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09/23/2003 01:39:51 PM · #1 |
Contrast. Sometimes we want it; sometimes we don't. When used well as a composition and lighting tool in photography, it can be a magnificent way to communicate. One woman who uses contrast in this way is Anastasia.
Anastasia uses contrast in such a way that she is able to make her points clear, her subjects interesting, and her moods engaging. In this image, , the pure and contrasting blacks and whites give the photo an interesting mood, but also highlights the non-human nature of her subjects. It also allows her to emphasize their repeating patterns for the Repetition challenge.
Alternatively, she is able to really boost the human-ness of her subject through contrasts in this shot. The hair is certainly the star player here, but then our eye is drawn to the lovely model, whose tones are soft and warm, in contrast to the appropriately harsher blacks and lights of the background and hair.
In this photograph, the contrasts are not primarily of light, but of texture and focus. The bubbles are sharper than the swirling and softer focused liquid around them. The result is that our eyes are drawn to where she wants them: the bubbles. But the interesting textures and colors make us want to roam around the image, too.
Here, she uses both tones and lines/shapes to provide contrast. The walking figures are darker and more round and random in shape relative to the striking patterns on the ground. Her use of line here is superb, too, adding both drama and directing our attention to the contrasting forms that are different from their surroundings.
In Tecklenburg, she appropriately chooses to capture the Tudor architecture (or German equivalent), with its white plaster and dark beams, to bring attention to, and add interest to, the buildings of this quaint German village. The various angles used and contrasted also bring interest to the photo.
Though it's not the only tool or skill at which she is adept, Anastasia, it could be said, is the Concubine of Contrast! (I'm stretching my alliteration here!). Look at more of her images, and you'll find other ways she uses it (and other tools like light and line).
Which photos do you like of hers? What skills or tools to they demonstrate?
Message edited by author 2003-09-23 13:43:27.
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09/23/2003 02:12:19 PM · #2 |
I think this is photographer number 15, david! :) And an excellent choice. Though she hasn't been featured on the front page with a ribbon, Anastasia does consistently great work, and had certainly improved throughout the challenges. My favourite of her pieces, which highlights that "humanness" aspect you pointed out is
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09/23/2003 03:11:03 PM · #3 |
Good choice, David - I love to look at Anastasia's photos, not only because they are very beautiful, young, vibrant, and funny quite often, but because they're so different from anything I would dare to do. My favourite is //www.dpchallenge.com/image.php?IMAGE_ID=16554, I'm not sure why, but I just like that photo.
Ursula
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09/23/2003 04:54:42 PM · #4 |
| Without further commenting on her technical skill, I was impressed by her average score (6.1086), which is quite high especially for someone who has never won a ribbon. There are very few low scores in her portfolio, impressive consistency. |
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09/23/2003 05:52:03 PM · #5 |
My favourite, though personally I would have titled it 'Bubblehead' is this one ... but then I don't live close enough for him to hit me ; )
The composition is great, the subject perfectly focused, and the background is gone. The contrast here is between the two planes - one sharp as a knife, and the other blurred out to oblivion.
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09/24/2003 12:53:13 AM · #6 |
| excellent choice, david! annie has a great eye and she just keeps getting better and better. |
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09/24/2003 09:09:47 AM · #7 |
she really is talented
and neener neener i've met her and none of you have
; P
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09/28/2003 05:57:41 PM · #8 |
I love this shot. It's perfectly lit, and glowing. Congrats Annie for your profile, it's well deserved!
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09/29/2003 01:50:11 AM · #9 |
Thank you very much for all you kind words, people! I just got back from a long holiday in Russia and just saw I was profiled! :-) What an honor.
I will try to get a ribbon one day, though a ribbon is not my goal, my goal is to improve and hearing such lovely words about my work.
Thank you David and you all, again!
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09/29/2003 09:16:08 AM · #10 |
The Concubine of Contrast, that sounds good.
I must says Nasti does have a good eye, she is forever seeing things that I overlook. She doesn't take a quarter the amount of photos that I do but she hardly has to delete any of them because they all turn out the way she wants them to. Me on the other hand have to delete 2 of every 5 photos I take!
Way to go Nasti, that first ribbon isn't far away, after all you already have two green ones :-)
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09/29/2003 01:56:02 PM · #11 |
Anastasia
Congratulations!
I too am more like Gary, I probably delete at least 2 out of every 5 shots, if not more!
Great to see your work being recognized, continued good blessings and we hope to see your first ribbon soon.
Calvus
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