After looking at Dawoud Bey’s work I start to realize that when shooting on location the backgound seems to be dark and cluttered in a way. This technique really helps bring out the subject more. He sets the light at certain angles which goes off to the side of the models poses and also in a angle of a triangle when shooting straight into the subjects eyes. Some of the models show different kinds of gestures which gives the photos a mood and meaning. Some gestures show innocence, vulnerability, anger, and calmness which gives life to his amazing work.
COMD 3530 Advanced Photography Studio Spring 2018
A City Tech OpenLab Course Site
Shooting on location can be really tough as there is so much you cannot control. However, Bey is lighting the scene to bring out his subject. This is under his control. The background is not lit and with shallow depth of field is not in focus. This helps keep our attention on these students.