Out of all of Francis Foot’s work I have decided to analysis this particular image described as ‘Foot’s daughter Dora poses as a milkmaid.

Visual:

For the visual aspect of this image it is clearly a black and white as during the time Foot was around and producing his image this was the one materials available at that time, although the black and white feature wasn’t necessarily an intentional feature I believe it to create and more authentic feel to image. Furthermore the tone of the image suggests the weather wasn’t the best at the time the image was taken and give suggestions of a darker feel through the inky shades, alongside the texture of the image. The photographs main subject of Dora and the cow are although not that clear are evidently the main focus of the image and provide the main focal point and slowly deteriorating the quality of the photograph around the outsides, which heightens the central kingpin of the image. This photograph has a lack of a 3D feeling due to the lack of shadows from the woman and cow and also could be due to the fault of the quality of the picture. There is no repetition to be exact however the continuing blurry trees in the shot create a more consistent and realistic back drop, similarly to the minimal use of straight and sharp lines which also could be to the fault of the quality of the image which furthermore presents the development of photography through time.

Technical:

From this image it can be presented hard to estimate the techniques used to produce the lighting, shadows and patterns, although from my own knowledge of the time it’s most likely to have only used natural light which also would explain the plain black and white shads. It’s unlikely that flash was used as the image lacks the features of flash used, furthermore the positioning of Dora- Francis’ daughter and the cow it strategically placed in the centre of the picture to draw most of the attention to the cow and woman. There is a lack of technical aspect due to the lack of equipment available at the time Francis Foot was developing his photography skills. The lens was most likely to be basic and caused the blur around the outside of the image, not necessarily on purpose, contrasting with the somewhat focused centre of the shot. This factor reflects my earlier point of the lack of quality of camera suggesting a larger lens supported by the bigger area of landscape covered in the snapshot. The exposure in this image seems to be minimal although over exposure could be suggested from the overall white sky section in the top half of the image, however is controlled by the other darker features presented. There is evidently a high sensitivity which is seen through the grainy like quality yet again giving a more authentic feel and experience about the photograph, as well as this point the snapshot has a much colder temperature due to the lack of colour accuracy and colour cast and recommends levels of white balance.

Conceptual:

Conceptual: From this image I get the feeling of Francis Foot trying to represent Jersey and ‘show off’ it is amazing traits and features it possesses as well as the aspect of how important his family is to him. Firstly, through the use of the landscapes, the island is portrayed as a beautiful and peaceful locations through the nature and greenery and the large field in which the cow and woman are placed. This feature is also highlighted by the lack of building that are not seen for miles over the field and therefore increases the idea of a peaceful location that Jersey is. Secondly, the use of the cow in the image demonstrates jerseys pride possessions and shows off the angelic and usefulness of the classic Jersey cows. Lastly the fact Foot uses his own daughter to dress up as a milkmaid alongside the cow and the scenic background, which portrays the importance of family and the community which additionally shines a light on the island and adds further positive connotations.

Contextual