coparius

Masters of Photography pictures

Barber School The subject of the photo is questionable. It is either the store or the sign; however, both are in ideal positions for this photo, with the store in the foreground and the man in the background. The photographer, Miss Berenice Abbot, seems to have been using rule of thirds and the capturing of patterns (namely stripes) while taking this. Due to the black and white nature of the picture, it is hard to tell the lighting. However, it seems that there is daylight, and that only the man is shaded. The picture could be displaying any number of emotions. For example, it could be nostalgia for the past. It could be anger that prices have inflated as much as it had. It could be sadness for the same reason. However, the prices and the black and white help to convey the emotion, regardless of which one it is. The meaning of the photo is very similar to the conveyed emotion, at least in this case. It could mean that these were simpler and better times. Immediately after seeing this, however, the first thing that comes to mind is when exactly is this? my guess would be the early twentieth century, but I do not know for certain. The second thing that I think of is who is the man? Is he the one who runs the store? Is he a student or patron there? Is he simply a homeless person? Without more information, it is impossible to know.

Untitled The subject of this image seems to be the construction, although it could be the shed/office building in the background. The photography, Robert Adams, did not seem to bother with many of the techniques of composition, although I can see cases of patterns and framing. The lighting is once again obscured by the black and white, but is most likely daylight. The feeling conveyed is also once again muddled, but still discernible. It might be projecting a feeling of independence, although I am not certain. The photographer might be advertising that a return to simpler days may be good for humanity. This is only one possible meaning, however. He could be expressing the natural beauty of the country side. My only questions are where is this and what are the two buildings in the background?

Paul Schofield Surprisingly, this picture is of the famous photographer, not an anonymous subject. The subject seems to be Bill Brandt, the person allegedly taking the picture. It was taken in 1981, where black and white photos where more of a statement than a necessity. This makes it interesting to have it in black and white, as it puts the man into contrast with his surroundings. While he is very dark due to his clothing and shading of his face, his surroundings are an almost blinding white. Brandt uses symmetry and patterns quite a bit in this photo, and might also be using framing, depending on your perspective. Due to the nature of the house, it appears to be lit quite well, although, again, the subject is shaded to provide an interesting picture. I do not sense any specific emotion from the picture, but it Brandt himself seems to be projecting either disinterest or disdain for those who see the picture. The meaning is equally androgynous, although the contrast could provide something along the lines of the darkness of the human soul. All speculation, which brings up the questions what was the intended meaning, and how did Brandt manage to capture himself in the pose and placement that he wanted?

Duke Ellington The subject of this photo is famous musician Edward Kennedy “Duke” Kennedy. The lighting seems to be a photography studio, as both the subject and the background are perfectly lit. The only real composition technique that might have been used here is interesting angles, which is questionable. As this picture is seemingly simply a personal portrait, it does not convey any obvious emotion or meaning, although, if grasping for straws, one might make a comment on the joy that comes with making music. My questions are why is the picture being taken and what was going on before it was taken?

Sign in Window Unlike most of the previous pictures, this photo does not contain any human subject. There is also no background or middle ground, something contained in every previous picture. The subject appears to be the windows, which are barred and broken. There is symmetry, patterns, and framing here, although they are rather subtle. The lighting appears to be daylight but shaded by the building. The mood is rather sad and depressing, and seems to convey the sadness that comes with the entropy of life.The questions that come to mind when I see this are who lives here and why are the windows barred?