Connecting essay 1

This is a photograph I had found online. It shows multiple image sequence made from 3 separate photos to show the process of blowing smoke. I like the way the background is plain black as this allows the pale smoke to contrast against it and show up clearly. The mans face also contrasts against the background. The way the image is edited black and white makes the tones clearer in the image and really make the smoke stand out. Highlights and shadows in the 3 images make form very clear in the face and the jacket, enhancing the texture of the jacket. Something I quite like about the image is that the camera position is exactly the same for each photo, so that it looks like the pictures were taken one after each other, rather than at 3 different times. The frame is filled very well so that there is not too much empty space yet there is room to show the smoke travelling.

This image is one I had taken and edited myself. to make this I took 3 different images in a row and placed them next to each other on Photoshop. Firstly I like position the 3 pictures were taken, as it allows space for the smoke in the frame so that we are able to see the different shapes apparent in it. Also, this angle allows us to see a clear outline and shape of the face. The background of the images shows depth, as the path gets thinner as it travels into the distance. This emphasises the length of it which also emphasises the fact the girl is alone and in a secluded area with no people in sight, and creates a sense of loneliness. The highlights in the hair show texture and the different tones in the skin show form. The different tones are visible due to the photo being in black and white, which also causes the image to be more contrasting.

Both of these pictures are similar in many ways. Ways in which they are obviously similar are that they both use the same multiple image sequence using 3 photographs, in order to show the process of blowing smoke. They are also similar in the way that they have both been edited black and white in order for the smoke to be more contrasting. Both images include full portraits of the person blowing the smoke rather than just the mouth or the smoke itself to make the photography more interesting. Ways in which these photographs are similar that are not so obvious include the highlights and shadows used to show tone in the face, hair, and jacket, and therefore show texture.

A difference between these two images is that the composition is different in each one. In the photo I had found, the photo is taken straight on so we see the front of the man, right in the middle of the frame. This is effective as the man is able to make eye contact with the camera and connect with the viewer. On the other hand in my image we see the girl from side on, and she is at the right side of the frame. This is effective for different reasons,for example it allows room in the frame for us to see the smoke travel. It also allows us to see the background. Backgrounds are another difference these two images have. The image I had found uses a plain black background which works quite effectively as the smoke is able to contrast against it so we can see it clearly. The picture I had taken was taken on location rather than in the studio, so we can see a path in the distance. This clearly shows depth and also establishes that the girl is on her own and creates a sense of loneliness in the image.