Project 5 Examples
August Sander - http://www.augustsander.com/ - This portrait of a painter is done in the documentary style. It is meant to artistically depict the individual in the occupation that he performs. The picture is split down the middle; the woman in the painting balances the man painting her. The high contrast of this photo makes the image pop.
Diane Arbus -http://diane-arbus-photography.com/ - This photograph shows a close up of a well-dressed woman. The style of her clothing and the manner in which the picture is taken suggests that it is of the past. The woman is centered in the frame, so it is clearly staged. Yet, her expression and her gaze show no acknowledgment of the camera. The buildings in the background provide this picture with context.
Richard Avedon - http://www.richardavedon.com/ - This is a staged and very stylized portrait. The fact that the frame is still visible in this picture suggests that it was unaltered from the time it was shot. The subject lacks expression, but is acknowledging the camera with his straightforward stare. This photo is shot in somewhat of a documentary style. The man, however, seems to be a stand-in for a variety of subjects.
Alec Soth - http://www.alecsoth.com/ - This is an emotive portrait of a young man. It is shot in color, though the colors are muted and almost the entire background is thrown into shadow. The subject is nicely framed by the window. The glass adds intrigue to the picture because of the visible reflections. The boy seems to be looking at whatever is causing these reflections and is unaware of the camera.
Cindy Sherman - http://www.moma.org/interactives/exhibitions/1997/sherman/index.html - This picture is reminiscent of a movie still. The picture, while clearly staged, indicates that the woman is engaged with her surroundings and unaware of the camera. She is pushed all the way to the side of the photograph which gives the picture an active frame. Though her expression indicates that she is frightened, the fact that the picture is shot from below makes the woman an imposing figure. The brick wall on the opposite side helps to balance the shot.
Tina Barney - http://www.janetbordeninc.com/artists/Barney - This portrait embraces strong color which adds to the emotion evoked by it. The boy is balanced by the picture hanging on the wall next to him. Perhaps, the child with the similar expression is meant to mirror him (or is him). The picture has many strong vertical lines. These, coupled with the ornate carvings on the wall give the context of this picture an aura of grandeur.
