Question 1
The following are the 2 approaches I’ve selected to
discuss and explore, in terms of analyzing photographs:
1. Aesthetics
and tradition:
Aesthetics of photography
focuses on formal stuff such as subject matter, composition and the
organization of a photo (sharpness of
image, exposure, print quality etc.). In relation to Lange’s photographs,
the case study presents the idea that many of her prints were poorly organized.
As Ohrn states: ‘She made them according to no
formula, and they varied widely in density, making it a challenge to print
them’ (pg. 44). However these mistakes proved to be unimportant, as many of her
pieces were reproduced in books and journals and eventually; Lange was able to
present and organize her work in a distinctive manner, where she was highly praised
by critics. In response to this idea of print quality, should a newspaper/book
print quality differ from the quality required and expected in an art
exhibition? Why is print quality so excessively formal?
The aesthetics of this photograph (‘Migrant Mother’) is best examined and
viewed in a sociological context, as result of the many parts that suggests
this for example; 2 kids lying on the main subjects shoulders, which may imply
the idea that they’re relying on their mother to live etc. Moreover the
mother’s face provides a sense of sadness, stress and uncertainty.
2. Image
in context
The FSA project was developed as a result
of the economic crisis of 1929 and the 1930’s economic depression. The FSA
project aimed to document and demonstrate the challenging living conditions of
the rural poor. As Hurley states: ‘the photographers
it employed eschewed a mere photography of record in favour of works that
stressed the depiction of human destitution and distress’ (pg. 42). This
movement complies with Lange’s photo (‘Migrant
Mother’), as the context of the image shows a hungry and desperate mother
living in tough conditions (depression,
etc). However I find it very interesting to read that although the subject
of this photo and the purpose behind it has been used and manipulated in
different ways (mainly socially),
‘Florence Thompson’ has never made a penny out of it and that it had done her
no good (Roseler, 1989). Although ‘Florence Thompson’ did not make any money
out of it, I believe the photo is a universal and symbolic image that’s
impacted the world; as it shows the life of the rural poor (raise awareness) and the true impacts of the economic depression
during the early 1900’s.
Questions 2
The following are the 2 approaches I’ve decided to
discuss and explore, using my own photograph of ‘Mother and child – Wilkie and
Pato Jnr’:
1.Image as Icon
This image shows the relationship between
Mother and child and to be specific, I really like this image because not only
does it show a mother’s love for her child (mother
hugging and looking at child). But I feel that it also provides the idea
that most sons’ can relate to, in terms of regardless of their size or age.
They’ll always be a ‘momma’s boy’ for example; ‘Pato Jnr’ is a very large baby
that will easily double the size of her mother ‘Wilkie’. ‘Pato Jnr’ looking out
to the distance implies the idea of independence, but at the same time looks
very comfortable and happy in his mother’s arms etc.
2.Reading the Photograph
This is photo of my friend ‘Wilkie’ and
her son ‘Pato Jnr’. Every weekend we support our partner’s by attending their
rugby games. This photo took place in winter at one of the rugby games and I
wanted to achieve a photo that was more than a simple family portrait for
example; ‘Pato Jnr’ is a very large baby and ‘Wilkie’ is pretty tiny compared
to her son, so I decided to capture a photo that demonstrates the dramatic
difference in size; but also highlighting the love that is shared between
mother and son (i.e. ‘mommas boy’ etc).
