Tag Archives: reflection

repetition, pattern, rhythm, reflection and symmetry

Alvin Langdon Coburn compared to Alfred Stieglitz

Both of these photographs are devoid of any colour and shot in black and white, making them appear old and dated. Additionally, they both are very abstract in nature, with Coburn photographing glass, crystalline shapes with the use of kaleidoscopic contraption, and Stieglitz photographing the patterns that he sees in the clouds above him. However, there are some major differences between the two images. For example, Coburn’s photograph consists of harsh, straight lines which run across the entirety of the image, with the leading, geometrical shapes drawing the viewer’s eye into the centre of the image. On the other hand, Stieglitz’s composition is made up of soft, organic, and curved lines which show the natural direction the wind in the sky. It is a much more relaxing photograph to look at, because it is pure and real, unlike Coburn’s image which had to be manhandled and manipulated in order to achieve. Technically, the lighting in both of the photographs are similar, with each of them being lit in a low light. However, it is clear that Stieglitz’s image was taken using a natural light source as the photograph is of the sky, and Coburn’s lighting was most likely artificial in order for him to ensure that the reflections were placed precisely where he wanted them to be. Also, in Stieglitz’s photograph, there appears to be a lot more empty and negative space compared to Coburn’s, whose subject takes up the entire frame.

Repetition, Pattern, Rhythm Reflection and Symmetry – Reflected Image

Creating Reflections & Symmetry

Original Image
Edited Image

In today’s lesson we experimented with Photoshop by creating a reflected image. First, I increased the canvas size of my image so I could copy and paste it next to the original photograph. Next, I used the ‘transform’ tool to flip the copied image horizontally so it gave the impression of the woman standing back to back with another. Additionally, I pasted the original image again to experiment with the opacity of the photograph and to create an echoed effect on the image. I copied this more opaque image and flipped it on the opposite side. Lastly, I flattened the image so all the layers became one. I really like how this abstract image came out as I believe it shows movement and rhythm, as if the woman is walking backwards into the other.

Reflected Image

Original Image

Edited Image

Process of Editing

1). The first step in creating this edit was, selecting the image then copying and pasting it onto the same file.

2). After this, I went onto the canvas size and doubled the width of the canvas to the right side in order to create space for the second image.

3). The I selected the second mixture on the other layer then went onto transform and flipped the image horizontally then flattened the image to make it one.

4). once that was done, I selected the image and copy and pasted it again onto the same file, went onto canvas size again and doubled the hight.

5). This then allowed me to move the copy image, select it and flip it vertically on transform in order to make it seem symmetrical and then flattened the image to make it one

6). Finally, I cropped off the image on any bits that still has some of the canvas showing and then it was complete.