Visual Essay

Throughout this class I have been able to explore many different styles of photography, and how they have been adapted throughout history. Many styles appealed to me but only one made a lasting impression. The works of this photographer made me realize the importance of capturing life in its purest form. The art of preserving an emotion at its split second, to enjoy it later.  Henri- Cartier Bresson made me see photography through a different lens.  Henri believed in capturing a moment that was true, one that was not staged and could tell a story with one glance. He choose to remain “invisible” within his pictures to avoid tainting the image. Henri was known as the  father of modern journalism, and was seen as a foundation template for photojournalism.

 What I grasped from Henri was not his ethics of photojournalism, but the genuine truth and feelings within his photos. It made me look back through the photos I have taken over the years. To my surprise the photos that I found the most memorable where the ones that captured action and feeling. These photos were not staged or posed, they were just taken! As I looked on the photos I remembered the feeling that was felt at that very moment. 

Henri’s photos appeared more like art to me more than many other photographers. He was able to find the art in life, instead of making it. This is what inspired me while taking the photos within this blog. I began to not focus on what I wanted to appear in the photo, but what appeared in front of me. I found the joy in simplicity, and the truth in life.  There is no better way to share, or preserve a moment that is real, then capturing it in a  photo. Henri’s work was not only used as a template for photojournalism, but it can also be used in basic everyday photography. It can remind one that not everything has to be altered, sometimes the beautiful things are found in its pure form. In today’s society we have so much artificial surrounding us, that we no longer are able to tell the difference between what is real and fake. Henri’s style of art can serve as a reminder that fake isn’t always better.

The photo uses the same aerial views that Henri incorporates in many of his photos. One can instantly look at this photo and see the celebration of life between friends. Like much of the works from Henri, this photo has motion and emotion that one can feel when viewing. 

I left this photo in color to see if the same character is involved as in black in white. I felt this photo shows life, and the color enhances that feeling. Like Henri’s photos this one captures truth and simplicity. It was not until after looking through my photos was I able to see how I captured the spilt second of the reaction; happiness. When I seen the photo I could not help but smile as I remembered the moment. I feel this is the reaction Henri strived for in his style of work.

In this photo I believe I was able to capture the expression within the subject.  My cousin was actually running  while playing tag, and this is what I caught as she was running towards me. Its interesting how one can see the exuberance and innocent of being a child. Where life is playing field with minimal worries. The similarity between this photo and Henri is the ability to capture life pure without alterations. 

 I aged the photo to have more comparison and character to the photo. Comparing this to the works of Henri, it was taken strictly for the moment. To capture the joy of just being together with friends. Nothing is artificial or positioned to portray the feeling. 

In this picture I tried to capture the near and far contrast that Henri used in many of his photos. I altered it to black and white just to show more similarity between the two works. Like Henri I was able to capture the stillness of the moment, while remaining invisible. 

Week 11: Kertesz and Cartier-Bresson versus Smith and Salgado

Photographs are known to capture a moment, and although photos may look the same, many photographers have a different way of achieving that moment. This can be depicted as the photographic style of the photographer. While observing the works of Kertesz and Cartier-Bresson versus Smith and Salgado one can see the two different approaches to photography.


Andre Kertesz and Henri Cartier-Bresson used aerial views, and near and far contrast within their photography. Their approach made them appear as a fly on the wall in their photos. They wanted to appear "invisible" while capturing the image to preserve the character and life, within the photo. This idea makes the moment within the photo real and untouched. The works of Kertesz was described by J. Paul Getty Museum’s Photography Curator, Weston Naef, as "a little like Christopher Columbus, who discovered a new world that, in the end, was named for someone else." (S K Josefburg,1998).

Kerstez focus evolved as did his photography; he begun capturing emotions of people, then later moved on to city scenery, and life. Kertesz style of photography is considered a foundation for photojournalist. Henri Cartier-Bresson acknowledges Kertesz legendary style “Whatever we have done, Kertész did first.”as a good example to express the importance of Kertész in photography. (S K Josefburg, 1998).

Like Kertesz, Henri Cartier- Bresson used his camera to "preserve life in act of living (Fame). Cartier- Bresson style was not focused on art and abstract, but of capturing the essence and personality with the moment. Cartier-Bresson defines his style as ‘the simultaneous recognition, in a fraction of a second, of the significance of an event as well as the precise organization of forms which gives that event its proper expression"(Fame). The goal of Andre Kertesz and Cartier was to reflect the images of everyday life in the simplest form possible. In an instantaneous exposure they would capture human detail, as well as the character of life and reality.


Andre Kertsez

 "Ballet'' New York", 1938

Henri Cartier- Bresson

 " The Quai St Bernard", 1932

Smith and Salgado's photography style included an interactive connection with their subjects. They would edit and enhance their images to elaborate on the expression they wished to portray. Smith and Salgado did not worry about being invisible when capturing an image. They would envision the photo, and enhance it with lighting, focus and other objects to achieve its perfection. The one thing these four photographers had in common was the elaborate time they would take to develop and capture the perfect moment. Andre and Henri would spend months to years waiting to capture the perfect bird landing. While Smith and Salgado would spend days to make sure they emphasized the perfect expression within an image. All four made sure what they envisioned was portrayed in their photos.



Sebastiao Salgado

"Gourma-Rharous Mali",1985

Eugene Smith

"Awaiting survivors of the Andrea Doria", 1956

What’s the better journalistic approach?

It really is hard to choose which journalistic approach is best.. They all have their pros and cons. Kertesz and Cartier-Bresson appear to have a better approach. Kertsez and Cartier- Bresson photographs depict an action, setting, or situation that will only occur once. It is trickier to capture something that is only available for a short period of time. These photographs are original; nothing is staged or propped out, adjusted, or distorted from actual reality. There is no biased approach or sentiment in the background, the photograph portrays the location, position, and condition precisely as if you were there yourself. Most of the photographs taken by Kertesz and Cartier-Bresson were improvised; the subjects in the pictures didn’t pose or force their movements, like Smith and Salgado photographs. Yes, Salgado and Smith attempted to show the audience more feeling and dramatization, but sometimes this is exaggerated and interpreted the wrong way. The “invisible” and “in the moment” style of documentary photography would be the better method.


By:  Fernando Elizondo, Darren Messam, , and Yasiel Sambra
  
Work Cited

Henri Cartier-Bresson. Web. 17 July 2011. Fame. http://www.photo-seminars.com/Fame/bresson.htm

"Andre Kertesz". SK Josefburg Studios. Web. 17 July 2011. http://www.urban-photography-art.com/andre-kertesz.html

Class Notes Week 10: https://gbc.blackboard.com/webct/urw/lc5122011.tp0/cobaltMainFrame.dowebct

Photo Credit

Andre Kertsez 
http://www.higherpictures.com/ImageViewer.aspx?id=384


Henri Cartier-Bresson
http://www.magnumphotos.com/Catalogue/Henri-Cartier-Bresson/1932/FRANCE-1932-NN145909.html


Sebastiao Selgado 
http://www.masters-of-photography.com/S/salgado/salgado_mali_full.html


Eugene Smith
http://www.oocities.org/minoltaphotographyw/williameugenesmith02.html

Press Photography vs. Art Photography

Press photography is commonly used to freeze a moment in time captured in the image. It is often used in news, magazines, papers, and websites, to record life stories and events. The goal is to use a photograph to portray the specific emotion that one should feel when viewing the image. It should have the ability to capture the event time after time with every glance.

Art photography "Photography that is done as a fine art -- that is, done to express the artist's perceptions and emotions and to share them with others". Art photography uses certain images or altered images to display the feeling of the photographer. Unlike press photography where the image is used to display the emotion within the event, it does not necessarily have to be feeling of the photographer. 

Art Photography

Through the Peephole Photography
By: Brunner Hill-Yard
http://artphotographytips.com/2008/04/what’s-in-your-junk-drawer-artistic-photos-through-the-peephole/

Sports Letter Art Photography "O"
By: Beccari
http://letterphotos.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/o28nored.jpg

Press Photography

By Joerg Colberg
Feb 13, 2004Conscientious: World Press 2003
http://jmcolberg.com/weblog/2004/02/world_press_photo_2003/

This photo shows an Iraq POW consoling his son during a time of hardship and distress. The photo is able to capture the moment of loneliness, comfort, and uncertainty.  The fact that the image was taken thorough bob-wires can show separation at the time of the event. The land is not vegetated and dry, distinguishing the struggle and poverty that surrounds. 

Reuters Andrew
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/04/protests_at_the_g20_summit.html

"A demonstrator throws a computer screen at the windows of a branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland, near the Bank of England in London April 1, 2009. Thousands of demonstrators converged on London's financial district on Wednesday, chanting "abolish money" and "storm the banks" in a heavily policed protest to coincide with the the G20 summit of world leaders." This image depicts the anger and frustration that was evident at the event. The moment was one that displayed the controversy during the event, it is one that you can see was captured by many photographers.



The difference between art photography and press photographer is that art photography is used to express the feeling of the artist. It does not have to depict an event or moment, it just has to be able to convey a message from the artist. This type of art is allowed to be altered, and does not have to religiously follow the guidelines set forth for photojournalist. The images are allowed to be altered and distorted to the preference of the artist.

 Press photography has to make sure that the truth is being displayed to capture the moment. It must have an accurate time line and present a fair representation of the moment.  The image viewed years from now, should have the same meaning and story. Press photography does not have much to do with the photographers feeling, but the feeling at the event. This type of art needs to follow more guidelines, for example the journalist ethics code protects art from being altered, unless it is for quality and clarity of the image.

I believe that press photography should not be altered, if the image has to be altered it is clearly not displaying the event at hand. Altered press photography would not be able to tell the truth within a moment. If one alters pictures today, how would we understand or remember or past in the future. If one feels that a photo needs to be altered for other purposes than quality, then they should re-take the image to capture the moment they would like to preserve.
All the photographs viewed in this blog can be used to erected emotion. Whether it is feeling of the photographer or the event, the image has meaning. There is a reason for every image that is taken, despite the area that it used in. Both types of photos have a purpose and can be viewed as art.


Work Cited

http://www.photography-schools.com/photojournalismhistory.htm

https://gbc.blackboard.com/webct/urw/lc5122011.tp0/cobaltMainFrame.dowebct

http://www.prospects.ac.uk/press_photographer_job_description.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fine-art_photography

Assignment #3: Photo Manipulation

Photo Manipulation is a create additive to today's technology. It gives on the ability to enhance and change an original work of art to enhance, create, or just for fun. In the past it was not even imaginable to take on photograph and create many. Although the idea was not far fetched from the beginning of time, photo manipulation was present in the 1800. Today, we are able to used the most advance technology to depict various forms of art.  With the advancements of todays technology we are able to use various softwares to change or perfect a photograph taken. For this assignment I used Picnik, where I was able to play with the tones, saturation, and automatic enhanced effects on my original photos.

                                                                      Original Photo #1:
This photo is one that was taken on my Macbook, I found it entertaining and a great photo to play around with.

Manipulation 1: With this photo using Picnik I was able to adjust the black and white threshold to create a solid black and white image, that has no apparent reflections of the colours in the original photo. Doing this I was able to create a solid image and also eliminate a lot of the distraction within the background of this photograph. 

Manipulation 2: In this photo using the same software I use apply to blur certain aspects of the photo, and using the sharpness and focal tool, I was able to concentrate on a specific point of the picture. This gives and idea that everything is not as important, and targets the eyes to what is clear. 

Manipulation 3: With this image I was able to invert the photo colours and strengthen the colour hues to give this photo a film roll look. While doing this photo I thought of the way photos were originally developed within a dark room, and the many changes that have occurred since then. The lighter colours within the picture we contoured to the opposite, bringing out a darker appearance to the image

                                                                       Original Photo #2
This photo was taken at a Janet Jackson concert, the photo originally has a lot of red hue and deep penetration of colour, so I found this to be a great photo to work with. The detailing of the shadows and lights are clearly depicted as well.

                                                            
Manipulation #1: In this photo using the saturation and temperature tools I was able to create an image that looked aged and dated. The red hue (high temperature) that was seen in the original photo is no longer so vibrant. This photo I believe can be used to show how technology can also be used in the reverse process. My goal in this manipulation was to down play all the details and colour saturation, and give the picture a softer look.

                                                                


An inspiration for Photo #1 (Manipulation #3) was the photo that was created by László Moholy-Nagy. The photo is named "Negative Portrait". The image appeared to give both a Sepia and negative film image that was very intriguing to me. I found it interesting that a picture that was dated back in the 1900's is used in the advancements of todays technology. Often times we forget that there is a beginning for every advancement that we see today, and this photo reminded me of just that. 

László Moholy-Nagy

Negative Portrait, n.d.

Gelatin silver print
29.9 x 23.9 cm
Signed and stamped on verso
Julien Levy Collection, Gift of Jean and Julien Levy, 1978.108

References:

The Art Institute of Chicago .2011.<http://www.artic.edu/aic/collections/artwork/54428?search_id=1> Retrieved June 6, 2011.

Topic 1: The role of portraits in the early days of photography and portraits today

What are main differences and similarities between portraits in the early days of photography and portraits today?

The main difference between portraits taken in the early days and today are the photo method. In the early days photos were taken in a more physical art form through paintings. This form would take hours just to capture the intricate details of the object and was also costly. Photos during the early days were only known to those of high economic standing. Now, we take photos of those in high positions to provoke a thought or statement. Today, the love of detail can be captured within seconds and multiple times with hours. 

In the 20th century not only are we allowed to embark on the works of depth, colour, and sharpness within an image, we are also able to contour an image to look as though it has been dated. Photos can now show not only still images but the actual motion at the time it was taken. Similarly, photos are still used to capture a story, relive a moment, and for artistic purpose. They will always stimulate a thought process and continue to be used a stamping ground for historic recollection. 

Who was the photographer and who was the subject of photographs in the past and today?

The photographer in the past was usually someone who was an artist or had a background in art. The photographer had to be able to bring to life with hand strokes the image being viewed. It would be much more difficult to position the object so that the most intricate details can be displayed. Photos nowadays are still taken by those that a keen eye for detailed vision, but with less hassle to capture the image. Of course there are those who take photos just to capture a moment, but a true photographer will always remain as one who captures the picture within the moment. 

I believe the subject of photography has always remained the same. The subject is anyone and anything that is intriguing to the photographer and that is able to compose the thought process in the mind of the photographer. In the past photos were taken mostly of those in a high social class, to lock in historic moments, and for artistic visionary. Today, we use subjects of the same manner only with more advancements and for greater uses such as science and advertisements. 

Madame Guillotine Epoque Party"1910"
<http://madameguillotine.org.uk/2010/09/10/la-belle-epoque-party>

 Edouard ManetA Bar at the Folies-Bergere "1881-82"
<http://toby.library.ubc.ca/subjects/subjpage2.cfm?id=1254>

Olenonly . Uptown/Downtown  "2010" OlenOnly
<http://olenonly.tumblr.com/post/3698857905/uptown-downtown>

What was the impact on technology on the portraits in the past and today?

Technology has increased drastically since the beginning of photography, what once was very one  dimensional is no constructed with many layers. In the past photos were very vague and lacked color, depth, and resolution. Now images can be manually constructed to fit the photographer. Such as different aperture modes, ISO configurations, white balance, and distortion images. In the past such dimensions and structure were only possible with the mixing of paint colours. The advancement of technology has traveled light years compared to what it was in the founding years. For example the Speed Graphic Camera that was introduced in 1912  become popular with its range finder and focusing, but loss points for its weight ;contributed to the large flash bulb holder. Today, there is a broad range of cameras to fit every skill level, some more complicated than others. The interesting thing is that some cameras in todays modern technology are making use of many features of the past. They are configuring todays point and shoot method, to more intricate detail for example eliminating auto focus and the option of manual settings. 

Camera :  British copy of the American Speed Graphic. Manufacturer : MPP  Date : 1940 http://www.ted.photographer.org.uk/camera_designs_2.htm   Camera :  Lumix GF1 DSLR Manufacturer : Lumix Date : 2010 http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://uncrate.com

Camera :  British copy of the American Speed Graphic. Manufacturer : MPP  Date : 1940
http://www.ted.photographer.org.uk/camera_designs_2.htm



 

Camera :  Lumix GF1 DSLR Manufacturer : Lumix
Date : 2010
http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://uncrate.com

السّلام عليكم (Greeting in Islam)

 My name is Darren Messam, I am a 2nd year, Computer Networking Technician. I am new to the world of photography, but intrigued by its many notations. I was born in Toronto, Ontario and I am of Jamaican decent. I enjoy  music, culture, and worldly views. I am hoping to gain a better understanding of photography through this class, and stimulate my thinking process through  both an artistic and cognitive learning process.