Tungsten Lighting Piece

     This is a photograph of Zoe D. and Monica L., that was taken using tungsten lighting. Zoe and Monica are the subjects of this piece, though I feel that Zoe is the focal point of this piece. The subjects in this image were shot relatively far away. This art follows the rule of thirds, as the subjects are not in the center, but to the right.This work is figurative, rather than abstract.

     This portrait was taken in front of a white background fabric. I feel that the simple background fits well with this picture, because it allows the viewer to focus on the expressions of Zoe and Monica. Minute details like the art on Zoe's shirt and the texture in her hat help to make this photo more interesting. I feel that the values captured in this photograph are the largest contribution to its success. Zoe is highlighted, though the tones in her hair, face and hat create contrast in her figure. Monica, on the other hand, is cloaked in shadow, and there is little contrast in her figure. I think that the difference in value in Zoe and Monica adds interest to the piece. There are also a fair amount of mid-tones in this image, including that of the background and those in Monica's face. This art was shot in focus intentionally, so that the viewer could see Zoe's and Monica's facial expressions clearly. 

     With this work, I was trying to juxtapose two very different personalities, though they are not necessarily those of Zoe and Monica. The temperament that Zoe is conveying is that of a flamboyant, eccentric. That is why I chose to emphasize Zoe through lighting. The character that Monica is illustrating is more of an introvert. The portrait is neither very dark, nor very light, as I wanted to present the difference in Zoe's and Monica's tones clearly. This image was taken indoors. 

     I feel that this picture is successful, because the lighting and mood were that that I had hoped to achieve.

Extra Credit: Man Ray Reflections

Reflection: Man Ray Photography

Of the work of the photographers on the given list, Man Ray’s photography stood out to me. I chose my favorite Man Ray artworks to examine and reflect on.

    This is a portrait taken by Man Ray of a young woman. I believe that the subject of this piece is the woman, and she was shot relatively close up. This image does not follow the rule of thirds, as the woman’s face is in the center of the photograph. However, there are uniquely shaped constructions around the woman that add interest to the picture. I think that this portrait is abstract, rather than figurative, because though the subject can be identified as a young woman, the constructions around her cannot be defined. A title could not be found for this portrait.
    I feel that this image’s composition helps to add interest, as the sides of the photo are unbalanced. The shapes of the constructions surrounding the woman also help to make this picture more interesting. There is a tremendous amount of contrast in this piece. The constructions stand out against the dark background and the woman’s hair. There are also some mid-tones in the picture, including those in the woman’s lips and eyes. The woman’s lips and eyes also feature highlights. I believe that this image was taken in focus intentionally, to better capture the woman’s striking gaze.
     I speculate that under Dada influence, Man Ray chose to put these shapes in front of the woman and hid the woman’s body to create the opposite of a glamour shot.
    I feel that this artwork is very successful, because of the great use of value, good choice of subject matter and the mood that it conveys.

    I chose a second Man Ray photograph to analyze, shown below.

    This is an image of a house that was taken and distorted by Man Ray. I think that the house is the subject of this piece, and it was shot relatively far away. The picture follows the rule of thirds, because the house is not in the center of the photo, but to the right of it. I believe that the artwork is abstract, rather than figurative. A title could not be found for this photograph.
    I think that this image’s composition is successful, as it follows the rule of thirds and leads the viewer’s eyes around the picture. The shapes of the windows and those of the house and trees add interest to this photo. There are a fair amount of darks, lights, and mid-tones in this piece. There is also contrast, specifically, between the light sky and the dark trees and dark windows.
    I think that through this artwork, Man Ray is, again, under Dada influence, depicting societal norms. This photograph was taken outdoors.
    I feel that this photograph is successful, because of the interesting shapes, and good use of value.

    Looking at Man Ray’s photos, I have found that I appreciate his use of value and shape. These are two things that I can work to improve upon to make my photographs more successful.

Window Light - Film Photo

     This is a portrait of Zoe D., that was taken using only natural light. The subject of this piece; Zoe, was shot relatively close up. This work is figurative, rather than abstract.

     This artwork was taken using a background fabric. I felt that a simple background was needed for this image to allow the viewer to focus completely on Zoe. The shape of and pattern on Zoe's hat make this picture more interesting. I think that the tones in this photograph are well balanced, and as the focus of this project was to make use of natural light, adding more contrast to this piece would be counter-intuitive. This image was shot in focus intentionally to, again, allow the viewer to focus on Zoe. 

     With this photo, I was trying to capture Zoe as she appears everyday, the exception being the Minnie Mouse hat. The image is neither very dark, nor very light, because this project revolved around making using of natural light. This photograph was taken indoors, near a door leading outside, so that we could maneuver the door to use the light to our advantage. 

     I think that this work is successful in documenting Zoe and using natural light. Though, as an artist, there are a few flaws that irk me, for instance, highlights in Zoe's eyes might have really added to this image. Overall, I feel that this piece is successful.