Set 1

My Vision:

The Hidden Beauty in Everyday Life

The message of my triptych will be to pay attention to the small things or images in our lives that we may never notice and make them significant. Things that are very common in our lives can also be beautiful. I want my audience to notice these things through my lens and perspective, see how they can be presented in entirely different forms, and see their unique beauty. I will get inspiration and develop my ideas by looking for photographs that explore things under reflections formed by water, windows or mirrors, magnified textures, and the motion of vehicles or people. Through these captured images, we can see the beauty hidden in our lives that we may never have discovered.

Artist: Saul Leiter

(Saul Leiter, 1956)

(Saul Leiter,1953)

(Saul Leiter, 1956)

(Saul Leiter, Nd)

(Saul Leiter, 1962)

(Saul Leiter, 1954)

(Saul Leiter, 1952)

(Saul Leiter, 1957)

Photographic style:

• Line: Saul Leiter often uses architectural lines, such as the edges of buildings or reflections in windows, to guide the viewer’s eye. These lines create structure in the composition and can create a sense of movement.
• Shape: Many photographs feature strong geometric shapes created by buildings, windows, and other urban elements. These shapes add to the balance and harmony of the composition.
• Color: Saul Leiter often uses warm colors such as red and yellow as well as cool colors; these bright hues enhance emotional resonance and draw attention to specific areas of the image.
• Texture: Texture in these photographs is often conveyed through reflections and the interaction of light on surfaces, such as wet streets or glass. This adds depth and richness to the images.
• Composition: These photographs often have a dynamic balance, with the placement of subject matter and color creating visual interest but not following traditional symmetry.

• Saul Leiter’s photographs are abstract in many ways. He uses blurred focus and soft edges to eliminate sharp details, allowing the viewer to interpret the scene for themselves and resonate with their own feelings. The layering and reflections on the windows create multiple levels in a single image, turning everyday moments into interesting visual puzzles that make you think. Fragmented compositions often cut off parts of the subject, creating a sense of mystery and encouraging the viewer to use their imagination. The bright colors in his works are often more eye-catching than the subjects themselves, and the bold contrasts and pleasing combinations evoke emotions. In addition, Leiter mixes strong geometric shapes with soft, flowing forms, turning people and scenes into fascinating patterns and enhancing the abstract nature of his photography.
• What I like about Saul Leiter’s style is his approach to layering, which creates multiple levels within a single image. This technique adds depth and complexity to an image, inviting the viewer to explore the different elements present within the photo. The way reflections and overlapping subjects interact makes each image feel like a visual puzzle, encouraging personal interpretation and emotional connection. This layering approach not only highlights the beauty of everyday moments but also makes each photo a unique experience as the viewer discovers new details and meanings every time they glance at it.

“There are the things that are out in the open, and there are the things that are hidden. The real world has more to do with what is hidden.” -Saul Leiter

• I chose this quote because it captures Saul Leiter’s approach to photography, which focuses not only on what is visible but also on the deeper meanings and emotions that are often hidden. His work highlights the hidden aspects of urban life, such as reflections and shadows, turning ordinary scenes into complex stories. This encourages viewers to look beyond the obvious and discover the subtleties in each image. By focusing on what is hidden, Saul Leiter allows viewers to make a personal connection to his work and explore their own interpretations.

• I chose Saul Leiter as my inspiration because his photography aligns with my vision of highlighting small, often overlooked details in life. To adapt his style, I will capture reflections in water, windows, and mirrors, exploring textures. Using layering and soft focus, I aim to bring out the unique beauty in common sights. Leiter’s work inspires me to show how familiar elements can be presented in new ways, encouraging us to think more deeply about the beauty in our everyday lives.

Fully Evaluate ONE image:

• I chose this photo because it perfectly exemplifies Saul Leiter’s ability to capture fleeting moments and hidden details of city life. The use of reflections adds depth and complexity, allowing the viewer to engage with the scene in a more thoughtful way. What amazes me about this photo is how it turns a seemingly mundane moment into something interesting. The blurred figures and scattered reflections create a sense of mystery.
• Formal Element: Focus
  The soft focus in this photo is crucial as it creates an ethereal quality that enhances the sense of mystery. By blurring details, Leiter encourages the viewer to look beyond the surface and engage with the emotions and narratives that may be hidden beneath the surface. This technique effectively draws attention to the interplay of light and shadow, emphasizing the beauty in the ordinary.

My Photos:

Full Contact Sheet(All Photos): 

Yellow Photos:

I chose these “yellow” photographs because they highlight the beauty of everyday life and the hidden details of urban life. They focus on reflection, creating depth and inviting the viewer to look beyond the surface. These photographs encourage personal connection, while the interplay of light and shadow brings out unique beauty in ordinary scenes. Overall, these photographs embody my goal of encouraging people to look at familiar sights in a new light.

Green Photos:

I selected these green photos from my yellow photos. These green photos are more effective than the yellow photos because they focus on a deeper exploration of everyday environments, especially how reflections and interactions with nature enhance the viewer’s experience. These images offer a richer visual complexity and emotional resonance, inviting the viewer to engage with the scene on multiple levels. Overall, these green photos show better reflections and more distinct layers.

Red Photos:

I selected these red photos from the green photos. Each image highlights unique aspects of everyday life through reflections, textures, and playful elements.

• Top Image: This photo combines city signs with reflections, making it visually striking. The contrast of shapes and colors is eye-catching.
• Middle Image: The warm feeling evoked by the stuffed animal creates an emotional connection, and the reflection adds another layer of interest.
• Bottom Image: The reflections in this photo create a sense of tranquility, and the reflections of leaves on the ripples of the water look like a painting.

• Areas for improvement for my next set will be to choose a better subject and artist, and have more patience to explore more angles when shooting.
• For the next set, I think I would choose to explore motion blur because I find that there are more people in 798 than daily things, so I can take more photos to choose for my final triptych.