Blog 1

This photograph has many elements that make it interesting. The image has an overall dark and depressing feeling. The figures are dressed in mainly black and appear as forms rather than distinct people. The street is white, but is dim and dirty rather than a bright white. The walls are also a dim white, illuminated slightly by the lights held by the people. When looking at this photo the eye is drawn to the middle where there is a congregation of light. The light provides a stark contrast and creates a glimpse of hope against its gloomy surroundings. I don’t find the rule of thirds to be a prominent factor. Even though the rule of thirds is not used and the eye is pulled to the center, the photograph is not boring. There is a contrast between the dark line of figures on the bottom and the lighter wall extending upwards.
From the center, the eye can follow two paths. One would be to follow the line of the people walking. While looking at this photograph from a western perspective, we see the people moving from left to right and assume that they are going somewhere. We read from left to right so this seems like a logical movement from beginning to end, rather than a journey of return. As the reading stated, "In western cultures we automatically assign a movement to lines-we read lines (and images) the same way we read text, left to right." The people are part of a continuous vector carrying the movement out of the frame. It shows that this event continues beyond the edges of the photograph. The horizontal lines run along the bottom half of the picture creating order and stability with the motion of the people. The wall and door that appear in the top half create an energy that breaks apart from the bottom half of the photograph. There are many rectangles found throughout this image which are a bit more interesting than squares, but are still not extremely eye catching. However, there is a triangle formed between most of the lights to draw in the eye, since the triangle is the most dynamic shape.
Frame magnetism is another aspect to this image. The lines the people form continue across the entire frame so that there it appears more calm than urgent. The people are continuing on this journey, but it is a somber one and does not require a rushed arrival.
Depth is created by the extreme high angle of the camera. The photographer shot this from above which places the figures in a low position. This creates a negative mood by causing the viewer to look down on the people and focus on the dirty, damaged street they are marching on. The dark colors and “form-like” appearance of the people also makes them appear insignificant and further supports the somber feeling.