The photographer of the image I selected used a variety of elements to alter, or compose, her photo to convey the desired reaction. Each element gives the viewer an opportunity to interpret, and separate each part of the image.
The aspect of the image that first draws viewer’s attention is the billowing smoke that takes up the majority of the image. The smoke’s snake-like appearance weasels its way to the top right corner of the photo drawing attention to the other half of the photo. Hu Yang uses the smoke to create a vector of attention that manipulates what the viewer looks at first and thereafter.
Cropping of this photo narrows the view on what is most important to Yang and his purpose for the image. The cropping of the photo has taken out many of the buildings that outline and crate the alleyway in which the photograph is taken. It clears the majority of the buildings away. So that the viewer’s main attention is narrowed down to the alley itself and the smoke consuming it rather than the buildings that surround it. This focus allows for less obvious detail to be brought into a clearer view. Such as the cracked cement on the ground and the paint-chipped wall of the building in the left portion of the photo. Even further you are better able to make out the figure that is in the midst of the smoke. They seem to be bent over occupied by something on the ground while another sits in a chair further behind him.
Yang frames the photo around the young lady and this burning pot. This decision helps us notice the expression of disgust on the woman’s face. This is your average woman. She is not dressed special and has no fancy clothes. However, she is very much affected by the smoke. Her gaze towards the pot alters the feeling we have towards the burning pot giving us a new perspective and a different viewpoint. The burning pot, that once seemed simple and harmless, is now the source of the woman’s disgust. It’s consumption of the alleyway now affects other people in the alley. Not just the woman who seems to be just passing through. This use of pathos gives meaning to the portions of the image altering and changing the thoughts of the desired audience.
The use of the grayscale in this photo has simplified this photo to contain a less complicated background for viewers to look at. Lighting of the photo makes the alley itself more eliminated and makes the building to the left of the picture less noticeable. It also makes the woman darker than that of the bright road upon she is walking. As opposed to the building that is more or less hidden, she stands out more against the background.
With the use of these elements, Yang manipulates the scene. Each part works together. The grayscale and lighting help influence the vectors of attention while all of the elements bring together the picture and its purpose.