Really good photographs not only present a technically fine image to the viewer, but they should have emotional impact. I have included in this blog three images shot within minutes of each other of the same subject, each designed and processed for a different emotional impact.
The second image has a more subdued, moody and mysterious feel. Analysing this image:
The first image is designed to covey the joy of a walk down a country road on a fall day. Lets look at some of the factors that create that impact:
- Hi key image (somewhat) – highlights are allowed to blow out and the majority of the tones are on the lighter end of the scale. This creates an airy uplifting feeling.
- Vertical lines – the vertical lines of the tree have positive impact (as compared to horizontal ones).
- Diagonals – diagonal lines create energy and a sense of movement. The trees are at a slight diagonal in this image.
- Vertical framing – a vertical frame like any vertical lines in the image reinforces the positive feel.
The second image has a more subdued, moody and mysterious feel. Analysing this image:- Low key image – most of the image is to the dark side – creating moodiness.
- Horizontal frame – horizontal lines or framing can make an image more subdued and tranquil.
- Post processed to emphasize the fog – fog adds mystery.
- Monochromatic – eliminating the bright fall colors again creates a more subdued retrospective image.
- Curved road – a path or road that disappears around a bend creates a sense of mystery. “What lies ahead?”
The third image conveys different emotions (shot again at the same time as the others). What do you feel when you look at it?
2 Comments
i feel a sense of adventure and travel. the long vertical road disappearing over the hill makes me wonder whats beyond and makes me want to get there quickly to find out. the lack of color but balanced contrast lets me know im aware of whats around me but havent really soaked it in or reflected about it to discover what it all means to me in the long run. maybe i cant see the colors, am searching for an experience that will awaken them, or im preoccupied with getting to wherever the road leads. maybe its a lonely hitchhikers view of the road. the leaves in the front make the scene even more lonely.
Kalani, looks like you got quite a bit out of that last image. I think you hit on some of the key aspects of this image. The strong straight diaganol takes you "quickly" back into the image where the eyes then linger at the S curve. The wide angle lens with the leaves pushed to the foreground edge creates a sense of openess and loneliness. I like the hitchiker analogy – a long lonely road ahead where the end is not clear.