What works? this photograph demonstrates a relationship between 3 subjects-a shoe, bike and white paint. The space between these 3 is a tight triangle . A small space like this just above the centre of the picture creates an area that the viewer is drawn to. Its narrative is not obvious- the shoe is too small to belong to the cyclist.Due to the strong structure I think it works best in black and white.
What works ?
the dark in this mirror is empty except for 2 lights. we are left expecting someone to come out of the dark which gives it a sinister feel.Compositionally the grid is very powerful and the mirror breaks it up with another distorted grid and the red tiles at the top increase the sense of potential danger ( red as connotation)
Although this is slightly blurred I think it works. Your eyes are drawn to the persons feet . Starting at the bottom left , up to the point of the triangle and then back down to the bottom right.The leading lines on the tiles increase the sense of movement.
This framing shot is made strong by the yellow Yale sign even though it is cut off at the top. If I cover up individual elements of the picture the yellow shape is the element that is most important. Photographers who use framing include Saul Leiter.
This shot of a visitor to the Tate gallery works as a minimalist image. The shadows of her heels and the black shiny perfection of her shoes create a beautiful woman even though all we can see are her feet.
Mary Davies 