Arnold Newman
Arnold Newman was born in 1918 and is acknowledged as the pioneer of the environmental portrait, he is also known for his still life and abstract photography. The reason I was intrigued by Newman’s images is because not only does he show people in their natural workplaces like the typical environmental portrait photos, but he also captures images which further communicate a lifestyle choice chosen by the person in the photo in a more in-depth sense than just their workplace. I feel that this approach creates a stronger connection between the person in the photo and the audience because it allows them to feel as if they know the person being photographed. He released many books throughout his life and is an important contributor of portraits to publications such as life and vanity fair.
Photo Analysis
I am inspired by this photo and visually appreciate it due to the simplicity yet great effect it has. The simplicity comes through the use of only three real colours, thus being white, black and grey which strongly contrast each other. This strong contrast helps the viewer identify the key elements to the photo which is the piano and the pianist. This photo comes under the category of environmental portraiture due to the fact that we can understand something about the mans life due to what is shown in the photograph. In this case we know he is a piano player and perhaps lives a simple life due to the way in which the photo has very little detail.
Planning
Task – Take 150-250 formal portrait photos that show an understanding of environmental portraits.
Location – Sporting locations such as football pitch and skate park.
Subjects – My friends with their sporting equipment on in the related location.
Camera settings – 1/250 sec, f/4, ISO 100 (most likely will be adjusted slightly up and downwards)
Props – Model, football boots, football, helmet, bike/skateboard.
Lighting – Natural lighting, artificial for the night shots.
Concept – To photograph images in the style of Arnold Newman
Photoshoot
My Response
