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Photography Critique
This is an photography assignment from a senior level class at Tarleton State University. Each photo has a critique based on lighting, focus, lines and curves, symmetry or asymmetry, presence or absence of human interest, and tension. Each picture has different levels of each critiquing principal involved because of the differences in each one of the kinds of pictures. Three of the pictures were taken at Tarleton State University and one was a personal photo of mine. This paper has shown me some independance and fall into knowing what to look for when I take a picture, such as sufficient light, linear or curves.
A Hallway Chat
This picture incorporates the human interest into a linear pattern of architecture.The focus is mainly on the people in the center of the photo, but the tile reflects their shadows; giving a thought provoking feel to the picture. It is slightly asymmetrical because the students' shadows are longer than the students themselves. The strong light in front of them creates a silhouette look, and makes the picture feel less like a picture of individuals and more like a concept or idea. The lines on the ceiling, floor, and walls guide the viewer's attention to the central figures. It could make the viewer ponder about where these students have been and where they are going. In fact, they even create tension in that they are walking towards an "exit" sign, displaying that their lives as they know them will soon be changed upon their graduation into the working world.
Two Worlds
This picture is made interesting by symmetry and lighting. The symmetry is not perfect, however. One side of the picture is well lit, and the other is in the shade. Nevertheless, the lines coming from both sides are still identical. Focus is drawn from the lines on the outward edges inward to the center of the picture. The lines that touch the center are broken by one curve of the glass lamp. Though there is no human interest in the photo, tension seems present simply through the intense lighting of the picture. The lighting of the windows and lines could represent an artistic view such as different life choices.
The Thaw
This photo is focused on the melting process of snow. It is slightly asymmetrical with the snow in the top half of the frame and liquid water in the lower half. However, it could also be classified as symmetrical because of the reflection of the background in the water below. The light in this picture is very cold and universal. It is filled with tension in the way it shows the snow turning to liquid. This photo has no apparent lines or curves, and no human interest.
Waiting
This photo is unique because of the linear pattern behind the human interest. Focus is drawn through the angle of lines towards the human interest. The shot is asymmetrical because the bridal gown leads up to the bride, who is not centered in the camera frame. The light is very soft and facing the subject from the right. The tension is focused on the bride’s dress because it is the main action of the picture. The way the bride is looking away from the camera could cause the viewer to wonder what she is looking at. The sheet below the dress could have been cropped out; however, the asymmetrical look might have been hindered by taking away a piece of the left side of the photo. In a way, the sheet looks like an extension of the dress.