and significant. It gives the viewer a sense of being part of the miniature world, looking at the scene from a character’s eye – level, which can evoke a sense of wonder and playfulness.

Message Conveyed by the Photo


The photo seems to convey a sense of playfulness and imagination. The use of Lego figures and a car, which are associated with childhood play and creativity, suggests a moment of pretend play or a miniature scene. The warm light from the sun in the background adds a cozy and nostalgic feel, perhaps evoking memories of carefree days spent in imaginative play. The juxtaposition of the Lego police officer and the car might also imply a story or a moment of interaction within this miniature world, inviting the viewer to create their own narrative.

Understanding of compositions

Posted on by Justin

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.