Monday

I am critiquing Jack Bryant's photobook, "Monday." It depicts the mundane and somewhat depressing routine of a high school student on a Monday morning. I think it's noteworthy to include that the book from which he made the cover is called The American Revolution Reconsidered.

The photographs in the book are taken from multiple points of view. At times (e.g., in photograph 7) it seems that the photograph is taken from the perspective of the worn-out high school student himself. Some other shots (1, 2, 5) are close-ups, and the subjects (which are quite average-- a showerhead, a bagel, a notebook) dominate most of the frame, emphasizing the morning routine. Jack's choice of lighting also reflects the subject matter: the first photograph has rather flat lighting, and the shapes seem to nearly blend into the background; this effect seems to emulate the groggy tiredness that one feels when just waking up. The treatment of light in the second photograph casts special attention to the texture of the cream cheese; it is emphasized against the black background, and I can't decide whether it looks delicious or slimy and somewhat repulsive.

Of all the photographs, I find #7 the most interesting; it ties the rest of the photographs together. It relates to photograph #3 (the dog), as we see the same collie stare longingly out the front door, as if saying, "don't leave!" We're sure that the student feels the same way. The square-ness of the windows and doors is balanced by the roundness of the soccer balls, giving the photograph variety and balance. The most interesting part, I think, is the movement of the flag. Especially when one considers the title of the cover-book (The American Revolution Reconsidered), the flag is particularly resonant. As the morose student heads to school and falls asleep during class (photograph #8), we wonder, "Is this Monday routine the American ideal?"

My gut reaction was that the book told a story, and I think that some of the photographs (e.g, #4 and #6) are mainly used as means to progress the story, although Jack does pay attention to the composition of these photographs. Upon closer examination, however, I found that there was a lot more going on in these photographs than simply storytelling.

Ultimately, Jack's last photograph depicts a student falling asleep (in class? in a cafeteria?), which I think serves as a rather depressing end to a Monday routine.

Note to Ms. Macwright -- Unfortunately, I'm sick and won't be in school tomorrow.

Photomontage Project

For my Photomontage project, I plan to photograph the eerie, creepy, industrial boiler room on campus. It's very cold and machine-oriented; there aren't very many bright colors. For this reason, I think it might be effective to grayscale them after shooting. I will have to make sure that I have a tripod, enough natural light (sunny days would be better for shooting), and the correct white balance when shooting.
Ariel's previous Photomontage of a beverage cooler somewhat reflects the cold, industrial look that I'm going for.

Dave Hill Photograph - Erika

Reflection on Dave Hill Photograph

(Ms. Macwright--I don't know how to isolate the photograph! It's on Page 2 of his Advertisements, and it's entitled "Shannyn Sossamon.")

Dave Hill’s photography is ideal for advertising for several reasons. I do not know what this photograph is advertising, but regardless, the style of the photograph is effective for any kind of advertisement. Hill’s lighting (which, to me, seems almost Gregory Crewdson-esque in its surreal treatment) illuminates everything in the frame while providing the most contrast between light and dark on Shannyn Sossamon, the subject. This unique lighting is not something that we are likely to witness in everyday life, and is thus very cool and, by extension, memorable. It transforms a rather dilapidated stoop into an exciting visual treat for the viewer. Rather than viewing the photograph as a picture of a pretty girl on a dirty urban stoop, the light and editing make it into a surreal and interesting place that seems like fun to explore. We wish we could join Sossamon in her world that is decidedly different from ours.