https://www.suzannesteinphoto.com/New-York/i-SMHSKz8/A
Upon all the photographers listed, I was most in intrigued with the works of Suzanne Stein. Their work was most visually engaging in its sharp contrasts of colors and subject matter. One photograph that stood out to me more was titled “R Train Platform, 59th and Central Park”. This photograph takes place in the R train 5th Ave train station, it mainly depicts this young couple on the right of the frame holding a exquisite bouquet of white roses whilst five women are sitting in the bench holding either indifferent or bored facial expressions. It depicts two contrasting emotions between the expression of love and passion with indifference. I believe it’s purpose is to show how whilst there could be love shown in this grand city it could not be felt all throughout. With a couple showing loving emotion, they could be outshone by the indifference of the other people as seen within this photograph.
Within “R Train Platform, 59th and Central Park”, we see three important formal elements mentioned in Steve McCurry’s video. Firstly, we see the usage of Rule of Thirds, many would look at this picture and see the main subject, that being the couple, in the right hand portion of the frame. Whilst we see the five women portioned on the left hand portion of the frame. This helps capture this contrasting emotion of passion and indifference as we see them divided within the picture. Furthermore, we see the use of diagonals being used to create movement within the picture. Stein had captured the picture in such a way that we feel the depth of the subway station and fluidity of movements. This creates, as mentioned before, an extra depth to the picture and creates a bigger divide as this movement seems to cut between the subject and the five women sitting on the bench. Finally, we see the usage of leading lines to help aid the eye in focusing on our main subjects, the kissing couple. We see the ladies on the right all lined up and taken at such an angle it in such a way as it is leading to the couple. It also helps aid the mood, we first are drawn to the five indifferent women only to draw our eyes to the couple down the line. it creates a sequence of emotions to the viewer. Thus, concluding the impactful picture taken by Suzanne Stein and the formal elements used as stated by Steve McCurry.
Nicely observed. The photo does use the Rule of Thirds placing the bouquet which is certainly what one looks at first off to the side. And the lines of the walls receding in perspective do point at the main subject so we can call them leading lines.
The photo revolves around the juxtaposition of the couple and everyone else in the photo. I read it as the contrast of the fantasy and allure of romance and the reality of everyday life.