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06/13/2004 03:37:34 PM · #1 |
Several months ago, before my life became a busy nightmare, I used to post quasi-regular 'Favorite Photographer Profiled' articles every couple of weeks or so. Several folks have asked me to do this again, so I'll give it a try. You can find other profiles by using the new search feature with the key word PROFILED or PROFILE. Some have won ribbons; some have not; all are excellent photographers, as are most of you!
Intimacy in Photography
I've been giving a lot of thought to the feeling of intimacy in photography--not sexual intimacy, just the feeling of familiarity and closeness that photography can give to almost any subject. In this regard, I first went to one of my favorite photos (and photographers) to see what qualities and elements I could use to create an intimate feeling. The photographer is, of course, Ursula. She does wonders with photography in general, but is also a superb artist to explore when studying intimacy.
The photo above is very intimate, obviously. It's as if we are almost part of this wonderful secret that is being shared. Other images of Ursula's are also worthy of note, however, in terms of the intimate feeling they communicate.
When one thinks intimacy, one usually doesn't think of landscapes, yet in this image, she uses color, focus, and negative space to imply a closeness and familiarity with this scene. This is amazing, in that the scene is like no other I have ever seen. She nevertheless manages to make it seem familiar, like we have been there many times before and have never failed to stop and enjoy its beauty.
Another image of Ursula's uses similar techniques. This time the darker edges seem to be embracing us as a viewer. The leading lines draw us in so delicately, we feel we belong to this place. I certainly want to visit Mer Bleue someday! I'll probably feel right at home canoeing in its peaceful waters.
Here, she gets us very close to a fork. A mundane item to be sure, but she does special things to make it feel like a special friend. First, she uses color once again to add interest and a feeling of peace. The colors, though bright, are soft and warm and welcoming. Note also the angle of the tines. They are not so drastic to make the image or its subject edgy or dramatic, but they are also not parallel to the frame which would tend to make them static and emotionless. Instead, the angle adds interest and welcomes us, leading our eyes gently through the frame and around the image.
In this complex image, lots of things are going on. What's complex about it? Once again, she uses gentle angles and lines to draw our eyes into the photo. The rounded hills add a sense of peace and stillness. But then there's the figure on the horse. The entire photo is gently lulling us to be friends with it, except there is this equestrian figure standing in the middle of the road in an ambivalent pose that is neither welcoming nor stand-offish. He is just there, and so the photo succeeds in communicating conflict in a very objective and effective way, using techniques that are subtle and that speak of this conflict in many ways well beyond the simple horse-highway contrast.
Ursula does not use or build intimacy all the time. Here, her colors and tones and composition entice us to be intersted not through their intimate qualities, but through their drama and contrast. So she is well rounded and is able to do many things. However, I do find her to be a lovely person with a wonderful sense of how to build intimacy.
What do you think of her work?
Message edited by author 2004-06-13 15:41:16.
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06/13/2004 03:52:34 PM · #2 |
| Glad to see you started your profiles again David and what a good choice to start with again! I have watched Ursula's progress here seeing we started at DPC around the same time and she has evolved from a very good photographer into and excellent photographer. She has a talent to see things and make the best out of them. My hat off to you Ursula, and thank you David for a fine report! |
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06/13/2004 03:52:57 PM · #3 |
Excellent work Dave.
Somehow I had missed most of her work, til now.
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06/13/2004 04:03:01 PM · #4 |
A couple of my favorite shots of hers. She is an awesome photographer.
 
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06/13/2004 04:17:35 PM · #5 |
Great post, I really like "articles" like this profiling a photographer! Great job.
And you're right Ursula is a great photographer I love her work. |
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06/13/2004 05:01:00 PM · #6 |
I've just watched the tragic defeat of England at the hands of the French. I'm gutted, miserable and utterly peed off. I just want to say that clicking on the link to 'Whispers and Giggles' put a smile back on my face ... life ain't so bad after all : )
Will come back and make a sensible comment tomorrow when I've sobered up!
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06/13/2004 05:03:48 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by bod:
I've just watched the tragic defeat of England at the hands of the French. I'm gutted, miserable and utterly peed off. |
France just got lucky in the last 2 minutes, that's all! Don't drink too much :) |
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06/13/2004 05:15:29 PM · #8 |
Great stuff! I love her work :)
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06/13/2004 05:27:55 PM · #9 |
| A new addition to my favorite photographers list and many to my photo fav's, thanks. |
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06/13/2004 06:34:55 PM · #10 |
Thank you, David and all, it's very kind of you to post such flattering comments! I am red-faced. You guys are very nice.
@ Bod (Paul), my husband was watching the game with a guy from the UK, it was sad, England was leading pretty much the whole game ... kiwi is right, don't drink too much. I have to remember that phrase though, "gutted, miserable and utterly peed off" - that's a good phrase.
Thanks again,
Ursula
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06/13/2004 08:26:51 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by Sonifo:
A couple of my favorite shots of hers. She is an awesome photographer.
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I forgot about these. I wanted to use the second one. What amazing b/w tonal work there!
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06/13/2004 10:13:06 PM · #12 |
I'm so glad you have chosen to highlight ursula's work. She is an admirable photographer and a delightful person to boot! :)
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06/13/2004 11:57:54 PM · #13 |
i totally agree...ursula is a wonderful photographer!
great to see the photographer profiles again...i've missed them. thanks, david! :) |
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