I was trying to capture the emotion communicated by this lighting/time of day situation in this photo. I think I did fine at that. There is something peaceful about two people being together at sunset, especially in this setting. I also like how the dark strips of land above and below the lake are roughly the same size, which seems to draw your eye to the space between them and provides additional peaceful balance. Admittedly, this photo feels pretty cliché to me, which I don't like. In the future, if I were to take another similar photo with the same lighting situation, I would try to use different subject matter--perhaps something more subversive, with more obvious conflict.
This photo actually ended up being almost the exact opposite of what I intended. When I took the photo, there was no wind; these weeds were still. I was hoping to communicate their bent stillness, and the idea that trials can outwardly change us and bring us down. However, with this being a still image and not film, it just looks like the weeds are blowing in the wind. I decided to keep it anyway because it still communicates a feeling through its movement and shape. The harsh movement contrasts with the pleasant lighting in an interesting way. Unfortunately, that doesn't necessarily mean it communicates anything particularly specific. This would have been improved if it felt more cohesive and gave a stronger, more specific, sense of tone.
I am very interested in closeups and their effect in film. As such, I wanted to start working on taking photos of people's faces. The face in this photo definitely communicates an emotion, which is what I was going for. However, the framing isn't great and not much other information is communicated. The setting is nonspecific and doesn't give a very powerful tonal feel. You can't see any other important information, so it's hard tell what narratively would be going on in this instance. In the future, I would try to get a photo with more external information.
Jeff,
ReplyDeleteYour first photo is definitely my favorite. Even though you find it to be a bit cliche, which it might; it's hard to beat a beautiful sunset to express emotion. We don't even have to know the couple and you have given us a feeling to associate with them due to the gorgeous, warm and inviting colors. You mentioned next time you would think about using a different subject matter to pull some more obvious conflict. I don't think you always need "obvious conflict." Maybe what this picture needs a new angle or a different perspective on the scene.
It was interesting what you said about your second photo: how you were going for something completely different, but ended up with something else. I think that is one of the coolest things about filmmaking and photography in general because even if we don't get what we expect, we can get things that speak to us in a different, maybe even better way. I like that you kept your imagination open and still used the photo for this assignment.
I agree with what you said for your third photo. It would be better with some "external information" because the bush and poles don't give us much to better understand the character or situation. The way its framed right now doesn't give me a whole lot of drive to look at the subject you wanted. Also, I found the angle on the face to be very unique. It wasn't straight on, or a profile; kind of in the middle.
Nice work.