PhotographAnalysis

By Aaliyah McGregor

ANNIE LEIBOVITZ

Who is Anne Leibovitz?

Anne Leibovitz is known to be the best American portraiture photographer, and was born in 1949 in Waterbury, Connecticut. She was the one of six children of Marilyn Edith and Samuel Leibovitz, her family originated from Romanian Jew heritage. Leibovitz took her first picture for her father as he was a lieutenant for the U.S. Air forces and took a pictures when he was stationed in the Philippines during the Vietnam war

In the 1970 she got a job working for Rolling Stone, this is where Anne Leibovitz created her distinguishing publications as a chief photographer. 13 years later Leibovitz began to work for Vanity Fair, where she continued her mission to create iconic and unique portraiture photographs. Her work as been used for many high-profiled advertising campaigns and have been published in major exhibitions around the world

Subject and positioningthe subject is central to the photograph and the background is simple and dark this attracts the attention of the audience to the women central to the photograph, and therefore the audience's attention First focal point is the women in the middle. Angle the photograph is taken from eye level this suggests the importance of capturing the facial expression of the subjects in the centre of the photograph. The medium close up on the subject suggests that audience should be focused on the actions of the subject and what the message is to the audience. Rule of thirdwhen applying the rule of third the first focal point of the photograph is simple in that it is the women in the centre of the photograph and her action as she is the only subject in the photograph this portrayed as the photographer not wanting the audience to look anywhere else as they want the audience's focus to simply be on the women in the centre of the photograph. Lighting the use of studio lighting has created tranquillity to the photograph which compliment the action of the subject in the photograph. As it makes the lighting very soft and but also dark which creates the idea of mystery which creates a sense of doubt in the mind of the audience.

Framingthe photographer uses a deep focus to capture the subject which is positioned in the centre of the photograph, the use of a deep focus could suggest the importance of everything in the photograph and how it all adds to the message of the photograph. The photographer has used a fast shutter speed to reduce the motion blur, as in the photo the subject would have been asked to be constantly moving and making different facial or body movement and therefore the photographer will use ‘quick snaps’ to capture multiple moments as they happen.Meaning: The meaning in this photo is to portray to the audience the idea of natural beauty through the use of popular actress Meryl Streep, or it could be portrayed as the idea of hiding natural beauty

Lighting the lighting in the photograph is dark, natural and light this suggests the idea of emotions and sadness as well as the facial expression of the subject in the photograph which creates the idea of sadness. The dark colouring to the photograph also create doubt and mystery for the audience through the darkness. Framing the photographer uses a shallow focus to attract the attention of the audience to the subjects in the photograph. The photographer has used a fast shutter speed to reduce the motion blur, as in the photo the subject would have been asked to be constantly moving and making different facial or body movement and therefore the photographer will use ‘quick snaps’ to capture multiple moments as they happen.Subject and positioning this photograph is different to other photograph as instead of the subject being in the centre of the photograph the main focal point is off to the right of the photo attracting the attention to the right of the photograph. The subject in the photograph has a Swan round his neck this suggests to the audience the sense of delicacy and beauty, this  could seen by fans as just like the subject as fans find Leonardo good look or full of beauty.Meaning:The meaning of this photograph is to advertises to the audience the sense of delicacy and beauty and how both of the subjects the swan and Leonardo are similar to those who are a fan.

Anglethe photograph has been taken from a slightly high angle and a long shot this is to capture the action of the of the subject and the fact that he is holding a Swan in his arms which creates curiosity and mystery. Rule of thirdthe main focal point that attracts the attention of the audience is the Swan as it creates a question for the audience as they wonder why he is holding a Swan and then the photo then opens up to whom is holding the Swan and the background to tell the audience where he is.

Meaning:The meaning in this photograph is show the contrast between light and dark, happy and sad through the uses of successful actress Cate Blanchett.Subject and positioningThe two subjects of the photograph are on the left and right of the photograph which creates two focal points to the photo as they are both in focus. The camera is slightly closer to the excited face this creates give the audience a sense of connection with the subject and creates the idea of openness whilst the sad face is closed and slightly further back.

Rule of thirdThe first focus points for the audience in this photo is the two women's facial expressions as it tell the audience exactly what they photo is about straight away. As the background is very simple it also is the first image that capture the attention of the audience and then keeps the focus on the two images of the women.LightingThe use of studio lighting is effective in that it allows the audience to capture the mood as it is dark and light whilst the subject facial expression is happy and sad which helps to convey that idea and message to the audience.AngleThe photograph is taken from eye level this shows the importance of capturing the facial expression of the subject. And also allows the audience to have a direct look at the action of the subject in the photograph.FramingThe photographer captures a close up on the subjects face making the focal point the expressions on the woman's face. The background in the photograph is simple and dark whilst the faces are lit up this creates a contrast of mood and emotions for the subject and the main message of the photograph. The photographer has used a fast shutter speed to reduce the motion blur, as in the photo the subject would have been asked to be constantly moving and making different facial or body movement and therefore the photographer will use ‘quick snaps’ to capture multiple moments as they happen.