There are many parts that Edward Weston may have been interested in capturing this photo. Weston often uses interesting angles to make the subject in the photo look different. The low and close perspective in the photo creates an interesting angle for the viewers, as it draws attention to the subject. Though the photo is only of ordinary items of shells and rocks, the angle makes the shell look grand and significant in the rocks. This way, Weston elevates the beauty of these natural objects, showing abstract qualities and other little details that people don’t usually see in these items.

Another point is that Weston also uses tones in his abstract photos to make a dramatic contrast between the shell and the rocks. This helps to emphasize the textures on the natural objects, as they change from just simple objects to abstraction.

Finally, Weston could have been interested in expressing the relationship between these natural elements. The shell is very delicate and fragile, while the rocks are very durable and strong. This shows a deeper relationship between the two objects in the natural world. Their complex relationship creates a sense of calm and peace but also curiosity and wonder through the details.

As a viewer, the name “Balance” would be suitable for this photo. The shell and the rocks are both part of the natural world, but they are very different. The shell is very precise and delicate, while the rocks are tough and strong. This shows the relationship between them, as the photo shows a balance of them. The shell is the subject of the photo, as it stands out with the white tones. On the other hand, the rocks are all around the shell in the background, as they have dark tones. These factors create balance in the photo, which makes the name “Balance” make sense.

Weston uses many formal elements, which creates abstraction in his photography. In the photo above, the element of focus is used, as the details in the shell and the rocks are clearly seen. It also shows the textures in the rocks, as the viewers can see all the little sand bits and the folds in the shell. The tone in the photo makes it the most abstract. The dark tone in the background with the rocks and the white tone for the shell brings focus to the shell in the center. It helps to highlight the subject in the photo and brings balance to the different objects, as there is one shell but many rocks. Through the different formal elements used, it helps Weston convey the meaning behind the photo, showing a sense of serenity.

Work Cited: