Dawoud Bey’s classroom series is an excellent photo series that captures the absolute essence of honest expression.  Each of the images that are shown on the site have a very individualistic quality about them. Bey uses posing as well as framing to emphasize the expression of each of his subjects.  None of the subjects are placed up against a wall and shot straight on. Instead they are carefully placed about the classroom, framed in the center but their posture differentiates which adds an interesting quality to the photo.  The background is out of focus and changes with each subject, but helps to draw interest into the focus of the subject which tends to be there eyes. And each subject seems to speak something different through the language of their gaze. The photo of “Antoine” shows a somewhat optimistic look in his eyes and his overall posture seems relaxed.  While on the other hand “Kevin” leans in to the camera with a strong sense of sterness being said with his eyes.

Bey has a great way of capturing the descriptions of the students through the images.  Shalanta speaks on the importance of positivity surrounding her, and from her look you may be intimidated but she’s truly a “fun-going” person.  This is completely understood from the image itself. Without even reading the description the image describes her as confident from her expression and the way she carries herself.  Yet her smile emphasizes that behind the confidence she is also a caring and kind person.

Aside from the subjects. Dawoud uses lighting that really highlights the subjects face.  The emphasis of each of the photos lands on the face, which is the most important part in each of these images.  Since the facial expression, and eyes are what immediately tell us a story.