◊ Image Detective: Compositional Analysis ◊

Image Detectives (Assignment PDF)

Reflection:

After reviewing my compositional analysis, I learned how to gather information more in depth from the visuals I was presented with in the photo. I learned how the photographer captured aspects of the photo, using contrast in lighting for example, to create an intended message for the audience. It all makes sense in the end! The compositional analysis allowed me to see the photo in a more complex way: I pictured a specific scenario in my head from focusing on the image intensely for a long period of time. Through intense studies, I recognized the tonal qualities, the vectors of attention, and all the other strategies Smith used. For example, I recognized the vector of attention that went from Schweitzer’s face to the black man’s face, which I had not seen before. The most difficult aspect of writing the compositional analysis was steering away from any contextual analysis. I learned how I wrote for the compositional analysis included too much specificity with my claims about the power in the photo, and why. I also needed to use the subjects name, Albert Schweitzer, instead of saying the “white male.” Back to the specificity problem – I needed to write more tempered, like, include the words “seemingly” or “probable.” Despite these issues, I had confidence about identifying the power of the photo and explaining why, because it was pretty obvious at the start before analyzing it. The skills I will need to transfer to another analysis project in order to tackle it successfully would be interpretation, identification of strategies, supporting evidence, and organization.

 

Compositional Analysis of Eugene Smith’s Photograph of Albert Schweitzer: November 15th 1954

Power Dynamic Created by Racism

The power in Eugene Smith’s photograph lies within the contrast of the brightness and fluorescence in the articles of clothing worn by the white male, Albert Schweitzer, compared to the darkness in the rest of the photo. The photographer, Eugene Smith, used various strategies to make Schweitzer the focal point in the image to seemingly express the issues of white superiority. Eugene Smith captured this message through the use of tonal qualities, vectors of attention, timing of the photo, proximity to the subjects, and the camera angle. 

The most recognizable and symbolic strategy Smith used was the contrast in tonal qualities to isolate Schweitzer from his surroundings. Smith took advantage of the contrast in tonal qualities so there would be more light shed onto Schweitzer. The glow which is emanating from the white shirt and hat Schweitzer is wearing is used to portray his powerful persona. Additionally, Smith achieved Schweitzer having the spotlight between the two people in the image because the black male is in shadow behind him. Having Schweitzer in the front and “glowing” compared to the black man hiding in the shadows expresses the dominance he possesses. The power difference between the men is made obvious with tonal qualities. Smith wanted the audience to feel the power Schweizter held when this photo was taken.

Smith captured specific visuals to specify the power in the image. A vector of attention of utmost importance to Eugene Smith’s message, the probable issues of white supremacy during the time of the photo, is the line beginning from Schweitzer’s button down up towards the black male’s face. The line travels from the bottom of the shirt, through the while males face and hat, then through the black males face. This vector of attention draws the viewer to see the crucial parts of the image: the white clothing and the men’s faces, because they all tie together to give the same message. Smith captured this vector of attention in purpose to reinforce the message he intended for the audience. This vector of attention leads to another set of vectors; the direction of where the men are looking. The men are both looking in the same direction but with entirely different facial expressions. The black man is frightened while Schweitzer is more relaxed. Smith’s consideration towards vectors of attention is of high significance here because he wants the audience to see their faces to provoke an emotional reaction; concern and wonder. Questions the audience could think are, what are they looking at?, why does the black man seem afraid? 

The timing of the photo was precisely chosen to capture the difference in facial expressions. Both men are looking to their left, yet Schweitzer is relaxed while the black male is frightened. The black male’s brows are pushed together and his forehead is wrinkled up in correlation with his brows. His posture is tense and he’s pulling himself away from where he is looking. There’s a power difference between the two men because of the different emotions they are portraying.

Smith is positioned at a level below his subjects, therefore the audience is able to see both of the men’s facial expressions. The angle exposes both of the men’s faces and allows for the angle of the two men to be more exaggerated. Smith is in close proximity to Schweitzer as well, showing how he is at the same time approachable yet powerful. Smith positioned his lens so Schweitzer is the biggest object in the image, therefore depicting his power. 

Schweitzer seems separate from the environment he is standing in, yet he portrays strength and comfortability, as if he has a sort of “God complex.” This relates to Smith’s photographic strategies into making Schweizter look superior, because he seems comfortable while the black male behind him looks as if he is ready to jump out of his skin. Schweitzer is in the front while the black male is in the background, to express how Schweitzer is the center of attention. This image fits into the status quo narrative about colonial culture because of the difference in power. Colonialism in history includes white men, usually Europeans, exploiting people of color in other countries. The emotions of the photo express a possibility of relating to this point.

This photo prominently represents racism and the power dynamic it creates. Smith’s use of tonal qualities, vectors of attention, timing of the photo, proximity to the subjects, and the angle obviously allow the audience to see how inferior the black male feels. He is shadowed, and seems to feel as if he is in the shadows. Smith’s ability to capture the black male’s frightened expression generates wonder in the audience, because from inferring about history, there are multiple possibilities. Was the aftermath of the photo something horrible towards the black male? What country is this in? Finding out what country the photo was taken in can give knowledge into what could be happening, because each African country was dealt with differently during European imperialism. The answer to these questions is attainable once more context is given. However, from the composition of the photo, the audience can collectively get the sense of how divided these two men are although they are physically close in the photo.