Zhonggang

"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious" - Albert Einstein

Category: Street photography

The Set

Contact Sheet

Lightroom (IMG_9002.JPG and 201 others)

 

Yellow

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The images shown as “yellow photos,” because they were an individual interpretation of Henri Cartier-Bresson’s street photography style. While some of them successfully reflect his concepts of capturing the moment, others wasn’t good in this area, making them less visually appealing. Although there are a variety of unposed photos from daily life in this collection, some of them doesn’t have the best composition or strong emotional impact. By emphasizing the harmony between technology and the natural beauty of life in visual storytelling, this contrast invites viewers to consider what makes up a really artistic photograph.

 

 

Green

These are my “green photos,” because they meet the basic requirements for a successful shot. They show traits like composition, freedom, and the decisive moment, all of which are in line with Henri Cartier-Bresson’s approach. Many of these photos also have unique features that make them stand out and improve the way they look. I put some of them in the green category instead of the red one, though, because they don’t have a deeper narrative or evaluative worth. They are highly creative and skilled in technology, yet they lack emotional and logical impact. I can value these pictures while realizing that they fall short of my red photographs in terms of depth because of this difference.

Red

I chose these images as my “red photos” because they are perfectly suited with the photography vision of Henri Cartier-Bresson. As every picture has a deep narrative and evaluative value, it captures the essence of daily life. They also demonstrate a variety of photographic skills, including timing, composition, and light use, that enhance their effect. In addition to capturing essential moments, this combination enables viewers to interact with the images’ hidden narratives, which enhances their artistic and emotional impact. I want to draw attention to the potential of photography as a storytelling and social tool through this selection.

Evaluating

I chose this as a red photo because it clearly conveys the key elements of Henri Cartier-Bresson’s vision with its lively composition and current context. The image shows a moment of movement and pressure, capturing people in the midst of their daily activities and reflecting the spontaneity that Cartier-Bresson valued. Leading lines draw the viewer’s eye into the image, producing a sense of depth and direction. Furthermore, it emphasizes deeper themes about the rush of modern life and the passing away of time, encouraging reflection on the bonds between people in a fast-paced society. This mix of technical ability and emotional connection creates a striking illustration of what photography can accomplish.

I chose this picture as a “red photo” because it clearly depicts a moment of innocence and curiosity, which is in line with Henri Cartier-Bresson’s vision. The composition shows a little kid wandering away from the viewer, giving a sense of wonder as he approaches the pigeons. This method highlights the child’s curiosity about his surroundings, capturing the freedom and emotional depth that Cartier-Bresson enjoyed in street photography. The contrast between light and shadow adds visual mystery, while the child’s lone figure among the birds represents ideas of childhood freedom and exploration.

 


I selected this red image because it shows a young adult and a toy car in contrasting colors, evoking optimistic memory and the meeting point of childhood and adulthood. The picture asks viewers to consider the innocence and happiness of play in childhood in contrast to the responsibilities and challenges of adulthood. Additionally, Steve’s decision to take a picture while seated in the toy car represents the need to save fragile moments as well as the contemporary desire to record events, regardless of how  insignificant they may appear. The blending of the past and present is highlighted by this layering of meanings, which shows that play is an essential part of life for everyone, regardless of age. All things considered, this image wonderfully embodies Cartier-Bresson’s vision and offers a deeper reflection on identity and the human condition.

 

 

 

Artist inspiration

Why is he inspiring?

I am inspired by Henri Cartier-Bresson because he shows the value of preserving unique moments that convey a narrative. I adore how he emphasizes genuine, unguarded moments, inspiring me to see the beauty in ordinary existence. I learn how to take better pictures from his ability to frame them. Above all, his admiration for people and their lives inspires me to use my photography to convey important narratives.

Magnum Photos. (n.d.). Henri Cartier-Bresson. Retrieved , from https://www.magnumphotos.com/photographer/henri-cartier-bresson/
Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved, from https://www.henricartierbresson.org/en/

Six Concept

Decisive moment

The kids movement is highlighted in the composition, highlighting both their expression and the surroundings. The setting and other characters give the story more dimension and provide a glimpse of life in action. This little moment captures a narrative and arouses feelings and interest in what is placing.

 

 

 

tension

I created an immense feeling of tension for the viewer in this picture. I could actually feel the excitement in the air, as the moment stop in the shoting position. The goalie’s composed posture increases the drama of the moment, while the runner’s intense sprint adds to the intensity. I’m eager to see what will happen next because of the thrilling atmosphere created by the players’ interaction with the approaching ball. It captures the excitement of competition and the suspense of the result, capturing a pivotal moment.

 

 

Capture Gestures

I tried to capture the player’s motion as they got ready to kick the ball when I took this picture. In order to highlight their movement and give the picture vitality, I positioned myself at a low angle. I could feel the excitement rising as I watched them wind up because I knew that this was the moment that would capture the spirit of the game. I carefully positioned the image to highlight the player’s foot and direct the viewer’s attention to the action. The gesture took center stage and emphasized the moment’s intensity because the background was chosen to be unobtrusive. It was thrilling to capture the spirit of the sport in a single, impactful picture, freezing this moment of activity.

 

 

Avoid Distractions


the image connects to the idea of “Avoid Distractions”. Although the background is visible, it is blurred and less detailed, which effectively reduces its importance and keeps the viewer’s focus on Ryan. The viewer’s eye is led straight to Ryan because his face and upper body are the areas with the sharpest focus. By connecting with the photographic rule of avoiding distractions, this intentional blurring of the background and strong focus on the subject help to remove any possible distractions and create an original focal point.

 

balance

Ryan is positioned close to the middle of the frame, serving as the main focus point, giving the picture a sense of balance. by having his ground in the setting by the soccer ball at his feet, which stabilizes the lower part of the picture and keeps it from feeling top-heavy. This balance is further supported by the relatively equal distribution of visual components and space on either side of the vertical axis.

 

composition

The idea of centering Ryan, the subject, within the frame serves as a strong compositional cue for the picture and is closely related to  Composition – rule of thirds/centre. By positioning Ryan nearly exactly in the center of the picture, which creates balance and stability rather than following the rule of thirds. This intentional decision further improves the visual balance by highlighting Ryan as the main subject and repeating the image’s overall balance.

Inspiration photographer/map

Henri Cartier-Bresson

what is his style

he mainly uses the idea of the “decisive moment,”  defines his style. He focuses on design and natural light to capture free, fleeting moments of life. His black-and-white images emphasize realism in commonplace situations while frequently revealing profound human feelings and stories. Cartier-Bresson’s work is a fundamental influence in street photography because of his ability to frame subjects in their natural settings.

 

Brain storm

what are some ideas that interest viewers?

-Urban portraits

-Reflection

-Shadow play

-blurriness

-Movement and motion

-Contrast

-Theme(Night)

what is street photography?

I believe the goal of street photography is to capture the spirit of daily life in all different places. It involves looking around and discovering beauty in everyday events, such as people laughing, strolling, or just going about their daily lives. Every picture reveals a different tale, highlighting relationships and feelings that are frequently overlooked. It’s not just about the subjects; it’s also about the street ambiance and the way light and shadow interact. A shared view of the world as it develops is made possible by the way each picture feels like a moment in time.

 

Inspiration

I think hallway is a creative location for street photography. It sums up both the beauty of our school community and everyday life. The cleaners’ skill in cleaning the floors prepares the ground for the vivid scenes that follow normal people’s lives. As the last bell rings, students come from classes in huge numbers; the different kinds of people and the energy are evident as the hallway comes alive. Genuine moments occur throughout this period, such as friends laughing, conversations starting, and distinctive styles being displayed.

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