Ansel Adams

I chose Ansel Adams because his work with incredible landscape shots really stuck out in my mind as unique. The way that he adjusted the contrast in his photos gave his pictures an amazing amount of detail, making the landscape shots even more spectacular. Adams was an American photographer and environmentalist.Adams, with Fred Archer developed the Zone System as a way to determine proper exposure and adjust the contrast of the final print. The resulted in adding more depth and characterized his photographs. Adams tended to use large-format cameras because their high resolution that helped ensure sharpness that have been associated with his images.

I chose this picture because of the different elements that come into play. We can clearly see that form  and depth come into play in this photo because of the way that the shadow of the mountain gives it a 3D look and makes it pop out of the photo. The trees at the bottom of the image give a scale of the distance and sizes of everything in the photo which give the picture an extreme sense of depth. Tone is an immensely important factor within this image as we are able to see the enhanced shadows within the image. This pairs with the light in a way that shows all the detail within the image and the texture of the mountain.

I chose this photo that Ansel Adams took because i feel that it really highlights depth. We can see this from the way that Adams uses a road to highlight this effect over a long distance. I like this photo because of the way that as the road gets further away, the quality of the camera starts to decrease and adds to the overall sensation of depth. Lines are a major feature within this image. The road features different colour tones that form lines that follow the road into the distance. The lines within the image can be used to study the distance within the photo as we can see how they change over different distances. Contrasts can be seen within the light colours of the road and the dark colours of the surrounding background.

I like this picture for the way that it manages to demonstrate colour in a black and white picture. in this picture we can see clearly that it is a bright and sunny day from the way that the tone of the cliffs change colour gradually at different angles. this also give some amazing detail to the photo as it reveals the individual details of the lines in the cliff face, creating an overall more detailed picture. The image features interesting examples of contrast. The black and white filter allows for the white colour of the cliff face and the clouds to stand out against the dark background. The light being shone across the cliff face allow for the rough texture to be more visible within the image.

finally,  i chose this picture for the way that movement is shown in this photo. The detail of this image is so great that everything seems to have come to a complete standstill with no notable blur occurring. This is assisted by the black and white filter that allows us to see the droplets of water spray into different directions in a smooth motion in a natural setting. Contrasts can be seen within the image. The dull colours of the cliff face clash with the colours of the brighter colours of the sky and the flowing water. The dark trees in the foreground of the image stand out against the white colour of the water, creating a silhouette effect. The light within the image creates tone within the image, causing the detail within the cliff face to be more visible.

Summary:

To summarise, Ansel Adams is able to capture a vast array of different landscape images. His technique allows the images to be immensely detailed due to his use of equipment. His black and white filters highlight the tone and detail within the image by enhancing the shadows.

Image Bank Journey

The lack of cars within the frame implies a lonely journey that will require a lot of determination in order to complete. The image has been altered in a way that causes the sky to appear a light shade of purple/pink. This can evoke an otherworldly sense for the audience which can show how it feels to travel outside of your comfort zone and embrace a new and strange world.

This image features an empty road which is accompanied by a nature backdrop. The audience appear to be framed within the perspective of a car driving down this lonesome road. The abundance of nature within the backdrop imply connotations to venturing into the unknown. The tree line appears to be endless, suggesting how daunting a journey can be. The road curves around, continuing out of frame which further implies to the audience that this journey has just begun. The use of the winding road also offers connotations to spontaneity and not knowing what to expect when embarking onto a journey.

This collection of images show journey as the same composition of the van overlooking a backdrop offers connotations to journey as the photographer literally shows progression by transporting to different and contrasting locations.These images have been taken within the setting of a van, the backdrops appear otherworldly as the vastness of them contrast greatly to the small interior of the van. The contents of the van, such as the sleeping bag imply connotations of spontaneity as it is made clear that the person is sleeping out of a van. The contrast of background and foreground imply a sense of adventure which is not common within everyday life.

This image shows how journey can actually be represented on a more metaphorical level. The person within the image is clearly suffering from emotional instability as it has been captured using black and white tones which offer connotations to sadness. The environment is blurred while the face is in focus, this implies that what is occurring in this person's mind has completely consumed their world. Dried makeup on her face implies that she has been crying, proving to the audience that she has previously been on an emotional journey through simple visual cues.

Within this image, we can see an image of a bus with its passengers looking outward. If you were unfamiliar to the context of the image the audience may just assume that the image is purely just an image of a bus within an older setting, however upon further investigation we can see a contrast of races between one side of the image compared to the other as the white passengers sit on the front of the bus while the black passengers sit on the back of the bus. This is an unnerving commentary of racial prejudice within civil rights era america within the late 1900s. African Americans were treated as an underclass within society and were treated as inferior to the white classes which explains why they were sat in the front of the bus while black passengers were forced to sit at the back. This type of photography can shock audiences and expose them to different aspects of culture, showing journey in how far we have come since.

 A colourful pallet within these images in order to demonstrate an almost dream like state. The colours appear oversaturated in order to create a heightened reality that seems so distant from our reality. Eggleston also highlights different character traits of people and places in order to demonstrate something that is unique to the place where it was photographed. Different hairstyles and clothing may be highlighted that give connotations to different places and moments in time. Buildings are present with old paint, and a structure reminiscent of another time, almost giving the image a vintage apparel. These interpretations and connotations all combine in order to place an audience on a journey the to a places that is foreign or unusual to their everyday lives.

This image features a pair of shoes which have obviously been used for quite some time as the fabric is fraying, the laces are crumpled and twisted, and the shoes are covered in mud and scuffs. The image is featured within a black and white format in order to bring the audience's attention toward the poor conditions of the shoes. This form of journey photography features more implied messages instead of the ones before. Enough information is given to the audience to allow them to deduce that the person who has previously worn these shoes has been on a journey. While the specifics of where they have gone remain to be a mystery the audience can tell that it was in a random environment such as a forest or a field from the collection of mud and scuffs on the shoe.

These images both use the same effect of blurring in order to show journey. This effect creates a much more kinetic image instead of just a static image. The image achieves this effect as it actually shows progress and movement within the frame. This is a much more literal example of journey as it displays the action however it is unclear on where they are heading or what type of journey is being taken.

These images both have a key focus on the use of contrasts. They both feature a figure walking among a haze-filled background. This implies the mystery that accompanies journey and venturing into the unknown. The black and white filter creates bolder contrasts which helps represent the person separately from their background. This helps to suggest that the person is completely foreign to their surroundings and have travelled outside of their comfort zone.

This image shows the effect of multiple flash being utilised. As a result the audience can see the full range of movements of the two people as they walk from the outside of the frame to the middle. While this shows a simple range of movement it also depicts a more emotional journey. Each range of movement can be a representation of phases within a relationship. They begin at their furthest distance as they are strangers but overtime they become closer until eventually they are together.

This image demonstrates how journey can be represented through the use of multiple imagery. The image depicts a women who is going through pregnancy. Each image represents a passage of time in the form of a month and a difference stage of pregnancy. This passage of time shows the mother going on a physical journey over the months as we see her body begin to change.

These images feature vast landscape photography that depict mountain ranges and extreme distances. Large features such as mountain ranges are being used in order to make the audience feel small in comparison to the large scale of the image. Two of the images emphasise this point as they take a person and place them within the image for scale, showing the distance that needs to be travelled. The monumental size of different aspects within these images create a sense of wonder of exciting places which is only found within journey.

These two images show trains travelling through a jungle landscape. This image acts as a metaphor showing how the journey is made difficult, carving its way through the terrain. The second image takes this idea of a difficult journey and translates it into a real-world context. This shows the difficult journey that migrants have to take in risky conditions.

These three images show different landscapes. However, each of them show a form of progression by showing the trails that have been created by them. These trails can give depth to the image by using lines that converge into the image. This depth gives the audience a sense of the east journey ahead.

This image focuses on contrast in order to create a sense of journey. The bright colours featured within the graffiti offer connotations to happiness, however they contrast greatly with the dark and gritty colours that would not commonly mesh. Since these tones would not typically be used together an other worldly feeling is set up within the environment. The person within this image also lends itself to the unknown of the image.

This image depicts journey in perhaps its most extreme sense. The people, location and vehicle used within the image are so out of the ordinary that it transports the audience into a journey. The emptiness of the frame only help aid the effect of the vastness of space and the amazing achievement.

These images show the aftermath of journey. The images consist of everyday locations that have been abandoned. This gives these standard locations new life as it provides story and history that causes the audience to find out more about the locations. This creates a sense of intrigue and a desire to discover that is commonly associated with journey.

This image depicts a person sitting on top of a large building looking down. This image is used in order to create excitement among audiences and give them an adrenaline rush that can be found in new and exciting places. This allows for the audience to also witness life from a completely new perspective and give it new life.

This image takes what may appear to be a standard sight of a concrete structure and changes the audience's thoughts and perspective on the image and draws many connotations to journey. It does this by using formal elements such as pattern through the use of parallels. This takes what could be a bland structure and makes it appear endless and extraordinary.

Discussion-Journey

Journey can be interpreted in multiple ways. Upon analyses it becomes apparent that journey is in fact a much more broader topic than may be initially interpreted.
Journey can be explored through a number of subjects including:

• Physical
•  Car
• Walking
• Aeroplane
• Metaphorical
• Emotional journey
• Growth
• Injury

 There are many photographers who utilise journey in diverse ways. Some of these photographers such as William Eggleston use a colourful pallet within their images in order to demonstrate an almost dream like state. The colours appear oversaturated in order to create a heightened reality that seems so distant from our reality. Eggleston also highlights different character traits of people and places in order to demonstrate something that is unique to the place where it was photographed. Different hairstyles and clothing may be highlighted that give connotations to different places and moments in time. Buildings are present with old paint, and a structure reminiscent of another time, almost giving the image a vintage apparel. These interpretations and connotations all combine in order to place an audience on a journey the to a places that is foreign or unusual to their everyday lives.



Other photographers such as Robert Frank explore different contexts within his life that reflect different ideologies and references to life of the time. Within the image on the right, we can see an example of this as Frank has chosen to photograph a bus with its passengers looking outward. If you were unfamiliar to the context of the image the audience may just assume that the image is purely just an image of a bus within an older setting, however upon further investigation we can see a contrast of races between one side of the image compared to the other as the white passengers sit on the front of the bus while the black passengers sit on the back of the bus. This is an unnerving commentary of racial prejudice within civil rights era america within the late 1900s. African Americans were treated as an underclass within society and were treated as inferior to the white classes which explains why they were sat in the front of the bus while black passengers were forced to sit at the back. This type of photography can shock audiences and expose them to different aspects of culture, showing journey in how far we have come since.

This image shows how journey can actually be represented on a more metaphorical level. The person within the image is clearly suffering from emotional instability as it has been captured using black and white tones which offer connotations to sadness. The environment is blurred while the face is in focus, this implies that what is occurring in this person's mind has completely consumed their world. Dried makeup on her face implies that she has been crying, proving to the audience that she has previously been on an emotional journey through simple visual cues.

Research Log

Ansel Adams:


http://www.anseladams.com

Adams is probably one of the most recognised photographers. he mainly used landscape pictures and would photograph amazing natural settings. Adams developed the zone system as a way to determine proper exposure and adjust the contrast of his final print. This resulted in giving his images clarity and their own character. This work displays journey in the sense that his landscape portraiture varies into vastly different locations.

Lee Frielander:

Lee Frielander is an American-born photographer who has delved into a wide range of travel photography. His work has developed over many years, tackling a wide range of subjects. However, his portraiture interests me the most. He places himself into these different locations, showing how far he has come. This style of self-portrait also implies to the audience that his journey is more personal to him as a result as he works his way into these altering environments and backdrops.

William Eggleston:

William Eggleston, is an American photographer who is widely credited for his use of color photography. He focuses mainly on location photography which depicts a vast for of journey, however it is his use of colour which helps elevate his photography. He uses pastel colours and neon bathed images in order to transport audiences into a different time or place. The vivid and seemingly out of place colours immediately cause the audience to draw connotations to the unknown as they are transported into a world different to the one they know.

Robert Frank:

Robert Frank is an American photographer and documentary filmmaker. His work focuses on the contextual aspects of the time in which his photos were taken. He also studies the character of different people that he finds along the way as they stand out distinctively from their environment. The contextual themes are used to show changes within society and to show how far the world has come since.

Stephen Shore:

http://stephenshore.net

Stephen Shore is an American photographer known for his images of diverse landscape and objects within the United States, and for his pioneering use of color in art photography. He analyses different aspects of American life showing contrasting images of bustling intersections and roads compared to desolate landscapes of the desert. His images mainly take place on location which gives the audience a sense of journey as they are able to experience these different environments from different lifestyles and cultures first hand. Each image expresses each location within a completely different tone which implies a sense of variation and journey within the landscape.

Tomer Ifrah:

http://www.tomerifrah.com

Tomer Ifrah carefully analyses the locations and cultures in which he photographs and attempts to fill the frame with as much references to these aspects as possible. He communicates the different tones of each location through the use of colour and focuses on what each location means to a person. He demonstrates this through framing and composition.

Chris Upton:

http://www.chrisuptonphotography.com

Chris Upton is a Nottinghamshire based photographer who travels across the globe, following his passion of travel photography. He uses colour and composition in order to create variation between each location and image. For a less developed location he may highlight small buildings, washed out paint and weak architecture. However, for a larger scale location he will show the vastness and unique aspects by taking large landscape images, highlighting the colours of the buildings and biodiversity within the frame.

Ben Gold:

http://www.bengold.co.uk

Ben Gold is a London based photographer who has created a vast body of work with varying examples of journey. A large amount of his journey work takes place within a car. This causes the journey to feel more personal as the audience are given a sense that they are experiencing the sights for themselves. He is able to distinguish between locations by focusing on different key elements. A mountain range will be captured through a landscape shot in order to reflect vastness while a snowy area may be highlighted by a more close up shot of ice on a windshield.

Vasantha Yogananthan:

http://www.vasantha.fr

Vasantha Yogananthan is a Paris-based photographer who is noted for his work in travel photography within places such as India. Vasantha Yogananthan has looked to reflect contrasts within our lifestyle and cultures compared to the locations that he has photographed. He focuses on imagery and moments which may seem strange to the audience but in reality this is just another aspect of everyday life for the people within the image. He creates diverse imagery within the locations he uses by highlighting colours. Within his India photography he highlights orange and red tones which are not common within architecture around the world which causes the location to become distinguishable from the others.

Jane Dorn:

www.janedorn.com/

Jane Dorn is a graphic designer, photographer, and educator of graphic design. Her images mainly focus around the subject of human presence and abandonment. Dorn reflects this in her work by having empty rooms with fading paint or even showing objects that humans have thrown away. This photography can depict journey as Dorn highlights unusual and sometimes unnerving sights that take the audience completely out of their everyday lives and immerse them in an entirely new environment.

Murray Becker:

http://www.corbisimages.com/photographer/murray-becker

Murray Becker was a photographer whose career included photo journalism, sports photography,  and management of photographic services at the wire service. Becker has been considered one of the worlds most famous photographers largely due to his fifteen shot sequence that he took when the hindenburg disaster occurred as he was one out of only seven photographers able to capture the event. Becker's images mainly focus on medium to full body shots of specific people and events. The black and white style of the images mix well and add to the tone of the picture in order to get your attention and focus it on a character or object in the photo. Becker's collection of historic moments that he has documented within his career give the audience a sense of journey as he has seen so much across the world.

Walker Evans:

www.afterwalkerevans.com/

Walker Evans was an American photographer, most famous for his work during the great depression. Evans' photography is distinctive within the genre of journey photography as he chooses to focus on the people and culture of the area in which he is depicting. The result is a more personal journey as the audience can begin to analyse the lives of the people he met along his journey.

Steve McCurry:

http://stevemccurry.com

Steve McCurry's career was launched when he crossed the pakistan border while wearing native garb. He returned with rolls of film sewn to his clothes and the pictures were published around the world and were the first photos to really show the conflict in rebel-controlled areas in afganistan, just before the soviet invasion. McCurry's work in outstanding environments are used to really capture the setting through a use of vibrant colours and a focus on foreign locations and people. McCurry shows evidence of different civilisations and the people within them through the focus on living conditions, beliefs and in some cases starving children. McCurry takes the audience on a visual journey within his body of work, displaying different aspects of culture such as colour, environment and clothing in order to make his work even more diverse.

Liam Frankland:

http://liamfrankland.com

Liam Frankland is a photographer from Suffolk who likes to photograph landscapes, seasides and streets. Frankland uses objects as the main focus of his images with different backgrounds. Franklin's composition is very minimalist but while being very informative. He uses the same concept of focusing on an object and the environment in which the object originates. Keeping this consistent composition within his work causes the audience to feel a sensation of journey as he takes them to different places.

Bruce Davidson:

http://content.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1975355,00.html

Davidson is an American photographer whose documentary work of gang life in Brooklyn, poor districts of Harlem, New York, and his photographs of the New York subway system in the 1970s helped him break new ground. He has been a member of the Magnum Photos agency since 1958. His mother built him a dark room and he began taking photos. Soon after, he approached a local photographer who taught him about the technical sides of photography, in addition to lighting and printing skills. His influences included Robert Frank, Eugene Smith, and Henri Cartier-Bresson. Davidson shows a sense of journey as he exposes the audience to different aspects of culture, context and living environments.

Frans Lanting

http://www.lanting.com

Netherlands-born nature photographer and long-term National Geographic contributor whose work has broken new ground and directly influenced governments’ conservation policies. Lating's work is one of the most clear examples of journey as he does it for a living, highlighting different lives, biology, and settings. The audience can analyse this work and experience aspects of a life completely different from their own.

Art Wolfe:

http://artwolfe.com

Art Wolfe is an American photographer and conservationist, he is best known for his colour images of wildlife, landscapes and different cultures. His photographs document scenes from every continent and hundreds of locations. His images depict journey in a wide variety of formats. He can document vast areas through landscape photography or take close up images of people. He uses colour to distinguish between different locations, and his portraiture usually features people with their vast landscape behind them in order to show where they are from.

Ami Vitale:

http://www.amivitale.com

Ami Vitale is a National Geographic photographer who's has travelled to over 90 countries and has bared witness to violence and conflict across the world. Vitalie's documentary work is unique because she adds some artistic variation to her image with her chosen composition. Her profile shots of people within their environment stand out as the frame around the people reveal everything that is needed to be known about their location. The colour within the image is used to transport the audience to a surreal location, for example the use of a red river is so visually different from anything that will be seen within everyday life.

Emmanuel Rosario:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/emmanuelrosario/

Emmanuel Rosario is a Documentary photographer from Harlem, New York. He mostly photographs his  adventures with his friends and the people he meets. His images depict different cultures and environments. The audience can see different ranges of city life within Rosario's work and the different cultures that he meets which gives a sensation of journey.

Ernest Sebastian:

http://www.spiritofdecay.com/#!about/c10fk

 Sebastian was born in 1981 and lives in Liège, Belgium. He started photography in 2011 with a self-taught approach. He does not have any real preference and likes experimenting with different styles. His work mainly focuses on evidence of abandonment. He is able to show this by photographing locations that have entirely been left over large periods of time with rust, litter and debris. This form of travel photography is interesting as there is an implied sense of journey and story within each image that causes the audience to wonder how it came to be.