Genre, Tone etc.

CliffyBiro · 1 Oct 2009 at 20:23

Hey

Currently writing up an essay on a photography period of my choice. I've chosen Constructivism but have run into a little trouble.

For example, one of the photos I have chosen is Alexander Rodchenko's 'Stairs' and I am asked to explain the genre, tone, line, use of colour and composition of the photo.

Now I'm not asking you to do this for me, but rather to help me understand what I'm actually looking for and maybe show some good examples for each?

Things like tone and line, I have no idea.

Thanks to anyone who takes the time to help.

Raymond Lin · 1 Oct 2009 at 20:32

show us the pic then

Derek W · 1 Oct 2009 at 20:34

CliffyBiro · 1 Oct 2009 at 20:37

That's the one. /\/\

Raymond Lin · 1 Oct 2009 at 20:38

I see the following lines

Visible - The steps, the direction of the steps, the line of the sunlight
non visible - the direction she is heading

Tones, its the contrast in the steps, shadows, the subject it her shadow too.

p.s. i did not do a course in photography

CliffyBiro · 1 Oct 2009 at 20:40

Ah, OK. For some reason, when I read tone, I thought kinda like the 'feel' of the photo.

Silly me.

Ta.

After I do these then, I have to:

Discuss the impact of significant events – effects from a wider context in relation to the art movement of your choice. E.g this can be the background events politically (e.g War/revolution), in terms of fashion (significant changes in fashion, style), culture (music/fashion/tastes/food, something popular at the time)

Raymond Lin · 1 Oct 2009 at 20:43

find out the era it was taken in, where it is taken, the political climate at the time, is what she is wearing typical of that era, does that photo signify a single mother doing her shopping? it is set against some revolution background? etc.

CliffyBiro · 1 Oct 2009 at 20:45

Okiedoke.

Cheers dude. Much needed help.

Derek W · 1 Oct 2009 at 21:06

Raymond Lin said:
find out the era it was taken in, where it is taken, the political climate at the time, is what she is wearing typical of that era, does that photo signify a single mother doing her shopping? it is set against some revolution background? etc.

1930s

http://www.google.co.uk/search?sour...chenko's+'Stairs'&btnG=Google+Search&meta=lr=

Andy90 · 2 Oct 2009 at 17:03

I looked him up on Wikipedia. It had this to say about his photographs.

"His images eliminated unnecessary detail, emphasized dynamic diagonal composition, and were concerned with the placement and movement of objects in space."

I suppose the picture entitled "stairs" really does highlight this, definately diagonal lines there. The diagonals lead the eye to the left, whilst the lady and baby are moving to the right - to me they're heading in conflicting directions giving the picture an edgy feel.

As for the tones, as someone else has already stated, the shadows deepen in contrast from the left hand side to the right hand side. The shadows in front and to the right of the lady are very dark, creating an area which I can only describe as a 'pit' ie the lady is walking forward and heading for a fall into the dark shadows (if that makes any sense!?!?!)

Add in the baby, which she is clutching tightly and seems to care for, it all adds up to a slightly unnerving feel to the picture.

Whatever your view, the picture is an excellent one.