Photographer Research- Edward Weston

Biography 

Edward Weston's photography focused on two main formal elemets organic forms and texture. portraits of his family taken in the 1940s are considered to be some of his best work. Edward started his passion for photography at 16 and much of his early work can be identified as pictoralist style meaning they imtitated painting. In 1923 he travled to mexico and opened a photographic studio, during this time he took a number of portraits and nudes for which he is quite popular for today. later on he moved to more of his close-up, natural forms and landscapes.

Why I chose this photographer

I chose Edward Weston as I thought his work would be fascinating to study. At first glance he looked like he had worked on various different projects and used different ideas so I thought this would be able to provide inspiration within a variety of set tasks or desired shoots. When I first studied his work I thought that it was very creative and I may be able to look at his his work to help widen my ideas and help me personally create more interesting images. I selected four out the the images which I looked at by Edward Weston. I decided to look more into the landscape and natural form side of his work compared to his portraits.

Examples of Edward Weston's work 

This image has a strong use of two formal element's, tone and form. I find it interesting how he has created a piece showing an object people would not really look at or pay much attention to appearance wise. I think this unusual object gives the image a unique feel and the shape helps to create this depth and dimension of the image, This sense of form. In my opinion this image shows me and make me think about all the strange and aspects which we take for granted and do not appreciate. This image however shows a object created by natural events and causes. Reflecting how an image does not have to be of a spectacular scene or fancy object but a skilled photographer can create a piece which raising questions, inspiration and appeals to people with a object considered to be simple.

This image by Edward Weston highlights the formal element pattern and the natural way it can occur. I like the way in which it has a slightly dried out effect and looks as if it was cut a few days before the image was taken. I think the strong use of tones make the image more effective and helps to shows the way in which the pattern occurs. I think by not having any strong colours it allows a main focus of this interesting pattern. 

I like the power of which is displayed in this image. By the positing of the model, composition of the image and tone in this image it can create a strong sense of this power idea and importance. I find the background of this image to be key in the messaged portrayed. I Believe this is to show how he is high up however still has other places high which he could go to.  I posture of the subject shows how he is relaxed displaying how he is allowed in this area and is comfortable to be in this situation. Showing experience and helping to portray this power and importance of the subject in the image. The outfit of the main and architecture, which is slightly placed in the image, also would make people relate him to a wealthy and successful man. 

The image above of the toadstool makes me believe that Edward Weston not only wanted to capture the naturalness of the outside world but also the dangers it can bring. The textured showed on the toadstool and centralised positing in the image create an effective image which demonstrates still a beauty in a negative produce of nature. 

Influence 

 I think Edward Weston was good at capturing detail and highlight certain formal elements. By looking at his work I was able to notice fine detail more when I took photo. I think that he influenced my work in the way I focused on small unique things i think an example of this is below. I think by researching him it has helped me with tone, form and pattern. To summaries Edward Weston's work I would say he is an interesting photographer and displays and focus's on formal elements effectively in many of his pieces. I like the way in which he shows a variety of idea or aspects of a person or nature. He was able to use tone and other formal elements to his advantage to create more unique and interesting pieces