Photo Observation #5: Single Light Source
Photographer: George Hurrell
http://fadedandblurred.com/spotlight/george-hurrell/
THEME: Single Light Source
DESCRIPTION: A lot of things come to mind when I think of a single light source; something creepy, something mysterious, someone or something important, illusion, or perhaps movement. When I began searching for images, I wanted to find something very unique depicting movement or creating an illusion, but when I came across a series of black and white “glamour shots” on Pinterest, I couldn’t get them out of my head. This is an image of Natalie Cole, taken in the 1980’s, but the very styled spotlight (along with the wardrobe/hair) whisks you back to the Old Hollywood of the 30’s and 40’s. I absolutely love the films from that era, and something about black and white stirs my imagination; it makes it all about the people, not about the colors. There is no red to make you feel love, the acting has to do it. Most of all, I love that era and this image because the focus is beauty in the face. There is no Victoria’s Secret sprawl, there is simply the admiration of a woman’s face. Surprisingly, this single light, which could easily create a one dimensional and unappealing image makes Ms. Cole look soft and feminine; the shadows emphasize the soft curve of her jawline, her full lower lip, and her full lashes.
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