What: Fine Art photograph by Imogen Cunningham
Who: Small Child
When: 1921
Why: I believe the photographer really wanted to do something very different yet striking. The photo could have been taken anywhere a city lounge room or a country farm house but no matter where it was taken it evokes fun and curiosity with limited detail and only a table a bird cage.
Where: unknown
What: Fine Art Portrait
Who: Martha Graham Dancer
When: 1931, The story goes that Imogen Cunningham had only met Martha Graham the previous night at a dinner party. Imogen kindly asked Martha if she could take photographs of her on location and they both met up the very next day in the country near Santa Barbara in front of an open barn door which allowed for the dark shadows to fall across Martha’s face allowing the striking effect of light and shadow.
Why: I believe the image is successful due to the striking pose, the limited light and use of shadows on Martha’s face. The photo to me looks like Martha could be in mid dance routine on stage in front of 100’s or 1000’s and not in the country in an old barn.
Where: Location in the country near Santa Barbara.