Raffaluce
The title of this photograph is ‘Pointe Shoe 2’ – taken by the photographer Raffaluce. This photograph was taken on the 5th January 2012.
Firstly, I believe the subject matter is the texture captured within the pointe shoe. Within the foreground, I can see the sharp texture on the tip of the shoe; it is in crisp focus due to the fast shutter speed. Whereas, in the middle ground, I can see the out of focus bottom of the pointe shoe; this is also created by the fast shutter speed, since it is only focussing on the tip of the shoe. Finally, in the background, there is little to see, as it is greatly out of focus. However, it does consist of a wooden platform/table to sit the pointe shoe (subject matter) on. Overall, the most important part of the photograph is the crisp, sharp focus that the camera has created. This is due to the fact that it really focusses on the texture (subject matter) of the pointe shoe – creating a very effective image. Furthermore, I can deduce that this image was taken in a studio, since there is a wooden table/platform in the background that seems to be a piece of indoor furniture. However, this photograph is staged, due to the fact that the pointe ribbons are arranged (manipulated) to wrap around the shoe, creating interesting shapes and also patterns within the image. On the other hand, it could be a real event because the original frame of the shoe has not been altered or manipulated to look a particular way.
Overall, I think natural light has been used; this is due to the fact that the light is coming in at an angle (suggesting it may be the sun), as well as the fact that the light is very bright, rather than tinted (similar to an artificial light). Thus, the light source is at quite a high level, coming in from an angle towards the left – in front of the camera lens. I can decipher this because the shadow created by the point shoe is at the front of the frame, meaning the light must be coming in from the back of the frame. All in all, I believe the light affects the subject matter, since it is directed straight onto the tip of the pointe shoe. As a result, the pattern and texture (subject matter) on the tip of the pointe shoe is really enhanced by the bright light. Furthermore, I would describe the depth of field as quite small. This is due to the fact that 80% of the photograph is out of focus, with only a tiny section in the centre in crisp focus. Therefore, this crisp focus was created by a fast shutter speed; fast shutter speeds allow the camera to capture a section of the subject matter in focus. Finally, I believe this image has been manipulated in photo shop, since the colours are in black and white – creating a very moody effect.
The photographer’s way in which he captured the texture and also patterns within the pointe shoe is what really attracted me to this image. Thus, I really like this photograph, since these patterns create interesting textures – really enhancing the subject matter. Overall, the black and white edits within the image add an almost moody appearance, causing me to feel quite sincere regarding the photograph. Due to the fact that the image is very stripped down, with very little photo manipulation, I believe the photographer is trying to convey the message that even the simplest of objects can appear beautiful. As a result, the way in which the photographer captured the texture and also patterns within the pointe shoe will influence my photography, since I will attempt to obtain a crisp, in focus shot of the objects I will photograph – with a fast shutter speed. Additionally, I will attempt to use a range of angles/levels when photographing, in order to obtain a variety of perspectives to the subject matter…creating an interesting composition.
Firstly, I believe the subject matter is the texture captured within the pointe shoe. Within the foreground, I can see the sharp texture on the tip of the shoe; it is in crisp focus due to the fast shutter speed. Whereas, in the middle ground, I can see the out of focus bottom of the pointe shoe; this is also created by the fast shutter speed, since it is only focussing on the tip of the shoe. Finally, in the background, there is little to see, as it is greatly out of focus. However, it does consist of a wooden platform/table to sit the pointe shoe (subject matter) on. Overall, the most important part of the photograph is the crisp, sharp focus that the camera has created. This is due to the fact that it really focusses on the texture (subject matter) of the pointe shoe – creating a very effective image. Furthermore, I can deduce that this image was taken in a studio, since there is a wooden table/platform in the background that seems to be a piece of indoor furniture. However, this photograph is staged, due to the fact that the pointe ribbons are arranged (manipulated) to wrap around the shoe, creating interesting shapes and also patterns within the image. On the other hand, it could be a real event because the original frame of the shoe has not been altered or manipulated to look a particular way.
Overall, I think natural light has been used; this is due to the fact that the light is coming in at an angle (suggesting it may be the sun), as well as the fact that the light is very bright, rather than tinted (similar to an artificial light). Thus, the light source is at quite a high level, coming in from an angle towards the left – in front of the camera lens. I can decipher this because the shadow created by the point shoe is at the front of the frame, meaning the light must be coming in from the back of the frame. All in all, I believe the light affects the subject matter, since it is directed straight onto the tip of the pointe shoe. As a result, the pattern and texture (subject matter) on the tip of the pointe shoe is really enhanced by the bright light. Furthermore, I would describe the depth of field as quite small. This is due to the fact that 80% of the photograph is out of focus, with only a tiny section in the centre in crisp focus. Therefore, this crisp focus was created by a fast shutter speed; fast shutter speeds allow the camera to capture a section of the subject matter in focus. Finally, I believe this image has been manipulated in photo shop, since the colours are in black and white – creating a very moody effect.
The photographer’s way in which he captured the texture and also patterns within the pointe shoe is what really attracted me to this image. Thus, I really like this photograph, since these patterns create interesting textures – really enhancing the subject matter. Overall, the black and white edits within the image add an almost moody appearance, causing me to feel quite sincere regarding the photograph. Due to the fact that the image is very stripped down, with very little photo manipulation, I believe the photographer is trying to convey the message that even the simplest of objects can appear beautiful. As a result, the way in which the photographer captured the texture and also patterns within the pointe shoe will influence my photography, since I will attempt to obtain a crisp, in focus shot of the objects I will photograph – with a fast shutter speed. Additionally, I will attempt to use a range of angles/levels when photographing, in order to obtain a variety of perspectives to the subject matter…creating an interesting composition.
Rachel imrie
The name of this image is unknown; however the name of the photographer is Rachael Imrie. It is a modern day photograph.
I believe the subject matter of this photograph is the subtle contrast between light and shade. Within the foreground, I can see one tap shoe (which is particularly in focus); whereas in the middle ground, there are several more tap shoes alongside the light reflecting off the floor. Finally, there is very little background which is not visible – it is a very dark black. The connection between the foreground and background is that the background contains the darker tones, whilst the foreground mainly contains the lighter tones (this contributes to the subject matter). Furthermore, I believe the most important thing within this image is the subject matter (the subtle contrast between light and shade); this is created by studio lighting pointing directly on the taps. As a result, I think this photograph was taken in a studio, as there is very little surrounding light – but the little light that is apparent, is shone onto one specific point (as if it’s been manipulated by a studio light). Due to the fact that the lighting is in a studio, I believe this image is partly staged, since the lighting has been manipulated to direct a certain point. However, there are feet (wearing the tap shoes) that are bunched up together in a very unorderly fashion, suggesting that it is partly real, as they have not been arranged into specific patterns.
Consequently, I believe artificial light was used, since it was clearly taken within a studio – the light directly pointed in the direction of the tap shoes. I think it was coming in from a high angle, in front of the tap shoes. In my opinion, I think Imrie decided to do this, due to the fact that it shines straight onto the taps, creating the contrast between light and shade compared to the rest of the frame. Thus, I believe this light source affects the subject matter, since it really enhances the light on the taps, compared to the darkness within the room. Overall, I would describe the depth of field as quite large, as the majority of the photograph is in focus, with very little (for example: the background) out of focus. Furthermore, I think the fast shutter speed adds to the effect of a clear focus within the image – it really captures every aspect of detail on the tap shoes. Finally, I think the photograph has been manipulated slightly through both photo shop, as well as mixed media. This is due to the fact that the tiny details of texture and pattern are really visible and clear within the focus; as a result, these pieces of detail may have been scratched into using a knife. Additionally, the brightness and contrast may also have been manipulated within photo shop to assist the lighting, since there’s a clear contrast between light and shade.
The feature that really attracted me to this photograph was the smallest of details (such as the texture and patterns) – these may have been enhanced by mixed media. Overall, it really enhances the image! I really like this photograph, due to the fact that the contrast between light and shade (subject matter) adds a serene atmosphere, which I really feel is stunning. As a result, it makes me feel very calm, as the colours are quite neutral – there’s nothing particularly bright/bold. As I mentioned previously, I believe Rachael Imrie used the very neutral light and shade colours to add a tranquil mood to the image. Furthermore, I think she is attempting to convey the message that dance can appear very serene and also stunning – it’s not just a vibrant mess of colours. Finally, this piece will be influential to my own work in that they will inspire me to use a variety of different angles, as well as a variety of different light intensities to create a vivid contrast between light and shade within my photography.
I believe the subject matter of this photograph is the subtle contrast between light and shade. Within the foreground, I can see one tap shoe (which is particularly in focus); whereas in the middle ground, there are several more tap shoes alongside the light reflecting off the floor. Finally, there is very little background which is not visible – it is a very dark black. The connection between the foreground and background is that the background contains the darker tones, whilst the foreground mainly contains the lighter tones (this contributes to the subject matter). Furthermore, I believe the most important thing within this image is the subject matter (the subtle contrast between light and shade); this is created by studio lighting pointing directly on the taps. As a result, I think this photograph was taken in a studio, as there is very little surrounding light – but the little light that is apparent, is shone onto one specific point (as if it’s been manipulated by a studio light). Due to the fact that the lighting is in a studio, I believe this image is partly staged, since the lighting has been manipulated to direct a certain point. However, there are feet (wearing the tap shoes) that are bunched up together in a very unorderly fashion, suggesting that it is partly real, as they have not been arranged into specific patterns.
Consequently, I believe artificial light was used, since it was clearly taken within a studio – the light directly pointed in the direction of the tap shoes. I think it was coming in from a high angle, in front of the tap shoes. In my opinion, I think Imrie decided to do this, due to the fact that it shines straight onto the taps, creating the contrast between light and shade compared to the rest of the frame. Thus, I believe this light source affects the subject matter, since it really enhances the light on the taps, compared to the darkness within the room. Overall, I would describe the depth of field as quite large, as the majority of the photograph is in focus, with very little (for example: the background) out of focus. Furthermore, I think the fast shutter speed adds to the effect of a clear focus within the image – it really captures every aspect of detail on the tap shoes. Finally, I think the photograph has been manipulated slightly through both photo shop, as well as mixed media. This is due to the fact that the tiny details of texture and pattern are really visible and clear within the focus; as a result, these pieces of detail may have been scratched into using a knife. Additionally, the brightness and contrast may also have been manipulated within photo shop to assist the lighting, since there’s a clear contrast between light and shade.
The feature that really attracted me to this photograph was the smallest of details (such as the texture and patterns) – these may have been enhanced by mixed media. Overall, it really enhances the image! I really like this photograph, due to the fact that the contrast between light and shade (subject matter) adds a serene atmosphere, which I really feel is stunning. As a result, it makes me feel very calm, as the colours are quite neutral – there’s nothing particularly bright/bold. As I mentioned previously, I believe Rachael Imrie used the very neutral light and shade colours to add a tranquil mood to the image. Furthermore, I think she is attempting to convey the message that dance can appear very serene and also stunning – it’s not just a vibrant mess of colours. Finally, this piece will be influential to my own work in that they will inspire me to use a variety of different angles, as well as a variety of different light intensities to create a vivid contrast between light and shade within my photography.