What are they?

A photographic typology involves examining different “types” through a series of images. Instead of focusing on individual photos, it emphasizes the idea of “collecting” images together. This approach to photography is impactful and can change how we view the world around us.

Examples

Artist analysis

Bernd and Hilla Becher

Who are they ?

Bernhard “Bernd” Becher (August 20, 1931 – June 22, 2007) and Hilla Becher, born Wobeser (September 2, 1934 – October 10, 2015), were a pair of German conceptual artists and photographers who collaborated closely. They gained recognition for their vast collection of photographs, known as typologies, which depict industrial buildings and structures, typically arranged in grid patterns. As the pioneers of what is referred to as the ‘Becher school’ or the Düsseldorf School of Photography, they left a lasting impact on many documentary photographers and artists both in Germany and internationally. Their work earned them prestigious honours, including the Erasmus Prize and the Hasselblad Award.

Examples of their work

Photo analysis

Technical – The lighting in these photos was most likely natural, this is due to all the buildings being outside, moreover the lighting is relatively soft because of the cloudy sky in the background. The aperture for this photo was most likely a high number, something like f/32, this is because everything is in focus, the ISO was probably 100 or maybe 200 because of the lack of sun and the shutter speed was probably something lower like 1/125 as to not bleach out the sky.

Visual – This is a really well thought out photo, this is because each building is different however they are all within the same kind of design style, furthermore they are all taken from a deadpan, straight on view which keeps it repetitive but still interesting. Each building is composed in the middle of the frame. The background of each photo is the same in each photo which places an emphasis on the uniformity of the images but also the simplicity due to the lack of background noise.

Contextual/Conceptual – Bernd and Hilla Becher (German, active 1959-2007)
Bernd Becher (German, 1931-2007)
Hilla Becher (German, 1934-2015)
Comparative Juxtaposition, Nine Objects, Each with a Different Function
1961-1972
Gelatin silver prints
Estate Bernd & Hilla Becher, represented by Max Becher