From: Carolyn P. Reed [info@cprdesigns.com]
Sent: Thursday, September 07, 2006 7:34 AM
To: john@basearts.com
Subject: Presentation (ART 82 Digital Photography Sec. #0195)
Carolyn Reed
8/26/06
ART 82 Digital Photography Section 0195
Assignment: 5 Photos that Inspired Me to do Photography
Michael Kenna:
Comment: The image is called “Pathway, Parc de
Sceaux” (http://www.michaelkenna.net ) It’s
a row of trees near to a chateau in the Southeast part (suburb) of Paris.
I particularly like this image because I used to briefly live near this park
and go running in that row of trees. When I saw the image, I recognized the
trees before I saw the name of the photograph indicating its location. His
photos are very atmospheric, if that’s a way to describe a photo. Very
ambient. And, he captured exactly this pathway perfectly, because when you’re
running down the path, you’re often the only one, so it feels very
rhythmic as the trees are aligned in perfect order and number, as typical
for French gardens (this is a Le Nôtre garden). It’s somewhat
a lonely stretch, but very peaceful. I like this image also because it’s
difficult to tell if it’s moonlight or morning. http://www.michaelkenna.net/html/books/notre/pathway.html
Man Ray:
Comment: This is probably one of my most favorite photographs of all time.
This is Ane Neiman aka Ariane Goodwin as an infant, (the owner of the photograph),
with her mother Margaret Neiman. Man Ray took almost all of Ariane’s
baby pictures, but often took them with either the mother or Juliet. Ariane’s
parents were dear friends of Man Ray & Juliet’s. It’s one
of the most wonderful images I’ve ever seen. The expression on the
woman’s face is so maternal, yet she’s incredibly sexy and beautiful.
Those pursed lips are gorgeous and full; she was also a model. I love the
way the photographer caught her with her eyes closed; yet the baby is looking
at her. The infant is almost cherubic and could be from a Botticelli painting.
Ariane points out “the curve of my mother’s mouth, the curve
in my pj opening, the curve of my mother’s blouse. This one Man called Mayan
Stone, because he pocked the flesh to look like the stone of Mayan carvings.” Article
published ArtNews Nov. 1999 p. 41. (http://www.manraytrust.com/)
size=2>
Phil Borges:
Comment: These were a series of photos taken in Tibet of children, men and
women, old and young. This is Yama. I am unsure what she is holding, but
it brings an unexpected element to the image. None of the other images in
the series appear to have this surprise. The colors were muted but warm,
but the lighting was amazing, and skies were always very unusual looking.
I’m not sure if it was mostly post processing or just good photography.
I love the way her hair is messy and windblown. You have the feeling this
is a studio image, but then are reminded by the wind and the mountains that
they are really outside. Toned Gelatin Silver Print 16 x 16, 1994. http://www.philborges.com
Henri Cartier-Bresson :
Comment: Photo title: Henri Cartier-Bresson / Paris. Place de l'Europe.
Gare Saint Lazare. 1932. He states,” There was a plank fence around
some repairs behind the Gare Saint Lazare train station. I happened to be
peeking through a gap in the fence with my camera at the moment the man jumped.
The space between the planks was not entirely wide enough for my lens, which
is the reason why the picture is cut off on the left.” I like this
photo because it represents well the feeling of a cold wet morning in Paris.
I just like the mirror reflection of the man in the water. I like that
he’s the kind of guy that is going to take a big leap in the rain.
A puddle jumper! Because it appears that he is not going to clear another
puddle, and a big splash is about to happen. I love the movement of the man,
and tails of his coat flying behind him. And I love the lines of the black
iron railroad fencing. I know below there are tracks and tracks going back
and forth and perhaps trains going back & forth too. So perhaps it was
quite loud on this morning on his way to work
Here are the two other Henri Cartier-Bresson photos that I was looking for,
for my presentation in class
This one is my favorite, and the second one is also very good.
FRANCE. Paris. Rue Mouffetard. 1952.
I think the expression on this little boy's face is charming. He looks like
he's been given the important job of carrying two bottles of cidre or wine
and he thinks this is quite special. You can just tell from the feeling of
the photo that it's another cloudy Paris day. Yet, he's in shorts. Maybe
it's a school uniform. I like that the photographer shot it at the
child's
level, which makes the feeling the child is expressing even more prevalent.
FRANCE. Sunday on the banks of the River Marne. 1938.
I could have easily seen this as a Renoir painting. And, these aren't
Parisian ladies aren't they. They're country wives, built quite sturdy. They
just look like average country people who were boating along the river and
decided to make this the place to stop and have their afternoon picnic.
Maybe having some cassoulet and their wine. And all facing out to what must
be a great view.
This is a good place to see his photos
http://www.magnumphotos.com/c/htm/TreePf_MAG.aspx?Stat=Photographers_Portfol
io&E=29YL53IQ1W7 by clicking on the books..
Photographer Unknown (to me):
Comment: This is a photo of a South Vietnamese officer shooting a prisoner.
I don’t particularly like this photo, in fact I don’t. I’ve
always found this photo incredibly disturbing and horrifying. But like the
other soldier with the helmet, I can’t look away. The officer with
the gun is shooting the other man for treason, for helping the other side.
The man in uniform is “just performing his job”. The
way the officer is in such a strong stance, arm straight, and does not look
at all stressed about shooting another human being is very eerie to witness.
The prisoner’s facial expression is perplexing. Is he experiencing
pain, death, or anguish over what is to come? I’ve never been able
to determine if he’s about to be shot, or if he’s current being
shot, or just been shot. And, I don’t think I want to know the answer.
It would be too painful to know the truth.
Photographer Unknown (to me). Self portrait of a flickr.com person’s
Grandmother From the 1930's:
Comment: I love the handmade nature of this photo, the hand-tinting, the
old box camera, the fact that she’s looking away from the camera, the
perspective. She used a mirror to take this photo obviously. Who knows if
she had any books or idea on how to correctly tint photos? She didn’t
have the Internet to do research. I think she was living in the country.
I just love her determination and spirit. She was a young married woman in
the 30’s and 40’s who loved photography and her granddaughter
is preserving her photos and self-portraits on flickr. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattieb/122895881/)
Olivier Koning:
Comment: I think this photograph of a Parisian mime is beautifully shot,
nice DOF and of course has a wonderful subject. His expression is of wonderment,
and is probably looking at a child since his gaze is downward. The colors
of his costume are very rich and deep, and his hand placements are very light
and give sort of a magical feel to the photo. It can also be cropped up close
for other purposes.
http://www.olivierkoning.com/ Although,
this photo is not available on his site.
Thank you,
Carolyn Reed