Assignment 2 Formal Analysis

 Formal Analysis of One Picture 

          

            When observing this picture, the first thing that I notice is the shadowing on the walls. The shadows represent the formal element of lines. There are two distinct diagonal lines that run from the top right of the picture to near the bottom left. The shadowing of the window allows for a sense of balance to the photo. Without the shadows from the window, there would be no unique forms of contrast, and it would be just a plain shadow for the sitter. 

The shadows also enhance the composition by adding different shapes. The windows are separated into different units of squares. Towards the left of the photograph, we see the shadowing of these squares onto the wall. These shadows also create a repetition of both lines and squares, which are always interesting components that add more detail to a picture. By examining the shadowing, we can also tell that there is something outside the window, because there are different shadows between the lines from the window. These blotchy areas represent some type of movement outside, in this case, it was the leaves from the trees. 

By looking at the picture, I would say that the content suggests a happy and peaceful expression. The light comes from the side and is directed perfectly on her face. This lighting onto the sitter’s face is one way that form is expressed within this photograph. The sunlight allows the facial features to be seen more clearly, and hence, creates form in the picture. You can notice the light hair, the soft smile, and the overall expression of satisfaction. When you position your subject, so they are side-lit, it adds a greater sense of depth, which I think is another reason why the light is such a beneficial component in this picture. 

In addition to the form of the picture, the picture shows the whole scale of black and white. The shadows, glass, and her body clearly represent the black value to the picture. The women’s face and the spaces on the wall that aren’t shadows do a fine job at creating the white value. Overall, the picture has a well-balanced tonal range, which results in a well composed picture. 

During my critique, many people in my class agreed that this picture was one of my best shots. I was told that I picked good locations to take my pictures and that the library provides many cool shadows. The spectrum light on my roommate is what causes the shadows in the image. One person also commented that she likes how the shadows from the window give the wall a geometric aspect as well. The squares and the diagonal lines give the viewer more to look at then simply just the person. My teacher and classmates also liked my pictures that I took of my friend, Brandon. With the pictures of him, I shot during a time when there was diffused light. It gave the pictures of him a softer look, which provided a more flattering and simple picture. I was overall happy with my portraits, because I was able to work with both spectrum and diffused light. 

Other Two Pictures