This image explores the region of Niagara in the cold winter period, depicting a barren, urban landscape. This image very much connects to the themes of isolation and loneliness, due to features such as; the dull skyline, unsaturated colour, malnourished trees and spacious composition. This image arguably serves as a metaphor for the troubles and difficulties of relationships that Soth is attempting to convey within the narrative. When viewing this image, I immediate associate the image as raw and revealing. In juxtaposition with some of Soth’s previous images in the series, this is one of a much darker mood. The inclusion of images such as this in the narrative require the viewer to reflect on what they have previously witnessed in the story line.  This photograph is very anti-climactic and forces a much calmer emotional response from the viewer in contrast to the exciting lively scrap-book layout, and hard-hitting portraits of some of the couples. This type of landscape shot is the polar opposite of some of Soth’s dramatic landscape shots of Niagara Falls, therefore establishes a completely different mood and response from the viewer.

This image by Soth is a large family portrait taken at a wedding, entitled ‘The Flexs’. The portrait is composed in a very traditional manner; a basic background; the subjects staring directly into the camera; and the subjects are looking at the camera in a neutral manner, with some of the younger children glimpsing a smile. Composition is a key component that Soth has considered when making this image, and it is clear that Soth has intervened with the arrangement of the subjects, directing them the stand in a straight, up-right position. The balanced composition makes for a visually inviting photograph that displays a sense of warmth. The mood within this image is very positive and upbeat, and the use of soft lighting, excitement apparent on the subjects facial expressions (in particular the children), creates the mood of anticipations. In terms of context, I gain the sense from how the subjects present themselves that they are clearly a very happy family looking forward to a momentous occasion, it is therefore a ‘happy’ photograph.

The photograph, entitled ‘Tricia and Curtis’, shows the young couple lying on the grass, staring directly up into the camera. This image displays a very romantic theme which the young woman resting gently onto the torso of the man. The backdrop of the grass adds to the romantic sense of the image and invites the viewer in with a great sense of warmth. Lighting serves as an important part of this image. Soth uses front, soft lighting. Again, this is done to establish the romantic mood that Soth is attempting to convey.

This is clearly a very raw and emotional image. The fact that the man has his top, helps to portray the young couple in a very intimate and personal manner. The man being topless symbolizes that through this image, that the young  couple’s relationship and exposed, and in a sense hints at its vulnerability. I find this image is very effective because Soth has deliberately used lighting and composition to create a certain mood. It is also very honest and revealing which works well in helping to build up a sense of narrative.

This image is a dramatic landscape shot of Niagara Falls. It is a traditional landscape style, and clearly has taken influence from landscape photographers such as Ansel Adams and Edward Weston. The classic style that the photograph has been composed, with a large format camera, slow-shutter speed, tripod and large aperture: creates an image which fits into the genre of formalism. Subsequently the image strongly links to the theme of romanticism, and the intention of this image is to reflect the Soth’s own emotional response to such a visually stunning location. It terms of aiding the narrative, this photograph helps both to document the location, as well as serving as a metaphor which connects to themes of emotion and beauty, therefore reflecting the theme of love which the narrative is based on.

Such an image is a good example of how Soth uses carefully thought composition as a means of shaping the narrative.