Drive-in Movie

Drive-in Movie - Detroit
Robert Frank
E.HEHR 1955 blog

This photograph is part of Robert Frank's collection The Americans. The photograph depicts Frank's idea of American culture at that time. The area between the two cars draws the viewers eye up from the bottom of the frame to the movie screen in the background. Also, the way Frank captured the movie-viewers in the front of the frame and the movie screen in the distance makes it appear as if the photographer is part of the scene. The photograph is also taken at a slight angle which draws the viewer in and makes the scene appear more realistic.

Cheering

Untitled
George Silk/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
life.com

The most interesting aspect of this image is the vantage point from which it was taken. The photographer captured this image not only above the baseball game in the distance but also above the cheering fans. In doing so, the photographer focuses the picture more on the fans rather than on the baseball game. Because the photographer included both the field in the distance and the adoring fans, he creates a sense of excitement for the viewer. The fact that the frame is not separated straight down the middle adds another element of informality and allows the viewer to feel as though he is in the scene of the photograph.

Vibrant Colors

I really like this picture because it captures detail so well and the colors are so vibrant. The contrast between the red and the green makes this picture so alive. The main focus of this picture is the red maple tree, its stems and leaves. This picture was taken in broad daylight because of the vivid color and almost fluorescence feel to it. Even though it is hard to focus on anything else but the red maple tree, one can notice the background which consists of green trees. The main focus of this picture is the stems and leaves of this maple tree. The thin trunk of this tree gives the picture height and makes us wonder how tall this tree is. The lines and space defined by the leaves makes this picture stand out for me. It embraces nature and all its magic in color and composition.

i heart photograph; Raphael Dallaporta; Antipersonnel Series

This picture is of a US made Claymore, a device that fires hundreds of steel balls when activated (either by trip wire or remote detonation). What I believe works best in this photo is the direction of the claymore, and the positioning of the text (which is the first thing I examined upon viewing); the fact that it is US made, and that the text is written in English, also seems to strike a poignant cord. Being the most integral part of the photo, I believe the self-explanatory directions on the claymore evoke an array of questions and emotions. Who is the "enemy," why are they "the enemy," and how did they become the "enemy" were the first things that popped into my head. These questions would undoubtedly necessitate a thorough examination of US foreign policy, and I believe this is just what the photographer intended.

Additionally, this claymore seems to be a little more explicit about its purpose (ultimately death) than a gun would be, and this works well with the previously mentioned introspection that coincides with viewing of the picture.

Along the Shore

This picture was taken from the chromasia blog. I love the beach and am missing it right now so I chose this picture to write about this week. The main focus of the picture is of the couple walking along the beach together. It brings a romanctic vibe to the picture. In the background you can see a family and a pier. From this picture you can tell that it is not summer due to the outerwear the people in the picture are wearing and besides the 5 people shown in the picture, the beach looks pretty desolate. This picture works for me because it portrays the beach as a secluded place, not a busy area where people tan and blast music. It makes you feel like you can enjoy the beauty of the beach even if it's not summer. The black and white also bring in a dark mood. I like that the background is the ferris wheel instead of having the ferris wheel as the main focus.

Burchell's Zebras: by Richard du Toit

This aerial photo of zebras really makes you think how you are observing these zebras. At first glance the actual shadows make it look like the photo was taken from the side and the actual zebras are the shadows. But once you see the details and lack of details in the shadow, you know exactly where this photo was taken from. Even though the color in this photo seems to be very bland, the zebras and their shadows really do jump out at you. It also makes you wonder where this photo was taken and where the zebras are going. Maybe to find water or to find their next meal. Overall, Richard du Toit has some fabulous aerial photography that really stands out among others.

A Morning in the East Village

A Morning in the East Village
Dane Shitagi
Ballerina Project (July 11, 2010)

What strikes me most about this photograph is the strength of the dancer's pose. Even though the dancer is petite, her presence in the photograph is accentuated by the strength that she displays. She is surrounded by large buildings and wide expanses of road, yet she is not lost amongst her immense surroundings. The photograph's focus on the dancer is emphasized because the photographer centered the dancer within the frame. Also, the color of the dancer's dress coordinates with the color of the pedestrian traffic light that she is hanging from. This causes the dancer to appear as though she is as strong as the buildings and other durable structures surrounding her.