1. PICK ONE PHOTOGRAPH FROM ONE OF THE NAMED PHOTOGRAPHERS

Photograph Selection: “Pepper No. 30” by Edward Weston

Source: Edward Weston Archive

   1.  List 3 things the photographer might have been interested in capturing in this picture?

• Texture: Weston was likely captivated by the intricate surface details of the pepper, highlighting its curves and grooves.
• Form: The organic shape of the pepper demonstrates natural beauty and elegance, emphasizing the art in everyday objects.
• Light and Shadow: The interplay of light and dark in the photograph enhances its three-dimensionality and adds depth.

   2. If you were the photographer, what title would you give it? Explain why.

Suggested Title: “Nature’s Curves”

I would call this picture “Nature’s Curves” because it highlights the beautiful, flowing shapes found in nature.

   3. Describe the use of line, shape, Pattern, texture, tone and focus – USE THE NOTES ABOVE AS A  GUIDE. 

• Line: The pepper’s curves create smooth lines that lead the viewer’s eye around the image.
• Shape: The pepper has an organic shape that stands out against more geometric objects.
• Pattern: While there’s no obvious pattern, the natural curves create a rhythm that keeps the viewer engaged.
• Texture: The close-up shows the pepper’s texture, making it feel real and inviting.
• Tone: The black-and-white tones create strong contrasts with deep shadows and bright highlights, adding drama.
• Focus: The sharp focus on the pepper makes it the center of attention, allowing us to appreciate its details.

    4. MAKE SURE YOU CITE SOURCES!!!

Weston, Edward. “Pepper No. 30.” Edward Weston Archive.

1. Explain what the phrase Formal Elements means in photography.

 formal elements are the basic visual tools photographers use to create their images. You use these elements together to help you create a great picture. Even if you don’t realize it, these elements are in almost every photo you see. These elements helps you communicate ideas and emotions through your photos, and making the pictures you take more advanced.

2. Describe each of the 6 elements discussed so far (line, shape, pattern, texture, tone, focus) Give an example that emphasizes each element (you can use your own image or an image from somebody else – but it must be cited!) 

• Line
  • Description: Lines guide the viewer’s eye, create movement, and define shapes. They can be straight, curved, or diagonal.
  • Example: A winding road leading to the horizon draws the viewer in.
• Shape
  • Description: Shapes are two-dimensional forms that can be geometric (like circles) or organic (like natural forms). They add structure and balance.
  • Example: A silhouette against a sunset emphasizes the person’s shape.
• Pattern
  • Description: Patterns are repeating elements that create rhythm. They can be found in nature or man-made environments.
  • Example: A honeycomb or rows of windows create a striking visual effect.
• Texture
  • Description: Texture refers to the surface quality of an object, adding depth and interest. It can be smooth, rough, or soft.
  • Example: A close-up of tree bark highlights its complex texture.
• Tone
  • Description: Tone is about the light and dark areas in an image, creating mood and depth. It’s especially important in black-and-white photography.
  • Example: High-contrast images can evoke strong emotions.
• Focus
  • Description: Focus determines which parts of the image are sharp, guiding the viewer’s attention.
  • Example: A portrait with a sharp subject and a blurred background isolates the main subject.

3. Can an image show just one element at a time? Justify your answer.

Yes, while you can emphasize a single formal element in a photo, most images usually include several elements. For instance, a picture might include the elements of lines, shapes, and tone. However, isolating one element can create minimalist or abstract compositions, like a smooth surface focusing solely on tone.

The Pictorialism Movement in photography started in the late 1800s. Photographers wanted their images to look more like paintings than real life. They used soft focus, darkroom techniques, and other effects to make their photos feel emotional and artistic, not just factual.

Straight Photography Movement began in the early 1900s. Photographers in this movement wanted to capture the world clearly, without altering the image too much. They focused on sharp, detailed photos, showing light, texture, and composition. Straight photography was popular because it showed the world as it was, and photographers believed this was the true art of photography.

Edward Weston and Aaron Siskind were both influenced by the Straight Photography Movement. Weston’s famous photo Pepper No. 30 (1930) shows a sharp, detailed close-up of a pepper. He focused on texture and form, following straight photography’s principles of clarity and realism. Siskind’s work, like his Chicago Series (1949), shows abstract details of everyday scenes with sharp focus, reflecting the straight photography approach even though it’s more abstract.

Andreas Gursky and Uta Barth are more abstract. Gursky’s 99 Cent (1999) shows a large-scale image of a store, while Barth’s Field No. 2 (1998) shows mor of a blurry focus. They both uses digital techniques and don’t follow the pure style of straight photography, but they still focus on details and form, which links them to the movement. They’re more abstract, though, than traditional straight photographers.

References:

• Edward Weston: Pepper No. 30 (1930)
• Aaron Siskind: Chicago Series (1949)
• Andreas Gursky: 99 Cent (1999)
• Uta Barth: Field No. 2 (1998)

what is abstract in photography?

Abstract photography is a style of photography that focuses on shapes, colors, and patterns instead of clear images of objects or scenes. Instead of trying to show something recognizable, abstract photography aims to create interesting visuals that make you think or feel something. Everyone might see something different in an abstract photo. It encourages viewers to think about what the image means to them personally.