Contextual research

Duane Michals

The use of narrative, in this photograph, is used effectively through the intense visuals that are complimented with the formal elements of colour and tone. The narrative seems as if it projects a sadness, the two people seem serious as the girl lays her head on his shoulder. Its as if it is a memory in time as the hand on the girls shoulder is faded like they are moving through time, which the shutter speed effect gives this narrative. The fact it is on a bordered post ties in well to give off that snapshot memory narrative, like a post card or Polaroid picture. A ghostly effect is being given off from the shutter speed being increased, which means the people have moved positions, then the movement is captured. It also shows repetition within the face. Repetition is also present through the way the way the wallpaper has its pattern. The third person to the right is captured in a blurred way, which implies he is not the main focus in the picture, the couple are the sharpest. The aperture would have been altered for this effective to be achieved. The person who is looking at the couple is the darkest is the darkest part of the photograph and then it is accompanied with the girl and the mirror frame. The lightest part of the picture is mainly the mans face with the shutter speed effect along with the walls in certain parts. This could be a part of the narrative, as if to give this a meaning, that the guy is maybe laughing at the couple or acting shocked due to the serious tone. The tone sets the mood entirely, sadness and intense. The dark tones symbolises the mood, and there is a sense of contrast from the people against the brighter wall. The fact Duane has decided to capture the models naked changes the whole narrative, it draws people in. It raises questions as to the “Adam and Eve” reference.

Gregory Crewdson

The narrative is presented strongly, which is why I was initially attracted to this photograph. There is a sense of depression and death through the way the two models are on the sofa with the door open in the middle of winter. The fact the snow has been positioned in the house but not on the furniture works very well because it hasn’t been snowed in, it is trying to communicated a sadness within the people. Their facial expressions are melancholy and their skin is ghost white. The girl laying on the other girl is wearing a nighty that is no way near as suitable to what the other girl is wearing for the kind of weather they are in. I love that it is a snapshot of their home with a beautiful yet cold view with big glass windows, it creates a homely feel that is ruined by the cold and upsetting atmosphere. The tone and colours are important to capture that atmosphere and vibe because it sets the tone to be dark. Even though the snow is not bright it is more grey which highlights more of this narrative of depression. It presents this vignette effect which makes the main focus of the picture more present. The darkest parts in the picture is around the middle part and the brightest is the middle sections like the outside snow and the model’s skin. There is contrast throughout the picture, which is what is successful, it gives this narrative of life and death, black and white. There seems to be a repetition of line with the windows and trees which adds a sense of substance to the picture.