Image Analysis Sample
A Photo Analysis
Image from:
Hudson, Joshua. (2008, June 28). Fun With f/stops-The Secret of f/2.8. The Camera Chronicle. Retrieved September 29, 2010, from http://camerachronicle.com/2008/06/28/fun-with-fstops-the-secret-of-f28/
There exist many factors one might both examine and manipulate in order to create a photograph that creates more appeal and emotional impact than an image that has simply been “snapped”. I will consider several of these variables in an examination of a photograph of a military ceremony. The photographer in this instance took several steps to bring this image to life through careful and specific creation of composition elements, the use of a narrow lens, and focus manipulation. The moment that is captured is not completely explained; however, it is distinctly a military function of some type with soldiers in formation. As the soldiers all appear young and in dress uniforms, I surmise that the image is capturing a basic training graduation. The subject of the photo, who has locked gaze with the lens, is framed in a close up shot approximately 2/5 from the left side of the image. This falls in line with the rule of the Golden Ratio, allowing an asymmetrical image, which raises the graphic energy of the photo, to appear balanced and visually relaxing to the audience. As well, the subject is in some type of military formation that, while not entirely in focus, uses a Z-axis vector to bring the action toward the viewer by extending beyond the left and right limits of the image. This allows us to take part in the ceremony by raising the intimacy of the encounter. The use of soft, diffused lighting that does not exhibit fast shadow falloff is important to the photo as well, as it does not distract the viewer nor does it have the subjects of the photograph squinting to counteract the effects of the sun. Recreation of this lighting would most easily be created outdoors on an overcast day; if it were attempted in a studio setting, one would
Image from:
Hudson, Joshua. (2008, June 28). Fun With f/stops-The Secret of f/2.8. The Camera Chronicle. Retrieved September 29, 2010, from http://camerachronicle.com/2008/06/28/fun-with-fstops-the-secret-of-f28/
There exist many factors one might both examine and manipulate in order to create a photograph that creates more appeal and emotional impact than an image that has simply been “snapped”. I will consider several of these variables in an examination of a photograph of a military ceremony. The photographer in this instance took several steps to bring this image to life through careful and specific creation of composition elements, the use of a narrow lens, and focus manipulation. The moment that is captured is not completely explained; however, it is distinctly a military function of some type with soldiers in formation. As the soldiers all appear young and in dress uniforms, I surmise that the image is capturing a basic training graduation. The subject of the photo, who has locked gaze with the lens, is framed in a close up shot approximately 2/5 from the left side of the image. This falls in line with the rule of the Golden Ratio, allowing an asymmetrical image, which raises the graphic energy of the photo, to appear balanced and visually relaxing to the audience. As well, the subject is in some type of military formation that, while not entirely in focus, uses a Z-axis vector to bring the action toward the viewer by extending beyond the left and right limits of the image. This allows us to take part in the ceremony by raising the intimacy of the encounter. The use of soft, diffused lighting that does not exhibit fast shadow falloff is important to the photo as well, as it does not distract the viewer nor does it have the subjects of the photograph squinting to counteract the effects of the sun. Recreation of this lighting would most easily be created outdoors on an overcast day; if it were attempted in a studio setting, one would