An eye for an eye

Elliot Erwitt has to be one of my favorite photographers throughout these assignments. He's very talented and really utilizes the art of simplicity. I LOVE that he uses black and white. I feel like that adds a huge aura of mystery and complexity. As I was looking through his photographs, my eyes automatically fall on this one. There is so much symbolism it's hard to even pick out one. I think this definitely can portray the idea that if you're narrow minded with things and only look at things from one perspective, you will be extremely jipped out of life. This also can have an obvious meaning, the boy may live in a violent town and there may have been previous gun shots to a school bus. I think the boys eyes are beautiful and captivating. I think this always makes you want to see his other eye. Which in a way symbolizes that in life, we always want what we previously had or what we can't have. I think the dynamic and the depth of the photograph is exquisite. I also think that this photograph wouldn't have been as interesting if seen in color. I think the boys jacket adds a lot of character to this picture. A simple t shirt may have not been as effective at defining his eyes and expression. Overall, he's a great photographer!

Colorful Clarity

                        This photograph is possibly the most paradoxical image I've ever seen. There are so many conflicting features it's hard to completely understand the full scope of why Alec took the photograph. Like we mentioned in class, blue is a serene calming color that should give a sense of peace to the viewer. However, here the blue is conflicted with the scared look on the little girls face. Alec is really clever. There is almost a perfect balance of symbolism throughout this. The girl looks nervous but calm at the same time. Her straight calm hair contradicts her funky shorts. The sleek leather is counter acted by the rough pavement below the car. The sharp silver on the wheel is balanced by the surrounding solid black color giving the image a steadiness and clarity that is needed. The intense weight of the car is balanced by the small little girl. This picture gives me such uneasiness because we don't know what the fate of the little girl is. Her parents could have left her to sit and rest in the car after a long day at the beach. Or, she could ultimately be with a stranger who has taken her away from her comfort and home. This picture is so complex it's difficult to feel alright appreciating the art so much. This picture could be seen as completely balanced. I think this image would've been so interesting in black and white. I'd love to see an edit of that. Black and white would add a sense of peace to the image. I think the colors really add the uncertainty of the fate of the girl because of the moods they bring. All in all, I really enjoyed this photograph.

Hard to let go of the Sadness

I really appreciate Annie Leibovitz's work. It's so raw and controversial. I love that she takes great steps in photographing however she wants without a care. I have done a project on her before and it was specifically on the photograph she took of Miley Cyrus. The picture was so controversial because it was when Miley was young (around 15). Annie took a very revealing picture of her because it showed her entire back and as a minor it was seen as bit too mature for her.
I love this image above. I think it's so well done. The blue gown (blanket?) looks like I could reach my hand into the picture and feel the silk. Her hair contrasts the rough wooden table. I think the contrasts in this picture are great because it gives it great depth and complexity. I also like how this picture is almost black and white but the only thing keeping it from being complete is her dress and hair. They add wonderful elements to the picture. Her hand on her face looks very innocent and intriguing. She draws you in to the torment or pain shes going through while looking through the book. It's interesting that shes grabbing at the book because it looks very important to her yet, is causing the sadness in her face. I think the fact that shes wearing very minimal makeup is a clever scheme to make the image have an aura of simplicity. Overall I think Annie did a great job with this one.