For this chosen assignment, I will be undertaking the task of developing diverse approaches of capturing the “Human Condition” incorporated in portrait and human based photography. In order to be triumphant and succeed with this brief I need to produce distinctive images that display a contextual and commercial aspect of portraiture.
There are four classifications within this unit that will not only individually challenge my photographic abilities, but also broaden my understanding and familiarity of known photographers within the industry. Candid Photography
Henri Cartier-Bresson
Corporate Portraiture
HeadShot, London
Fine Art Portraiture
Sally Mann
Environmental Portraiture
Gene Smirnov
One of the primary features that differentiate a photographer from an individual who merely takes photographs is that a photographer endures and achieves the aptitude to look beyond the genuine subject and have the capabilities to perceive visual qualities that will construct an outstanding image. It is the proficiency to identify the existence, or lack of selected key elements that make the distinction amongst a picture and a first-rate photograph. Amongst the significant learning outcomes that have been established for the brief, additionally I intend to develop the crucial skills needed for analysing my individual images with an affective approach.
Before I proceed to explore into the complexities of the brief, I need to comprehend the preliminary idea of “The Human Condition”, and in what way this can be incorporated in photography. As this is a very unfamiliar concept for me I will be investigating thoroughly so I am certain that I grasp the entire theory.
My Interpretation of the Human Condition
From the information I have analysed both online and from books my understanding is that the human condition is an exploration and journey of the human existence, and is an aspect of documenting the extensive scale of the people’s approach to life throughout the world. The human condition incorporates the entirety of the experience of humanity, exposing everyday goings-on of every level from rich to poor, from third world nations to western society, and from cheerful to downhearted. The human condition essentially is what makes us human and are ultimately incidents and occurrences detached from the ones that our body forces on us.
Whilst exploring into the human condition I located certain beneficial links not only expressing definitions and explanations but furthermore An imaginative freelance documentary photography from Los Angeles named Chris Weeks who has expressed the human condition impeccably through his images of street photography.
My Interpretation of the Human Condition
From the information I have analysed both online and from books my understanding is that the human condition is an exploration and journey of the human existence, and is an aspect of documenting the extensive scale of the people’s approach to life throughout the world. The human condition incorporates the entirety of the experience of humanity, exposing everyday goings-on of every level from rich to poor, from third world nations to western society, and from cheerful to downhearted. The human condition essentially is what makes us human and are ultimately incidents and occurrences detached from the ones that our body forces on us.
Whilst exploring into the human condition I located certain beneficial links not only expressing definitions and explanations but furthermore An imaginative freelance documentary photography from Los Angeles named Chris Weeks who has expressed the human condition impeccably through his images of street photography.
Beneath are a number of Chris’s images that I deem to be significant examples of the human condition, And my understanding and the justifications for the chosen images.
Romance is an element in life, so consequently I consider this expressive and suggestive image first-rate to portray the human condition.
Reflection facilitates individuals to engage in observation, questioning, speculation/assumption, and self-awareness, which expose a fundamental part in the human condition.
Addiction and obsession can be associated as a metaphor for the human experience, underlining the realistic downfalls in day-to-day lives, although some addictions can bring pleasure and contentment such as keeping up general fitness and routine.
Disability and weakness is a natural and pure element of the human condition and will affect and distress at one time or another in our lives.
Admittedly while I have the necessary understanding of the theory of the human condition, I don’t consider myself to have adequate or sufficient knowledge to push the boundaries, or even the straightforward decisions such as, will I be shooting in film or digitally, will the images be natural or posed, I’m certain from additional research I will adapt the ideal method to complement my manner.With the support of the tutors I have been presented with various renowned photographers that are incentives and inspirations whilst studying this specialised field
Harry Borden
Harry Borden is a well-established portrait photographer who was born in New York but was raised and educated in Devon, England. While he is well known, Harry has certainly never been a photographer I have ever truly shown interest in, but I imagine this is because of the nature and character of portraiture that he produces,Which doesn’t solely comprise of the model, but the environment itself and the visual tension it generates which can imply additional reflection.
I believe from progression and development of my work, not only are my images advancing technically, but I am also becoming more broad minded and indulgent to diverse genres of photography.
Harry chooses to keep the set-up natural and effortless, with straightforward, trouble-free light setups. Borden has shot many celebrities with several developing to an iconic significance, merely because of the environments he has portrayed them in.A magnificent example of this is the below image of Michael Hutchence, Since the rock star's premature and unfortunate death, Borden's image has been witnessed throughout the world and has been seen in both the television and in print form.
This image has captured the eyes of many, purely because of the significance of the environment and its surroundings.
Another impressive image Borden has taken was of the Duchess of York, with many options of clothing and style to choose from he selected an intense pink coat with a mink trim and eventually styled in the look of a prostitute but she looked fantastic and is still a very thought-provoking image.
The location of the portrait has an ironic grandeur, with the splash of red paint, and what appears to be a cross.
Sally Mann
Sally Mann captures the heartfelt essence of childhood in her photographs of children. The playful and artful looks indicate an impression of charm and virtue. Her black and white prints have been acknowledged to be debatable and to others her effort is admired and commended throughout the art community and universal. The images are poignant, internal, and distressing but at the same instance leave the observer with a sense of reassurance.
I commenced exploring into Sally’s work after I viewed the following outstanding image.
Candy Cigarette
Candy cigarette is a beautiful example of mann’s characteristic blend of cautious preparation and fortune.
She is able of producing an evident spectacular mood through her pictures, enough to shock the viewer that makes them want to study the image further.
At first glance the child appears as if she is somewhat lonely and friendless with a corrupt attitude, but when I studied further I you can distinctly see the portrait supports the experience of maturity, responsibility and development through the pathway of existence.
When questioning and analysing images I find it incredibly challenging to thoroughly get my thoughts, opinions and judgments down on paper. Tasks and experiences such as this never come naturally to me and it is something that I will be striving to develop throughout this particular people brief as my knowledge is diminutive.
There is no doubt in question why Sally Mann's images of her children are believed to of cause controversy. Many viewers have testified the images to be pedophilic, while certain images appear vaguely erotic and suggestive; I believe they show innocence, inexperience, and purity.
Irena Werning
Irena Werning
Irena Werning is an additional photographer whose effort and execution has never aroused any interest for me through her form of photography; until I came across the series of images she has recently undertaken named “Back to the future.” Irina undertook a challenge that I imagine appeals to all. She has rummaged through childhood photo albums of family and friends, and generally brought childhood images to life. The series is a captivating look at maturity and aging, and even though her models transform into adults they remain incredibly the same almost as if she has appointed a look alike for each separate image. Irena really went into precise detail to create such fantastic images, replicating the precise clothing and location for the shoots but it unquestionably paid of. The images are a great example of capturing the human condition, revealing the aging progression through life.
The result is a combination of comedy, mockery, and reminiscence that's astonishingly captivating.
Richard Renaldi
Another impressive photographer that I came across whilst exploring the creations of Irina, is based in New York City named Richard Renaldi. He has developed a series of images named "Touching Strangers” The principle of his work is pure and unpretentious, he simply stops and invites two or more complete strangers to kindly pose in an image together, but with the additional provision that they must touch each other in some manner. I know most certainly the thought of approaching strangers and asking if I could take an image of them is extremely intimidating and occasionally somewhat demoralising. When viewing this particular set of images by Richard, its difficult to see the uncomfortable and unpleasant feelings that the selected people must of felt, its as if they have had a pervious relationship or meeting with the photographer as the models constantly appear relaxed and at ease.
This is one of my preferred images from the collection, not only has he selected casual human beings from the street, but he has mixed diverse cultures and backgrounds that many are unacquainted with, and reunited the society as one.
When I view the images, I like to consider what the models were doing previously before they were invited to participate in Richards pictures, with this individual image I believe than man placed on the right was just experiencing a long walk along the beach unaware of whatever he would later be participating in.
This image is similar to a typical family/friend laid-back portrait. Without knowing the in’s and out’s of the project you wouldn’t have an inkling or any suspicion what so ever that the individuals in the portrait are unfamiliar with one another.
This is a trouble-free yet exclusive set of images that Renaldi has produced; that I consider would benefit myself and other up and coming photographers to encourage and strengthen self-confidence whilst creating a stimulating adventurous set of images.
Jane Brown
Jane brown has succeeded taking outstanding portraits for the notorious newspaper “Observer for over sixty years, and anyone who has taken the time to browse through it will be aware of Jane’s exceptional ability to capture a photograph. Jane is a photographer that has been exposed numerous times whilst I have been studying photography and her distinct portraiture approach has never been needed or included in any briefs undertaken until now. When searching through the university library I came across a book of Jane’s named “exposure” which consists of hundreds of incredible images Jane has taken throughout the many years of working for the Observer, which include celebrated individuals such as Samuel Beckett, Cilla Black and even royalty photographing Queen Elizabeth II in 2006.
Samuel Beckett, 1976
Cilla Black, 1967
Queen Elizabeth II, 2006
One crucial element that truly staggers me with Jane is that each of her images have been captured with natural lighting from the environment, there is not one element that is artificial. She largely shoots in black and white and uses tattered Olympus OM1’s from around the early 70’s, which proves it isn’t the quality of the camera; it’s the talent and proficiency of the photographer and this is clearly shown in Jane’s collection of work.
I will also be expanding on this meticulous group of images for my research into Candid photography
With Bresson shooting his images in 35mm, which was a great deal smaller and compact compared to prior medium and large format that he shot in formally, he now had the ability to capture images in ways never reached previously. He could now secure images discreetly and unnoticed, to avoid the subject’s change of demeanor, emotion and response. This is when Bresson really came out of his shell; his image collections is genuinely impressive and are excellent examples of capturing portraiture with a exclusive twist.
I will also be expanding on this meticulous group of images for my research into Candid photography
Henri Cartier- Bresson
Henri Cartier- Bresson is deemed to be one of the finest photographers of all time. With photojournalism being his specialist-dedicated field he was one of the earliest photographers to grasp and enhance the quality of 35mm. Bresson was traditionally educated as a painter and this explains why he has a true sense of composition.
With Bresson shooting his images in 35mm, which was a great deal smaller and compact compared to prior medium and large format that he shot in formally, he now had the ability to capture images in ways never reached previously. He could now secure images discreetly and unnoticed, to avoid the subject’s change of demeanor, emotion and response. This is when Bresson really came out of his shell; his image collections is genuinely impressive and are excellent examples of capturing portraiture with a exclusive twist.
Below are a few examples of Bresson’s originality and vision that he captured throughout his career. I have elected images that I consider are significant to the human condition.
Behind the Gare Saint-Lazare
This is quite possibly Cartier’s best-known image. Timing is crucial for Bresson and other photographers who appreciate capturing candid photography. This image has such charm and elegance. Bresson captured the man in mid flight with the ideal reflection making the image complete.
The emotion and sheer excitement on the small boys face generates the tremendous image created. You may ask why this image has any connection with the human condition? I Feel emotions are shaped from day to day experiences of life, whether that may be falling in love, shopping for luxuries that aren’t required to live but are desired by many, fine dining and greed are just a few I will name, but all produce feelings and reactions whether there good or bad. When an image gives of an emotion, I consider this is when the picture has achieved its purpose.
Cartier along with Robert capa , David Seymour and George Rodger founded the huge photographic society Magnum that according to Bresson is a “ community of thought, a shared human quality, a curiosity about what is going on in the world, a respect for what is going on and a desire to transcribe it visually”
Candid Photography
Candid photography is undoubtedly a genre of imagery I have never experienced or followed until now. Following detailed study into the field I fully understand the concept of how to define candid.
A candid shot is an image captured of a person, when caught off guard, unaware that they are being photographed, the word candid is generally considered to be “free from hesitation”, un-posed and casual, direct yet discreet. Typically candid is images taken of people going about their daily lives that are uninformed and oblivious of the camera or image being taken,Which is why candid is described as one of the purest approaches to photography
Ensuing the research I have studied about candid photography, it seems many people become confused between street photography and candid photography; street photography is usually candid but doesn’t always consist of the key human element.
Tony Ray-Jones
Tony Ray-Jones was a talented photographer whose life was unfortunately cut short as he passed away at the early age of thirty. Providentially Tony had already accomplished to make a significant mark on contemporary Photography. When a photographer dies at a young age, there is always an alluring desire to contemplate how his work may have furthered.
After reading a book about Tony, I found a very interesting phrase that I consider to be appropriate to this individual brief.
“ I have tried to show the sadness and the humor in a gentle madness that prevails in people. The situations are sometimes ambiguous and unreal, and the juxtaposition of elements seemingly unrelated, and yet the people are real. This, I hope helps to create a feeling of fantasy. Photography can be a mirror and reflect life as it is, but I also think that perhaps it is possible to walk like Alice, through a looking-glass, and find another kind of world with the camera.” Tony Ray-Jones
Much of his archive has been arranged by projects such as the English Seaside, sporting events, Markets, rock and roll concerts, New York street events etc.
Below are a number of images captured by Tony Ray-Jones that I consider depict the human condition.
Ramsgate, Kent 1968
Tony created characteristic and highly individual images mixing both absurdity and unhappiness from the exposed moments of British Society.
I recently looked at an article by the BBC that portrayed Tony’s imagery in a fantastic way, describing that Ray Jones” turned the beach into a psychiatrist's couch. The place where the nation reclined and bared its soul. Family dramas, displays of eccentricity, dreams of love, the damp disappointments of everyday life. The beach and the seafront were the stage where these classic themes were played out.”
Glyndebourne, 1967
Tony believed there was something extraordinary and comical about the English way of life.
Walker Evans
Walker Evans
Walker Evans was greatly admired. Most celebrated for his work for the FSA (Farm security administration) documenting “the great depression” The FSA was established in America throughout the depression to oppose rural poverty.
Evans produced bodies of work that expressed the suffering and distress caused of the communities that were the hardest hit with the financial dilemmas.
Below are several examples of Evans’s imagery, and demonstrate just how tremendous his abilities were as a photographer.
Family and child in the great depression
The blank expressions of the family tell a story in itself; the sorrow and disappointment can be observed from the potent glare that sways the viewer instantaneously.
Two impassive images that together shriek a million words, with the effect Evan’s has generated it is no wonder why he contracted such a renowned name.
Dorothea Lange
Dorothea Lange is an additional photographer alongside Walker Evans who reported on the living conditions or deficiency of, in the rural regions of the USA. She not only portrayed the desperation and suffering that the families were living through, but the pride, determination and dignity the individuals endured during the unfortunate circumstances.
One of the greatest commonly circulated images captured by Dorothea is the Migrant Mother, the portrait of a migrant worker with her children. The appearance of the young female is defined with wrinkles. The distressed stare. This exceptionally intense, poised image has made Dorothea an iconic figure still to this day.
Dorothea Lange, Migrant Mother ,1936
Matt Stuart
Matt Stuart is a contemporary photographer whose passion and enthusiasm is based around candid photography. Matt’s imagery is more to my taste and I openly enjoy looking through his archives. His images give off an impression and sense of mischief. I am intending to use Matt’s style of photography for my candid shoots, catching the humorous goings on in day-to-day lives. Matt’s images are constructed around waiting; he has a unquestionable judgment for shooting at the ideal moment.
With matt’s fanciful creativity, he was capable to transform what would be an regular image into something of a high quality that stands out in the crowd. Generally candid images I have investigated happen to be in black and white, is this a rule of an accurate candid image? I will be exploring into more detail about black and white photography and candid conditions.
The individuals in this image are oblivious of the image being taken; Matt has captured males working but spotted the benefit of shooting the photograph at the particular moment. If the gentleman was situated otherwise, the image would have an entirely different appearance and expression which would most likely be somewhat dull.
A large Segment of the human condition is employment; to be capable of treating ourselves to “luxuries” our day-to -day lives require earning money.
