copyright 2008 Eugene RichardsIn March I taught two clases in the Masters program of Photojournalism at the University Autonoma of Barcelona. I completed the same program two years ago and it was a strange experience for me to be back in the same classroom where I sat as a rather clueless hopeful to enter the world of photojournalism. As an alumnus of the program I know the program's strengths and weakenesses, so I set about to improve one of the weaknesses, which is the lack of practical analysis of other photographer's work.
As a result I selected about 40 images and as a class we tried to dissect the photos trying to interpret the techniques used. It was an enormously successful and well received exercise, so I've decided to continue it here by regularly posting an analysis of a photo I happen to particularly like.
This photo was taken by documentary legend, Eugene Richards, as part of a project on mental treatment around the world. The work, entitled "Out of Mind, Out of Sight" can be seen in a limited slideshow on Mother Jones. The work is being used to bring attention to the treatment of mental disability around the world, so if you are interested in reading more please check out Mental Disability Rights International. Richards has also published a book, A Procession of Them, which can be purchased here.
I invite you to participate by trying to dissect the following information from this photo and answer the following questions. I'll follow with what I think are the answers next week, plus additional commentary. Feel free to post your analysis in the commentary below.
What lens was used (ballpark)?
What ISO, aperture and shutter speed?
Was flash used?
How much post-processing was applied (if any)?
From what angle was the photo taken?
How might Eugene have measured the light?
Where was the focus point set?
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2 comments:
As someone doing his masters over at the LCC, I hope I'm able to get some of it right...
What lens was used (ballpark)?
tough one, i'd say 35mm
What ISO, aperture and shutter speed?
400/f8/125 (possibly faster?)
Was flash used?
no, can't see any catch light in his eyes
How much post-processing was applied (if any)?
possibly some dodging and burning
From what angle was the photo taken?
above everyone, 7/8ft
How might Eugene have measured the light?
top right wall looks like a good 18% point
Where was the focus point set?
3m's?
It's a 28mm.
Stock is probably Tri-X 400 or something very similar (i.e. BW neg 400 ISO film).
Aperture, f5.6. Shutter speed, hard to say as it's a slow-moving subject so anything above 1/100.
No flash.
Relatively low level of post-processing. If there was I'd expect to see more highlight detail on his face, pulling it out of the shadows a tad.
Angle - about a foot above eye level.
Focal point - on the guy on the right of frame, probably 8 feet away.
I reckon it's exposed at 2/3 under normal (i.e. as a light measurement for a center-weighted EV meter).
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