Dawoud Bey – Harlem Stories
1. What type of photograph is it?
The photograph called “A Woman Waiting in the Doorway” is a portrait photo of a woman who is standing next to a doorway in Harlem.
2. What can you tell (or guess) about the photographer’s intention?
From what I can tell, Dawoud Bey is trying to capture the simplicity and expression of the woman.
3. What emphasis has the photographer created and how has that been done?
The photographer has used sidelit lighting, creating a dramatic effect to the photo. The lighting directly hits the subject, which makes her the main focal point of the photograph.
4. Do technical matters help or hinder the image?
The technical matters help the image. The sharp focus of the photo makes all of the elements in the picture work well together.
5. Are graphic elements important, such as tone, line, or perspective?
Graphic elements are important since they change the overall mood of the photo. The first element I noticed about the photograph was the side lighting, then I focused on the woman’s pose and expression.
6. What else does the photograph reveal beside what is immediately evident?
The photograph shows how different things were in Harlem in the 1970’s compared to now.
7. What emotional or physical impact does the photograph have?
This photo makes me wonder what the woman is thinking about while waiting in the doorway.
8. How does this photograph relate to others in the same series by the same photographer.
This photograph relates to the other photographs in the series because it shows simple yet highly expressive street photographs that describe how Harlem was during the 1970’s.
You correctly identify the side light here as the photo’s strongest feature. It is beautiful here how the woman is emerging into the light. Her light clothes are stunningly set off against black while her face is partly still in the shadows. I too wonder what she is thinking about and if she is nervous due mostly to the pose of her hands. Good that you noticed that these images are from the 70s and the style really appears different from today.