Blog Entry #1

Photographer: Hugo Fernandes

Paul from the series Intimate Strangers
Link to Webpage

Analysis

Subject Matter: A man in a dark room.
Form:
I. Light and value - The image is quite dark - the lighting really tells the viewer where to focus and shows the form of the mans body.
II. Contrast - This image has a high amount of contrast
III. Positive/Negative space - There is a relatively large amount of negative space surrounding the main subject
IV. Distance from the camera to the subject - This shot is of medium distance, there is some room between the two, but the camera is close enough to see detail.
V. Line/Directional Forces - The lines in the image play a large role; the lines of this mans legs and arms draw the eye up to the man's face and his gaze directs the viewer's eyes back down again.

Meaning of the image

This image shows a man in a dark room draped in a small amount of light. This image really takes advantage of light and shadow and how light can emphasize different things. The light source seems to be from a window and really emphasizes the mans face; mainly his eyes and his downward gaze. This image seems to be about sadness and depression. The lighting is dark and the contrast is high; these elements add to the mood of loneliness and gloom. The lines on the wall are highlighted by the light and add to the mood of the image, the man's surroundings seem dirty and old. The abundance of dark empty, or negative, space adds the feeling of loneliness and depression. He seems to be alone and deep in thought. The distance between the man and the camera shows the intimacy of the subject, there is enough detail to show his face but the camera is far enough away to show his surroundings and the emptiness. The lines and directional forces in this image play a large role, the man's facial expression and gaze are huge in portraying sadness. The man's body language also adds to this feeling and gives the viewer some direction of where to look. All of the elements in this image help convey the feelings of sadness, loneliness, and depression.