Tricia Tran

Tricia Tran

Douglas Gordon "24 Hour Psycho"

1993

I had chosen an image by Douglas Gordon that he had taken with the film Psycho playing throughout his shoot. I didn't just choose this photo because Psycho is one of my favorite films of all time, but because of the moment and scene Gordon chose to take. In this scene, the woman is being murdered by an unknown person. After being stabbed multiple times and the murderer fleeing the scene, the woman then reaches for aid or just something to hold onto to help her up. At the moment Gordon had taken the photo, there was absolutely nothing for her to hold onto. The film was playing with her trying to grab a hold of something but there was nothing but the screen in an empty room. 

Anna Khanoyan

Anna khanoyan

Cindy Sherman (untitled)

2008

By choosing an images we always think about a nice, beautiful, a story telling images. This picture that i chose, isn't beautiful, but when i was looking through Cindy Sherman's work, i saw this aging woman image. It was so unusual and odd. She wanted to not only highlight but also actively confronts the spectacle of aging woman in daily life. she always leaves the viewer with more confusion than the clarity.i think that she wanted to show a rich woman, who is lonely, with a lot of makeup, a wig, pained eyebrows, bad taste and finally a portrait that she will likely hang in her own home. In the portrait we can see behind all that need to show off, but also something more poignant all the stuff that she had to sacrifice. 

Looking at this picture i saw nowadays elder ladies that we see wrinkles in their arms, legs, but they got done plastic surgeries on their faces or with too much makeup covering those wrinkles that looks so fake and ugly.

Brian Barraza

Brian Barraza

Alberto Polo Ianez: Red Trauma

2007

When we think of trauma we think distress. In this image the color red creates tension in the composition of the piece. I love the uncertainty of the image. The subject is vulnerable, anticipating what lies next. The piece rises so many questions in me like what is the subject looking at or what is beyond the white tub, if anything. Is the red dress the thing that protects the subject from the trauma which haunts her? Alberto’s other pieces from this collection are just as fascinating, but this one really struck me. The other thing in the image which caught my eye was the distinctive shadows in the tub. The use of angle is simple yet fantastic 

sakura

Qingqing Hu

Jyoujo "sakura"

2014 

  

 

 I choose this image of "sakura" by Jyoujo in 2014. jyoujo is from Japan and cherry blossom is japan national flower. Jyoujo photography is 

given priority to with the Japanese cherry blossom, mostly image is exquisite and tranquil, beautiful picture. In addition to the Japanese cherry 

blossom, Jyoujo photographer also tried to shoot animals and natural scenery. During the season of cherry blossoms in full bloom, Jyoujo's cherry

 blossom photography, perspective, composition, light sensors can give us some enlightenment. the foregroud is more clearly and background is 

veage,it is like to assignment 2. The cherry blossom is equivalent to everybody could be understand and watch. So I choose the cherry blossom as

 the theme of this assignment. 

Christian Morales

Christian Morales

William Eggleston (untitled)

1965-1974

Dye transfer print

The photograph I chose is by a photographer named William Eggleston. Eggleston was a photographer that was known for taking pictures of ordinary subject matter that showed the complexity and beauty of the everyday. His use of color is very important in his work as his images of often contain complementary colors which produce a strong contrast in the work. This particular photograph which is untitled was taken between the years of 1965-1974 from part of his Los Alamos series. These photographs were taken in what Eggleston called the democratic way, which meant that no other scene was more important than another and so he shot was interesting to him in color , design and concept.  Originally “The Los Alamos” images were supposed be shown together with no titles or frames so that it would imitate artist’s own visual experience of the world to the viewer.

Kimberly Minifield

Kimberly Minifield

Albert Eisensteadt, "Marilyn Monroe at Home

1953

I chose this image of Marilyn Monroe shot by Albert E 1953 because she is like the Beyoncé of her time and her beauty is undeniable but this image was taken at home and she looks like an ordinary women, without the extensive hours of hair and makeup and she still looks amazing. This is such a simple image but simplicity is what made this image stand out to me.  In this image I felt that she wasn't trying so hard like in all the other typical Marilyn Monroe images you see on the Internet. She looks poised and at peace with herself and her surroundings. Her eyes being closed and the part in her lips made me feel like she won the war with herself and she has accepted her flaws and it would be nice if more women were winning the war with themselves and realizing that perfection is only a dream      

Jacqueline Luna

Jacqueline Luna

Adrian Myers "Snow and Rock Summer"

2011- Photo (Graphis Annual)

Adrian Myers photographed a man and a woman walking down from a big black rock after a great adventure. He named it Snow and Rock Summer 2011. The sunspots in the middle of the couple create a more vivid middle ground.  One can see the blue sky with big clouds, tall trees surrounding the background, and the man and woman walking down a big black rock with the sun spots right in the middle of them. The use of a low angle and the direction of light towards the camera makes the image strong, and the man and woman add a human trait to the image. I chose this image because there’s so much more in our world than our recliners with a television, there’s an unexplored nature that is waiting for us to go and discover it’s gifts and this image can inspire people to seek adventures.

Varand Ghazarian

Varand Ghazarian

"Todd Hido, Foreclosed Homes"

1996

 I chose this image because of its ability to allow me to fill the empty spaces with figments of my own memories and experiences from my life at home. Todd Hido's series, "Foreclosed Homes" included a collection of images of rooms in houses where people lived their unique lives until they could not stay anymore. The empty rooms speak for themselves as a statement that declares the absence of the human touch they once felt. Its a vivid presentation of what it means to be alive and vulnerable without portraying a single human figure, done by simply showing the viewer the much-too personal space of a home unwillingly abandoned. 

Francisco Cedeno

Francisco Cedeno

Dorothea Lange, "Migrant Worker"

1936, negative film

I selected this photo because it reminds of my own mother and a similar situation my family and I found ourselves in. We were homeless, in a rundown, small, one car garage with no money and no food. The expression on the women's face was all too the same as my own mothers, as my siblings and I huddled around my mother, arms intertwined crying not knowing what was going to happen next. However, just like the mother appears in this photo, so did my mother, the strong foundation in which we relied on. To me, this photo does not simply evoke uncertainty and despair. No, that is just what one merely perceives, but the reality of the photo to me is that of strength and perserverence. We rested on my mother not only for support and comfort, but because we knew that she would rise from it all, with us in hers arms, triumphant.

Monica Jose

Monica Jose

Ralph Ginzburg, "A Beautiful Turn-On"

1995

I selected this image because I can relate to the feeling and emotions of viewing the Rockefeller Center during Christmas season. I have traveled to New York City multiple times with my family during my winter breaks. We walked the beautifully lit streets while my cheeks and hands were completely frozen, but I didn't care because I'm in a gorgeous city during the most wonderful time of the year with the people I love the most. I arrived at the Rockefeller Center; I stopped and stared at the dazzling lights on the tree that are so bright and people ice skating with their loved ones. I only wished my significant one was with me to enjoy this beautiful sight. That would have been the most perfect moment of my life, to be in New York City with my significant other and enjoying winter break in such a fascinating city. It is so beautiful. New York is so beautiful during the Christmas season. 

Arihana Robles

Arihana Robles

Lee Friedlander "New York City"

2011 gelatin sliver print

I choose this image because it reminds of when I go widow shopping at a new place. My mind is filled with the many different things that are around me and I am not sure what to focus on. I am curious to see what is inside the store but I am always looking at the surrounding buildings and people. This image by Friedlander captures this feeling in one moment, by having different layers of what you might see when walk by a place like this. I think because its in black and white you can view this image as a whole because if it was in color you might be distracted by the different colors in the picture.

Kevin Campbell

Alfred Wertheimer,  “Elvis at the Piano” 

1956

I selected this image because I love how it shows the isolation of such a famous figure, Elvis. This image shows how much music was a part of his life, it was not just about success or fame. I love how Elvis is positioned next to the window with empty chairs scattered throughout the room showing that there is no one else around him or listening to him playing piano and singing; he is just enjoying his art alone and isolated. The description even says it is a gospel song, a genre he is not well known for. It’s a very intimate snapshot into his personal life and his simple enjoyment of music. I really appreciate the way the sunlight enters the room with the contrast of the bright front of the piano and the dark side of the piano. 

Miranda Murphy

Miranda Murphy
Anna Gaskell “Untitled #47 (Hide)”
1998 chromogenic pint on paper mounted onto aluminum

                I selected this image because it looked different than the other images in the series. Many of Gaskells images are about the pressures of being a young women and this image illustrates to me that concept in a more metaphoric way. Rather than ripping ourselves or one another apart, this image shows oneself ‘hiding’ under someone, as if they are trying to hide who they really are. This seems more the life that young women follow internally when faced with their identity and fitting into societal norms.

                The side light makes for an interesting shadow of the subjects where it almost looks like the top girl is eating the others face. As does it bring us to be able to see just enough of the space and still give it an ominous feeling, to make one think that something is not right. 

Kaixiang Ke

Kaixiang Ke

Keith Carter, “Fishbowl”

 2004, Toned Gelatin-Silver Print

This picture is a black and white picture. I selected this picture because it is emotional and a little bit sentimental. The picture is showing a kind grandma dress nice and beautiful; just sit on the sofa and looking at a transparent fish tank, which only have one fish.

Keith Carter take this photo are use all around blur and more focus on the center. This method is prominent subject to get the audiences more attention. In this picture we can see the grandma doesn’t have movement or facial expression, but when we look at this picture it will bring to us a sort of lonely, sad, sympathy emotion. On the other hand, the grandma is look like miss someone or just sitting on the sofa wait for someone. The photo doesn’t show too much details but it is meaningful and exactly convey the information to the audiences that what the photographer thought. That’s why I like this photo.

Keon Wyatt

Keon Wyatt

Mark Robert Harper "AMY ATWILL"

yr 2006

I chose this image because it includes an inspirational object of mine which is the microphone. This imaged was taken in December 2006. Not only does the black and white filter make this photo strong, but the emotion that is being shown by Amy Atwill also has an effect on this image. In my inspirational image I tried to give off the same emotion as Amy. I captured it when I was in the studio creating my music. As I took the photo I set it on a 10 second timer and positioned my camera on a nearby cabinet at a set side angle.

Xiangling Liu

Xiangling Liu

Shinoyama Kishin <Shinwa Shoujo> young girl 13 years old

1997 film

I chose this image because it shows to me a girl's natural state.This image was shooting in her home.She was lying on the book,I feeling what she was thinking something,her left hand naturally on the table.Although she was only 13 years old,but she shows was very professional.She was just an ordinary little girl,but in Shinoyama Kishin's camera,she shows was extraordinary refined,like a myth girl.Light is soft,the work uses of light and shadow very successful.The artist is good at caught the girl's unique beauty.

  

Esmeralda Diaz

Esmeralda Diaz

Simon Foxton, "Michael in the Garden"
1991   

I selected this image because it brought back memories from my childhood. It took me back when my family and I would go to the park each Sunday afternoon. My mom would bring blankets to put on the floor. She would always bring the colorful blankets with flower designs for the kids. I remember after a long day of playing at the park with my cousins we would go lay on the blankets to rest. We would lie on our backs and watch the sunset together. In that moment I felt that was life was all about, enjoying the beauties that nature had to offer. I did not want that moment with them to end. I had no worries, no fears, and no troubles. Now looking back at that moment enjoy your childhood, you have the rest of your life to be an adult.

 

                                                                                           

Tarren Munoz

Tarren Munoz

Ansel Adams, "Clearing Winter Storm"

1938, Gelatin Silver Print

This is one of my favorite Yosemite photographs by Ansel Adams.  The photograph brings back memories I have of this amazing place, I have been coming out to this beautiful National Park since I was six years old. Ansel Adams like me, repeatedly ventured off into Yosemite, except he was gone for few months out of the year. He visited every year from the 1916’s to his death. He knew every part of these mountains. He knew the most beautiful locations and had the patience to wait for the perfect moment.  This was one of those perfect moments, the clearing winter storm.  Like many art pieces this photograph can be interpreted in different ways.  For me, it represents the storms in ones life. Once the storms pass, the beauty of life will shine bright.  You just have to be patient, like Ansel was in capturing this image.  Ansel’s photography is an inspiration to many, including myself.

Brent Viescas

Brent Viescas

Kieth Carter "Daydream"

2002

       I chose this image because it seemed like there was a lot of mystery behind it. I like how the image is in black and white. In my opinion the black and white and the blurred window gives the image a sense of sadness. Which made me think about what the boy or girl was daydreaming about. Also, what could of happened in this persons life leading up to this point. I also wondered why did he or she have the clear ball sitting on their legs. Was this person playing with the ball and having a good time. The ball makes me think that maybe the image is not as sad as it may seem.

       The image at first may seem very simple but when I think about it there is so much we don't know about the subject and so much mystery behind what is actually going on in this persons life.

MelissaMarie Mejia

MelissaMarie Mejia

José Hernández-Claire "National Exodus: Immigration into the US"

2005

José Hernández-Claire reminds me that there are faces and names to the people that are pass the border. Everyday that passes, men, women, and children risk their lives to reach the U.S. in hopes of better education, jobs, and opportunities. This photograph itself made me realize how much I take living here on U.S. soil, for granted.  Immigrants leave behind what they know, to try to live a better life in a foreign country; somewhere they know nothing about, but the stories they hear.

To Live A Better Life...

Marisa Navarro

Marisa Navarro

Neil Leifer “Joe Namath in Super Bowl III”

1969

 

The image that I selected was shot by Neil Leifer.  He is probably one of the most famous sports photographers of all time today.  He has taken numerous photos that have become legendary among sports enthusiasts and the general public.  Neal takes mostly sports photos, which is not always an easy task to do.  He is able to capture the emotions that his subjects are feeling.  He recognizes when he has the chance to take a really special photo and he takes advantage of it.  The images he shoots will always be iconic and always stir up emotion within people.  Liefer was definitely able to capture the emotion is this photo, you can tell that in Joe Namath’s facial expression there is drive, determination, and focus.  He is calling out a play to his offensive line; this play along with many others will be a very big important factor in this Super Bowl game.

Philemon Ng

Philemon Ng

Sandy Skoglund, "The Cold War"

1999

I selected the image 'The Cold War' because of the powerful emotions that sprung up in me when viewing Skoglund's work. This image felt surreal and illicited emotions of discomfort and in some ways rage from me. Everything in the photo reminded me of oppression of an individual. The colors in conjunction with the missiles and soldiers remind me of searing hot sunlight that beats down as well as blood being spilled as a result of gunshots. The telephone on the stand above the man seems to weigh heavy over his mind almost as if it adds to the pressure that is felt from all the objects around him, rather than an object of means to escape. The positioning of the man holding his head and averting his gaze from what is around him makes me feel as if he is trying to avoid all the pressure around him or as everything shown in the image is a projection shown from inside the man's head.

Gabriela Coppenbarger

Gabriela Coppenbarger 

Abelardo Morell, "Pencil" 

2000, gelatin silver print. 

I selected the photograph "Pencil" by Abelardo Morell because for me this image was not just about a pencil this image spoke so many different things to me. The one thing that had me in awe about this image is that it was so simple because it is just a black and white image of a pencil and its shadow from the rising sun but the meanings behind it that I found were so much more than that. For me looking at this image it is showing me that that little pencil can make a difference and it can be so much more and can be so many different things. The shadow itself looks like it could be a building or something much more than that of a pencil's shadow and the same goes with a pencil you can make anything with a pencil, a picture, a story, a statement.

Kristen Gray

Kristen Gray
Chuck Stewart, "Portrait of Eric Dolphy"
1964


I chose this piece because it speaks to me about a moment between an
artist and their art. Eric Dolphy, clarinetist, was a very famous
musician who rose to fame for his musical improv, he was famous for
creating his own sound. I believe this photograph illustrates his love
for his instrument. The profile and silhouette creates drama as his
head is raised with confidence and he is looking forward. This
photograph gives me the sense that he was perhaps on a journey and his
instrument was his companion.

Chuck Stewart, the photographer, used the medium to capture images of
accomplished members of the music industry in the 1950s and 1960s. He
spent most of his time in recording studios or on the scene at
performances capturing portraits and album covers. His photographs
documented a classic moments in music history in jazz, R&B, and Salsa.

Gabriela Jimenez

Gabriela Jimenez

Ralph Eugene Meatyard “Untitled [Interior with two boys]”

1961 Gelatin Silver Prints

The image is of Meatyard’s sons. He enhanced their separation of the boys by associating each figure with different tonal values and deliberately obscured their identities through shadow motion and shallow depth of field. This is Meatyard’s drama.

I selected this because it reminded me of my little brother. This image expresses to me the kind of the uncertainty of the kind of men these two boys will develop into. Since the faces of the boys are blurred it’s unclear of who they are now and brings more mystery of who they will become. It also combines two different oppositions, youth and maturity, present and future, clarity and uncertainty by the use of blur, light and color. This image is about the unknown and it reminds me of how I see my little brother Oscar. Although he is young and innocent there is no knowing how he will grow up or who he will be. Will he be a good man, will he do good things or will he follow the later road? I think it represents his wonder and worry of his children their future similarly to how I feel towards my little brother. 

Sara Alamdari

Sara Alamdari

Annie Liebovitz “John Lennon and Yoko Ono”

1980, chromogenic print

 

I’ve noticed that I hold my breath when I take a photo and release a sigh when I look at the image. The moment I saw Annie Liebovitz’s photograph of John Lennon and Yoko Ono I didn’t want to hold my breath or release it, I just stayed in a mutual phase of content. I was in awe. This photo speaks to me in numerous ways. John Lennon is completely vulnerable as he is naked and kissing Yoko Ono who seems at ease in her clothing; it’s like John needs Yoko to be complete and he is nothing without out her. It reminds me of how many of us feel in relationships, like we are helpless without the other person. This was also the last photograph of John Lennon and Yoko Ono before he was murdered, which makes this image much more meaningful as it was their final moments together. Annie Liebovitz captured their deep love in one of the most powerful photos I have ever seen, and her ability to create such intimate photographs truly inspires me. 

Joseph McCullough

Joseph McCullough

Man Ray "Still Life"

1933 Gelatin Silver Print

     I chose this image because it expresses the beauty of clutter objects and how there's something in that pile of mess that is truly amazing. In the image it shows us the value of the objects in the way they're carefully arranged when using light and shadow. He's able to bring the object to life in his image by placing the head of the statue in the middle and the two arms on both sides. It's interesting how the two hands are not only hands they're combined with other objects. In the photograph one of the hands is holding a light bulb which could represent ideas and imagination. The other hand is coming out of a soccer ball and blocking out the woman portrait in the back who is crying. This is very fascinating because he re-invented a situation when a man would ignore a woman when they’re in disagreement or conflict.

 

Nigel Odhiambo

Nigel odhiambo
larry burrows, woman with the remains of her husband
1969,polaroid

i selected this picture because it is emotional and you can tell it is sad,its about a woman in hue vietnam who found remains of her dead husband in a mass grave. it is mostly about the violence that were caused during the war and the the awful deaths there were.

Sean Lee

Sean Lee

Hsieh Hsuan Kuang, "mongolia kid, beautiful lady @ Mongolia Terelj"

2009, film

This picture is taken in Mongolia, Tereji, where a kid stood in the wind.

 

Moving on these vest grasslands, its people lives in the purest form of life, without the modern world, and established a mutualistic relationship with the land, and the wind.

 

Kids normally don't mind pictures, but this one is different.

 

The flow of the hair in the wind and the slightly pinched eyebrow on a little kid, made this a powerful image… it is as if she is bonding with the wind, yet invaded by the photographer, the outsider, and the foreign object from the modern world.

And did I not mention her hair color?

Joyanna Cazares

Joyanna Cazares

Ralph Morse, Albert Einstein's office.

1955

I chose this image because it reminds me that no matter what we do on this world, it is only temporary. We work hard in life to make money and sometimes we forget that the life we are living is the only one we're going to get. We should spend more time in life doing what we love instead of what will get us the most things. When we are gone we leave all those things behind. We only have a limited amount of time so we might as well use this time to do something good that will make us happy.

The writing on the chalk board and the un-tucked chair gives the feeling that Einstein can walk back into his office at anytime. However it is time that Einstein has ran out of. Morse headlines this picture "His Fourth Dimension, Time, Overtakes Einstein." 

Ellen Serpa

Ellen Serpa

Jack Wassell, "My Lost Letters"

2012

Everybody has their own personal story to be told. Every photo is about the story that it tells. Every image receives different reactions and interpretations by different individuals. When concepts are being pushed further by the artist, the image can seem abstract. Wassell likes to leave his message of his image to be open ended for discussion, so the viewer can connect with the picture in their own personal way. He leaves only one quote to go with his self-portrait: 

"Here are the words that never reached your ears."

Anahi Navarrete

Anahi Navarrete

Mia Delcasino "Passage 03"

Unknown year, C-print

The photograph I choose is by Mia Delcasino titled Passage 03. Delcasino enjoys photographing natural elements which to her represents the ever-changing aspects of life. While researching her, I noticed her photographs demonstrate simplicity, clean-lines, and monochromatic hues. This photograph was taken under a pier in Hanalei Bay, Hawaii. Delcasino captures the effect of the tide rolling up against the pier’s concrete pillars. The harshness of the concrete pillars is softened by the sun hitting against them. This adds a warm glow which emphasizes the depth in the image and gives the photograph an overall softness. This photo demonstrates shallow depth of field by having the foreground in focus while the background has a slight blur. The water seems painterly which leads me to believe Delcasino used a long shutter speed in this photograph. This seems like a perfect place where one can relax and escape everyday life chaos.

Ali Tucker

Ali Tucker

Uta Barth "...and to draw a bright white line with light"

2011, Inkjet prints

"..and to draw a bright white line with lights," captured my attention because of its simplicity. Here we have an ordinary white curtain, with the everyday light shining across it; but the calm light resting on the curtain, and the gentle hand intersecting the scene speaks to a more complex theme. I feel as though this image conveys the idea of nature and human interaction in it's most basic form- partnership. The hand is joining the light on the curtain in a gentle caress, expressing the beauty that can be created when people and nature join together in calm company.

Jessica Murillo

Jessica Murillo

Philip-Lorca diCorcia, " Brent Booth; 21 years old; Des Moines, Iowa; $30"
1990-1992

I selected this image because I makes me feel that the person is having all these thoughts and is just contemplating what is going on with his life. Just sitting there on the table with the drink of the side he is just can't seem to focus on what s going on. That no matter what he is doing he can't see to shake off what he is feeling. In a sense its like he is trying  to figure out his next move in life. But all the can do is patiently wait for something to happen. That is why I liked this photograph so much because everyone is trying to figure out their own lives and all we can do sometimes is just sit and wonder what our next step will be.

Madeline Rubenstein

Madeline Rubenstein

Franco Rubartelli, "Veruschka"

1965

I chose this image because of its beautiful emotion. By looking at it for the first time I immediately was drawn in and felt something. The mood is very somber, lonesome, and a little mysterious. The contrast between the darkness in the background and the way the light is hitting the model is very captivating to the eye. This image is a fashion photograph from the magazine Novita in 1665. Its intensions were to show of the style of the time and garments in the light. Although this was its immediate intension, I see far  more too it. The photograph reminds me of the feeling of being lost in your own self and trying to find what you are good for, other that beauty. All of these emotive elements along with the beautiful technique make this a very successful image. 

Vivian Shoukrun

Vivian

Gregory Crewdson "Ophelia"

2001

The image "Ophelia" by Gregory Crewdson dispel a sense of wonder and tension. Crewdson is know for taking the ordinary and setting it array. His images awake the imagination of an individual and open the piece to an infinite number of narratives and explanations. What makes this image great is the use of indoor mixed light, a strong filter, an attention to detail, and the subject matter. It leaves the audience with an open ended question rather than a simple answer.

Ana Fogaca

Ana Paula Fogaca

Elliot Erwitt, "St. Tropez"

1959, gelatin silver print

Elliot Erwitt is known for portraying ironic and absurd situations. This image is very unique. You see it from an up point, like you are the sun, and the way the scene is framed places the girl in the middle, putting her even more in evidence. The line of her body meets the corners, crossing in an X with the line of other girls, reinforcing the idea that she is going against the flow. The contrast in her bikini, and, of course, her position, makes her the center of attention. The repetition, one of the elements of design, is used to make the idea more solid and fun, and the fact that the umbrellas and the beds have the same patterns and colors help keep the attention on the main subject. They create an interesting contrast in the overall result as well. I really like the feel of this picture and it makes me want to know more about this girl, and what, in her personality, makes her different from the others.

Meng Yang

Meng Yang
Maria Frodl, "Just a kiss"
2014


What did you see from this image? Fish? Fish tank? Or lip? When I saw the image at first sight, I was totally shocked by this beauty and style. And then I research more information about the photographer and her art work. As for the technology of the photography, I cannot make sure how to make it, maybe with Lomo camera, maybe is the post production, like photoshop. Regardless of what she used the technology, a wonderful image was created. In my perspective, I think the fish stand for the subconscious and the state of freedom, which have no choice but swimming in the fish tank, sometimes like human being. My favorite part of the image is the contrast of color and the blurry face. Although we cannot see the face of the woman except the lip, the strong mysterious, confused and lonely can be felt. At the same time, the red lip and the white background create a strong contrast, the kiss means the contrast between the reality and dream, make us think our life from a different perspective. In a word, this is just a kiss, this isn’t just a kiss.

Jennifer Vela

Jennifer Vela
Miguel Rio Branco, “La bodeguita del medio”
1994

This image had me in awe. Two elements in which Miguel Rio Branco works with is color and light. The subject is clearly the woman in the pink dress but Branco does a great job in angling the camera to light the graffitied wall. There is an overwhelming feeling as you see so many names and words that your eyes skim through the whole right side of the image. Though that doesn’t take away from the subject. It helps in telling a story behind the woman. A bittersweet story. The woman seems out of place in the photo. The light highlighting the pink, shadowing the green. It makes you think about not only her placement in this setting but what Branco is trying to say in her placement in Brazil. His idea for this collection was to depict the hardships of Brazil but instead of judging giving it dignity. Though in a setting of poverty, violence and death you can still find humility, richness and life through the lens of color, light and photography.

Kritzia Portugal

Kritzia Portugal
Susannah Benjamin, “Danaïd”
2013, Monochrome

I spent a lot of time looking through photos but none of them spoke to me like this one. As I browsed from book to book, images, and prints I finally found this gem. In this interesting photo by the talented Susannah Benjamin, we see a girl swallowing her own hair. I selected this image because I feel it speaks of a girl’s most fragile time in their life, the teenage-young adult years.

In this photo you see a young woman swallowing her own hair, a part of herself. Many girls, from young age, are expected to act and be a certain way. This young girl is portrayed naked, with skinny, tired eyes, she is worn out and the only thing that is left of her is her braid. Her own personal choice on how to wear her hair, however, for some reason she is eating it. To me, her eating her hair, symbolizes her finally being stripped of everything she is, she no longer has light in her eyes, or clothes, or anything to fend for herself.

She is looking to the side as she feels embarrassed. She feels defeated and knows what society is expecting her to do. Once she is done eating her hair she will just be another body, another restless soul wandering through their life looking for acceptance and “inspiring” other to “eat their braid” and let go of who they are as it is no longer useful in a constructed society.

Alex Morse

Alex Morse
Harry Benson, "The Beatles Arrive"
1964

Meet the Beatles! You know who they are. No musical act out of Liverpool has ever been as influential as them! Screaming girls ran everywhere, whenever the Beatles made the scene. Individually, it had been a long and winding road, but together, it was strawberry fields forever. They rose to the top of the charts. Their success can be attributed to the fact that they were able to deliver hit after hit in the U.S. Listen, do you want to know a secret? Right here is the first recorded image of them as they entered America for a magical mystery tour. Here comes the sun, it’s alright. In just a few days, they would be on the Ed Sullivan show and it wasn’t just a hard day’s night. They had a ticket to ride. Better run for your life if you can little girls, because they’re on your radio eight days a week. They probably wouldn’t be as well known to you Americans if not for this, but they are spread across the universe now. Although two of them are now in the sky with diamonds, they will always be remembered in our hearts. You’ll still need them when your 64. Thank you, this has been a day in the life.

Micah Lease

Micah Lease

Roy Decarava "Coltrane and Elvin"

1960

I chose this picture mainly because it featured a passion of mine, jazz music. I think the beauty in this photo is the playful combination of both passionate jazz music and classy black and white photography. These two art forms are subjective to each person, but also resonate on a deeper level to each person as well. The use of shallow depth of field also makes the contrast sharper to me, and this draws me closer.

Ani Avakian

Ani Avakian
Uta Barth, “Untitled 11.2” from, to draw a bright white line with light
2011, inkjet print

I chose this image because it brings calmness and harmony to me when I look at it. The sunlight, which leaves lines on the drapes, looks like a cardiogram. It allows you to think and pay attention to our surroundings. She added a small element, such as a hand, which gives a completely different perspective to the image. It feels as though she is trying to bring our mind and concentration back into present moment and reality.

Melanie Shaw

Meloncé 

Bernard Faucon, “Michel Rêveur”

1966-1970, Fresson Process

I first stumbled across Bernard Faucon in the book, Color Photography put together by Gabriel Bauret. The great majority of the images placed throughout this book are Polaroid and film processed photographs. Once I saw the image “Idols et sacrifices,” I was hooked. From there I continued to research Faucon’s work. I chose the image, “Michel rêveur,” because it stayed true to the innocence and simple childhood aspects that his images carry. There was something odd with Faucon’s obsession to photograph young boys, but there was also something quite whimsical and pure with the images that this photographer captured such as “Michel rêveur.” The young boys that he photographed all share daydream gazes, as if their childhood and youth became somewhat symbolic to other idealistic ideas that most of the photographs imply.

Faucon’s work, and this image in particular capture subtle light textured hues of natural colors. The sun becomes the fixed essence of light quality. The grain of this photo is not only fixed on the young boy in the photograph but the Earthy tints and textures surrounding him. I love the way the child melts within his surroundings. It becomes as if he is placed perfectly within his element, melting naturally in the Earth around him. His positioning is free. His gaze is light and enchanted. It is almost as though the shadowing and shading on the indicated tree above is hugging his limbs. This image is about capturing the imaginative realms of childhood and digging inside a child’s mind without emptying out any internal forces. The natural aesthetics are enough to paint a vivid story.

“Michel Rêveur” by Meloncé

painted canvas in dirt and stone, gentle 

young prince resting dreamily upon
leaves, and flower stems, his gentle palm
beneath his head, the Earth becomes

his mother, wrapping him warmly into
a branched shaded nest, lost in daydreams
where he is a knight, a dragon slayer, Jack,
the one that traded a cow for magical

beans, chasing giants into unforeseen
realms. He is dirtied, muddied, covered
in twigs, a child, and only a child,
a boy, far from becoming a man,

falling deeper and deeper into
a daydream land.

Cathleen Guerrero

Cathleen Guerrero

Emily Blincoe, "The Home Place"

2013

As I searched for an image that I hope would inspire me, I never knew that a mere photograph could transport me to memories that I had been buried by busy and sometimes crazy life that I have. When I found Emily Blincoe's series of photographs, I was shocked to have stumbled upon this image. It had looked exactly like my grandparent's summer house, that my family and I have had so many memories at. Though in the picture, the house looks worn and abandoned, I imagine that is what our summer house would to look like if we visited today. Even though, the house looks worn down, it also looks like it carries many memories, memories that belong to Emily and her family. The series intrigued me because it looked as if there a story to every picture. They force people to wonder many questions, such as who had lived here and what had happened. That is what inspires me about a photograph, the ability for it to make me wonder. 

Daniel Ramirez

Daniel Ramirez

Art Wolfe, "Simple Pleasures"

The image I selected is titled "Simple Pleasures" it is a photograph of a nine week old gray wolf biting a blade of grass.I selected this image because it speaks about the simplicity of a wolfs life. It also shows how not all wildlife is how we perceive it. In this case the wolf what most of the time is perceived as an aggressive fierce animal, in the image it is in a calm gentle mode which looks like it made be posing for the camera. In the image the wolf also seems to be smiling and showing its sharp teeth. What I learned about the author about the author was that he takes pictures from around the world.

Sara Hedgren

Sara Hedgren
Katerina Plotnikova, "Untitled"
2012, Russia

After looking into the artist's work I was completely breathless. Katerina works with the elements of nature, gothic horror, surrealism and supernatural and occult concepts.The photo I have chosen really speaks to me; the palette is beautiful and I love the way the photographer uses natural light and an additional light source to create some kind of eerie mystical, dreamy feeling. The artist have captured the mystical and magical feeling that can be found in deep in the Swedish forests and maybe that is why I love it so much. The photograph tells a story that can be told in many ways. The surrealism and the mythical fairytale is something that captures me. At first the photo felt threatening to me but the more I look at it the more I sense calmness in it.

Jane Emolkina

Arno Rafael Minkkinen, "Trees and forest" series, Newfound Lake, New Hampshire

2008

I selected this image because it speaks to me about a unity of human and nature, Over the past forty years, a sense of inner freedom allowed Arno Rafael Minkkinen photograph himself in various ways: sometimes curled up on the sandy beach, sometimes hanging from the cliff edge, but always naked as he was at birth. His landscapes are constantly changing, but Minkkinen always extravagantly becomes part of it, connecting body and nature, like in that photograph, showing the repetitive patterns.

Carly Sarno

Carly Sarno

Keith Carter, “Dawn”

2005, gelatin silver print

The photograph “Dawn” from Keith Carter’s series “A Certain Alchemy”, uses blur, depth of field, and light to entice us in a world that is far beyond our own. Carter creates a relationship between us and the world surrounding us by using themes such as time, mythology, and mystery. He draws on folklore as well as popular culture in order to demonstrate the hidden meanings that are captured not only in this image but also in all of his photographic works alike.

I selected this image because it spoke to me about dealing with a certain type of darkness, regarding the conflict of coming face to face with our fears. The flock of birds swooping down on the young man reminded me much of the fears we face head on in everyday life. Reminding us, that no matter what path we take in life, we must always face our demons.

Niku Kashef

Niku Kashef
Imogene Cunningham, "Unmade Bed" 
1957, gelatin silver print

I selected this image because it speaks to me about a pause, the moment between one thing to another and the spaces we leave behind. It is about what is not seen, the intimacy of one's most personal space (their bed) and the woman who took the pins out of her hair to let it flow freely on her shoulders before -- some new moment. 

The wrinkled sheets, the natural light, it is an all too familiar respite.