Connecting Essay 5: Man Ray -

Connecting Essay 5 -

Morgan Redman:

 

 

Man Ray:

 

Sonja Hesslow:

My photographic response is an example of multiple flash portraiture to emphasise the themes of emotions and mental health. This image is not one of my favourites from within its individual series but was inspired by the work of fine art photographer Man Ray and the pose seen below of Sonja Hesslow. The success of this image is based upon the faded motion of the subject that is less erratic and domineering than others in his series. However, this image is possibly less successful in that the blurring of the subject could mask the inferred meanings of the piece. The prominence of the face is the central focus of the photograph both metaphorically and physically in accordance with the rule of thirds grid.

 

The two other final outcomes are the work of Ray and Hesslow. Man Ray's photograph is an example of earlier photography and the process has resulted in evident movement and has created the dramatic and sinister portrait. In the same respect, Sonja Hesslow has employed the technique of double exposure which whilst different to multiple flash results in a similar final image. Both photographs are black and white whilst this was not a choice for Ray it was a stylistic choice for Hesslow. The success of Ray's final photograph is routed in the development process paired with the older style camera to create an eerie portrait. The success of Hesslow's work is the clarity of the subject contrasted to the deliberate obscuring of the facial expression. Additionally, the vignette on the photograph stresses the importance of the subject and draws the audiences attention to the eyes.

 

This combination of clarity and the nebulous is what is evident across all three photographs. The direct reference to similarities is through Ray's still of motion and Hesslow's pose. However, the image from my own personal project is not as striking due to its lacking boldness and strength of character; the pose of the model and the concise clarity within the work of the professional photographers is far superior. For example, the colour palette is neither domineering nor subdued enough and the movements are too relaxed and lacking conviction.