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Architecture

Architectural Building With Neon Lights and Reflection
Photo Commentary #24: Subject Control 1024 576 varunvisuals

Photo Commentary #24: Subject Control
Architectural Building With Neon Lights and Reflection

This photo by Zichuan Han is a perfect example of a photo in which reflections have been accurately controlled so that the architectural subject is complimented, rather than overpowered.

 

It has definitely been quite some time since I commented on an image so let’s get back to it with this mesmerizing shot taken by Zichuan Han!
 
The first feature of this photo is no mystery – the unique modern architecture of the building. One could probably talk about the elegance of such a structure, but unfortunately I do not qualify as an architect 😉 But what I do know, is it is perfectly framed and composed along one of the horizontal lines of thirds (more on this in another post).
 
The second feature is a little more subtle – – the cool blue reflections of the building’s neon lights. As I have mentioned before, reflections are a great way to add clarity and depth to an image. In this case, the reflection also accentuates the features of the main subject, which is the building itself. It is critical that the photographer plans his photo, not just in terms of composition, but also editing. It is very easy to get carried away and make everything in the photo “eye-catching”, but that would only confuse the viewer. What am I supposed to be looking at? What is important here? In this instance, Han did an excellent job of keeping the reflection to a subtle, yet still powerful, appearance. The building retains the primary attention of the viewer, while the reflection ADDS to it, rather than subtract from it.
 
Photographer: Zichuan Han

Photo Commentary #23: Manipulating the Environment to Your Favor 150 150 varunvisuals

Photo Commentary #23: Manipulating the Environment to Your Favor
This photo is a beautiful illustration of a reflection comprising a large part of the subject itself, rather than merely acting as a detail or separate element in the scene. This is largely in part due to the geometrical continuity between the bridge and its reflection, thus creating a full circular illusion despite the bridge only being a semi-circular structure.
This photo is a beautiful illustration of a reflection comprising a large part of the subject itself, rather than merely acting as a detail or separate element in the scene. This is largely in part due to the geometrical continuity between the bridge and its reflection, thus creating a full circular illusion despite the bridge only being a semi-circular structure.

In an earlier post, I had briefly touched on the significance of waterscapes and their ability to add contrast, color, and essentially, almost double of whatever they may be reflecting in the photo – if there is one photo that best exemplifies this fact, I would say this shot by Martin Damboldt is definitely in the running.  

In most instances, the reflective qualities of surfaces, whether it is water, metal, or something else, are used to accentuate, compliment, or build on the subject of the image. However, there are a few photos where the reflection is not just a mere accessory to the subject, but it is the subject itself (or at least part of it).  

In this visual, the reflection is quite literally half the subject, and without it, the image would definitely be incomplete. The calm water provides an excellent surface to reflect the other “half” of the bridge, thus presenting this mesmerizing illusion.   In the grander scheme of things, this image not only speaks to the significance of reflections, but the artistic ability to manipulate the surroundings in which the artist may find him or herself. In other words, to not only see what IS there, but also what ISN’T. Identifying the delineation between what is and what isn’t allows the photographer to exploit each category to his or her benefit. If you know what is there, you can make it go away, and if you know what isn’t, you can make it appear. In this case, Martin saw the half of the bridge that wasn’t there, and used his surroundings to negate the fact via the utilization of reflections.  

Photographer: Martin Damboldt
https://www.instagram.com/mdamboldt/
https://damboldt-photographie.com/
https://500px.com/mdx014

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