Photographer: Annie Leibovitz

Annie Leibovitz

Annie Leibovitz was born in Connecticut in 1949. Her father was a lieutant colonel in the U.S. Air Force so she moved a lot as a child, which allowed her many different scenes to photograph.

In 1970 she began working as a photographer for Rolling Stone magazine.
These are some of her covers.

The third one of John Lennon and Yoko Ono became quite famous, as Lennon was killed 5 hours later. 

Leibovitz was trying to recreate the kissing scene from Double Fantasy album cover.

Leibovitz said this about the shoot: "What is interesting is she said she'd take her top off and I said, 'Leave everything on' - not really preconceiving the picture at all. Then he curled up next to her and it was very, very strong. You couldn't help but feel that he was cold and he looked like he was clinging on to her. I think it was amazing to look at the first Polaroid and they were both very excited. John said, 'You've captured out relationship exactly. Promise me it'll be on the cover.' I looked him in the eye and we shook on it."  

After working at Rolling Stone for 10 years, she then worked at Vanity Fair, where she got to photograph a wider range of subjects.

 Two of her more famous shots at Vanity Fair was her shot of a naked and pregnant Demi Moore and a shot of Whoopi Goldberg in a bath of milk.

Another project she has worked on recently was the Disney Parks "Year of a Million Dreams" campaign for The Walt Disney Company.
Some of her gorgeous shots for said project are below.

Compositions of Photography: Edge of Frame

Edge of Frame

In a shot that features edge of frame composition, the subject and environment are of equal focus. There is more curiosity for the viewer, as their focus can spread, and the eye movement is usually in and/or out of frame.

- Norman Parkinson

In this shot, the use of edge of frame isn't quite easily picked at a glance, but a further look at the shot will make it clear. As the viewer's eye follows the children up the ladder, it soon comes to their attention that they can't see the child at the top. This gives dynamics to the shot, and allows for eye movement to travel from the subject of the unseen child to the other children in the shot and further on to the people and buildings in the background. The contrasting colours of the dark ladder and the white sky also draw attention to the use of the edge of frame composition. 

- Sebastião Salgado

This shot is very much telling a story. Even though the top half of the people in this shot is out of frame, there is still other details for the eye to focus on. Combining the people with the ground they are climbing up, as well as the colours, the use of the edge of frame allows the viewer to see more of the shot than would have been otherwise seen had the subjects been shown in full. 

Compositions of Photography: Closed Format Cropping

Closed Format Cropping

The closed format cropping composition means all information is provided in the shot. It can show the full image, and can provide a narrative type message to the shot.

- Frank Hurley

This shot demonstrates closed format cropping. There is nothing missing from the shot story-wise, as it is a broad, widespread view of the scene, and all the information for the narrative of such is there, available in the shot. 

- Anne Geddes

This example of closed format cropping is shown quite simply. The subject, mother and baby, is the only element in the shot, however it is the only element needed as that one captured moment tells the whole story. If the picture was cropped closer you may not be able to get as good an idea as to what's going on outside the shot, but this way, with closed format cropping, we can clearly get the whole story in one simple shot. 

Compositions of Photography: Worm's Eye Point Of View

Worm's Eye POV

The worm's eye point of view is when the photograph is taken from the ground looking up at the subject. It communicates power and strength the subject holds over the photographer (or seems to).

 - Margaret Bourke White

This shot demonstrates the worm's eye POV composition. Taken from a low vantage point looking up at a very large, strong statue (The Statue of Liberty no less), the power being held over the photographer is quite evident. With the subject being what it is, even visually the colouring and texture shows how strong and powerful it is, and the POV from which the shot is taken from adds to this to portray a very powerful shot. 

Compositions of Photography: Rhythm

Rhythm

A rhythm composition is a repeated motif that leads the eye around the image. It gives a line of sight to follow.

- Ansel Adams

The composition of rhythm is mainly focused on throughout the river in the middle of the shot, which curves through the landscape, drawing the viewer's eye around with it. There is also other curves caused by the river that is similar to the rhythm composition, as the eye can start at one point and follow it all the way around the picture. 

The colouring of the shot is also a tool used to make the rhythm of the river stand out more, with it being the brightest part, whereas the surrounding areas are some of the darkest. 

- Bill Brandt

Similarly in this shot, the main focus of the photo is the rhythm element of the shot, the staircase. As it winds upwards, it draws focus and gives a line of sight for the viewer's eye to follow. The shadows on the walls, especially those of the staircase add more to the rhythm and flow of the shot, rather than detract from it, as the smoothness of the lines is still followed through and it connects the elements of the shot into one beautiful flowing line. 

Compositions of Photography: Pattern

Pattern

The pattern composition in a shot can be either structured (like tiles, giving a set stability) or unstructured or random (like rocks, which can allow for a patterned yet less stiff shot).

Structured:

- Max Dupain

The pattern composition in this shot is the structure of the tiles/framework on the roof. It is a repeated pattern that makes the shot feel more stable, more concrete. Combined with the colouring and depth of field in the shot, the dynamic is quite wide and yet the structured pattern is still one of the first things to catch your attention in the shot. 

- Robert Doisneau

In this shot, the structured pattern is the brickwork of the wall and the steps. The difference between the two is only distinguishable by the people sitting on the steps, giving the depth of field to demonstrate the pattern. The structure is one that combines together, but still pulls focus just as much, if not more than the people on the steps. The colouring and the edging shown by the people on the step is another element that draws attention to the pattern, and can be quite mesmerizing. 

Unstructured:

(x)

In this shot, the random patterning of the pebbles gives a more relaxed, calmed feel to the shot. Combined with the colouring, there is still quite a pattern in the rocks, even if they aren't set out square next to each other. The dynamic created by the different shapes and colours in the pattern is one that can draw a viewer's eye all around the shot all at once, giving for a less tight, structured shot. 

- Ansel Adams

The pattern composition in this shot is one of a slightly different nature, as there is still slightly structured pattern in the breaking of the bark, however it is not set structured enough for it to cause a stiff shot. Combined with the colouring, the varying shades around the shot, it still gives the air of being more slow and untouched, a more natural beauty, rather than a more man-made structure.

Compositions of Photography: One to One Point Of View

One to One POV

The one to one composition is when the photographer is straight on with the subject. It communicates equality as neither shows more power over the other.

(x)

This shot demonstrates One to One POV. The photographer was straight on with the subject when they took the shot, which is established through the position of the body of the subject, particularly her eyes. 

There is no feelings of overpowerment, be it from the subject or the photographer, as by being on the same level/position, there is more of an equal stand between the two, allowing for a more simple, peaceful shot.  This is, of course, added to by the light, bright colours used, making the shot seem even brighter and happier. 

(x)

Similar to the first shot, the one to one POV is mostly distinguished by the position of the subject in the shot, especially, once again, her eyes. The lighting gives a more mysterious, dynamic feel, but there is no sense of strength radiating more from the subject nor the position of the photographer. 

Compositions of Photography: Rule of Thirds

Rule Of Thirds

The rule of thirds composition can be used in different ways: horizontal/vertical or diagonal. It divides the frame into three distinct areas and allows for a harmonious image as it can show variety without complexity.

- Anne Geddes

This shot using the horizontal/vertical rule of thirds clearly demonstrates how the rule of thirds can give a shot a happy feel to it and make something simple still work. 

Just to the sides of the babies on the left and right (the gap between them and the middle baby) is where the intersection points of the vertical and horizontal top lines meet, and this then lines up to the edge of their containers on the bottom row. 

This shows that in every smaller square, there is more than one object, more than one colour, making for a more dynamic, brighter picture yet still keeping the image relatively free from clutter. 

The simple setup of the shot plus the colours used and the "adorableness" of the babies makes this shot feel warm and happy. 

Compositions of Photography: Bird's Eye Point Of View

Bird's Eye POV

A bird's eye point of view is when you are looking down from above, like what a bird would see looking down below at the ground. It communicates the power the photographer has over the subject.

(x)

Even though there is no such subject in this shot, and it more focuses on the architecture itself, the dynamic shown down the stairs and down the middle of the staircase gives depth to the shot. The colours of the stairs also combine to give the depth to the shot, as it gets darker the further down you go. 

(x)

Similar to the first picture, this shot doesn't demonstrate as much power over the subject, however the height difference made clear by the POV makes the subject appear inquisitive and curious about what's above. The brighter colours in the shot also give the appearance of a more free and relaxing shot, compared to those of a darker colouring.

(x)

In this shot, the concept of power over the subject in the form of the bird's eye point of view is clearly demonstrated. Combined with the positioning of the subject and the colouring of the shot. It makes the subject seem small and insignificant but one would know this is not the case if the subject is shown on a different angle.   

- Robert Doisneau

This shot conveys a certain emotion within itself. Although the subject is shown as small and insignificant, there is still an air of grace and acceptance about it, like the subject has accepted their position and isn't reflecting on a loss of power but more of a vision. The elegant poise in which the subject holds herself demonstrates the ability of reflection and the shot as a whole seems to give off tones of accepting a situation, whether the power is in your hands or someone else's. 

Styles of Photography: Environmental Portrait

Environmental Portrait

The style of environmental portraiture is when the subject of the shot is captured in their "natural" environment. This is quite commonly shows through a person being photographed in a place relating to their career or hobby. 

The common definition of environmental portraiture is making a portrait that's executed in the subject's living, working or playing environment and illuminates their life and surroundings. By photographing a person in their natural surrounding  instead of an impersonal studio, the theory is that you can more effectively capture the essence of a subject's personality, rather than just a mere likeness. (x)

A photographer who is very skilled in the task of environmental portraiture is Jonathan Bielaski. 

He also has an open project - For The Love Of It... for people to apply to have their environmental portraits taken.

Styles of Photography: Photojournalism

Photojournalism

Photojournalism [Oxford Dictionary]: The practice of communicating news by photographs, especially in magazines

Photojournalism is a type of photographic style in which photos are used as a story telling tool, portraying the narrative to the reader throughout the images used and not so heavily relying on a written article. 

- After the South Asian earthquake of 2005 (x)

It is most commonly used in magazines as it is more appealing to a buyer to look at lots of images compared to lots of text.

(x)

Photojournalism breaks most of the existing barriers that exist in journalism, by taking both words and images, using the best of both and making it the most powerful medium available.

It is said to capture verbs. Actions and stories are seeked to be shown throughout a photojournalistic shot. 

A cutline is also commonly used, like a caption, to explain the basic elements of the shot. To word it simply and state exactly what can be seen. 

- Tyler Wirken.

Welcoming Grace  

In this example, Tyler Wirken was asked to photograph this baby's birth. 

Tyler was unable to be in the room for the operation as the mother, Danielle, was having a C-Section, so instead he was able to photograph the before and after, as well as the soon-to-be grandparents waited eagerly. The story told throughout his pictures is a wonderful representation of how photojournalism can tell a whole story through a few "simple" photographs. 

Simone and & Glenn - A Melbourne wedding at Comme

As well as births, the style of photojournalism is also used to retell such events as weddings. This example is of a couple getting married. The bride preparing for the ready, a shoot of sorts outside the St Michaels Church and then the shots of the ceremony and reception. 

Compositions of Photography: Open Format Cropping

Open Format Cropping

Open format cropping in a shot allows for more focus on a detail, (eg: texture, shape). It gives you the ability to move in on subject matter and focus on a particular point.

- Anne Geddes

In this example of open format cropping, the shot isn't so much in focus in the context of being clear, but we can see quite easily see the texture of the baby's skin. We are able to focus more easily on the texture and shape of the child given we have a closer area to view, and can focus on smaller points in the smaller . In comparison if this were a full length shot, it would be harder to see the finer details in the skin and the texture. The open format cropping composition gives us a closer feel into the subject of the picture, and brings about a warmth and joy within this particular shot. 

- Bill Brandt

Another example of open format cropping.

Styles of Photography: Nature

Nature

Defining nature photographers is difficult as many people have their own definitions over what makes a nature photo.

Nature [Oxford Dictionary]: the phenomena of the physical world collectively, including plants, animals, the landscapers and the other features and products of the earth, as opposed to the humans or their creations.

Photographic Society of America says that photographs of artificially produces hybrid plants or animals, mounted specimens or obviously set arrangements are in eligible, as it any form of manipulation that alters the truth if the photographic statement.

You cannot change the truth of the picture or set the picture as to how you want it.

Nature photography is an umbrella term incorporating landscape, wildlife, and plant photography, most nature photography is taken outdoors and can focus on macro views.

Some key ideas of nature photography include

- Valuing aesthetics over content

- Focuses on texture and pattern

- Capturing wildlife is often concerned with capturing a moment of 'action' in an animal's natural environment

- Capturing nature so that it communicates the essence of a moment

Nature photographers

- Ansel Adams

- Eliot Porter

- Marilyn Canning

- Mary Lea Bradley

- Robert Glenn Ketchum

- Arthur Morris

[All coloured shots by Steve Parish

Black and white by Ansel Adams]