The photograph I chose that speaks to me is from Michael Kenna. The image itself shows its location by the Empire State Building taken in the year of 2013. What I observed through this image is the time of day as the reflection shows the left as a clear picture of the Empire State Building and the buildings surrounding it in a visible vison. With one location of the photo shows that if you are walking through Manhattan, you will see these buildings as you pass by. The intention of the photographer, Michael Kenna is to target the Empire Buildings as the main attraction around Manhattan’s 34 Street. The mood through this image is a feeling of excitement and interest. As a tourist point of view, one will find a place or object as an interest to their mind as something that’s a sight to see. Michael Kenna also shows that when standing in the one position to take a photo, you would think to yourself that this place looks familiar and how it was popular back then as well as the excitement.
From the photo that I chose, the three formal elements of photography by Steve McCurry follows through leading lines, patterns and reputation and contrast of light and dark. Patterns and reputation follows through the photograph because from the buildings, one matches to another except from the right view, the shadow covers part of the building that’s reflected to the left. The principle of leading lines reflect to the photo shown between the two buildings from left to right. There is a border in the middle as a line of light and shadow difference between this image but reflected as a mirror. The photo overall is a black and white image so it’s a contrast of light and dark. The light is on the left and the right is the shadow from the same image but as a reflection.
Overall, the image that Michael Kenna took is about looking through the view of the Empire State Building and the reflection of the image as a mood of interest. This photo shows three composition principles; leading lines, Contrast of light and dark and figure to ground. Michael Kenna’s New York City album shows great interest to New Yorkers and tourists as a place to be for sightseeing and magnificence.
And symmetry is really important! I am glad you mentioned figure to ground. The symmetry of the buildings and the reflection create strong shapes and the background around them become active shapes as well.