In this photo, I have captured different expressions and movements of the subject and collaged them together. This depicts the fluid nature of humanity and records a series of moments instead of one. The subject is laughing, calm, melancholy, and outraged all in one photo of this. Therefore, it shows multi-facet of parts of one subject from a single photo.
Introduction to Portraiture
Portraiture is an artistic genre that focuses on the representation of a person, in which the face is mainly predominant. Crucially, portraiture seeks to capture the essence, personality, and physical features of the subject and could do this by taking pictures of inanimate objects. Portraits can only include details such as a small part of your physical body, as they sometimes can tell narratives more effectively than a face. Portraits often capture something intimate or personal about the subject. Poses, gestures, clothing, or props hint at the subject’s inner life. Portraits provide valuable insights into the subjects’s identity, social status, and the cultural context of the time period.
Brainstorm – Mind Map
Find a concept
The identity concept I want to explore through photography focuses on the multifaceted nature of a single individual by capturing different sartorial styles and facial expressions. This approach emphasizes the complexity of identity, suggesting that it is flustering rather than fixed. By depicting various clothing choices, my photographs can reflect cultural backgrounds, social status, and personal tastes, offering insight into the individual’s life story. The diverse facial expressions convey a range of emotions, indicating how one’s mood can shift often. Utilizing a collage style, similar to the photo below, will allow for a fragmented yet cohesive representation, emphasizing the tension between external appearances and internal realities. Each image will tell a part of the individual’s narrative, making viewers to put together a broader understanding of who the subject is and understand the complexities of personal identity.
Image inspiration:
The following three images feature fragmented and layered representations of individuals, which resonates with my concept of exploring the multifaceted nature of identity. Each photograph exemplifies how different sartorial styles and facial expressions come together to create a complex narrative about a person. The collage style captures the idea that identity is not singular but composed of various facets, aligning with my aim to depict its fluidity. The diverse expressions evoke a spectrum of emotions, reinforcing the notion that mood can shift based on context, allowing viewers to connect with the subject on multiple levels. Additionally, the sartorial choices reflect cultural backgrounds and personal tastes, offering insight into the subjects’ identities and highlighting how clothing serves as a form of self-expression. Each piece encourages viewers to put together the individual’s story, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of personal identity. Overall, these images serve as an inspiring foundation for my project, illustrating how fragmented representations can effectively convey the richness and fluidity of identity.
Statement of intent:
My intent is to explore the multifaceted nature of identity through photography by capturing the diverse sartorial styles and facial expressions of a single individual. Through my lens, I aim to highlight the complexity of identity, suggesting that it is fluid rather than fixed. By showcasing various clothing choices, I hope to reflect cultural backgrounds, social status, and personal tastes, offering insight into the individual’s life story. Each photograph will convey a range of emotions, revealing how mood can shift depending on context or attire. Utilizing a collage style, I seek to create a fragmented yet cohesive representation that emphasizes the tension between external appearances and internal realities. Each image will serve as a narrative, inviting viewers to piece together a broader understanding of who the individual is, ultimately celebrating the rich complexities of personal identity in a visually compelling way.
1 Artist
David Hockney
2 (Intent) and 3 (Style):
The images I’m focusing on from David Hockney’s creations have a photo collage style that pastes two or more photographs together. He liked this style and went on to create many works that utilized this technique. This method of piecing together different photographs to form a cohesive image challenges and transcends traditional perspectives in both photography and painting: “By fragmenting and then reassembling the visual field, Hockney’s joiners disrupt conventional viewpoints, inviting a deeper exploration into the intricacies of perception and representation.”
David Hockney’s photo collages, often referred to as “joiners,” represent a significant evolution in his artistic exploration of composition. This technique embodies a unique intersection of photography and allows for a multifaceted representation of reality. :”Hockney’s initial inspiration for the joiners came from his observation of the way we perceive the world around us—not as a single, frozen moment, but as a complex amalgamation of views, perspectives, and moments.” He was intrigued by the idea that conventional photographs could only provide a limited view of a subject and sought a more dynamic method of representing the fluidity and multiplicity of a subject. Therefore, his intent in creating these collages was to challenge the conventional limitations of photography; and he disliked the fact that traditional photography presented a singular viewpoint, capturing only a moment in time without representing the dynamism of human.
By employing multiple images taken from various angles and at different times, Hockney aimed to replicate the way humans naturally perceive their surroundings—through movement and transition. The collages allow viewers to experience a scene as if they are moving through it, engaging with the complexities of the environment.
4 Justify your choice
I really liked the style of these photos and the intent of capturing fluidity of human nature from different perspectives and time. The photos appear to look good in their appearance in an interesting composition and is a new technique I haven’t really seen before. In my photograph, I will mimic the style by taking pictures from different time and movements and piece them together using PS in a collage style. By doing this, it creatively represents my chosen subject of humanity’s complexity by depicting different facial expression and photos taken from different times.
5.Include 4 of their images that inspire. Use visual language to describe similarities in the images (No need to critique at this stage)
These four pictures are all David Hockney’s collage style of artwork, they are all several different pictures depicting different emotions and time fragmented, them reassembled back together to present a sense of fluidity and complexity.
Photographic Attributes:
The lighting is likely to be soft yet defined, creating gentle shadows that add depth to the features. The light accentuates certain areas of the face while leaving others in shadow, drawing attention to the nuances of expression, such as the contours of the mouth and eyes. This interplay of light and shadow enhances the emotional weight of the image.
The areas in focus include the central features of the face, particularly the eyes and mouth, which are critical to conveying emotion. The clarity in these regions contrasts with the softer, blurred edges of the surrounding fragments, emphasizing the intensity of expression.
The photograph evokes a sense of introspection and complexity. The fragmented faces and varied expressions suggest a range of emotions, from contemplation to anxiety
The photographer’s choices are intended to provoke thought and evoke a deeper understanding of identity and emotion. By using fragmentation, the photographer aims to illustrate that individuals are not defined by a single expression or moment; rather, they encompass a range of feelings and experiences.
As the photographer, my intent in this series of images is to document the vibrant and interconnected community life in the historic Hutong alleyways of China. Through my lens, I aimed to capture the genuine moments shared between the people who call these corridors home, revealing the warmth, cultural traditions, and subtle differences that characterize urban life in this setting. The first set of images reveals the dynamic energy and functional nature of the Hutong environment. The bustling activity, collaborative work, and intricate infrastructure all contribute to a sense of a tightly-knit community working in tandem. The use of color, framing, and focus draws the viewer’s attention to the details that bring this neighborhood to life. In the second set of images, the focus shifts to the human connections that define Hutong’s existence. My depiction makes interactions between neighbors, families, and friends intimate, highlighting the social fabric that binds this community together. The candid expressions and gestures convey a sense of comfort, familiarity, and shared purpose among the residents. Throughout the series, I preserved the unique spirit of Hutong life, offering the viewer a window into a vibrant and culturally rich urban environment. The narratives embedded in each image encourage the audience to appreciate the diverse stories and connections that unfold within these historic alleyways, ultimately fulfilling the stated intent to document and preserve this distinctive way of life for future generations.
My photo was also moved to the other bulletin board
Artist Analysis: Elliott Erwitt
Elliott Erwitt’s style of street photography is a cornucopia of techniques combining humor, irony, and keen observations of human interactions. He often captures moments that highlight the hilarious absurdities of everyday life. He is remarkable in recording humor in mundane routines, revealing unexpected relationships between people and their surroundings. A hallmark of Erwitt’s style is its candid disposition. He shoots scenes without staging, capturing only natural connections between the viewer and the subjects. This results in genuine moments and expressions that resonate with viewers because of its authenticity. This artist also includes thoughtful compositions, frequently using the rule of thirds and strategically framing to draw attention to key elements in his images. His composition often includes layers and depth, encouraging viewers to explore the entire scene rather than just the main point. Erwitt captures a miscellaneous combination of subjects, from children and pets to strangers on the street. His focus on everyday life emphasizes the universality of human experiences, making his images relatable to a wide audience. Erwitt adeptly uses natural light to enhance the mood of his photographs. He often shoots during the golden hour, capturing soft, ginger light that adds depth and texture to his images. His manipulation of light and shadow emphasizes the overall atmosphere. On the other hand, Erwitt is well-known for his black-and-white photography. In black and white, he emphasizes contrasts and textures; while in color, he utilizes a subdued palette that complements the subject matter without creating diversions from it. Furthermore, each of Erwitt’s photographs tells a story. Whether it’s a simple moment of connection or a more complex scene, his images provoke curiosity and induce viewers to imagine the narratives behind the captured moments. Through his lens, he encourages us to see the world with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the everyday.
“To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place.” – Elliot Erwitt
Evaluate one photo:
Contact Sheet All:
Contact Sheet Yellow:
The reason why I chose these photos are because they fit my statement of intent and is focusing on people and their interactions with he surroundings; while some of my other photos may be mistakenly taken for turns out to be overly exposed or not focused enough, these photos my intention and really focused on people and their behavior. According to the characteristics of my artist’s style, my photos should capture candid moments without staging scenes and should emphasize emotion, colors, and framing. These photos are all the ones that follow the foundation characteristics of my artist.
Contact Sheet Green:
I chose these pictures out because I thought they really were interesting and captured cool moments in life. Following on to the techniques I decided to use, these pictures captured many moments to be decisive, interesting framing by using comparison, and mostly a lot of eye contact. In these pictures I can see that these people are enjoying their life just by being who they are and interacting with their surrounding people and environment. This causes these pictures to not only following my artist, my techniques, and my statement of intent.
Contact sheet red:
The reason I chose these pictures out of my green photos are because they strongly align with the characteristics of my chosen techniques and my statement of intent. They all use interesting framing, was taken in the decisive moment, captures dramatic and hilarious gestures, and makes eye contact. They all convey the message of love in life by their interactions and connections to their surroundings. These pictures are also the most candid moments that are completely authentic and emotional relatable.
Evaluate one picture:
Definition of Street Photography
I believe street photography is a genre of photography that records everyday life in public spaces. Capturing relations between individuals and interactions with their environment, street photography is un-posed, un-staged, and un-intentional. Photographers capture ephemeral moments in a personal texture that conveys emotions and evokes sentimental relations. In street photography, photographers can capture candid images of individuals without asking for explicit permission. Furthermore, the most important part of street photography is to capture humanity, emotions, and soul.
Mindmap
6 Concepts
Updated Mindmap
General concept:
My general focus is going to be on Chinese people and their interactions. This focus will capture the vibrant everyday life and cultural richness of the Hutong, and highlights candid moments that reflect social dynamics, community ties, and the interplay between tradition and modernity. I will emphasize the diversity of experiences, from bustling valleys to crowded roads, depicting both individual stories and collective narratives. The interactions between people can make viewers explore the complexities of Chinese society, regional differences, and the impact of rapid urbanization. Through this focus, street photography becomes a powerful instrument for storytelling and cultural documentation.
Statement of intent:
My intent is to document the rich tapestry of interactions among Chinese people in the Hutong. Through my lens, I aim to capture the essence of daily life within these historic alleyways, where the past and present converge. By focusing on the genuine moments shared between neighbors, families, and friends, I hope to reveal the warmth of community, the strength of cultural traditions, and the subtle difference of urban life. Each photograph will be as a narrative, reflecting the diverse stories and connections within the bustling corridors, ultimately preserving the unique spirit of Hutong life for future generations to appreciate.
Mood Board:
Part 1: Statement of Intent
Familiar but Unfamiliar
As a photographer, I am drawn to the beauty and complexity of abstract forms. My intent in capturing photographs of abstract objects is to explore perception and reality, making viewers engage with familiar objects in unfamiliar ways. Through this lens, I aim to deviate away from theconventional context of objects, focusing instead on their shapes, textures, and colors. Each image serves as a visual dialogue, encouraging the audience to interpret meaning based on their own experiences and emotions. By emphasizing the play of light and shadow, I hope to reveal the inherent beauty in simplicity and abstraction, transforming everyday objects into thought-provoking art.
Part 2
Weston’s photographs often emphasize the inherent qualities of the subjects, such as their shape, texture, and form. He frequently used close-ups to reveal the details of objects, transforming everyday items into sculptural forms. For example, his images of peppers demonstrate their curves and surfaces in a way that evokes a sense of tactile feeling. His use of light and shadow is a critical element in his abstract photographs. He uses natural light to create dramatic contrasts and highlight the three-dimensional qualities of his subjects. This use of light contributes to the emotional evaluation of his images, adding depth and dimension. He often focuses on organic shapes found in nature. His photographs of shells, vegetables, and landscapes reveal a fascination with natural forms, demonstrating them with a sense of appreciation. The author’s abstractions also evoke emotional responses. His ability to transform familiar objects into something enigmatic leads to a deeper exploration of perception and meaning. This aspect of his work resonates with the viewer, making them to reflect on their own experiences and interpretations. Weston’s technical skills allowed him to capture remarkable clarity and detail. His understanding of exposure and composition played a crucial role in producing images that are both aesthetically enjoyable and intellectually engaging.
What I like about this style is the sharp focus in the subject and the emphasize on lines and textures. It allows the viewer to interpret his image of familiar objects unfamiliarly. The sharp contrast and the use of black and white colors also makes the photo more emotionally detached and interesting.
“Anything that excites me for any reason, I will photograph; not searching for unusual subject matter, but making the commonplace unusual” (Edward Weston).
Part 3
Part 5
Contact sheet (All photos)
Part 6
Contact sheet (Green):
The reason why I chose these photos are because they fit my statement of intent and is focusing on texture, lines, and tone of familiar objects. While some of my other photos may be mistakenly taken for turns out to be overly exposed or not focused enough. According to the characteristics of my artist’s style, my photos should be sharply in focused and should emphasize on shapes, lines, and repetition. These photos are all the ones that follow the foundation characteristics of my artist.
Contact sheet (Green):
These photos I choose out of my yellows ones are following the style of my artist and is sharply in focused and looks good. They also give a sense of emotional detachment with mostly cool colors. one of the main difference I see in my green photos and yellow photos are the some of the yellow photos may be two plain without much emphasize on the subject, while the green photos contain aspects of repetition of lines.
Contact sheet (Red)
The reason I chose these three pictures out of my green photos are because they strongly align with the characteristics of Edward Weston. They are sharply in focus, they all have a obvious contrast between the subject and background, they all have an emphasize on lines and shapes. Lastly, they also all have a interesting pattern and repetition, making familiar objects seem unfamiliar.
Part 7
As the photographer, my intent in creating this triptych was to capture the abstract, sculptural qualities of industrial architecture and infrastructure. I wanted to make the viewer appreciate the inherent visual beauty and design within these functional structures. I believe this triptych has been successful in achieving the statement of intent. The use of black-and-white imagery, the framing and composition, and the emphasis on patterns and forms all work together to draw the viewer’s attention to the abstraction of these industrial buildings. In terms of success criteria, I feel I’ve effectively highlighted the shapes, textures, and interplay of light and shadow that give these structures their abstract quality. The presentation of these images in a triptych format was a deliberate choice, inspired by the work of photographers like Albert Renger-Patzsch, who often documented industrial architecture. This allows the viewer to make visual connections and comparisons between the individual compositions, further emphasizing the aesthetic relationships. On a personal level, I’m drawn to finding beauty in the overlooked and the ordinary. These industrial structures, often dismissed as purely functional, hold a fascination for me. By capturing them in this way, I hope to encourage the viewer to shift their perspective and consider the innate artistry inherent in design. Ultimately, I want the viewer to engage with these images, to see the ordinary world around them extraordinarily. If I had more time, it would be interesting to experiment with incorporating human activity into the pictures, further contextualizing these abstract forms and structures. Overall, I’m pleased with the outcome of this triptych and believe it successfully explores the theme of finding beauty in the infrastructures.
Part 1:
The grandeur architectures
The message of my photo will be to appreciate and preserve architecture. The unique beauty of architecture can be seen in the most ordinary places. I want the audience to admire the beauty of their surfaces and their repetitive shapes. I also want viewers to feel startled and impressed by the towering building’s grandeur. For inspiration I will try to find a photographer who explores mechanical objects and buildings; finding the beauty within the ordinary. I want to find photographs that explore tones with sharp focus. In my opinion, we have to respect and appreciate the buildings that surround us. Architecture can be grandeur and impress us.
Part 2:
Artist: Albert Renger-Patzsch
Albert Renger-Patzsch emphasizes clarity, precision, and a sharp focus on the object itself. His art could be considered abstract in several ways as it deeply inspires me and could be a sense of guide for my 798 photos. Firstly, Patzsch often captured everyday objects, emphasizing their shapes, lines, and textures. This focus shapes the main idea away from context, leading to a more abstract interpretation of the shapes and lines of the subject. Secondly, his balance of light and shadow creates dramatic contrasts that can enhance the abstractness of his pictures, making them appear more sculptural and less similar to their everyday meanings. Thirdly, his compositions often isolate objects, removing them from their surroundings. This isolation can create a sense of abstraction, while it also creates a sharp contrast. Furthermore, the tone of his picture demonstrates an objective style that often maintains an emotional detachment, allowing the viewer to view with the image on a more literal level rather than an emotional one.
What I like about this style is the sharp focus in the subject and the emphasize on lines and textures. It gives the photo a sense of technical and mechanical tone. The sharp contrast and the use of black and white colors also makes the photo more emotionally detached and interesting.
“Technique does not need to be interpreted. It interprets itself. You have to choose the right objects and focus on them precisely and they will tell you their own stories.” – Albert Renger-Patzsch 
Part 3:
Part 5:
Contact sheet (All photos):
Part 6
Contact sheet (Yellow):
The reason why I chose these photos are because they fit my statement of intent and is focusing on mechanical architectures, while some of my other photos may be mistakenly taken for turns out to be overly exposed or not focused enough. According to the characteristics of my artist’s style, my photos should be sharply in focused and should emphasize on shapes, lines, and repetition. These photos are all the ones that follow the foundation characteristics of my artist.
Contact sheet (green):
These photos I choose out of my yellows ones are following the style of my artist and is sharply in focused and looks good. They also give a sense of emotional detachment with mostly cool colors. one of the main difference I see in my green photos and yellow photos are the some of the yellow photos may be two plain without much emphasize on the subject, while the green photos contain aspects of repetition of lines.
Contact sheet (red):
The reason I chose these four pictures out of my green photos are because they strongly align with the characteristics of Albert Renger-Patzsch. They are sharply in focus, they all have a obvious contrast between the subject and background, they all have an emphasize on lines and shapes. Lastly, they also all have a interesting pattern and repetition.
Part 7:
Statement intent
The grandeur architectures
The message of my photo will be to appreciate and preserve architecture. The unique beauty of architecture can be seen in the most ordinary places. I want the audience to admire the beauty of their surfaces and their repetitive shapes. I also want viewers to feel startled and impressed by the towering building’s grandeur. For inspiration I will try to find a photographer who explores mechanical objects and buildings; finding the beauty within the ordinary. I want to find photographs that explore tones with sharp focus. In my opinion, we have to respect and appreciate the buildings that surrounds us. Architecture can be grandeur and make us impressed.
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