Nothing is black and white

This photograph stuck out to me the second I looked through all of his amazing photographs. One of my favorite things by far is his ability to shoot so spectacularly in black and white. It's a vision in itself. Many times black and white may not work because of its ability to take too much away from a photograph. However, all of these photographs put so much in that the black and white only enhanced.

I chose this image specifically because I feel like it says so much without even trying. I love that its a self portrait where he's not looking directly in the screen. Also, the way he's holding his camera makes it appear to even be a mistake. I think it's so clever because it gives the image a quirkiness. I also love how hes deep in concentration because that allows the .viewer to focus in on what they want to focus on. It gives the viewer freedom. Many times a photographer will photograph someone for a portrait and their eyes would draw you in immediately. However, because he is looking off to something that the viewer can't see it gives the viewer an opportunity to create their own interpretation and decide what is significant. I think his shirt is brilliant, even though he may not have even planned it. It balances out the harsh whites and blacks.

The Trinity

This photograph is aesthetically beautiful but also has so much meaning in other aspects. Photography wise, the framework does so much to exhibit a captured moment and enclosed picture. It gives the church concealment and enables it to be closed off with the gates. I love three crosses because it shows repetition which is easily a great feature that some photographers like to subtly throw into their pictures. I think it gives it dimension. Also, there is of course religious symbolism with the three crosses: The holy trinity. I'm not sure if the photographer was Christian himself, but he definitely caught on to the religious symbolism here.
The sun from above signifies Christ washing over the church and all of its church-goers. I love the lighting. It really adds a sense of clarity and peace to the photograph. I think it was picked very cleverly because a late afternoon/ nighttime setting wouldn't have worked so well. I really love the steps leading up to the church because it leads your eyes right to the destination and allows you to focus in on the white cross in the middle. All in all, this was a phenomenal picture in my eyes; one that you'd scarcely find because of its rare beauty, lighting, and form.

Safe and Sound

This image photographed by Michael Kenna really struck me as unique and complex the first time I saw it. The black and white definitely gives this image incredible depth and meaning. I find it really interesting that he chose to make the sky white. It shows that he photographed it in the fog. Whenever I see mystifying photographs like this, the sky is usually dark, almost black, with "unknown" written all over it. The texture and direction of the water is leading to the person taking the photograph and viewing the image. I feel like that creates a personal feel to the photograph that allows the viewer to identify with the setting. The rocks add so much definition. Because the water and the black background are so smooth and clear, the rocks add dimension that I feel was crucial to the complexity and understanding of the photograph. I don't think this image would have been nearly as significant had it been kept in color.
As for symbolism, the sky paints this eerie picture of a life filled with confusion that yearns to find understanding. The water is the rush of experiences one has in their youth that allow them to ride the shallow river at the end of the journey. The rocks are the deposit and terrain of life. They represent the hardship and anguish one has to climb in order to feel the warm river water under their eroded and tired feet. What I find so intriguing about this image is the water actually leads into the rocks. This can signify the idea to never enjoy just being comfortable. Many times, we enjoy a comfort zone we have created for ourselves where everything is defined and clear and stable. However, this can lead into a life where nothing is certain. When we don't take chances and think outside of the box of the "known", life may throw us a curve ball and force us onto the rocks.