Artist Reference.

Saul Leiter

I decided to use Saul Leiter’s photography as inspiration for my photoshoot using mirrors. I researched his images and compiled a range of images that I felt I could attempt to replicate. Saul Leiter was seen as the greatest pioneer of colour photography due to his variety of photographs mainly focusing on the homeless, the elderly and their loneliness and immigrants. He lived from 1923-2013 and mostly took photos through specific reflections such as through windows, mirrors and doorways. His moments he captures have no intention or true meaning, instead he captures the more intimate and instant moments of the world which I truly admire. The quote

“I may be old- fashioned, but I believe there is such a thing as a search for beauty- a delight in the nice things in the world. And I don’t think one should have to apologize for it.”

I really like this quote because it portrays the simplicity and imagination the photographer has and I think this laid- back and chilled approach perfectly reflects onto his photography and work. Leiter was only more recently popular in the 1950s and 1960s as his extensive use of overexposure and deliberate soft focus gained an large audience. His work was then displayed in a huge exhibition in 1955 in the New York Museum of Modern named “The Family of Man” which includes the best in photography from around the world. His approach to colour in street photography and contribution to the development of colour photography becoming a true art form is greatly admired. I can see a direct comparison in the photography and work from Saul Leiter with the work from William Eggleston. This is due to the fact Eggleston “wanted to see things in colour because the world is in colour.” and his street photography has influenced fans to call him “The grandfather of colour street photography” another reason why these photographers are similar is that they have been known to explore colour, abstraction, and the poetics of everyday life throughout their street photography.

Image Analysis

What did I notice first?

I first noticed the woman being the subject and the focal point of the piece. I can notice her red lips and defined features capturing my attention.

What’s Happening in the Image?

There is a woman stood whilst looking to her left and she is outside. She seems to be fondly looking at something and be concentrated on her surroundings. She is also looking over her shoulder and she looks very feminine and stylish.

What people and objects are shown? How are they arranged?

There is some sort of wire which is placed closer to the camera than she is stood. This creates a perspective effect on the photo.

What is the physical setting? Is place important? Are there details that suggest the time period this image relates to?

The background is not specifically familiar however I can tell she is outside and the weather looks sunny due to the light effects shining on he face.

Photoshoot.

Photoshoot, Part 1.

I wanted these photos to relate to Saul Leiter’s work, whilst also having my own twist on it. For this photoshoot, I chose for my models to include a mirror to tie into his work. I had one model sit on the floor diagonally to my other model who is sitting higher up, on a chair. My model on the chair then shone the mirror to perfectly frame the person on the floors’ face, to capture their emotion whilst also showing themselves. This technique is perfect for a contrast of people and emotions in a creative way. To improve this,

• I think the mirror could be bigger
• Take our time more.
• Create a wider array of emotions
• Have both female and male models.

Photoshoot, Part 2.

For this part of the photoshoot, I had my models standing in front of the mirror and looking at herself. She is looking with a confused/ blank expression on her face at first, and then her head tilted to the side. This is to represent her judging herself and looking at her reflection and body negatively. This is tied into femininity due to the way women tend to feel and look at themselves. She is then shown sat down with her head in her hands, which signifies stress, despair and upset about her appearance.

I really like this photo as it expresses human emotions and how females may be seen as ‘overreacting’ or dramatizing human genuine emotions. This photo Is especially moving and meaningful because my model is crying actual tears whilst also holding a straight face. This may convey the idea of concealing your emotions in order to avoid judgement or attention for feeling upset or hurt especially in females. This may also relate to masculinity as It is seen as not masculine and unusual for a boy to show their emotions.