The following images are those of which I took accordingly to my statement of intent as mentioned to transmit the feelings of stress and anxiety.

Image 1:

This image shows a white wall as a background, with my mom as the subject in the foreground being partially illuminated by light. In the back, a red light adds depth and layering to the image, blending in with the overall mood of the image and the main subject, a gloomy, oppressing one overall. In the photograph, the viewer’s eyes are immediately drawn to the main subject, guided by the change of intensity of red in the negative space of the background and the rule of thirds composition techniques. As the image’s background remains simple and plain, no distracting elements are including to divert attention of viewers.

The dark environment in which the photo was taken in required higher ISO and lower shutter speeds, which to some extent made shadows very obvious and lighting bright, an interesting contrast between the two. This technique also allowed fainter light to be captured by camera lenses, making exposure just right for the mood of the photo. However, if I could do any modifications, I would make the white light shining on the face more obvious to make the subject distinguishable from the background.

The focal distance of the camera was of 18mm, the widest out of all options. The wider focus allowed the colors of the background to be captured along with the face, making the visual components extend beyond simple photography of the face, but also of the surroundings and how they bring life and mood to the composition. The use of focal lenses itself is reasonable, but I would like the shift the camera perspective to the right to capture the full head of the subject, and maybe further away to show more of the body language and the feelings it transmits as well.

The portrait is made to create a balance between light and dark, a comparison which rather blends in to create a natural looking composition to the eye. The shift in colors is not dramatic and sudden, but rather gradual, with neutral white light between the colors imposing the transition.

Mood and storytelling plays an important role in the image making connections with the audience. The image is overall sad, conveying feelings of stress and anxiousness the model is facing, which many of young adults and students can possible relate to while facing high pressure in careers and studies. It draws a reflection on what society is facing at the moment, whether careers and academics are worth such mental and psychological sacrifices of groups.

Overall, this is my personal favorite photo of the collection, not only because of its visual effects, but also because of how it blends in different elements to maximize and convey an unique atmosphere as mood portrayed by the model, how this links its way to society, posing a reflection and calling for change on this lifestyle.

Image 2:

This second image portrays the model illuminated by red light, sitting as if thinking deeply about something. In the back of the image, red light illuminated the background and a proportion of the model’s face, while light tones of white is applied to a specific region under the women’s arms, making it as if she has lost direction in life, but still hangs on to the remaining hope. In the portrait, the viewer’s eyes are immediately directed to the main subject-the women-and her gaze down, led by the rather calming wallpaper background and intensity of light. After looking at the image for a moment, the viewer also realizes how the face of the model is split into 2 halves-one illuminated by the red light while the other remaining in the dark- a symbol of how societal pressure leads to a brutal reality, one including depression, anxiety, and stress.

The framing of the image is something I would like to improve. The head of the subject neither fits the rule of thirds or center composition techniques, making it awkwardly situated slightly to the left. When looking at the portrait, the shadow on the right hand side of the face may be emphasized more compared to the illuminated side, which is not the purpose of the photograph. I would like to create a balance between the 2 to make a strong contrast and the image more visually stunning, for which I plan to do so by cropping a portion of the background to situate the model’s gaze at the center of the portrait.

Excluding the framing, there aren’t any major distractions in the image which could possible draw attention of the viewer. However, I dislike how the wallpaper of the back doesn’t apply the dramatic effect I wish it to play, with the clouds showing feelings of calmness and relaxation, the opposite of the mood of the subject and lighting effects. For modifications, I would wish to make the background once again negative space (or at least blank) so that the mood and atmosphere is carried along the portrait.

Another major issue I find with the image is the lenses I have used. The image used a 32mm focal length, which I could have increased to exclude some of the background and make the subject more dominant in the composition.

Even though not perfect, the image’s use of color tones makes relatable and creates connections with its audience. As the gist of the set goes, it uses a strong red light to illuminate the subject and surroundings while leaving some shadows to form a contrast, which combined with the hopeless gaze of the model give off emotions of depression and pressure.

Overall, this image is my least favorite of the set, as its composition doesn’t match the atmosphere and visual effects with the rest of the set. For improvements, I will try further editing to fix the problems mentioned above.

Image 3:

This image portraits the same model illuminated by red light, this time, however, with a faint shadow behind her. In this image, the main subject is rather closer to the wall/background compared to the rest of the set, which makes the shadow and adds further depth and thought in the composition. Adding upon, the shadow isn’t purely dark, but a purple tone due to the white flashlight in the behind the scene, sitting just behind the camera.  The gesture of the model suggests a mood of stress and contemplation as well, which also works together with the different color tones and shadows to convey a story of hardship and tough experiences the model is going through, and how they are reflected through such anxiety.

The framing of the image used center composition to place the center point of the image on the model’s hands and eyes. This allows more focus of the viewer to be applied on the main subject, therefore making subject and main theme stand out without introducing further distractions.

The exposure of the image under a dark environment also makes sense and adds upon storytelling components to the image, with it emphasizing the red under high exposure which covers the white flashlight, leaving only the shadows partially impacted. This doesn’t introduce further complexity in usage of lighting, making the image rather straightforward while using a creative technique to apply unique shadows which reveal inner feelings of the model.

The 28mm focal length of the portrait is chosen to reveal negative space while still including the full head of the model under the lenses, which adds narration and makes the composition by balancing the subject and background, giving the image a “breathing space” which doesn’t add anything new but at the same time emphasizes the desired subject.

The balance of this portrait is created through the combination of use of negative space and shadows to set off a mood board for the subject and overall image, while not distracting viewers from the focal point and becoming a distraction. The colors used in this image- red and white- also work together to tell a story and convey the feeling of hopelessness and anxiety of the model while not conflicting with each other-the white blending in inside the red and the shadows.