In This Final Essay You Are Going To Analyze, Compare, And C

In This Final Essay You Are Going To Analyze Compare And Contrast T

In this final essay, you are going to analyze, compare, and contrast two photographs of your choice on a similar theme involving people as the main subject. In so doing, you will think about the purposes of the photographs and what the photographers do to achieve those purposes. For example, they may want to show that a politician is either powerful or friendly, a sports personality serious or fun-loving, an ordinary member of the public frightened or bored or aggressive. Having decided what the purposes of the two photographs are, you will analyze how the photographers achieve them. What are the facial expressions, eye-gaze, and postures of the people in the photos? What are they wearing? What are they doing? What kind of props are used? How is the camera positioned? What can we see in the background? What colors are used? Etc. This essay will be about two pages long. It will consist of a brief introduction which tells the audience what pictures will be discussed, together with a thesis which states the purposes of the two pictures. It will follow this structure: Introduction: state which two pictures you are discussing and include a thesis stating the purpose(s) of each photograph. Description paragraph: describe what you can see in each picture so that the reader, who cannot see the pictures, can visualize them. Two Analysis paragraphs: write about the techniques the photographers use to achieve their purposes. You may focus on the people, the lighting, the camera angles, the background etc. However, make sure you include a clear topic sentences to show the reader what the topic of the paragraph is. Length: around two pages Format: MLA

Paper For Above instruction

The power of photography lies in its ability to communicate complex messages through visual cues, and this essay aims to analyze two photographs centered around the theme of human expression and societal roles. The selected images depict a politician and a street musician, each representing contrasting purposes: one to project authority and control, and the other to evoke joy and community connection. By examining the visual elements and techniques employed in these photographs, the essay demonstrates how photographers manipulate composition, lighting, and subject presentation to fulfill their communicative goals.

The first photograph features a middle-aged male politician standing confidently behind a podium. His facial expression is stern yet composed, with piercing eyes that engage the viewer directly, suggesting authority and determination. He is dressed in formal attire—a dark suit and tie—symbolizing professionalism and power. The posture is upright, with hands resting on the podium, emphasizing stability and dominance. The background is subtly blurred, focusing attention on his face and upper body, with flags and a governmental building faintly visible, hinting at his official capacity. The colors are predominantly muted—blues, grays, and blacks—creating a serious tone and emphasizing the formality of the scene.

In contrast, the second photograph captures a street musician playing a guitar on a lively urban street. The musician is a young woman, smiling broadly, with her eyes crinkling in genuine joy. She wears casual, colorful clothing—brightly patterned blouse and sunglasses—highlighting her carefree spirit. Her posture is relaxed, with one hand strumming the guitar and the other gesturing rhythmically, inviting engagement. The background is bustling with pedestrians, street art, and storefronts, contributing to a vibrant, energetic atmosphere. The photographer uses a slightly lower camera angle, capturing her expressive face and the dynamic environment around her. The colors are vivid—reds, yellows, and greens—reflecting the lively, spontaneous mood of the scene.

Analyzing how each photographer achieves their purpose reveals distinct techniques. For the politician, controlled lighting and a shallow depth of field focus the viewer’s attention on his facial expression, conveying seriousness and authority. The straight-on camera angle presents him as direct and commanding, reinforcing themes of power. The background elements are deliberately subdued, ensuring no distractions from his image. Conversely, the street musician benefits from natural, diffused lighting that enhances the vibrancy and authenticity of her expression. The slightly tilted camera angle and wider composition include the bustling street, emphasizing spontaneity and community. The photographer employs motion blur in some areas, capturing the liveliness and energy surrounding her.

Both photographs utilize color strategically: the muted tones of the politician evoke formality and restraint, aligning with themes of authority and governance. The vivid colors of the street scene create a sense of vitality and freedom, aligning with themes of joy and social connection. Facial expressions and body language are central to the message; the politician’s stern face contrasts starkly with the musician’s radiant smile, illustrating different societal roles and emotional states. Lighting choices also contribute to the intended perceptions—sharp, even lighting for authority, versus soft, natural lighting for authenticity and warmth.

In summary, these images exemplify how visual techniques can shape perceptions and reinforce the intended message of each photograph. The politician’s image relies on control, formality, and authority through compositional choices like lighting, posture, and background minimization. The street musician’s photo emphasizes authenticity, vivacity, and community through lively colors, dynamic composition, and candid expression. Recognizing these techniques enhances our understanding of visual communication and the power of photography in shaping societal narratives.

References

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