Quick Writes Photo

The photograph that I first was given to write about quite simple depicts three males of seemingly Caucasian decent wearing formal attire, carrying canes, set against an out of focus barren landscape. Both myself and the other writer for this image honed in on the time period of the photograph - the attire the men are wearing, the style of their hats, and the fact that they are carrying canes all hint at the fact that this image is from a past time. Additionally, the photograph is taken in black and white which is a large indicator of time period.

There were a number of characteristics given in the subject matter of this photo, both formally but also regarding the men themselves, that both I and the other writer were drawn to. I noted the high contrast of the image, and we both observed the shallow depth of field which allowed the figures to stand out as prominent against the blurry background. We both noted the juxtaposition between the two men on the right, who are prominently vertical, and the man on the left whose cane and hat are tilted on an angle. The men all seem to be relatively young, as conveyed by the smooth and unworn texture of their faces. We both determined that the photograph seems very traditional, as observed once again from the men's dress, but I also commented on the presence of the cigarette in the left man's mouth as well as the serious expression and generally stark posture of all the men in the image.

I took an approach of attempting to pinpoint specific formal qualities and then explore what subject issues the photographer was hinted at, according to these visual ques. The other writer chose to list formal qualities first, and then delve into what these formal qualities could suggest. While we both noted a number of similar issues of subject matter, the conclusions we drew about the content of the image varied widely. I was interested in why such a formal group of men was pictured against such a dry and rural background. Additionally, the youthful nature of the men seems odd for how dignified their dress is. The man on the left also seems to be far more casual in his mannerisms which looks quite strange considering his dress. Rather than drawing any conclusions, I chose to ask a number of questions about the image. I felt that the men almost seemed to be playing dress up or role playing in these clothes, because the whole situation seems very forced. I wondered why the man on the left is so severed from the rest of image, due to his breaking of the rigid geometry of the frame in both cane, cigarette and hat. I wondered why these men chose to dress in such a manner out in the middle of what might be plains or a desert. Ideas of industrialization, the destruction of agriculture, and the massive gulf between rich city life and poor rural life came to mind.

The other writer focused her interpretation on the divide between the two men on the right and the man on the left. He/she observed that the man on the left might be of a different ethnicity, according to the features of his face and hair, and that the separation between the three men might suggest some sort of racial commentary. He/she noted how separate his mannerisms are from the other men, and that the photographer likely intended to convey some message about the seperation between the men on the right and the man on the left.

I am now intensely curious about the context of this image, after realizing how completely different interpretations of the image can be based solely on visual qualities and subject matter. Regardless of whether an artist intends to make a statement about any particular issue, the way in which they compose a photograph and arrange his/her subjects will always have some connotation in the mind of the viewer. Often, these connotations are beyond the control of the artist, so he/she must be very responsible and aware of the way they construct an image. Also, this excercise again recalls for me how hard it is to only focus on formal issues without attempting apply some meaning or message to them.