Photographer- Jeff Liao
Photography- South Wall
Jeff Liao’s photographs are colorful, wide, and very lively creating a unique experience. Jeff Liao is a New York photographer in Queens. I personally admire wide range and colorful photography, and Jeff Liao definitely delivers that in his photo “South Wall”. Liao’s photo of South Wall creates a vibrant and mellow sensation. In this photo, a bridge and a train station are both seen by the audience. However, the bridge and the train station are each separated by a pole displayed dead center.  Liao uses the pole as a symmetry line, but the line creates an illusion. The South Wall image appears as if two separate photos were merged into one, but the photo is actually one big panorama shot. I found myself simply amazed by Liao’s camera technique. I was also impressed by Liao’s patience. He was very precise on his photos, waiting for the perfect moment. In “South Wall”, he relied on natural light. He watched as the sunset illuminated the bridge to take his photo. The tone from the sunset hitting the bridge gave me a relaxing vibe—like the day was at an end.
Jeff Liao used many elements to create the pleasant vibe of South Wall. For example, light and dark plays a big role in this photograph. As I explained earlier, the sunset creates a red-orange light that illuminates the photo. The dark shadows and human figures create an engaging dark contrast. The light and dark bring a warm feeling to the audience. The symmetric pole, placed dead center, is a perfect example of line, as well as the cars aligned on the bridge. Liao also executes an excellent variety of shape. For instance, the buildings, people, cars, billboard, and poles each shares a unique shape. Each shape delivers a relaxing and lively felling to the photo. But, the main reason Jeff Liao’s work is amazing is because of his wide range technique. The image “South Wall” apprehended an astonishing glimpse of the city in one shot. Overall, Liao’s “South Wall” is my favorite photograph.
Link Below:
http://www.saulgallery.com/chronicle/liao_habitat7.html
Anddy Ferreira
You picked an interesting photo. As you state the color of the light at that time of day is key to the beauty of this photo which is really of one of those places most of us pass through without even thinking about. the pole in the middle that divides the composition into two very different areas is really important as well.