Julia Margaret Cameron: The Gardeners' Daughter (1867)
I like the simple composition of this image, and how some parts are in focus and some aren't. My eye is naturally drawn to what is through the archway, even though given the title and what can be seen in the image, is only likely to be more gardens/fields. Eventually I'm drawn back to the subject, she seems of a young age but doesn't appear to be working (she has no tools and is dressed too nicely for outdoor work) and she seems to be in a world of her own, without knowledge of the photograph being taken.
Eadwaard Muybridge: Fencing (1887)
The photographer obviously wants to study movement; by taking a series of images, the viewer can form a sort of mental video of the action taking place. I'm not sure what equipment was around in the late 19th century, but the lighting (on both the subjects and the set) is slightly different in each image (which is surprising if the images came from a quick series of actions). I'm guessing there was a reason for the subjects being naked, possibly to study the human for "in action", but personally I don't think this was completely necessary.
Martin Parr: Manchester (taken from Pies, Parties and Pink Drinks) (2008)
One of those scenes I would analyse, if I was there (I like to people watch). From what I know of Martins' work, I'm sure this image is meant to highlight how slightly better off people socialise, and what larger ladies shouldn't sit like or wear; for example, the dress she's chosen is of a garish print, screaming "look at me!", and is too short and too low cut. Whereas the ladies on the right are more subtly, more smartly dressed.; but they all look like they're having a good time. I wonder if the women here ever saw this image and what their reaction was to it.
Diane Arbus: Lady Bartender at home with souvenir dog (1964)
The thing(s) that struck me most about this image was the matching hair, did someone buy the souvenir dog for the woman because she always wears a beehive?, or has the woman just styled her hair like that on the day of the photograph? (it was the 60's after all). The image was taken in New Orleans, and despite the American diner-style flooring, I feel the bare wall gives it a European vibe.
Irving Penn: Girl In Bed On Telephone (Jean Patchett) (1949)
I really like the story-telling behind this image. It appears to be taken in the morning light, suggesting that she has been on the phone all night, possibly talking to her sweetheart whom she is missing terribly, as she's squeezing the pillow (as she can't hug him), but I think she's still awake as her left arm would be much more relaxed if she were asleep. An alternative instance could be that there could have been bad news about a loved one, hence it's now morning. The more I look at this image,m the more scenarios I play over, but whatever the story, the image is lovely.
Sally Mann: Holding Virgina (1989)
What strikes me about this image from Sally's exquisite work, is why this girl is being held forcefully by such dirty intimidating hands; trying to work it out from her expression, I think it's either she's just done something really naughty or Sally is trying to convey that the girl comes from an abusive family who think it's normal to hold a child in this way, and her clothes make me think she's not well looked after. Her expression makes you feel concerned, and you want to help in some way.
On another photographic note...
Chesterfield Flea Market:
Scenes from Chesterfield Flea Market, taken on a cold day in November; I quite often couldn't get the shot I wanted as we were working in pairs with one camera (on purpose), but hopefully these images capture the essence of Chesterfield, it's quirky inhabitants and a little bit of irony I couldn't leave out.
Some images from my week in Photography
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| Me light-drawing a fellow student (one in from left) |
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| Me being light-drawn by a fellow student |
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| My light drawing of a fellow student |
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| Final Piece: Me as "Death" by Amy |
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| My Final Piece: Untitled |
