1. Students will form groups of three and be assigned one of the following photographers - David Moore, Samantha Everton, Rupert Vandervall, Imogen Cunningham, Edward Weston, and Paul Strand
2. These photographers all represent objects and still life compositions in their photographs, using light and shadow to describe the form of an object. In groups investigate examples of how your assigned photographer has used light and shadow in their still life works.
Paul Strand uses the light to contrast plain object buildings or people to make interesting shadows.
3. In your group have a collaborative discussion, analysing how your photographer's use of lighting and composition has achieved certain effects. Consider how different lighting and composition communicates mood and atmosphere. Does it create a sense of mystery or disorientation? Does it use silhouette? Does it describe form? Where is the light coming from? Is the light hard or soft? Post this discussion to your blog, along with some images of the works you are discussing.
Paul Strand uses lights and shadows in his photos to cast different feelings and emotions to the viewers of the image. The lighting and shadows can completely change any type of feeling or emotion, such as dark images. The darkness in an image can symbolise a heartful, dark emotion, yet a lighter colour can represent happiness, warmth and a chilled vibe.
4. Individually select a still life work by your group's assigned photographer. Choose a work that uses light in an interesting way - a way that you could use in your own work, or have sued in your own work - and write a paragraph discussing the work, it's lighting, mood, and how you think it was achieved (minimum of 50 words).
Post this on your blog along with the photograph you are discussing. Remember to include a citation for the photograph.
In this photograph Paul strand is using the sunlight to highlight the boys faces and he also uses an old window with old curtains to create a good visual effect. The mood is a more serious mood, maybe taking place after war or maybe just in an old town. I think that Paul Strand has achieved what he wanted which was probably to show just the 3 boys in a window.
