photographers research

photographers research

imogen cunningham

imogen cunningham is an american photographer born in 1883 and died in 1976. she is known for her flower photography. where she photographs flowers and plants, such as succulents and thistles. these photos are clear and sharp, and focus mostly on the main bloom of the flower (similar to the famous artist Georgia O' Keefe) and shows the texture/contours. she started her photography after graduating from college, and going to work with Edward S.Collins in his studio. Here she learnt about practical photography. She experimented with portraiture and surreal photography. she eventually became part of the F/64 club and created sharp and detailed botanical photographers.

this photo shows a tulip. tulips usually have connotations of love and forgiveness. in this photo, the tulip is lit from the back, possibly using a torch or a lamp. this brings out soft tones, and gives the image more of a feminine aesthetic. as the light shines through the petals, it makes them appear as if they are glowing. this brings out the texture and shadows, and brings the viewers focus to the centre of the flower. this could be why the photographer has chosen to place the petals in the centre of the photo.

this image shows an orchid. it looks as though the photographer has used harsh light from the front to illuminate the flower. this means only one of the flowers has been lit properly. orchids usually have connotations of love, luxury and beauty.  

this photo is of a white magnolia flower. the angle of this photo draws the viewers focus to the stigma of the flower, with the petals surrounding it. the light looks as though it is coming from the top right, which allows it to shine through the petals and light the centre of the flower. the type of lighting looks diffuse, which means the shadows are much softer than if a harsh light was used. white magnolia flowers are usually associated with dignity, nobility, and womanly beauty/gentleness. this is reflected through soft lighting and the subtle yellow hue of the image.




this photo shows a 

karl blossfeldt

this image is of a clematis flower. these flowers are usually blue, and grow on vines. this photo shows the underside of the flower, and the grooves on each of the petals. the way that the photo has been taken with the flower in the centre, shows the how nature can produce perfectly symmetrical flowers and plants, which mankind has had to develop machines to do the same. the flower looks as though it is being lit from the top right, which really brings out the form of the flower, and the ridges on each of the petals.