What is the hardest photograph?

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12 Apr 2012 - 12:31 AM

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monstersnowman

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12 Apr 2012 - 12:50 AM

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I think the suggestion that no background or plain is more difficult would surprise some and presuming that to state the obvious or something that doesn't generate discussion is pointless then you expect people in the public eye to say things that are somewhat surprising or controversial whether it has any merit or not. Who am I to argue, though I presume some photographers of note may also hold an opposing opinion. I think the inclusion of detail and content in a background may obviously create situations where the background requires consideration to avoid conflicting or jarring with the subject, making the image over complicated, making the subject indistinct or not isolated from the background, the background not matching the subject, the background not being lit correctly for the content, not being properly focussed or defocussed etc etc etc ... On first consideration I would sway the other way towards detail being the hardest and I dont hold any reverence for well known photographer's quotes or opinions (I make my own mind up). Maybe my mind will be changed if I saw the video ...

arhb (e2 Member)

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12 Apr 2012 - 8:29 AM

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I agree with Sarah - shooting a subject against a natural bg gives a more immediate association for the viewer to see and connect to.
That said, it would be interesting to read more context surrounding and relating to the 'people with a plain background are the hardest shots' snippet...

ade_mcfade

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12 Apr 2012 - 9:59 AM

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He also said Black and White was the "best" too actually...

Not sure that he's into penguins or polar bears

ade_mcfade

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12 Apr 2012 - 10:43 AM

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pandas having sex would be hard to shoot I guess

monstersnowman

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12 Apr 2012 - 12:31 PM

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Quote: Could he mean it's harder to show a persons character with no background, whereas give them a space they are used to and shows what they do/where they live and it brings their character out. Or maybe that people are more relaxed to shoot out of a studio environment.

This did cross my mind also, as I typed, but I was just putting one viewpoint across. Maybe some may say that a background and possessions are a construct of whoever chooses to include them, whether it be the sitter, the photographer or someone else and does not necessarily represent a 'truth' therefore may not only be representing what we think of a persons character, which may well deviate from what is real, but may be a false representation or a deceitful representation whereas the plain background does not allow any interference and distraction, allowing us to examine and read the person alone and therefore less prone to misrepresentation. You could also say that possessions and detail that represent a character are simply like putting text in a photograph - cue cards for the viewer to basically and simply read, just like a character description stuck on the side of an image - the true skill and the hardest option being to not allow these bold and loud signifiers and to rely on a plain background and the sitter alone to convey the character etc. On balance I would say the plain photograph background is the hardest If you do succeed to convey what you need want to. But - If you don't then it could well be the simplest and you just have a passport photo. Hmmm

whipspeed (e2 Member)

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12 Apr 2012 - 1:35 PM

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Quote: This did cross my mind also, as I typed, but I was just putting one viewpoint across. Maybe some may say that a background and possessions are a construct of whoever chooses to include them, whether it be the sitter, the photographer or someone else and does not necessarily represent a 'truth' therefore may not only be representing what we think of a persons character, which may well deviate from what is real, but may be a false representation or a deceitful representation whereas the plain background does not allow any interference and distraction, allowing us to examine and read the person alone and therefore less prone to misrepresentation. You could also say that possessions and detail that represent a character are simply like putting text in a photograph - cue cards for the viewer to basically and simply read, just like a character description stuck on the side of an image - the true skill and the hardest option being to not allow these bold and loud signifiers and to rely on a plain background and the sitter alone to convey the character etc. On balance I would say the plain photograph background is the hardest If you do succeed to convey what you need want to. But - If you don't then it could well be the simplest and you just have a passport photo. Hmmm

Yes, I can see what you mean (very well put by the way), the background makes it easier for the viewer to form their own story of the person, whereas there is skill in getting a shot of someone and showing their character with no props.
It's actually good that we haven't seen the video as it's sparked an interesting conversation, where we are making up our minds without the background of the video. Nice topic Ade.