Assignment 3: Focal Point - Vee Speers

Definition

Focal Point Definition
I agree with this definition, albeit a short one, but a focal point does not have to be in focus. the whole photo could be in focus but the main points are generally where the rule of thirds dictates, but this works both ways. this photo for example is mainly out of focus or blurred in editing, but you can tell the main focus point is the woman as there is no distracting background to confuse the eye.

Comments

I like this photo not just because of its dramatic yet luxurious feel, but also its simplicity. although it doesn't use any obvious focus or use of the rule of thirds, it fills the majority of the frame with the woman and uses a strong contrast to bring the attention to the mask and face. the mask has very bold, defined lines whilst the rest of the frame has a soft vignette leading into the face, something that in my opinion could only be done via post-shoot editing or a very skilled photographer.

Slideshare

Photography from Fiona

this slideshare is rather basic but there were little slideshares with any relevant information. this could be improved by going into more detail instead of giving a brief overview of the points.

Assignment 3: Composition - Annie Leibovitz

Link

Link to Composition Definition
 this link explains composition probably better than i could, however it is a very brief description. composition includes choice of lighting, colour schemes, contrasts and everything else that you can see in the photo.

Comments

this photo is a very good example of composition because if you added the power of three grid, the main points would be the princess, the shoe and the stairs. the castle however is not one of the main points as it is a part of the background. these photos, composition wise, would be quite easy to achieve, but other attributes such as quality, lighting etc. would be harder to get right.

Powerpoint

this powerpoint is a very useful one, it doesn't over complicate what it tries to get across but at the same time doesn't dumb it down so much it feels patronizing. (The only slides of relevance are 4-7.)

Basic Photography Lesson from hweeling

First Analysis - Vee Speers

Factual

Vee Speers is an Australian photographer who studied at Queensland College of Art and is currently based in Paris. Her work has been displayed and exhibited in a variety of places, such as the Sunday Times, Harpers & Queens, Arena, Esquire and black & White Magazine.

Context

This photo comes from a collection of photos - The Birthday Party - which is about the darker side of the child's imagination. Some of the photos go along with the conventional ideas of what children want to be, soldiers, princesses, fairies etc. whereas this image shows the darker more twisted side, the unconventional, some almost impossible to label.

Technical

This photo has very pale lighting which adds to the white background. both of the girls have pale skintones - whether this be down to their actual skintone or editing - it gives the photo a very washed out effect. The lighting appears to be cast from left and right shining into one point, therefore eliminating shadow. 

Aesthetic

I like this photo because of its sharp contrast and boldness. i particularly like how the girl on the left's face contrasts with her character. She appears to be dressed as a dark angel (or something along those lines) whereas she has a very innocent and timid face unlike the girl on the right, who has a very devious face. I also like how they both look like they've been forced into their costumes, which both look very grown up and to the taste of an adult, but the main feature of the photograph is how both girls have a very direct and unsettling glare which grabs your attention by the throat.