Joel Sternfield

Joel Sternfield

Sternfield was born June 30th 1994, he is a fine-art colour photographer, he is known for his large-format documentary pictures of the United States and helping establish colour photography as a respected artistic medium. Sternfeld earned a BA from Dartmouth College and he now teaches photography at Sarah Lawrence College in New York. He began taking colour photographs in 1970 after learning the colour theory of Johannes Itten and Josef Albers. Colour is now an important element of his photographs.

Representation of relationships

The relationship I can see in this image too me would have to be the relationship between nature and man. this is because the nature in this image has adapted itself to grow where man once built something.

Formal Elements

The formal elements in this image are lines, there are a lot of lines in this image as the image is facing a train track and also buildings. Another element would be shape this is due to the shapes in the windows and the plants as they are creating shapes. The colour element in this image is involved but are dull colours. Texture is also involved in this image as you can see the texture of the rocks and the buildings.

Compositional Elements 

Leading lines is a big part in this image as its the first thing you see, it keeps your eyes interested, the leading lines in this image are straight down the middle, the depth of this image is a deep depth as everything is in focus.

Critique

The critique I would give this image is that I do not like the colours but  feel like it fits the relationship as it show the nature has been growing there for a while over taking what was once created by man. I feel if the image was taken at a different angle then you could of had more or just leading lines, maybe a rule of third.

Representation of relationships

The relationship I can see in this image I would say is the relationship between man and land, I would say this because the what looks like the dam is clearly a man made object in what looks like a desert of some sort.

Formal Elements

The formal elements used in this image would be ones such as lines, the lines on this image are on the floor, the wall and even the hills in the background. Another element in this image would be texture, though you can not see it fully the hills in the background have a texture on them. Colour has a part in this image also.

Compositional Elements

The compositional elements used in this image are ones such as a hint of leading lines, that being the road where the yellow line is. Another elements used would be depth, this is because the depth of field in this image would be a deep depth this is because the background is still clear.

Critique

The critique I would give this image would be that though the image is a good image I'm not too sure on the relationship of the image.

Representation of relationships

The relationship I can see in this image would be the relationship of man and land, this is though it is not a man made thing, the path as been created by shaping the land and nature into that position.

Formal Elements

The formal elements used in this image would be lines, this is because there are multiple lines in sight in this image, such as the trees, the road and the horizon. Another element would be because there has been rain, the puddles have created shapes on the floor, there are also shapes between the trees. Another element would be texture, this is because of the grass and trees both have texture on them.

Compositional Elements

The compositional element of leading lines would be part of this picture, this is due to the path being a leading line. Another one would be the depth, the depth of field in this image is a deep depth, this is because you can see the background as well as the foreground.

Critique

This image is a good image, I like the image I would only critique I would give would be to have the path more to the centre of the image. 

Tina Barney

Tina Barney

Born in 1945 in New York, Tina Barney was born into a wealthy upper class family. Her grandfather was the one who introduced her into the world of photography when she was a young girl, but it wasn't until the mid 1970's that Barney started to work with photography. Barney focused on candid snapshots of her well-to-do family and relatives with decorative backgrounds, she used a 35mm camera. In the 1980's Barney became one of the first photographers to work in an "directional style" and swapped her 35mm for a large-format camera, the directions she used ranged from posing her subjects thier living environment to requesting that her subjects repeat a certain unplanned gesture.For almost thirty years, Tina Barney has realistically showcased the human condition through the eyes of the social elite, and has been described as a Diane Arbus of the rich. 

Representation of relationships

The relationship in this image would be the relationship between family, this is because this image is of a family standing together.

Formal Elements

The formal elements in this image I can see are colour, this is due to the amount colour being used in this image, on clothing, the walls and on the couch. Another element used would be pattern which is used a lot within the three females at the front, the two at the back do not have a pattern on though the pillow on the right side has a pattern on too. Line is also used in this image, there are a lot of lines on things such as the floor and the back wall.

Compositional Elements

The compositional elements used in this image would be triangles, this is to stop your eyes wandering out of the image and getting bored. Another element would be depth of field, the depth in this image would be a deep depth as you can clearly see the people in the background, with a shallow depth they would be out of focus.

Critique

The critique I would give this image would be that though the relationship is clear its not an interesting one, and if it is a different relationship I can not tell which one it is showing so I would think it would be stronger image if the relationship was stronger.

Representation of relationships

The relationship I can see in this image would be a relationship between from what I can see to be siblings, this would be sibling relationship.

Formal Elements

The formal elements I see in this image would be line, this would be where the cushions of the couch and chair are white and the lines on the picture on the back wall and also the door. Another element I can see would be shape, again this comes from the cushions in the image and the lamp. The formal element colour plays a big part in this image as though there is little variety of colours there is a large amount of blue in and white in this image with a little pink and black. The formal element of pattern plays a big part in this image as most of the image is covered in the same pattern.

Compositional Elements

The compositional elements in this image would be those such as the depth of field, the depth in this image is a deep depth as everything in the image is in focus.

Critique

The critique I would give this image would be that is lacks in compositional elements, I feel that if it has more elements that the image would be a stronger image.

Representation of relationships 

This image I would say shows the relationship between family, I believe this image shows this as the picture looks like a typical family day sitting round the table doing your own thing.

Formal Elements

The formal elements of this image would be things such as line, the lines in this image are everywhere, for example, they are on the chairs, on the wall, on the floor and on the table. Another would be pattern, there are a few examples of pattern, one being on the wall and one being on the floor, there are also two examples of pattern on the woman standing and the guy who is sitting, they both have patterns on their t shirt. Shape plays a part in this image too as both image as almost everything and everyone in this image create shapes.

Compositional Elements

The compositional elements used in this image would be viewpoint, this is because the photo is not a staged photo where the family have been told what to do and where to stand, the view point looks like a viewpoint of somebody in the family. Another element would be the depth, the depth of this image is a deep depth as everything is in focus.

Critique

I would not give this image much critique as I like how it shows what family is really like and not a fake image of it.

Naomi Harris

Research into Naomi Harris

Naomi Harris, born May 26, 1973 in Toronto, Canada is a Canadian photographer who moved to New York after completing her Bachelor in Fine Arts from York University, Toronto, there she received her photographic training at New York’s International Center of Photography. In 1999 she moved to Miami Beach where she began her first personal project "Haddon Hall Hotel"  documenting the last hotel in South Beach that catered senior citizens, this project received "The International Prize for Young Photojournalism" in 2001. Harris eventually moved back to New York in 2002 there she began researching the lifestyle and did her first swinger shoot in 2003 in Black River Falls, WI. 

Representation of relationships

The relationship I see in this image is of the sun and people, I'm not to sure what the relationship is exactly but that is what I would say I see. 

Formal Elements 

The formal elements used in this image are ones such as colour, this is due to the colours being very vibrant and there are a generous amount of different colours. Another element used in this image would be subject as the main subject is at the front and most of the image is of her.

Compositional Elements 

The compositional elements used in this image would be a limited amount but rule of thirds has a small part, that being of the women not being in the centre be slightly to the left and right of the image. Another would be triangles, this is to help keep your eyes in the image and not wandering out. Another element used in this image would be pattern, this is shown on the woman on the left side, she is wearing a patterned skirt and top and also on the main woman of the image she is wearing a patterned cardigan. 

Critique

The critique I would give this image would be to make it more interesting, try a different viewpoint and more stronger compositional elements.

Representation of relationships

I'm not 100% sure on the relationship of this image but I feel like re enactment is involved so I would say the relationship would have to be between men and re enactments. 

Formal Elements 

The formal elements used in this image would be texture, as you can see the texture of some of their clothing and hats. Another element used would be colour as they stand out against the light sky with their bright brown clothing. 

Compositional Elements 

The compositional element depth of field is used in this image and it has a shallow depth as what you can see of the background is blurred and out of focus. There are a limited amount of compositional elements used in this image.

Critique

I would critique this image in the sense that there are not that many elements used in the image, I would of been more interested if there were more elements.

Representation of relationships

The relationship in this image seems like a relationship between lovers but if you look closer its a relationship between mother and daughter.

Formal Elements

The formal elements I can see in this image are colour, this is because the colours are blue and white which gives of the ocean impression or a relaxing feeling. Shape has a big effect in this image as there are shapes everywhere in this image, in the painting, the bed is the shape of an igloo. Another element would be texture, that is because there is an obvious show of texture on the bed.

Compositional Elements

The compositional elements I can see in this image would be pattern, this is because there is an obvious pattern on the floor from the carpet, this is an eye catching pattern which makes the image more interesting. Another element would be rule of thirds, this is because the bed is to the right slightly. 

Critique

I like this image as it looks natural, like they are just in bed maybe watching tv, enjoying a nice mother and daughter time.

Jim Goldberg

Research into Jim Goldberg

Background

Jim Goldberg was born in 1953 in New Haven, Goldberg now lives in San Francisco and he is an American photographer and writer. Goldberg is best known for his photographic books, multi-media exhibits, and video installations.

Ideas

Goldberg's ideas were not exactly family but life he has collections such as Rich and Poor in 1985, Nursing Home, Raised by Wolves in 1995, Hospice, and Open See in 2009 all of these being the focus on people and living.

Representation of relationships

I feel like this picture shows the relationship between what looks like friends, the comment beneath the image says otherwise though, they were in fact not friends they've never spoke to each other but the way the image is, is made out to look like they are friends, with the comment involved I would say that this image is the relationship between acquaintances.

Formal Elements 

The formal elements used in this image would be line due to the amount of lines that help to keep you interested, another element would be the colour as it is black and white, this is due to a change of colour or due to the camera being old.

Compositional Elements 

The compositional elements in this image are one such as depth, which from what I can see is a deep depth so everything is in focus. Another element would be the viewpoint, which is at eye level of the men.

Critique

This image I would critique in the sense that not many compositional and formal elements used,  I feel as though if the photographer used more elements the photograph would of been stronger.

Representation of relationships

I feel that this image shows the relationship between poverty and children, this is due to the text being about the boy wanting people to give him money but they wont.

Formal Elements 

The formal elements used in this image are pattern as the wall paper is a floral pattern, another element would be lines and shape due to the line where the wall ends and the next begins and how the boy is in darker clothing to the wall so stands out more as a shape. Colour is also used in this image as the photographer used black and white, rather that or the camera was old.

Compositional Elements 

The compositional elements used in this image are depth, this is because the depth of filed is a deep depth to show focus on more of the image. The viewpoint of this image is eye level to the boy on the bed.

Critique

The critique I would give this image would be to used more compositional element so the photographer could of gotten more of a reaction from the audience without the text having to be used.

Representation of relationships

The relationship this image shows is a relationship between the two men in the image.

Formal Elements 

The formal elements used in this image would be shape as there is almost a dark outline around the men in the picture making it seem more like a shape. Another formal element used would be line, this would be the line where the walls meet and also the line of what looks like a bed or couch where that touches the wall.

Compositional Elements 

The compositional elements used in this image are patten, this is on the blanket on the bed/ couch, another element would be triangles as there are some in the gaps of the guy in the fronts arm.

Critique

The critique I would give this image would be the same as the others, there are not a lot of elements used that are compositional or formal elements.

Hans-Christian Schink

Hans-Christian Schink

Hans-Christian Schink was born in 1961 in Erfurt, Germany. His father was a teacher in a university of Art and Art history. Schink studied photography at the Leipzig Academy of Visual Arts from 1986 to 1991. From then till 1993 he was a master student in the Academy. His main ideas came from transportation which is man made like the image bellow.

Representation of relationships

The relationship I can see in this image would be the relationship between man and land, this is because the bridge is a man made object made to help man move around, this bridge that was made would of had to had the land beneath destroyed to have it built.

Formal Elements

The formal elements used lines this is due to the numerous amount of lines involved in this image, another element used in this image would be shape, this is due to the amount of shapes involved in this image. I would say colour would play a part in this image also. If you look to the top of the bridge you can see the texture of the concrete

Compositional Elements

The compositional element of leading lines has a part in this image as the bridge creates a place for your eyes to follow, pattern also has a part as if you look closely the bridge has a pattern from the texture.

Critique

This image a good image, I would only criticize that it lacks in element, I feel like the image would be stronger if it had more elements used.

Representation of relationship

Similar to the above image the relationship in this image would be of man and land, again this is due to column being from a bridge maybe.

Formal Elements

The formal elements used in this image are ones such as line this is due to the lines used in this image, shape is also used in this image, this is because of the shape of the column and the shape that the side gaps have created. The element of texture is also used, this is on the column itself. 

Compositional Elements

The compositional elements used in this image are ones such as leading lines, the leading lines have been used in this image on the column, there is also a small amount of symmetry used in this image where the hill like thing is behind the column. Another element used in this image is pattern, the pattern is on the column if you look close enough there are lines going up.

Critique

The image is a strong image, I would of liked it better if the top of the columns where it joins the bridge was not visible.

Representation of relationships

The relationship in this image is the same as the images above, this is because the relationship is of man and land.

Formal Elements

The elements used in this image are very similar to the other images, this image has lines, they are on the columns and the bridge itself but also on the floor. There is also shapes involved in this image, this is again on the columns and the spaces to the side and in between. Texture is also used in this image again on the columns.

Compositional Elements

The compositional elements in this image similar to the formal elements are similar to the other images they are ones such as leading lines, pattern and also symmetry.

Critique

This image is a nice image, but what would make it stronger would be if the centre of the columns were lines up down the middle. 

David Spero

Research into David Spero

Background

Spero was born in London in 1963, he studied photography at the Royal College Of Art, since then he has worked or numerous interconnected photography projects, his work is featured in Victoria & Albert Museum and the British Council.

Ideas

I think Spero had ideas from what was in front of him, he photographed nature and settlements, he also captured churches in his churches project. He worked with the things in front of him that were out of the ordinary or what you would not expect.

Representation of relationships

I feel this image shows the relationship between man and nature, you would have to word it that way as to say the relationship between nature and man I would say would be how nature has adapted to man made things and to say man and nature would be how man has adapted to work with nature.

Formal Elements

The formal elements show in this image would be colour, the colours within are very natural and calming, this may be the effect intended by who lives there, to make it seem less like it was made by man and to have it blend in within the forest. Another element used would be lines due to how the trees are and also shape.

Compositional Elements

The compositional elements used in this image would be texture, which you can see on the floor and on the top of the home. Another one used would be the depth of field, the depth of field used would be a deep depth which focuses on more things within the image, I think this was used to show where this home is and how it is.

Critique

I like this image and how it shows how some people like to live, I think the only thing I would of changed would be the angle, I would of preferred if there was not a tree right in front, the photographer could of moved round more to make the image stronger.   

Representation of relationships

This image also represents the relationship between man and nature, but unlike the other image the home within this image looks like its more adapted to nature and uses more of its sources to use for a place to live.

Formal Elements

The formal elements in this image would be colour, which help to calm the viewer as they are not too bright and out there. Another element would be lines, this is due to the huge amount of trees in this image the lines keep it interesting and with the shapes involved it also helps to keep it interesting.

Compositional Elements 

The compositional elements involved in this image would be texture, this is from the top of the home and from the bushes in front, the depth of this image would be a deep depth as you can see the full image clearly. Finally even though the trees do not create a symmetrical pattern, they do create one.

Critique

This image as a whole I personally like, this is because I like how the house is almost camouflaged within the trees. I would of liked it better if you cold see closer to see the house in more detail.  

Formal Elements

The use of the formal element of colour is used well in this image as they are all natural colours, especially with all the brown and that they are not vibrant colours, they are dull which makes it seem calming. Line and shape are used well in this image as they both have a lot of each and they both help to keep the interest within the image.

Compositional Elements

The use of triangles is used in this image to help keep your eyes in the image and not wander out or get bored. The depth of field is a deep depth to show more of the image, there is also a hint of rule of thirds within this image where the table is to the left of the image.

Critique

This image I like due to it showing how other people like to live, but I feel like it is a bit messy so would of benefited from a more shallow depth of field to help your eyes focus on the table more.

Elinor Carucci

Research into Elinor Carucci

Background

Carucci was born June 1971 in Israel, the Israeli-American photographer was born in Jerusalem  where she served in the Israeli Army for two years from 1989–1991. She now lives and works in New York with her husband and two children.

Ideas

I think Carucci's ideas came from home life and family as her work is very family oriented, she had a monograph call "Mother" where she included intimate image. She has numerous works such as; Closer, Mother, Diary of a Dancer, Pain, Crisis and Comfort which was the second addition to Closer.

Representation of relationship

I feel this image shows the relationship of mother and daughter, it shows the love and special bond mothers have with their children, it is a very intimate image as both of them appear to be in the nude, which is almost as if they have nothing to hide from nature or each other, they want to be free and do as they please, its almost as if the mother is teaching the child to be free.

Formal Elements 

Within this image I can see formal elements such as colour, the colours go well with each other, most of them looking more or less the same but the green makes the colours stand out more. Another element would be lines as the main line in this image would be the water running through the image which helps to split the image which makes it stand out more. I would say form is shown in this image as the only thing in focus is the mother and daughter.

Compositional Elements

The compositional elements in this image would be depth of field, the depth of this image is a shallow one to focus on the main thing, that being the mother and daughter. It seems as if the element crop was used in this image to get closer to the main thing in the image, the viewpoint of this image is important as its not just from the edge of somewhere it seems like the photographer has gotten into the water to capture this image.

Critique

I like this image because of the intimacy and the mother and daughter relationship shown, but I would change it to make the subjects more to the left or right of the image to show rule of thirds.

Representation of relationships

I think this image shows the relationship between partners, or between husband and wife, they seem to care for each other this image shows this because of the way she touches his face.

Formal Elements

The elements used in this image would be texture, as because this is a close up you can see the texture of the subjects faces. Another formal elements would be shape, not a lot of it but enough, for example her nails, his eyes her face, these are all examples of shape within this image. The lighting in this image is very bright and clean looking, this makes you think, with the light and his eyes, are they in love? He could be sad, something could be wrong, they may be in a hospital and he may be ill so the woman is holding him for the last time.

Compositional Elements 

The compositional elements used in this image viewpoint as the photographer got close to their faces to create a more intimate image. The depth of field in this image is a shallow depth as you start to lose some focus on the woman so the focus is more on the man.

Critique

This image is a really intimate image which has multiple possible stories behind everything in the image and that is why I like this image a lot because of the interest of what and why.

Representation of relationships

The relationship this image would be like the first image, it is a relationship between mother and daughter.

Formal Elements

In this image the formal elements are colour as the colours are are dull apart from the red plate which is a big focus in the image. Shape is also involved in this image as the plate is a good shape. Texture is also an element in this image as you can see the texture of the arms of the chair.

Compositional Elements

The compositional elements in this image include depth of field which is a shallow depth to show focus only on the subject. The element pattern is used in this image as the chair has a pattern on the arms of it.

Critique

The only critique I would give this image would be the angle, I feel it would benefit from a more eye to eye level angle.

Ed Ruscha

Ed Ruscha research

Background

 Omaha, Nebraska in 1937 and studied painting, photography, and graphic design at the Chouinard Art Institute. In 1956 he moved to Los Angeles to stud at  Chouinard Art Institute with the intent to become a commercial artist. In the 1960's he was recognised for the Pop Art movement in 1967 he received an award in painting from the National Council on the Arts, Washington, DC.

Influences

Ruschas influences though not many were quite big, they were Marcel Duchamp, Pop art, and the movies. He was alos heavily influenced by the city of Los Angeles and by his initial interest in graphic arts, working with text and urban/ Western landscapes into his work.

Ideas

 Ruscha's idead came from the every day life he used things such as fruit and vegetable juices, blood, gunpowder, and grass stains, which was used in his "Stain" series. In the 1980s, his style became more mystical, as he worked with rays of light, constellations.

Representation of relationships

I feel like the relationship in this image would have to be the relationship between man and land, this is due to the fact that the land would of had to been destroyed for the gas station to be built, it shows that man has the power to destroy or help land but choose to help themselves.

Formal Elements

The elements used in this image are lines, everything is straight, this helps to keep your eyes in the frame, though the image is in black and white the use of colour as an element still works as black and white are still colours. Shapes also play a part within this image as they help to keep your eyes interested.

Compositional Elements

The compositional elements used in this image are triangles which help to keep your eyes inside the frame, another one would be symmetry, this is because the way the gas station roof tilts downwards but this is also in the middle of the image which is where the station itself is, on each side of the gas station are those tower like things which helps to create the symmetry of the image. The depth of field in this image is a deep depth as everything is in focus.

Critique

The critique I would give this image would be to get closer or to crop the image as the road that curves round the front is distracting and I personally think a closer crop will make the image more interesting as you will be able to see the gas station clearer and closer.

Representation of relationships

I think the relationship with this image will be the same as the above one, the relationship between man and land, as the station would of had to be built on what was a field previously which would of destroyed the land.

Formal Elements

The formal elements in this image would include the following; shape as the sky is dark so the shapes of the signs stand out with the light, another element would be lines, the lines of the silhouettes of the posts and signs from the station add to the mystery effect as you are not entirely sure what is going on in the image. The tone used in this image consists of black and white, a very bright white and a very dark black.

Compositional Elements

The compositional elements in this image would be rule of thirds to some degree, the only thing that would stop that would have to be the fact that the station is in the centre but there are elements of the rule of thirds. Another element would be viewpoint as the view point is pretty far away but is also the view point of a passer by or a person pulling into the station. The back and foreground are easy to distinguish within this image due to the dark sky and lit up station.

Critique

The critique I would give this image would be how the light of the station blurs out the station itself, I

 think the photographer could of gotten closer or extended the exposure to get a clearer picture as the light is just a blur. I would suggest to take this image in the daylight for a clearer and better picture. 

Representation of relationships

This image just like most images in this collection of Ed Ruscha's work is a relationship between man and land, this shows how man has the ability and power to destroy the land or their own goals.

Formal Elements

This image has formal elements such as shape, this is due to the signs and also this works with lines as there are lines everywhere in this image. Another formal element would be the depth of the image as everything is in focus so the depth must a deep depth. The colour of this image is black and white, this may be the film or an edit of the image.

Compositional Elements

The compositional elements in this image are rule of thirds, though it is not as obvious as other images the slight to the left and right of the things in the image make it easy to spot. Another element would be the view point which is in line with the things in the image and almost as if it is a passer by.

Critique

The critique I would give this image would be to make the rule of third more obvious to make the image stronger, other than that I like this image.