Comments on Amelie

I enjoyed the film we watched (except for the nudie parts...) The colors were interesting in the film. I noticed that anything that had to do with Amelie was red. Her apartment was full of red and she always had red on her clothes. There was also a lot of green, although I couldn't place a pattern for that. Those colors were very saturated, perhaps for emphasis. I liked the muted tones. It made the movie hard to place time wise, sort of making it timeless. I thought it was interesting how they mentioned Princess Di's death, which was fairly recent, and then showed a black and white rickety video of Amelie's supposed death from exhaustion. These things also make the film hard to place time wise. It had a nostalgic feel to it. I had to stifle myself during the viewing because the movie made me a little giddy towards the end, and I tend to jump around and get overexcited watching movies. How embarrassing.

10. Steve McCurry. Afghan Girl.

What a beautiful image this is. The red and blue-green complimentary colors make this image stand out so much. The curvature of the girl's hood keeps the focus on her face. Her eyes keep you sucked in to the frame. This image will always be one of my favorite's because it holds so much emotion.

9. Ansel Adams. The Tetons-Snake River.

You can't talk about fine art photography without mentioning Ansel Adams. His tones are so perfect and compositions simply breathtaking. He had so much skill in taking a scene in front of him and making it look ethereal. The contrast makes this image really pop. The line of the river almost lead you out of the composition, but you come back because it's just too beautiful.

8. Gertrude Kasebier

I'm not sure exactly what this image is titled. The contrasting lines of her diagonal body and the horizontals of the background make this interesting. I love the way that Kasebier is able to portray women. The tones aren't sharp, but I think that softens the picture. Like she's trying to show the softness and grace of women.

7. Frank Eugene. Adam and Eve.

This is definitely one of my favorite images. The very sight of it takes my breath away every time. It has a romantic look to it that makes it very emotional for me. I don't really think of this as a nude. It's so pure and reminds of a Renaissance painting. It inspires me that Eugene altered the original film by scratching the emulsion to create this look. We really have so much artistic freedom as photographers.

6. Eugene Smith. The Walk to Paradise Garden.

This photograph has always touched me. It's amazing that Smith was able to capture such an innocent moment considering the rest of his work. I love how the trees frame the subjects.

5. Herb Ritts. Nelson Mandela.

I've always enjoyed closeup portraits. Especially those who get in close enough to show every detail. The tones are so beautiful and I'm glad Herb showed the details of Mandela's face. It helps me to remember that wrinkles and scars don't hinder a person's beauty. Flawlessness doesn't mean beautiful. If you didn't know that this was Nelson Mandela you would still respect the man with the worn and knowledgeable face. The composition is nice, and I'm glad the hand is blurred. It puts focus on his face and makes you wonder what he's thinking.

4. Richard Avedon. Red Owens, oil field worker, Velma, Oklahoma, June 12, 1980.

This image is from Avedon's In the American West portfolio. I had a girl in one of my classes once who absolutely abhorred Avedon. She said that he made all of his subjects look the same, the way he wanted, and not how they really were. I say, what's wrong with that. Aren't we all trying to create a memorable piece of work. Does this mean that it's the photographic law to portray your subjects exactly how they are. No. There are so many of our own judgements that go into capturing a moment. How can anyone capture their subjects exactly the way they are? And who says OUR view of them is correct anyway. This image and many more of his really make ordinary subjects striking and beautiful. The tones are great and allow you to see every detail.

3. Steve McCurry. Rajasthan, India, 1983.

I actually came across this image looking for another one and instantly fell for it. The colors in this image really make this fine art. There is a clear focal point and the monotone surroundings really bring it out. The red truly keeps your eyes in the frame. I love when I see an image and immediately become absorbed by the question, "What's going on here?" I also wonder how in the world this guy came across such an incredible sight. I encourage anyone who enjoys this photograph to look up McCurry's website. All his work is just incredible and in the moment.

2. Sebastiao Salgado. Refugees in the Korem Camp. Ethiopia, 1984.

I love the asymmetry of this image. I'm pretty sure the photographer didn't set the subjects up, (though I could be wrong) and I'm very impressed with the composition he was able to pull off. Being able to do that is one of my goals. The piece is very emotional because of the subjects' clothing, expressions, body language. I think the desolate background really helps too.

1.Eugene Atget. Coin De La Rue Valette Et Pantheon.

The tones in this image are vivid and beautiful. I enjoy the perspective. The lines of the buildings lead you into the light. They also keep your eyes in the frame. Almost all of Atget's work has an atmospheric look to it that I admire. It also has a romantic look to it that makes you want to be there. I'll admit that I put Atget's work first on my list because he is my favorite photographer.

The second image is for your viewing pleasure. It is entitled Rue Des Ursins. Enjoy.

Assignment for Color Photography: What Is Fine Art Photography?

I was asked to define Fine Art Photography by giving ten examples. I believe that a photograph becomes fine art when basic elements of design can be found in the image, and also when the image really speaks to you and you just can't look away. The following examples are not necessarily my 10 favorite photos. I thought they may work well for what I'm attempting to explain.