Week 3 Writing Assignment

Andreu, 1997 

by David Hilliard

How does this photo fit into the 12 criteria we came up with for a good photograph?

1. Photo draws your eye, catches your interest: This definitely caught my interest and attracted my eye which is why I chose it. The three panels next to each other have intriguing relationships to one another because they are not lined up perfectly, and the depth created by the mirror and the window is particularly interesting especially because it is so limited.

2. Angle or point of view: The fact that these aren't perfectly lined up puts things in just the slightest awkward angle. It's a cool point of view because you're eye is right behind the subject and you're kind of bummed because all you see is his hand, but then you see his face in the mirror... it's almost like your looking at it from several different points of view.

3. Makes the viewer think or react emotionally: The mirror is significant in our emotional reaction because we see the subjects expression. He looks really exhausted and worn out. His opening the window too brings about an emotional response in me. It makes me feel as though he is taking a moment to breathe and reflect. 

4. Has a message, or pushes barriers: I can't really say that this photo pushes any barriers or depicts a certain message to it's audience. I don't know that it really makes the photo any weaker, but it is something that it lacks.

5. The subject matter is interesting: The subject matter is definitely interesting in my opinion. The panel all the way on the right I have yet to speak of. The other two greatly interest me, but the 3rd one is questionable. I definitely like it, but I don't know that it adds to the photo at all. It sort of solidifies the environment; he's clearly in a bathroom, but the other 2 contain the most interesting subject matter.

6. Tells a story: This guy probably just had a really rough weekend. He just moved into a new apartment in a new city and it's his first time being away from his family and friends and he's nervous about his new job. He got up early because he couldn't sleep. He showered and is now opening the window to let some light and fresh air in... He takes a deep breath and wipes his forehead... 

....This photograph totally tells a story... undeniable.

7. Catches the ‘critical moment’ when action is at it’s peak: Absolutely! maybe not action... but certainly a critical moment. This is a moment of realization that we are witnessing. 

8. Clear focus of photo (both the sharpness and primary subject matter): Subject matter is a clear focus. As with sharpness, David Hilliard does some cool things; since his panoramas consist of separate photographs, they often have an interesting variation in focus. This one isn't as obvious, because other than the view outside the window, most everything is in focus.

9.  Design elements: composition, framing, lines, movement: There is a nice vertical theme going on here: towels, tiles, door, buildings, arm, etc. Each one is carefully framed, keeping us guessing about what else is in the room and what is outside... and forcing us to look at every piece of the picture. 

10.  Lighting interesting: I actually just noticed how interesting the lighting is and how it makes the 3rd panel significant. The light from the window creates a shadow of his had on the wall beneath the towels. His arm and hand are present in all 3 photos. That was either a really cool accident, or very well thought out.

11. Technically proficient (exposure, focus, etc):  I can't find any reason to say that this panorama isn't technically proficient. Everything is well exposed and clear and sharp.

12. Good printing: frame, paper, size, all match content: Not applicable?