3 photo's 1 idea?

Bill Burke

Reverend William Beegle, Bellaire, Ohio

I’ve chosen this photo as I love the positioning of the Reverend and how the lighting falls upon him. The dark background helps keep him the focus as the viewer doesn’t get distracted by his surroundings. Part of a young girl can be seen, however Burke has kept his main focus on the reverend by keeping him central.

William’s body language is quite interesting, laid back approach with his hand on his hip, his belt buckle seems to be pulled to one side maybe to make it more comfortable when he sits.

This picture is a polaroid, it looks as if the Reverend wasn’t ready for the photo, either that or didn’t mind having it taken. The light is coming from his right side which helps light up his body.

Jane Bown

Samuel Beckett

This photo of the famous Samuel Beckett, known for his poetry is beautiful. It being black and white is one reason why i like this photograph. What attracted me to it in the first place was the sheer detail of Becketts lines in his skin, his wrinkles are like a map of his life. The fact that the background is black causes himself to be the only focus of attention. There is a slight representation of a brick wall on his left which suggests it was 'a spur of the momment' type photograph, there was no studio set up to have it taken. This alone creates such a better image as Beckett had no time to beautify himself.
The light and main focus is of Beckett himself, it looks as if it is coming from his right, it is difficult to see but I think there is a slight triangle on his cheek formed from the shadow from his nose. I love the detail in this.

Paul Strand

Young Boy, Gondeville, Charente, France

This photo taken by Paul Strand, it is supposed to represent youth, the light falls on the bridge of his nose and his forehead. This photo is representing the ‘here and now’ aspect of how the boy is living, his strong stare is almost intimidating to the viewer which puts you slightly on edge.
I really like the composition of the boy, he’s very centred and the camera position is quite close so the detail in his stern look is clear. Although the lighting seems to be quite soft, against the wooden door with his stare hardens the photo.
‘This artists world is limitless. It can be found anywhere far from where he lives or few feet away. It is always on his doorstep.’ 

(Paul Strand, from the Introduction to the ‘On my Doorstep’ portfolio, Orgeval, December 1975)

My idea

After analysing these images i found them by looking through 'The Photo book' from the library, i then found the artists books to see wether i liked the rest of their photography. These three photos have inspired me to take a photo of my model looking very stern and natural. I want my photo to send a message across to the viewer, i think for this to be a strong image i need to centralise my model.

Have her sitting in the centre of the screen, focus closely on her face but have her not smile, a strong but hard look across her face. I think the lighting should be quite balanced but soft. I want it to be clear and focused so maybe i will need quite harsh lighting.