Connecting Essay Four

This is one of my pictures from the Mapplethorpe work we did. This picture is simple but the strong use of facial expression tells us a lot about what is going on. The black background has two functions; to create a mysterious atmosphere, capturing the viewer's attention and provoking a sense of curiosity and to make sure the viewer's attention is directed to the main focus, which is the person. The use of facial expression shows intimacy and triggers a bond between the viewer and the subject - the viewer will be able to connect with the subject. Despite his eyes being closed, it's like my main subject is sharing an intimate time with the viewer. This is unusual because although there is no direct contact between the person in the picture and the viewer, somehow there is still a connection between the two. The lighting was manipulated so that the face of the my main subject will be the main part of the picture; the light was concentrated right on the face, making it the brightest part of the whole picture, contrasting immensely with the black background, forcing the viewer to focus on the face of my main subject.

This is an example of Mapplethorpe's work. In this picture, make up has been used to enhance the facial features of Robert's main subject. This encourages the viewer to concentrate on the face and become familiar with the main subject. The facial expression used is very simple, it's very neutral but it still has a strong effect on the viewer. Although it is quite soft and innocent, it gives out a sexual atmosphere and may show vulnerability. Lighting has been used to show form as we can only see the front bit of the subject's hair. This works together with the black background to add secrecy to the picture, attracting the viewer's attention and keeping it as they focus on the picture and try to figure it out.

Both of these pictures have used black backgrounds to achieve the same aim - to make sure the viewer focuses only on the main subjects. Moreover, I have used inspiration from Mapplethorpe's picture and tried to express the same facial expression on my subject. This shows intimacy in both pictures and thus creating a bond between the viewer and the main subjects as the viewer may feel close to the subject, sharing a personal moment with them. The lighting used in both pictures are very similar; both pictures use soft lighting focusing on the face of the main subjects. This has been done to emphasise the facial features and to ensure it is the first thing that the viewer looks at in the pictures.