This picture of the staircase illustrates the quietness and loneliness in an urban environment with great strength. I’ve changed the image to black and white to emphasize the feelings and details of the scene. A simple use of colors not only keeps the focus on the shadows but also makes the emotions in the scene feel stronger. The blurred shadow caught by the camera highlights that the figure just walked down the road. It brings to attention how brief moments of solitude can be in a city, surrounded by constant busy life. The unreality and fade from this world resembles solitude in a chaotic society, vanishing again after not much time.

The staircase is used as a metaphor for a person’s journey of personal development. Every foot they take reminds the audience of their own journey and what they must overcome in a city. Spiritual height is portrayed by the fact that the person is not only moving upward, but by what the staircase represents, the image also brings to mind higher thoughts and seeking knowledge.

I highlighted the main character, as well as the space around him, making the scene around the man as important as the figure itself. The shapes the shadows take increase the scene’s complexity, focusing on the isolation experienced during the ascent. The contrast between light and dark surrounds the figure in isolation and at the same time makes the image pleasing. I believe the significance of my theme is clearly presented in this photograph, which makes it stand out in the series. It urges those who see it to rethink their own experiences of being alone and shows how this can mix with city living.

Street Photography Contact Sheet

Above are all the images I have taken for the unit street photography there are 35 photographs in total

Street Photography- Green

Green Light: My “Moments of Solitude in Urban Spaces” series focuses on showing how people feel alone in busy urban scenes. All the photos display individuals alone, focusing on each animal or person’s thoughts against the busy environment. Because I will convert the photos into black and white, I highlight the emotions of my subjects and give viewers the chance to relate to them. Like Henri Cartier-Bresson, I try to capture honest moments that show how beautiful ordinary, gray situations can look. I hope to prompt people to notice how solitary moments appear in cities and to value and admire the calm they create in the bustling cityscape. All in all, my photographs lead to important discussions about human life by focusing on solitude in metropolitan areas. 

Street Photography- Yellow

Yellow Light: I picked these photos as examples of solitude felt in the city. A man is seen walking quietly down a path in contrast to the city’s activity in the first picture. Reflective surfaces in the second snapshot make the city life appear layered, while reflecting on one’s thoughts. The bird flying in the third picture shows freedom and supports the idea that one craves personal space in contrast to the city’s limits shown by the skyline. The scene involving the stairs also makes one think of a personal journey and the occasional feelings of being isolated in a city. The photos as a group capture loneliness, allowing viewers to feel these emotions and think about the importance of these moments in cities.

Street Photography- Red

Red Light: I selected the staircase photo as my main subject and changed it to monochrome to make its feelings more noticeable and to go with my style. I made the shadow blurry around the figure to indicate that he passed nearby and has now moved on. The approach calls attention to the temporary nature of solitude in city environments. If color is removed, people pay more attention to the textures and shapes present in the image. It is clear that the idea of self-discovery runs strongly through this photo, and it fits nicely with my project.

“Moments of Solitude in Urban Spaces”

The photography work I will do at Shine Hills explores solitudinous moments within the active urban setting. I will use black-and-white compositions to illustrate the differences between personal emotions and public urban chaos. The analysis of solitude in this work will enable viewers to understand their methods for achieving private self-examination when surrounded by chaotic urban life.

Through this work, I want viewers to experience deep emotions that lead them toward respected isolated moments, together with the narratives taking place in dreary areas. Similar to Henri Cartier-Bresson’s approach I will look for authentic images showing single people deeply involved in their thinking or tasks by emphasizing their emotions through black-and-white tones. My objective is to construct an imagery collection that records temporary situations in urban areas while developing viewer comprehension about human experiences in cities and inspiring them to see solitude as a core essence in their personal experiences.

The French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson who established himself as the originator of modern street photography received fame for his decisive moment method which involved capturing spontaneous moments when scenes reached their most evocative or visually balanced states. He developed a signature approach based on unscripted documentary photos that showcased poetic precision through his use of a 35mm Leica camera to record real-life moments. Cartier-Bresson attracted viewers through his dynamic approach to street photography by using geometry and rhythm in compositions of urban chaos to construct balanced stories about ordinary scenes. The abstract and dynamic photographs required Cartier-Bresson to use instinctual photography and follow fleeting moments of light and shadow movement while his static photographs revealed architectural forms through careful composition techniques. His fundamental belief centered on photography as the extension of vision and thought because he emphasized both the practice of patience and anonymity as well as genuine emotional authenticity. The themes of universal human experience combined with controlled versus random elements and the beauty in his work shaped the writer’s photography approach through his respect for observation and his belief in subtle compositions and the quest for visual unity in life’s disorder.

Analysis of Henri Cartier-Bresson’s photograph:

Rue Mouffetard, Paris

Through his street photograph: “Rue Mouffetard, Paris” (1954) Henri Cartier-Bresson showcases his skill of finding the “decisive moment” which engages the audience by making us relate to the photo. The photograph shows a youthful boy walking down a brick street road while holding two oversized wine bottles in his hands, between prideful confidence and casual joy. Cartier-Bresson’s distinctive style appears in the framing where diagonal movement from the boy opposes vertical lines of buildings and bottle curves replicate arched architecture to create alignment and contrasts throughout the frame.

The image depends on natural human expressions because the boy’s asymmetrical posture with his half-grin and messy clothing represents purity and strength which Cartier-Bresson portrayed as his humanistic characteristic. The recurring depiction of childhood belongs beyond time and place as the young boy displays universal emotion through his timeless expression despite existing within post-war Parisian streets.

Through this composition Cartier-Bresson creates an artistic abstraction from documentary realism to establish street photography as an art form that transforms everyday scenes into artwork. The image stands strong because it contains only one perfectly composed movement demonstrating personal uniqueness along with collective human qualities.

Photo Gallery

Balance the Harmony

Definition:

Harmony in photography needs you to match the positions of people, objects and the use of light and shadows to ensure everything fits smoothly together. The deliberate positioning prevents one thing from taking up too much space, giving every part its place in the whole piece. Getting the balance right, photographers can direct the viewer around the image, forming a harmonious atmosphere that improves the photo’s meaning or feeling.

Example:

Capture Eye Contact

Definition:

Placing people, objects or light in your picture next to one another in a frame can encourage viewers to connect instantly. This method makes sure that all elements fit well together and all contribute to the overall design. Looking into the camera invites the observer, setting up a quick moment that may highlight a person’s mood or purpose, helping the picture become more expressive.

Example:

Capture Gesture

Definition:

Capturing gesture in photography is about freezing a specific moment of physical movement or body language, whether it’s overt or subtle, to express feelings, tell a story, or convey varying intensities of energy. This technique allows photographers to encapsulate the essence of a moment, often revealing deeper emotional or narrative layers through the actions and postures of their subjects. The result is an image that resonates with viewers, evoking empathy or contemplation.

Example:

The Decisive Moment

Definition:

The decisive moment in photography refers to capturing that special instant when all visual elements—subjects, light, and composition—align perfectly to convey a cohesive and compelling story. This concept emphasizes the importance of timing and intuition, as the photographer must anticipate and seize that fleeting moment when everything comes together harmoniously. The result is an image that not only tells a story but also engages viewers on multiple levels, inviting them to explore the narrative embedded within the frame.

Example:

Perspective and Angles

Definition:

Varying your camera’s angle from high, low or at an angle can capture things differently and adding excitement to a photo. This way it prevents or it can also make some of the story in an image is hidden, making the narrative less clear or imaginative. Using various angles, photographers can encourage a closer look from those who observe the image, adding personal connection to what’s happening.

Example:

Composition: Rule of Thirds / Center

Definition:

The Rule of Thirds tells photographers to arrange objects or focus points either along gridlines or at their points of intersection to add excitement to an image. When we use this approach, our photographs become more engaging and better balanced.

Center: The main figure is placed in the center in a centered composition which adds balance, loneliness or cleanliness to the image.

All these approaches give unique emotional touches and look different, so photographers can capture and communicate their messages differently.

Examples:

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGlUlobaxY/PlF0giSdREIroJAVEM8EwQ/edit?utm_content=DAGlUlobaxY&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

Definition of Street Photography

Among the photography styles street photography requires photographers to document genuine unexpected events that occur in urban spaces including parks and sidewalks together with public thoroughfares. The practice involves randomly holding onto small fragments of life when they present themselves in the form of a child’s laughter in public or a solitary person by a big structure or special light effects on urban surfaces. The key components do not include staged poses or elaborate setups. People who practice street photography seek beauty and emotions along with strangeness within ordinary situations which people often pass by without noticing.

Photo-making consists of observation mixed with rapid decision-making. The photographer waits intently for the perfect instant before pressing the camera button to record when all components harmonize including illumination levels and item placement and human movement. A photograph represents more than a simple record because it reveals the personal vision of the world to viewers. You sense when people on the subway exchange gentle smiles and you become aware of elderly individuals clenching a cup of coffee. Micron sized elements can reveal major human aspects showing people laugh, experience loneliness and continue onwards despite life difficulties.

The best part? It’s real. The camera records authentic moments without any prerehearsed appearances. Just life, messy and honest. A photographer must see extraordinary qualities in normal things such as when rain transforms a dull alley into a reflecting surface or when a bubble drifts above a frowning face to bring out smiles. Within street photography grand landscapes and dramatic poses remain unnecessary. It’s saying, “Hey, look closer. There’s something amazing right here.”

The portrait in “Resilience in Shadows” deeply resonates with my intention to explore the impact of poverty on identity and community. When I see Wontaek appearing lost in thought, it evokes a profound sense of vulnerability that I believe many people can relate to. This feeling of being overwhelmed is something we all experience at different points in our lives, making it easier for viewers to connect with his emotions. The shadows surrounding him symbolize the hidden struggles that often go unnoticed, serving as a stark reminder that even in our darkest moments, there’s a quiet strength that persists beneath the surface.

Wontaek’s body language curled up and seemingly withdrawn, powerfully conveys feelings of despair and hopelessness, which are common experiences for those living in poverty. This posture reinforces the weight of his circumstances and the societal pressures that often accompany such struggles. However, what strikes me most is how the light in the image is focused on him, suggesting that even amid despair, there remains a glimmer of hope. This interplay of light and shadow illustrates the duality of his experience—while he may feel trapped in his current situation, there’s still potential for resilience and change within him.

I hope this image invites viewers to feel empathy and reconsider their perceptions of those living in poverty. It aims to reveal the complexities of their lives, showcasing not just the hardship but also the strength and resilience that exists within these communities. By highlighting Wontaek’s journey, I want to spark a deeper understanding and connection, encouraging conversations around the societal issues that often remain unaddressed. Ultimately, this portrait serves as a powerful reminder that even in the shadows, hope can be found, and that each individual’s story deserves to be heard and valued.

Identity Unit- Contact Sheet

Above are all the images I have taken for the unit identity portrait there are 45 photographs in total

Contact Sheet- Green

In my project, “Resilience in Shadows,” I capture the lived realities of poverty to highlight the dignity and strength within poverty, plight… Portraits here make visible how daily life shows the toughness and determination of those who face pressing societal issues. Using only black and white later on in my final project, I try to express emotion deeply, so viewers can connect to the subjects in the images. Inspired by how Dorothea Lange depicted humanity, I share images that change views about people and build a sense of empathy through their everyday work. I use light and shadow in my pictures to represent the difficulties my subjects went through yet also highlight their strong will. In general, my project helps people understand our shared lives, prompting them to reflect on how we get through hardship with the help of others.

Contact Sheet- Yellow

In my project, “Resilience in Shadows,” I chose these four photos as my “Yellow” for their powerful representation of strength and vulnerability within marginalized communities, specifically individuals. Figuring out who we are in quiet moments is what makes our lives rich, as shown by this first image. In the second picture, the subject is seen alone in an empty spot, showing how taking quiet moments alone can bring wisdom during hard times. The third picture provides a contrast by visualizing an individual working alone, versus in a busy group. This last image has a student inside a small circle which suggests being closeted but also a path to new beginnings. All these photographs unite to tell the story of how people handle tough times, urging others to think about what this means for their growth.

Contact Sheet- Red

I selected this image for its ability to show a person momentarily reflecting on their life and editing in black and white adds depth of feeling in the way Dorothea Lange did. Because of the simple color sequence, viewers pay close attention to the figure’s curve against the background. By choosing this perspective, the background elements are removed, helping viewers notice the person’s feelings and isolation. With no color, the photo’s mood is more intense, helping viewers understand exactly what the subject is going through. Drawing attention to light and shadow, I aim to show both where individuals are physically trapped and how they find a place to think deeply, much like Lange did when highlighting the strength of her subjects. This photograph shows what my project is about, highlighting the honor in pausing and the strength that comes from being honest, following Lange’s tradition of humanistic photography.