Elements of Design & Minor White

Week one (7/15) of my first semester of PH 100: FUNDAMENTALS OF PHOTOGRAPHY with Andrea Land

Shoot three images, making sure to include the following elements of design: 1. Lines 2. Shapes 3. Patterns

1.) Lines 2.) Shapes 3.) Pattern

7_1_1_Kryder

7_1_2_Kryder

7_1_3_Kryder

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MINOR WHITE

The following is a quote by the great photographer Minor White. Please write a 100-word essay on what you think he means by this quote. Please do a little research on him, as it could help spur on your thoughts. Have fun.

"One should photograph things not only for what they are, but also for what else they are."

-Minor White

*If you like, you can post an image by you or any other photographer to support you claims. Be sure to credit any image that is not yours.

I think what Mr. White’s quote “One should photograph things not only for what they are, but also for what else they are” is saying that there is more to our subject than just our subject. There is always a story with every subject we choose to photograph. Our subject could be a symbol for something else. What we choose to include is just as important as what we don’t include.

When we photograph an object or a person whether we choose the whole scene or a small detail, we are creating a story. When the whole scene is included we allow for more of the event or story to come through. When we zoom into a small detail we allow the viewer to create the story.

Visual language is full of symbolism. Symbols are easy ways to trigger emotions in people. When we look at a cross, ying yang, or a swastika, for example, these images create a response within us for good or bad. We relate to them on an emotional level.

A story lives within everything. We all have a story to tell, but this story is not limited to people, but also places and things. I have often looked at an object and thought if only it could talk, what stories could this thing tell. Many objects have out lived their original creators/owners. I think if photographed properly some items/people can actually start telling that story.

For what they are and for what they also are, photographs are telling a story. What story that is will depend greatly on what we as the photographer include whether that is a back story, through symbols, or the small details leaving the viewer to imagine the story. I think this is what Mr. White was trying to say, only with much more finesse.

Attached is an image by Francesca Woodman that I think is a photograph for what it is and for what it also is.