Exploring a Subject

I decided to photograph this little statue of a dancer that stands on the DVD rack in my living room. I had never really noticed it before but when I saw how gracefully it sits in our plain living room and I realized it had beauty and I could definately play around with it and my camara. The first picture is zoomed in because I thought the texture on the dress was interesting and it can't really be seen from far away. The second picture was taken from an angle below the statue in its normal resting place, making the 12-inch figure have a larger presence. I switched the background for the third picture, it was taken on a wooden table, and I really liked how the lines on the table contrast the beautiful dancer and the angle from above hides her face, giving the photo a sense of mystery. The fourth picture is with less lighting and I changed the type of flash on the camera. This is how I always see the statue on a daily basis in my living room, and the speakers frame the picture and also show how modern technology and beauty can exist in the same place. The framing and spacing draw the eye directly to the dancer. Finally, the last picture is another zoomed closeup of the face and my favorite part is the shadow in the background and the bronze texture of the statue. Overall, I think this subject was easy to work with mainly because I loved the lines of the figure and the dark skin with the blue dress were interesting.

Photo Idea Index Concepts

This photograph was published on the National Geographic Magazine website on November 16th 2009. First, the composition of the photo consists of only a few colors, mainly different shades of yellow and light brown. This is seen in the wooden pews, the wall in the background and the blonde in the girl's hair, making her seem one with her setting because the colors blend yet the expression on her face and the lines in the photo allow for the eye to go straight to her. The angle at which the photo was taken creates a depth which blurrs the first couple of pews but then highlights the pews that the girl is sitting in, drawing the eye to the girl who appears to be lonely in the church. Also, no one else is in the frame, which is important in conveying the theme of a lonley girl. Even if there were other people in the church they aren't necessary and would take away some power from the shot of a single subject. The balance of the picture makes it visually dynamic and interesting, with the horizon being not directly in the center as well as the girl who is off to the left of the shot. Finally, the expression on the little girl's face is what makes her stand out because she does look lonely as she looks down and she is what makes the photograph such an appealing image in addition to its composition, balance, and conveyance.