Alfred Stieglitz: Photographer

Alfred Stieglitz was an american photographer. His photography career spanned over 50 years. Apart from a very skilled and beautiful range of photographic images, a major contribution to the world was his influence in bringing photography into the art world as an accepted form of art.

I have selected a number of images that struck me as images that are telling a story as well as very well balanced compositions. Stieglitz's ability to frame an image from the world around him, seems masterful, particularly the last image where he needs to catch a fleeting moment yet captures so much of a story as well as a well framed composition.

I find the image above beautiful in composition. The balance of the crowd of women on the right looking to the water for... the return of their menfolk? waiting for supplies for their village? It conjours up a story and an anticipation and pulls you into the image with curiosity, wonder and an emotional empathy. The buildings in the background and the contours of the water front add compositional balance. The white structure behind the group of women also weights the picture and feels an essential element in terms of composition, without it the image would feel flatter and less dynamic. The black and white also adds tremendous atmosphere even though the image lacks defined clarity in comparison with the following image of A Venetian Canal.

The original image is much more defined. Again the composition is beautifully balanced. The gondola in the foreground leads your eye to the more distant gondolas and the curve of the boat lines along with the gentle tilt of the boats in the water contrast with the straight lines of the walls and window openings. The upturned u shape of the canal water offers a kind of horizon and with the added reflections from the buildings and boats the image feels full of interest without being busy and confusing. It is restful and harmonious.

Again, the original image of this young boy is crisp. The detail of his clothes, the shiny bumper and fender of the car in the background and the hard pavement offer visually contrasting textures. The striking pose and facial expression of the boy is captured and invites curiosity as to his feelings, his position in life and what he is going to do next. It is an evocative and impactful image.