Composing with Light and Color

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Composing with Light and Color Light and shadow are important elements in photography. They are particularly significant when presenting selected aspects of a photograph. Similarly, the use of color is important in the composition of all elements of a photograph (Freeman, 2007). This essay will critique the use of light and color in Bravo’s photograph and Eggleston’s photograph. Bravo’s photograph: "Portrait of the Eternal, 1935" In this photograph, Chiaroscuro is used to enhance the impact the photo has on the viewer. This is evident in the use of light to reveal the lower part of the face of the person in the photograph in order to reveal her identity. Chiaroscuro is also applied to reveal the front part of the lady and the upper part of the platform she is sitting on. However, a keen analysis of the photograph reveals poor use of Chiaroscuro. The photograph poorly applies Chiaroscuro especially in the upper part of the face and the lower part of the body. Therefore the photograph shows a slight contrast between the light and the dark parts. In this photograph, lack of color reduces the impact the photograph has on the viewer in terms of perception and emotion. Due to the lack of color, the viewer has limited perception of the person and the environment in the photograph. As a result, the level of emotion impacted by the photograph on the viewer is affected. Further analysis shows that the photographic key on the black and white photograph is low. In terms of lighting, the photographer has successfully used the elements of light and shadow to create balance in the photograph. The balance is consistent with the photographic principle of balance as described in earlier reading (Freeman, 2007). In the photograph, light is used to reveal selected parts. Similarly, the shadow is used to cover certain parts of the photograph that the photographer does not seem to reveal. This way, light and shadow are successfully used to represent the symbolism that is indicated by the title of the photograph. Eggleston’s photograph: "Memphis, C. 1969–1970" Hue, saturation and brightness are the main properties of color used as in the photograph. First, color hue is used to describe different components of the environment from which the photo is taken. Secondly, saturation is used to present different color intensities that define the photograph. Finally, the property of brightness is applied to describe the levels of the color intensities that give the photograph it reality. Moreover, the photograph presents a dull relationship between the colors used. This is aided by a slight contrast between colors in the environment and the clothing of the person in the photograph. The photograph also shows that there is an optimal use of the elements of color to create a good photographic balance. The use of dull colors as portrayed in the environment indicates a successful consistency of the photographic elements with the environment. Through the use of color, the photographer seeks to present the beauty of the environment as photographed using the dye transfer process (Freeman, 2007). Conclusion The use of light, shadow, and color in the two photographs influence the viewer to interpret them differently. There is a dominant use of shadow and light to reveal certain parts of the photograph that present symbolism. This selective revelation helps the viewer to interpret the photograph according to the symbolism present in its title. On the other hand, the use of color in the Eggleston’s photograph helps the viewer to understand the environment from which it was taken.

Reference
Freeman, M. (2007). The Photographer's Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos. Oxford, United Kingdom: Focal Press.