My goal as a photographer in creating this triptych was to reveal the hidden beauty and meaning in the details of everyday urban life, asking the viewer to slow down and appreciate what is overlooked. Based on the images I have presented, I believe I have achieved this vision to some extent. The three photographs I have chosen work harmoniously to create a cohesive narrative that captures the dynamics of the city. The use of motion blur effectively transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, drawing the eye to fleeting moments that are often overlooked. The inspiration from the work of Ernst Haas is evident in the atmosphere and use of motion blur in my images, which use movement and abstraction to evoke an emotion and feeling. Like Ernst Haas, I use photography to reveal the underlying poetry of the urban landscape, allowing the viewer to see the world from a whole new perspective. Through this triptych, I have successfully explored the theme of finding beauty in what is overlooked. Together, the three images create a visually striking and conceptually rich exploration that invites viewers to slow down and engage with the smaller, often underappreciated details. The triptych arrangement I decided on was an effective choice because it allows the viewer to experience the work as a cohesive whole, which is why I placed the more prominent subject in the middle. I arranged the other two photos so that they would appear to face the center and add to the whole. I also encouraged the viewer to interact with the individual photos back and forth. What makes this work particularly personal is that it reflects my unique perspective and experience of life in an urban environment. By choosing to highlight aspects of city life that are often overlooked, I invite the viewer to share my own sense of wonder and appreciation for the richness of everyday life. Through this triptych, I hope that the viewer will recognize the inherent beauty and meaning that exists all around us if only we take the time to slow down and really observe. By turning the ordinary into the extraordinary, my goal is to inspire a deeper connection to the world and a renewed appreciation for details that are often overlooked. If I had more time, it would have been interesting to explore other ways of presenting this work, such as trying different framing and scales. Additionally, I could have delved deeper into various display strategies, considering how the physical presentation of the work affects the viewer’s engagement and interpretation.

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: Ernst Haas

(Ernst Haas, 1957)

(Ernst Haas, 1957)

(Ernst Haas, 1970)

(Ernst Haas, 1957)

(Ernst Haas, Nd)

(Ernst Haas, 1952)

(Ernst Haas, 1952)

(Ernst Haas, 1952)

Photographic Style:

• Line: These images feature dynamic, blurred lines that suggest movement and energy, such as streaks of passing cars and blurred pedestrians.
• Shape: The dominant shapes are organic and amorphous, with blurred figures and vehicles creating abstract forms.
• Color: These images display a wide range of colors and tonal values, from deep blacks to bright highlights. This high-contrast approach creates a dramatic, cinematic effect, with the interplay of light and shadow adding depth and visual interest.
• Texture: The images have a distinctly textural quality that heightens the sense of physicality and the passage of time and also creates a sense of depth and tactility.
• Tone: In addition to color, the tonal range also helps create a sense of depth and dimension, as elements in the foreground and background each have different tonal values. Emphasizing tonal contrast helps create a mood that evokes a somber, contemplative atmosphere.

• Ernst Haas’s photographs embody abstraction primarily through the use of motion blur. Blurred figures and vehicles create a sense of movement, allowing the viewer to get a feel for the dynamics of the urban environment without having to focus on specific details. Additionally, Ernst Haas’s selective framing often isolates elements within the composition, drawing the viewer’s attention to shape and form rather than the subject itself. This approach encourages the viewer to engage with the image on a more visceral level, appreciating the visual elements and rhythm of the scene rather than identifying individual components.
• What I like about Ernst Haas’s photographic style is that it seamlessly blends abstraction with a palpable sense of movement and atmosphere. High-contrast tones, cinematic framing, and textural qualities give these images a timeless, almost dreamlike quality. Haas’s masterful use of formal elements such as line, shape, and tone creates a captivating visual rhythm. Haas’s work is visually striking and evocative, transporting the viewer to a specific time and place.

“A picture is the expression of an impression. If the beautiful were not in us, how would we ever recognize it?” – Ernst Haas

• I chose this quote by Ernst Haas because it highlights the connection between perception and creativity in photography. It suggests that a photograph is not only a representation of reality but also an expression of the photographer’s impressions and emotions. This understanding enriches my appreciation of Ernst Haas’s work, as the techniques he uses, such as motion blur, evoke feelings and sensations, allowing the viewer to participate in the emotional landscape. Ultimately, this quote emphasizes that beauty is known through our inner experience, portraying Ernst Haas’s photographs as a reflection of the external world and our inner response to it.

• I chose Ernst Haas as my inspiration photographer because he captures extraordinary moments in everyday life, transforming the mundane into something meaningful. His use of motion blur aligns with my vision of highlighting overlooked aspects of life and encouraging viewers to see beauty in ordinary things. To adapt Ernst Haas’ style, I will attempt to use motion blur to convey the dynamic qualities of everyday scenes.

Fully Evaluate ONE image:

• I chose this image because it exemplifies Ernst Haas’s skill in using motion blur to capture the energy and vibrancy of an urban environment. The blurred figures and vehicles convey a sense of movement, drawing the viewer into the bustling atmosphere. The blurred forms blend into the impressionistic composition, adding a layer of mystery and emotion and evoking engagement.
• Formal Element: Line
  The blurred lines created by passing vehicles and pedestrians guide the viewer’s eye, creating a sense of kinetic energy and forward momentum, which is essential to evoking the dynamic qualities of an urban scene.

My Photos:

Full Contact Sheet(All Photos): 

Yellow Photos:

I chose these as my yellow photographs because they capture the essence of my vision – revealing the beauty in everyday details through a unique perspective. These dynamic images invite the viewer to see the urban environment in a more intuitive and appreciative way, perfectly aligning with my goal of highlighting the importance of overlooked things.

Green Photos:

These green photos I chose supports my vision better than the yellow photos. They focus on unique perspectives in urban environments and align directly with my goal of highlighting small elements that are often overlooked and reveal hidden beauty. The selective focus and intentional composition of the green photos allow for the contrast between movement and stillness, creating a richer, more balanced visual experience.

Red Photos:

I selected these red photos from the green photos.

• Top photo: The sharp focus on the central subject in this photo creates a sense of depth and movement that immediately draws the viewer’s eye, highlighting the overlooked beauty of fleeting moments in everyday life.
• Middle photo: This photo manages to balance the sense of movement with a little detail in the surroundings. It creates a more layered and visually appealing composition.
• Bottom photo: This photo encapsulates the human experience in an urban landscape. The way pedestrians move through the frame reveals overlooked beauty.

• I should have chosen a better subject because the light in 798 is bright, which makes it difficult to shoot motion blur because the photos are easily overexposed.

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.

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.

Gursky, Andreas. Paris, Montparnasse. 1993. BBC, Jason Farago, www.bbc.com/culture/article/20151106-andreas-gursky-the-bigger-the-better.

The photographer might have been interested in capturing：

• The structure and design of the building
• The variety of windows and their contents
• Curtains, furniture, and window treatments

If I were the photographer, I would title this photo “Mosaic Building”. The message conveyed by this title is that this building is a collection of individual lives and styles, like a mosaic made up of different pieces that come together to form a larger image.

The most obvious formal elements in this photo are lines, shapes, and patterns:

• Lines: The horizontal and vertical lines formed by the windows and frames form a grid
• Shapes: Rectangular shapes dominate the image, both in the windows and the overall architectural design
• Patterns: The arrangement of the windows and the repetition of shapes form a regular pattern

Abstract photography can be defined as capturing images in which the subject isn’t the most interesting element. Albert Renger-Patzsch and Aaron Siskind photographed the ordinary to reveal their beauty. Uta Barth reversed the typical use of the camera, shooting out of focus and Andreas Gursky photographs the repetition of elements. During this unit, you will investigate appropriate examples of abstract photography and respond in your own way.

Initial Thoughts:

I think the statement that “Abstract photography can be defined as capturing images in which the subject isn’t the most interesting element” suggests that the true essence of abstract photography lies in the exploration of feelings, shapes, and colors, rather than focusing solely on recognizable subjects. This seems to imply that the subject may play a secondary role in the overall composition, inviting the viewer to use their imagination and interpret the image in their own unique way.

Own Definition：

Abstract photography is about capturing images that focus more on shape, color, and texture rather than a clearly identifiable object. This allows us to see the world through a different lens presented by the photographer’s unique perspective, making the seemingly ordinary things extraordinary.